Climate Overview
The climate in Harar is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 645mm of precipitation falls per year. May is the wettest month, receiving around 122mm of rainfall. Harar sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Harar sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 13°C to 27°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 27°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 13°C and an average of 19°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Harar is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 645mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 54mm per month. The wettest month is May, averaging 122mm of rainfall. April and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 5mm. That's 117mm less than May, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Harar is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 12km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 9km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Harar, which began on March 20, 2026. Harar sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 27°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near 13°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 16 to 27°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 270mm for the season, averaging 90mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 190mm for the season, averaging 63mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 13km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 14 to 25°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 169mm for the season, averaging 56mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 13 to 27°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 16mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 12km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Harar is during January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 19°C with modest rainfall averaging 41mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Harar based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.