Climate Overview
The climate in Harar is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 675mm of precipitation falls per year. May is the wettest month, receiving around 119mm 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 675mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 56mm per month. The wettest month is May, averaging 119mm of rainfall. April and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 6mm. That's 113mm 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 7km/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 10km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 5km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 5km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 7km/h in winter, 6km/h in spring, 9km/h in summer, 6km/h in autumn.
Seasons
10 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Harar, which began on June 21, 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. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (10 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from 16 to 27°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 273mm for the season, averaging 91mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/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 204mm for the season, averaging 68mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/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 180mm for the season, averaging 60mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/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 19mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/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 44mm 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.