Climate Insights for Arba Minch

The climate in Arba Minch is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 3231mm of precipitation falls per year. Arba Minch receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Arba Minch sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Arba Minch sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 14°C to 28°C. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 14°C and an average of 20°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.

Arba Minch is a very wet location, receiving approximately 3231mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 269mm per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 588mm of rainfall. April and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 90mm. That's 497mm less than October, 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.

Arba Minch is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 1km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 1km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 0km/h between the calmest and windiest months.

It is currently spring in Arba Minch, which began on March 20, 2026. Arba Minch sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in February at around 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near 14°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 3 days from now.

The best time to visit Arba Minch is during January and February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 21°C with modest rainfall averaging 94mm per month. By contrast, December can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 14°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely — pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Arba Minch 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.