Climate Overview
The climate in Bahir Dar is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 1927mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 602mm of rainfall. Bahir Dar is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: March, April, February. The coldest months are November, December, October, when temperatures can drop to 13°C.
Temperature
Bahir Dar sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 13°C to 30°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 24°C. November 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. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Bahir Dar is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1927mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 161mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 602mm of rainfall. August and June also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 0mm. That's 602mm less than July, 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
Bahir Dar is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 2km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 0km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
52 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Bahir Dar, which began on June 21, 2026. Bahir Dar is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in March at around 30°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in November near 13°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 52 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 17 to 30°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 186mm for the season, averaging 62mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 15 to 24°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1450mm across the season with a monthly average of 483mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 13 to 25°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 289mm for the season, averaging 96mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 13 to 27°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 2mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/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 Bahir Dar is during January, February, March, April, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 21°C with modest rainfall averaging 7mm per month. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Bahir Dar 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.
