Climate Insights for Bishoftu

The climate in Bishoftu is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 740mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 137mm of rainfall. Bishoftu sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Temperatures in Bishoftu vary considerably across the year, with a 21°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 31°C and the mean temperature sits around 24°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 10°C and an average of 18°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 13°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between February and March, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.

Bishoftu is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 740mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 62mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 137mm of rainfall. May and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 2mm. That's 135mm 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.

Bishoftu 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 December, averaging 3km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, 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 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.

It is currently summer in Bishoftu, which began on June 21, 2026. Bishoftu 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 31°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near 10°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 53 days from now.

The best time to visit Bishoftu is during January, February, March, June, September, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 25mm per month. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Bishoftu 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.