Climate Overview
The climate in Harar is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 21°C and approximately 629mm of precipitation falls per year. May is the wettest month, receiving around 154mm 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 14°C to 28°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 23°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 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Harar is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 629mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 52mm per month. The wettest month is May, averaging 154mm of rainfall. April and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 5mm. That's 150mm 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 2km/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 3km/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. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
3 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 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.
Spring
Temperatures range from 17 to 28°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 299mm for the season, averaging 100mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 16 to 25°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 163mm for the season, averaging 54mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 15 to 26°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 147mm over the season and a monthly average of 49mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 14 to 28°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 20mm 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 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 21°C with modest rainfall averaging 36mm 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.