For most travellers, the best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and February. This is generally the driest period across much of the northern and central highlands, making it a good time for sightseeing, trekking and travelling between destinations.
Ethiopia's climate varies considerably by altitude and region, however. Conditions in the northern highlands can be very different from those in the country's hotter lowlands or parts of the south.
For a classic first trip, November is our pick. The main highland rains have usually finished, while some landscapes can still retain the greenery of the wet season.
Ethiopia weather at a glance
Best overall: October to February
Meskel pick: November
Best for trekking: October to February
Main highland rains: June to September
Wettest period in much of the highlands: July and August
Best for greener scenery: September to October
Altitude matters as much as the month. Many of Ethiopia's best-known destinations sit at high elevations, where days can be mild and nights surprisingly cool. Lower-lying areas can be dramatically hotter.
Ethiopia's seasons
Ethiopia's climate is commonly divided into three broad seasons: Bega, Belg and Kiremt.
These are useful for understanding the year, particularly in the highlands, although rainfall varies considerably around the country.
October to January — Bega
Bega is the predominantly dry season across much of Ethiopia.
The main summer rains have usually finished across the northern and central highlands, making road travel, sightseeing and outdoor activities easier. Early in the season, the landscape can remain noticeably greener before becoming progressively drier.
Temperatures at higher elevations can become cool, particularly at night.
February to May — Belg
Belg brings shorter seasonal rains to parts of Ethiopia.
The amount and timing of rainfall vary significantly by region. February can remain relatively dry in many northern areas, while conditions become more variable as the season progresses.
If you're travelling during spring, the weather in the specific places on your itinerary matters more than a country-wide forecast.
June to September — Kiremt
Kiremt is the main rainy season across much of Ethiopia's northern, central and western highlands.
Rainfall is generally heavier in July and August and can make trekking and road journeys less predictable.
The rains also transform the landscape. The highlands become intensely green, particularly towards the latter part of the season.
Ethiopia month by month
| Month | Typical conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, cooler at altitude | Sightseeing, trekking |
| February | Generally dry in many northern areas | Highland travel |
| March | Warmer, increasingly variable | Flexible itineraries |
| April | Belg rains in some regions | Route-specific travel |
| May | Variable, wetter in some areas | Flexible itineraries |
| June | Main rains developing | Green landscapes |
| July | Wet across much of the highlands | Lush scenery |
| August | Often wet and very green | Flexible travel |
| September | Rains beginning to ease | Green landscapes |
| October | Becoming drier | Trekking, sightseeing |
| November | Generally dry and comfortable | All-round travel |
| December | Dry, cooler at altitude | Sightseeing, trekking |
These are broad patterns rather than guarantees. Ethiopia's altitude and geography create substantial regional differences.
Best time for trekking in Ethiopia
The dry season generally offers the easiest conditions for trekking in Ethiopia's highlands.
Trails are more manageable after the main rains, while clearer weather can make mountain views more reliable.
If you want greener scenery, travelling closer to the end of the rainy season can offer a good compromise, although conditions may be less predictable.
Whatever the month, prepare for colder temperatures at higher elevations, particularly overnight.
Does the best time vary by region?
Yes.
The seasonal pattern described above is most useful for Addis Ababa, the northern historic route and much of the highlands.
Conditions become more complicated in southern and southeastern Ethiopia, where rainfall doesn't always follow the same pattern. Some areas are more strongly affected by the Belg rains, while lower elevations can also be considerably hotter.
If your trip is concentrated in the south or southeast, check the climate for your specific destinations rather than relying on Ethiopia's national seasons alone.
So, when should you visit Ethiopia?
For a first trip through the highlands and northern Ethiopia, October to February generally offers the easiest conditions.
Our pick is November.
If you're travelling elsewhere in the country, particularly the south or southeast, let your route determine your dates rather than relying on a single national recommendation.
There isn't one perfect month for the whole country.
Continue planning your Ethiopia trip
Ethiopia: A Complete Travel Guide
Everything you need to start planning your trip.
Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia
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Ethiopia Travel Costs: A Budget Guide
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Flights to Ethiopia: A Route and Cost Guide
Compare the main ways of reaching Ethiopia.
How to Get Around Ethiopia
Plan domestic flights, road journeys and local transport.
Ethiopian Festivals and Celebrations
Plan around Meskel, Timkat, Ethiopian New Year and other important dates.