Weather and Climate in Ethiopia

Ethiopia weather and climate is extensively topographic-induced. However, it experiences a predominantly tropical monsoon type of climate, with temperate climate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands.
Landforms Effect
Ethiopian Highlands which stretch to most parts of the country have a climate which is generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator.
Addis Ababa, the capital is positioned on the foothills of Mount Entoto at an elevation of around 2,400 m and experiences pleasantly inviting climate all year. City temperatures are fairly uniform year round of 16 °C (60.8 °F), with daily max temperatures averaging 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) throughout the year, and overnight lows averaging 5–10 °C (41–50 °F).
The prolonged rains in Addis Ababa usually begin in mid-June and climaxing in mid-September.
Like Addis Ababa, most major cities and tourist sites in Ethiopia lie at a similar elevation and have a comparable climate. In less elevated regions, particularly the lower lying Ethiopian xeric grasslands and scrublands in the east, the climate can be significantly hotter and drier. Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression in this eastern region has the world’s highest average annual temperature of 34 °C (93.2 °F).
Best Time to Travel
This depends on where you are going. In Ethiopia, the wettest season runs from June through to late September. This is not the best time to Ethiopia travel especially if you are traveling for the first time. In the Southern parts however, the seasons vary significantly with more rains coming between March and June and becomes scanty in early November. For travelers who do not mind waiting out a downpour (usually followed by brilliant sunshine), your best travel time is March. There are some short rains in March which are usually not so destructive to travelers.
What to Wear
Because of elevation, temperature rarely exceed 25c in most of the country, although in some of the lower lying areas (Awash, Omo and Mago parks) it can get considerably hotter. We recommend you park light clothes for the daytime and a light jacket for the evenings. A good all season pair of shoes is essential because of the uneven and stony nature of Ethiopia’s landscape. Adventurous travelers and trekkers in the Bale and Simien Mountains will need warm clothes, waterproofs and 3-4 seasons’ sleeping bags for their camping.