Ethiopia: When to Go

Ethiopia is pretty pleasant all year round, with temperatures in Addis Ababa averaging around 20°C (68°F) no matter what the season. Early October, just after the rains is a particularly good time to visit. The country is wonderfully green, the wildflowers are stunning and there are fewer visitors. Trekking during this time is especially sublime, though it's pretty amazing throughout the entire dry season (October through mid-March).

The rainy season in most of the country is from mid-June to the end of September. If you're planning to visit the Lower Omo Valley, avoid April, May and October, when rains are heaviest and roads are impassable. Finally, you'd do well to coincide with one of Ethiopia's very colourful festivals, particularly Timkat or Meskel. Be aware, however, that domestic flights and hotels often fill up far in advance of Ethiopian festivals and European Christmas.

Weather

There's some truth in the old Ethiopian Tourism Commission slogan '13 Months of Sunshine'. Although the famed historical circuit and the rest of the highlands receives rain between mid-March and September, most days during this period still see their fair share of sunshine. The far east and northern highlands see even more sun with significant rain only falling in July and August. The mercury rarely pokes its nose above the 30°C (86°F) mark during the day and plunges sometimes to almost freezing at night.