The best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and May. During this time, you’ll find warm, dry, and sunny weather perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing throughout most of the country. Keep in mind that these months are also peak season for Ethiopia tours, which means higher costs and crowded tourist spots. Visitors on a budget may prefer to travel during the rainy season when prices are significantly lower.
Located near the equator, this beautiful country in Africa has a reasonably mild climate that makes for a fantastic year-round destination. Seasons in Ethiopia boil down to the dry season (October to May) and wet season (June to September), with the most rain falling in June, July, and August.
The dry season’s weather allows for the biggest Ethiopian festivals, such as the famed Timkat, to take place during this time. Don’t be too discouraged by the rainy season, though. Downpours usually come in short bursts, so traveling is still possible, especially as the rains taper out in September. Additionally, the landscapes are lusher and greener during these months.
Ethiopia’s topography is quite dramatic. It is home to both towering mountains and the lowest place on the African continent (Danakil Depression).
The central highlands have a more temperate climate, while the lower parts in the eastern and southern regions tend to be hotter and drier. In the western lowlands, the climate is hot and wet. Meanwhile, rains come in two separate seasons in Omo Valley. Find out when to travel and where with our summary below.
Best Time to Visit Danakil Depression
The other-worldly Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth, with average temperatures of approximately 120°F (49°C) for most of the year.
As temperatures in the Danakil Desert cool down from November to January, it’s best to travel during these months to avoid the scorching heat. This is also a good time to go to the Great Rift Valley and the Bale Mountains National Park.
Best Time to Tour the Historic Route
The Historic Route takes travelers through some of the most important hotspots in Ethiopia, like Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, and the Simien Mountains National Park, among others.
Peak season for these areas takes place from October to March, after the rainy season.
But traveling in the wet season has its advantages, asrain showers keep the landscapes fresh, green, and all the more impressive. Discounted prices are available during these months and fewer travelers are around, particularly in Lalibela. Don’t fret about the downpours as, most days, you’ll do just fine with an umbrella in hand.
Best Time to Go to the Simien Mountains
With spectacular scenery, vibrant wildlife, and one of the highest peaks in Africa, this sprawling mountain range is a favorite of outdoor lovers visiting Ethiopia. As the rainy season in this region ends slightly earlier than in the rest of the country, the best time to trek the Simien Mountains is from September to November.
Fresh off the rainy season, everything is lush, green, and extra stunning. Wildflowers are in full bloom in October, and the area is still relatively dust-free due to recent rains.
Best Time to Visit the Omo Valley
The remote Omo River region follows a weather pattern that is slightly different from other parts of Ethiopia. Rain showers start in March or April through June, then a second rainy season comes for a brief period in October.
Avoid traveling during these months as road flooding and blockages make access virtually impossible. Instead, set off on a South Omo Valley adventure between August and October, or December and January, when there’s milder weather and little rainfall.
Best Time to Go to Ethiopia for Festivals
The dry season is the ideal time to soak up the vibrance of local festivals, including Timkat.
Leddet, Ethiopian Christmas, is usually celebrated on January 6 or 7, an includes music and dancing. Locals will dress in white for church services and the ensuing festivities.
Timkat, also known as the Ethiopian Epiphany or the Feast of Epiphany, on January 12. This 1,000-year-old festival features plenty of food, music, dancing, and colorful processions, especially in hotspots like Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar. Book early to secure accommodations during this week.
Meskel is a holiday in remembrance of Saint Helena’s discovery of the Holy Cross and takes place on September 27 or 28. Celebrations are held at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.