Fall in Addis Ababa signals a welcome break from the rainy season, shifting into clearer, drier days. You’ll see mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and a steep drop in rainfall as fall moves along. Honestly, it’s one of the most comfortable stretches of the year to explore the city.
Highs usually reach the low 20s °C (upper 60s to low 70s °F), and lows can slip into the single digits °C (40s °F). The rain backs off fast, skies open up, and the sun sticks around longer, making it way easier to get outside without worrying about a sudden downpour.
Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and bright skies combine to make fall perfect for city walks or day trips into the highlands. Less humidity and more predictable weather mean you get a practical, pleasant window to enjoy Addis Ababa at its best.
Overview of Fall Weather in Addis Ababa
Fall in Addis Ababa means mild temperatures, way less rain than the summer wet season, and clearer skies as the weeks pass. The city’s high elevation keeps things cooler and more stable than you might expect for this part of the world.
Defining Fall Months in Addis Ababa
In Addis Ababa, fall covers September, October, and November. These months come right after the heavy summer rains and lead into the cooler, drier winter.
September still holds onto some rain, with average precipitation near 161 mm at the start of the month. By November, rainfall drops to just a few millimeters, so it’s one of the driest times of year.
Temperatures don’t move much during fall. Average highs range from 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F), and lows go from about 12°C in September to 9°C in November. Nights definitely feel chillier as the season moves on.
Daylight shortens a bit, too. In early September, you get about 12 hours and 17 minutes of daylight. By late November, it’s down to 11 hours and 38 minutes. These gradual changes shape the city’s daily rhythm.
General Climate Patterns
Addis Ababa sits in a temperate highland tropical climate, so you get moderate conditions year-round—no wild swings between hot and cold. Fall is when you really notice the shift from rainy to dry season.
Cloud cover drops fast, from about 56% in early September down to 40% in November. By early November, you’re looking at mostly clear or partly cloudy skies, with more sunshine than in the wetter months.
Humidity stays low, and muggy days are basically nonexistent. Winds pick up a bit, averaging 7 km/h in September and reaching 12 km/h by late November. The air feels fresher, especially after sunset.
Rainfall patterns change a lot. September brings plenty of wet days, but by November, the chance of rain shrinks to about 3%. Outdoor plans get a lot easier.
Altitude and Its Impact on Weather
At about 2,355–2,405 meters (7,700–7,900 feet) above sea level, Addis Ababa’s altitude has a huge effect on its weather. Without this elevation, the city would feel much hotter because of its tropical latitude.
Instead, you get mild highs and cool nights. Surrounding regions might bake in the sun, but Addis Ababa stays comfortable, with most days between 18°C and 24°C. Nights can get chilly, especially in October and November, when lows often dip below 10°C.
The thinner air up here also means the sunlight feels stronger. Even on cool days, the UV can sneak up on you, so some sun protection is wise.
This elevation also keeps humidity down and helps avoid muggy conditions. With rain tapering off for the season, the city feels crisp and dry through most of fall.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall in Addis Ababa brings steady, mild weather, with cooler nights and comfortable days. Temperatures shift only a little from September to November, and you don’t really see extremes. It dodges both the summer rains and the winter chill.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During fall, daytime highs usually range between 67°F and 73°F (19°C–23°C). These temps make outdoor stuff pleasant, especially compared to Ethiopia’s hotter lowlands.
Nighttime lows drop more, often reaching 48°F to 53°F (9°C–12°C). It’s not freezing, but the city’s elevation—about 7,900 feet (2,400 meters)—makes nights feel brisk.
You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings. Sometimes, the city records lows in the mid-40s °F (7°C–8°C), but that’s pretty rare.
Temperature Fluctuations by Month
In September, highs average about 67°F (19°C), and lows sit near 50°F (10°C). There’s still some leftover moisture from the rainy season, but overall, it feels moderate.
By October, the weather settles down with highs near 71°F (22°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C). This month feels especially comfortable, with less rain and more clear skies.
In November, highs stay steady at 72°F–73°F (22°C–23°C), while lows dip to about 45°F–48°F (7°C–9°C). Nights get cooler, but you still have warm afternoons.
You don’t get big swings in temperature—just a gentle shift. That consistency is one reason travelers tend to like fall here.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall is drier and a bit cooler. Summer highs also hang around the low 70s °F, but heavy rain and clouds are the main story. By fall, the sky clears and the weather feels more settled.
When you look at winter, fall nights are warmer. December and January can see lows in the upper 40s °F (8°C), though daytime highs look a lot like fall, averaging around 70°F (21°C).
Spring brings slightly warmer afternoons—often 74°F–75°F (23°C–24°C)—but you might get a few showers. Fall stands out for its balance: mild days, cool but not harsh nights, and a pretty reliable temperature range.
Rainfall and Showers in Fall
Rainfall in Addis Ababa drops off fast during fall, going from heavy downpours to barely-there showers. You’ll notice both the amount of rain and the number of wet days steadily decline from September to November.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
In September, Addis Ababa still gets significant rain as the main rainy season winds down. Average rainfall is about 139 mm (5.5 inches), and you might see rain on over 20 days during the month.
By October, rain drops off fast. You get about 12 mm (0.5 inches) of rain, with only 6 rainy days or so. That’s a clear sign the wet season is over.
November is almost bone dry. Rain totals drop to 0–5 mm for the month, and showers are rare. Most days stay dry and sunny.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~139 mm | ~22 days |
| October | ~12 mm | ~6 days |
| November | ~0–5 mm | ~1–2 days |
Frequency and Intensity of Showers
September showers stick around, often coming on strong in the afternoons. You might get several hours of rain on back-to-back days, but there are usually sunny breaks in between.
October brings lighter, less frequent showers. They don’t last long, and the chance of rain on any given day drops to about 10–12%. Outdoor plans get easier.
By November, it’s rare to see rain at all. If a shower pops up, it’s quick and light. The air feels drier, and skies stay clear for most of the day.
Transition from Rainy to Dry Season
Fall marks the switch from the kiremt rainy season into the dry months. September still shows a bit of the rainy season’s tail end, but by October, the city settles into a much drier pattern.
The landscape changes, too. Fields and hillsides look green in September, but by November, things start to dry out and the air loses its humidity.
This shift matters for travel. Roads that might be muddy or tough in September become easier to navigate in October and November, so getting around the city or heading out to the countryside is a lot less hassle.
Humidity and Sunshine in Autumn
During autumn in Addis Ababa, the weather shifts from the heavy summer rains to a drier, sunnier vibe. Humidity drops steadily, and sunshine hours go up, so you get clearer skies and more consistent daylight.
Average Humidity Levels
September still hangs onto some of the rainy season’s moisture, with humidity around 70–75%. By October, it falls to about 60–63%, and November brings even drier air at roughly 55–60%.
As humidity drops, the air feels way more comfortable than during the damp summer. Mornings might still feel a bit humid in September, but by late autumn, the air is crisp and cool, especially at night.
Because the city sits at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), humidity almost never feels sticky. You get a nice balance—mild days, cool evenings—so being outdoors feels better as fall goes on.
Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine really ramps up once the rain fades. In September, you get about 7–8 hours of sunshine per day. By October and November, that climbs to 9–10 hours.
More sunshine means autumn is one of the brighter times of the year here. You get longer stretches of clear skies, which is perfect for sightseeing or day trips.
Daylight hours stay pretty steady, averaging 11.8 to 12 hours per day. That gives you plenty of time for outdoor plans. The mix of mild temps and extra sunshine makes this season a favorite for locals and visitors.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover drops quickly after the rains. September still brings some clouds, but by October, skies are often mostly clear with just a few patches. November is even brighter, with many days showing open, blue skies.
This drop in clouds lets the sunshine really come through. You’ll notice clearer views in the mornings and evenings, which makes the highlands around the city look even better.
By late autumn, Addis Ababa offers some of its best skies of the year. It’s a great time for photography, outdoor markets, and cultural events that need steady weather.
Notable Weather Extremes in Fall
During fall in Addis Ababa, temperatures usually stay mild, but nights can sometimes dip lower than you’d expect. Rainfall, while it usually fades, occasionally brings unusual events that break the city’s otherwise predictable seasonal pattern.
Record Low Temperatures
Addis Ababa might sit right near the equator, but thanks to its elevation—about 7,900 feet (2,400 meters)—cool nights show up pretty often. In the fall, daily lows usually land between 48°F and 54°F (9°C–12°C), though record lows have dropped closer to 43°F (6°C).
Late October and November bring these record lows as clear skies let nighttime heat escape fast. You might wake up to chilly mornings that feel colder than you’d expect from the daytime averages.
Travelers really should pack layers. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for early mornings and late evenings, especially if you plan to be outside.
Frost almost never shows up, but the crisp air can catch visitors off guard if they’re only expecting warmth.
Compared to other times of year, these low points don’t really disrupt daily routines. Still, they do show how much the city’s elevation shapes its climate and keeps those nights cooler than in a lot of other African capitals.
Unusual Rain Events
Fall usually marks the time when Addis Ababa’s heavy summer rains start to fade. Average rainfall drops sharply from around 6 inches in September to less than 1 inch by late November.
Even with that drop, sudden showers can still surprise you early in the season.
At the start of September, you might still get lingering downpours from the main rainy stretch. These can quickly flood streets or slow down travel, especially in spots with bad drainage.
By October, those events show up less often, but you can’t rule them out completely.
Sometimes, after a stretch of dry weather, isolated storms pop up out of nowhere. These quick bursts of rain can feel unexpected, considering how dry things seem overall.
They usually move on fast, but they might leave behind slick roads and muddy paths.
By late November, rain almost disappears. The chance of a wet day drops to just 3%, so if it does rain, it’s definitely unusual.
If you’re visiting, this means you can plan outdoor activities with barely any worry about the weather getting in the way.
Travel Tips for Visiting Addis Ababa in Fall
Fall in Addis Ababa brings mild daytime warmth and cooler evenings, with way less rain than in summer. You can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, but it’s smart to prepare for the changing temperatures and the odd shower.
Best Activities for Autumn Weather
Honestly, fall might be one of the nicest times to explore Addis Ababa. Daytime highs often reach the low 70s °F (around 22–23°C), so walking tours and cultural visits feel pretty pleasant.
The air feels crisp, and the city isn’t as muddy as it gets during the rainy season.
You could head to Entoto Hills for short hikes and sweeping city views. The cool weather makes walking around a lot more enjoyable.
Museums like the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethnological Museum are also great picks if rain shows up.
Markets such as Merkato, which is actually one of the largest in Africa, stay lively in fall. The cooler air makes wandering the stalls and busy streets more comfortable.
If you’re interested in Ethiopia’s religious and cultural life, fall lines up with festivals like Meskel, celebrated in late September.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Addis Ababa sits at about 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), so evenings and early mornings can get pretty chilly, even in the fall. Honestly, you’ll want to pack layers so you can swap things out as the day goes on.
A light sweater or fleece feels just right for those cool evenings. For midday, you’ll probably be comfortable in a simple, breathable shirt.
Don’t forget a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella. Short showers can still surprise you, and nobody likes getting caught in one.
Closed-toe shoes with good grip beat sandals, since the streets might be damp or a bit uneven.
The sun at high altitude really packs a punch, even if the air feels cool. I’d definitely bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
A small daypack makes it easier to carry water, snacks, and any extra clothing while you’re out exploring.
Thinking about hiking in the nearby hills? Go for sturdy walking shoes and take a reusable water bottle.
Staying hydrated matters more than you’d expect, since the dry air at altitude can leave you thirsty before you know it.