Planning to spend Christmas in Addis Ababa? You can look forward to mild days, cool nights, and very little rain. The weather around Christmas in Addis Ababa stays dry, sunny, and comfortably warm during the day, with average highs near 21°C (70°F) and cooler nights dropping to about 7–8°C (45°F). It’s honestly one of the nicest times of year to see the city.
Clear skies and steady sunshine make it easy to explore landmarks, outdoor markets, and cultural events. The dry season peaks in December, so you can leave your umbrella at home.
Let’s break down what you’ll actually experience: temperature, rainfall, daylight, and wind conditions in December. You’ll also get a few practical tips for enjoying Christmas in Ethiopia’s highland capital.
Typical Christmas Weather in Addis Ababa
Christmas in Addis Ababa lands right in the dry season, when rain barely shows up and skies stay mostly clear. You’ll get mild afternoons, cooler evenings, and a ton of sunshine, so it’s one of the most comfortable stretches of the year.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In December, daytime highs in Addis Ababa usually sit between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). These temps feel mild and pleasant, especially compared to the hotter lowlands nearby.
Sunshine sticks around, so afternoons are warm but not stifling.
At night, the temperature drops fast because of the city’s high altitude—about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level. Lows at night average around 7°C to 8°C (45°F–47°F).
You’ll want a sweater or light jacket if you’re out after dark.
This daily swing between warm days and chilly nights really defines December in Addis Ababa. Sometimes, you’ll see a difference of 12–14 degrees Celsius from afternoon to early morning.
Weather Patterns During December
December brings the dry season into full swing in Addis Ababa. Rainfall barely registers, with just 4–5 mm on average for the entire month.
Rain showers are rare, so you can plan outdoor activities without much worry.
Humidity also drops, usually staying between 50% and 55%. The air feels crisp and comfortable, not muggy.
Expect 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day and mostly clear skies.
Winds pick up a bit in December compared to the rainy months, bringing breezy afternoons. The dry ground can kick up some dust, but visibility stays good.
Comparison to Other Months
If you compare December to the rainy season—June through August—it’s much drier and brighter. Rainfall in those months can top 200 mm per month, but in December, it’s barely noticeable.
December’s temperatures are also more stable than in March or April, when the wet season starts creeping in and conditions get more unpredictable.
Compared to January or February, December is just a touch cooler at night. All three months are part of the dry season, so you’ll find similar conditions, but December feels especially comfortable.
Temperature Ranges and Extremes
December in Addis Ababa means mild warmth during the day and cool nights, thanks to the city’s high elevation. The climate stays steady, but it’s good to know the usual daily ranges and the rare extremes.
Average Highs and Lows in December
You’ll see daytime highs around 21°C (70°F) in December. That’s perfect for walking, sightseeing, or just hanging out outside.
At night, temperatures drop to about 8°C (46°F). Chilly, but not freezing—just enough to want a sweater or jacket after sunset.
The shift from day to night is noticeable but not wild. Unlike places with huge temperature swings, Addis Ababa’s December weather stays pretty steady.
Here’s a quick look:
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | ~21°C / 70°F |
| Nighttime Low | ~8°C / 46°F |
Record High and Record Low Temperatures
December usually stays mild, but sometimes the weather surprises you. The record high for the month almost hit 26°C (79°F), but that’s pretty rare.
The record low has dropped to around 2°C (36°F). You might feel that chill just before sunrise, but it doesn’t happen often.
These numbers show off the city’s mountain climate. You won’t face harsh cold, but brisk mornings are part of the deal.
If you pack layers, you’ll be ready to go from chilly dawn to sunny afternoons without a problem.
Compared to other cities at the same latitude, Addis Ababa’s December weather is weirdly stable. The altitude keeps things from getting too hot or too cold, so you’ll enjoy a reliable range with only the occasional dip.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
December lands right in the dry season in Addis Ababa, so rain is scarce. Humidity stays moderate, which keeps the air from feeling bone-dry.
Rainy Days and Precipitation
December is easily one of the driest months here. You might see about 3 rainy days all month.
Rainfall totals hover around 7–8 mm for December.
Compare that to August, when rain can reach 390 mm—it’s a huge difference.
Because of the dry stretch, December is a great time for outdoor plans, with almost no risk of rain ruining your day.
If it does rain, showers tend to be light and short-lived. Heavy rain gear isn’t necessary, but a light jacket might help if you’re caught in a quick drizzle.
Relative Humidity in December
Humidity in December averages around 65–70%—not too dry, not too damp.
During the day, humidity dips slightly as things warm up. At night, it climbs a bit, so mornings can feel a touch more moist.
For visitors, this feels comfortable. The air won’t feel sticky, and your skin probably won’t dry out like it might in a desert climate.
December’s weather makes it easy to spend hours outside without discomfort.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
December in Addis Ababa brings lots of sunshine and steady daylight. You’ll see clear skies most of the day, and daylight hours don’t change much since the city sits near the equator.
Average Daily Sunshine
You get about 9 to 9.5 hours of direct sunshine per day in December. That’s a lot—almost 280 hours of sunshine for the month.
The dry season keeps the skies clear, so you’ll often enjoy long stretches of sunlight. Outdoor activities, sightseeing, and day trips get a boost since rain is rare and clouds don’t hang around.
Compared to other months, December is one of the brightest. July, for example, only averages about 3.7 hours of sunshine per day—less than half of December’s total.
Length of Daylight Around Christmas
Daylight in Addis Ababa barely changes throughout the year. Around Christmas, the sun rises at about 6:30 a.m. and sets near 6:15 p.m., so you get roughly 11 hours and 45 minutes of daylight.
Because the city sits just north of the equator, you don’t get those dramatic winter nights or endless summer days.
With steady daylight and lots of sunshine, your days feel long and bright. December gives you plenty of natural light for both early morning adventures and evening plans.
Wind Conditions in December
Winds in Addis Ababa during December usually stay light and steady, making outdoor activities easy. Breezes show up, but they rarely get strong enough to bother you.
Average Wind Speed
Expect average wind speeds around 3 meters per second (m/s)—that’s about 6–7 miles per hour (mph). It’s what you’d call a light breeze.
You’ll feel it on your skin or see small leaves move, but it’s not uncomfortable.
Calm mornings and evenings are common, with wind picking up a bit in the afternoon.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Wind Speed | Description | Effect in Addis Ababa |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 m/s | Calm | Still air, quiet mornings |
| 2–3 m/s | Light breeze | Common in December, pleasant |
| 4–5 m/s | Gentle breeze | Less frequent, noticeable in open areas |
These conditions make December great for walking tours, outdoor meals, and day trips without worrying about strong gusts.
Typical Wind Patterns
December winds in Addis Ababa stay predictable and consistent. The city’s high plateau—about 2,355 meters above sea level—helps keep air moving but not too wildly.
You’ll notice breezes most in the afternoon, once the sun warms up the ground and air starts to move. Even then, winds rarely get strong.
Unlike the stormy rainy season, December doesn’t bring sudden gusts or big shifts in wind direction. Breezes usually come from the east or northeast and flow gently across the city.
These patterns make it easy to explore markets, walk the hills, or just sit outside. A light jacket is handy in the evening, but you won’t need anything heavier.
Practical Tips for Visiting Addis Ababa at Christmas
December in Addis Ababa brings mild warmth during the day, cooler nights, and almost no rain. You’ll spend most of your time in comfortable weather, but the temperature swing between day and night means you need to plan a bit.
What to Pack
Pack layered clothing so you’re ready for the daily temperature range. Daytime highs hit the low to mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F), so light shirts and breathable fabrics are perfect.
Nights drop close to 8 °C (46 °F), so a light jacket or sweater is a must.
Bring comfortable walking shoes—the city’s over 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, and some streets are uneven or hilly. A hat and sunglasses will help with the strong sun at high altitude.
You probably won’t need rain gear in December, but a compact umbrella could come in handy for a surprise shower. For evenings, pack something a bit warmer if you plan to eat outside or go to events, since it can feel chilly once the sun goes down.
Local Climate Considerations
Addis Ababa sits at a high elevation, so the air feels thinner and the sun hits harder than you might think. Even in December, the UV can sneak up on you, so I’d definitely pack some sunscreen.
The altitude might leave you a bit short of breath at first. You might want to take things slow for a couple of days while your body catches up.
Humidity drops pretty low in December, usually hovering around 50%. The air gets dry, so I’d suggest keeping a reusable water bottle handy, especially if you’re out and about.
Winds tend to stay light or just a bit breezy, averaging around 14 kph. The air feels fresh—not too harsh, not too still.
You’ll get about 9 hours of sunshine per day. That’s plenty of daylight for exploring and outdoor plans, and you won’t have to worry about heavy rain or scorching heat.