Winter in Addis Ababa feels pretty mild compared to other places at the same time of year. You’ll usually see daytime highs around 71–72°F (22°C), and nights get cooler—think 48–53°F (9–12°C).
The air stays crisp and comfortable, so you can spend time outside without bundling up too much. Honestly, it’s kind of perfect if you don’t like extreme cold.
Cloud cover tends to increase as winter goes on, and you’ll get a bit more light rain toward the end. Still, sunshine hours hold steady, so you can enjoy bright days even when the sky gets a little cloudy.
The mix of cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and gentle seasonal shifts gives the city’s weather a laid-back vibe. It’s not dramatic, but it’s steady.
With steady breezes, low humidity, and plenty of daylight, winter makes exploring Addis Ababa simple and enjoyable. Knowing what to expect helps you pack smart and plan for everything from city walks to quick trips into the highlands.
Overview of Winter Climate in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa’s winter brings dry weather, mild days, and cool nights. The city’s high elevation and spot in Ethiopia’s central highlands shape a climate that feels different from other African capitals.
Seasonal Patterns and Duration
Winter here typically runs from December through February. Rainfall drops way down, often to less than 5–20 mm per month, making it the driest stretch of the year.
You’ll mostly see clear skies and long sunny days, with about 9–10 hours of sunshine daily.
Daytime temps usually hover between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). Nights get much cooler, falling to about 7°C–9°C (45°F–48°F).
This difference means you’ll want light layers for the day and something warmer for evenings.
If you’re traveling, winter is one of the best times to check out the city. Roads stay dry, visibility is great, and outdoor activities like walking tours or photography are easier since you don’t have to worry about heavy rain.
Altitude and Its Impact on Weather
Addis Ababa sits at about 2,300–2,400 meters (7,500–7,900 feet) above sea level. This altitude is why the city feels cooler than much of Ethiopia, even though it’s near the equator.
The thinner air up here drops temperatures, especially at night. You’ll notice evenings feel crisp, even if the day felt warm.
Humidity drops in winter, adding to that dry feeling.
If you’re not used to higher altitudes, you might feel a little out of breath walking uphill or hauling bags. Most people adjust quickly, but staying hydrated and pacing yourself helps you enjoy the weather without feeling wiped out.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Winter in Addis Ababa means mild days and cool nights. The city’s high elevation keeps things stable, but you’ll still notice a clear difference between day and night.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Values
In winter, expect daytime highs around 71–72°F (22°C). It’s rare for temps to go above 78°F (25°C), so afternoons feel comfortable, not hot.
At night, lows drop to about 48–53°F (9–12°C). Sometimes it can dip as low as 42°F (6°C), but that’s not common.
This day-night contrast is typical for highland climates. Light layers work for the day, but you’ll want something warmer after sunset.
The dry air makes the cooler nights feel crisp, not clammy.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter covers December through February. In December, average highs hit about 71°F (22°C), and lows sit near 48°F (9°C). December is usually the coldest month of the year.
January brings slightly warmer nights, with lows around 50°F (10°C). Daytime highs don’t change much, staying near 72°F (22°C).
By February, things warm up a bit more. Highs reach 72–73°F (22–23°C), and lows go up to about 53°F (12°C). You can feel spring creeping in.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| December | 71 | 48 |
| January | 72 | 50 |
| February | 73 | 53 |
Record Highs and Lows
While averages stay pretty mild, records show some extremes. On unusually warm winter days, highs can hit 78°F (25°C), but that’s rare.
On the flip side, nighttime lows might drop to 42°F (6°C) in December. That’s about as cold as it gets in the city.
Snow doesn’t fall in Addis Ababa because of its tropical spot, but some rural high points might see frost. The city itself almost always stays frost-free.
Precipitation and Showers During Winter
Winter in Addis Ababa brings a big drop in rain compared to the heavy summer season. Showers are light and scattered, and most days stay dry, though you might run into occasional rain in the evenings.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall in winter is low compared to the peak rainy season from June to September. Monthly precipitation usually lands at 20–40 mm, which is just a fraction of the summer totals that can go over 200 mm.
Showers pop up irregularly and don’t last long. They might show up late afternoon or evening but usually clear out quickly. Most days are dry, so you’ll have plenty of good weather for being outside.
Humidity drops, making the air feel cooler and less sticky. This drier air also means less chance of long rainy stretches. On average, expect just a few rainy days each month, with most days clear or partly cloudy.
For visitors, this means you can get around without much worry about the weather. A lightweight rain jacket is usually enough since heavy downpours aren’t common now.
Distribution of Showers Across Months
Rain isn’t spread out evenly over winter. December, January, and February are the driest, each getting just 2–4 rainy days. Showers are short and scattered, often over in less than an hour.
By March, rain starts to pick up a little as the short rainy season approaches. You’ll notice more light showers, but still nothing major compared to the middle of the year.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 20–25 | 2–3 |
| January | 15–20 | 2–3 |
| February | 20–30 | 3–4 |
| March | 40–60 | 5–6 |
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, late December through early February is usually your driest window.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In winter, Addis Ababa gets shorter periods of sunshine compared to the dry season. Daylight hours don’t change much, but cloud cover can cut down on the truly sunny hours you’ll see.
Average Daily Sunshine
Addis Ababa receives less direct sunshine in winter because of more clouds. On average, you’ll get about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day from November through January.
December is usually the brightest, with almost 9 hours 40 minutes of sunshine daily.
January is a bit less, averaging around 8 hours, while November sits close to 9 hours. Early winter is just a bit sunnier than late winter.
Here’s a quick look at sunshine hours:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| November | ~9h 00m | 78% |
| December | ~9h 42m | 85% |
| January | ~8h 05m | 70% |
You’ll see mostly clear skies, especially in December, which tends to offer the sunniest days.
Length of Days in Winter
Day length in Addis Ababa stays pretty steady because it’s close to the equator. Winter days last between 11 hours 36 minutes and 11 hours 42 minutes.
December brings the shortest days, averaging 11h 36m, while January bumps up to about 11h 39m. November is a touch longer at 11h 42m.
So, even in the middle of winter, you’re getting nearly 12 hours of daylight. The difference between shortest and longest days is just over an hour—way less than what you’d see up north.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, you can rely on steady day length, with sunrise and sunset times barely shifting.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Weather Factors
During winter, Addis Ababa’s air feels much drier than during the rainy months. Winds pick up a bit, and sunlight stays strong even though the temperatures are lower.
Humidity Levels
Humidity drops a lot in winter, usually landing between 45% and 55%. That’s much drier than the sticky 80% you might get in July and August.
The drier air feels crisp, especially in the mornings and evenings when it’s coolest. You might notice dry skin or lips, so carrying water and a little moisturizer isn’t a bad idea.
With less humidity, you get better visibility. Skies stay clearer, and haze is pretty rare. If you’re into photography or just love a good view, winter is a great time to see the city and mountains.
Wind Patterns
Winds shift with the seasons here. In winter, they’re usually moderate, averaging 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). December sometimes brings slightly stronger gusts than January or February.
Winds pick up in the afternoon, while mornings tend to be calmer. That’s pretty typical for highland cities.
You’ll feel the wind more in open spots like Meskel Square or near the airport. In neighborhoods with more trees and buildings, it’s less noticeable. The breeze can make mornings feel cooler than the thermometer says, but it’s not really disruptive.
UV Index and Air Quality
Even in winter, Addis Ababa’s high altitude—about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet)—means UV levels stay high. The UV index often hits 8 to 10, which is very strong. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must if you’re out for long.
Air quality in winter is usually better than during the rainy season. Lower humidity and less moisture keep haze away, and there’s not enough rain to kick up much dust. Still, local pollution from traffic or cooking fires can affect some neighborhoods.
If you’re sensitive to air quality, mornings and evenings often feel fresher, while midday traffic can bump up particulates. Doing outdoor activities earlier in the day helps you dodge both stronger UV rays and local pollution.
Travel Tips for Visiting Addis Ababa in Winter
Daytime temperatures stay mild, but nights can get chilly, and the air is usually dry. Pack for cooler evenings, plan your outings around the season, and think ahead about how you’ll get around the city.
What to Pack for the Weather
Winter in Addis Ababa feels pretty mild during the day. Highs usually reach 22–24°C (71–75°F), but nights get chilly, sometimes dropping to 6–10°C (42–50°F).
Since the temperature swings a lot, it makes sense to pack layers. I’d toss in light sweaters or jackets for the evenings. Long-sleeved shirts work well for most days.
You might want to bring a scarf or light hat—that cool morning air can catch you off guard.
Rain hardly ever shows up in winter, so you can skip the heavy raincoat.
Addis Ababa sits over 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, so the sun feels strong. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
If you plan to walk around, comfortable shoes really help, since many streets are uneven or hilly.
Best Activities and Local Events
Clear skies and dry weather make winter a great time for outdoor sightseeing. You can head up to Mount Entoto for sweeping views of the city.
Exploring Addis Ababa’s museums, like the National Museum of Ethiopia, feels easier without worrying about rain.
Markets such as Merkato—one of Africa’s largest—buzz with life during the dry season. The milder days make walking tours and cultural visits more enjoyable.
In January, winter lines up with Timkat (Epiphany), a huge Ethiopian Orthodox celebration. Expect colorful processions, music, and traditional clothing everywhere.
Even if you skip the main ceremonies, you’ll still notice the city’s festive energy.
Getting Around the City
Traffic in Addis Ababa gets pretty heavy, so you’ll want to give yourself extra time to get anywhere. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are everywhere, but the fares can jump around a lot. Always check the price before you head out, especially if you’re going far.
The light rail system makes it easy to move between central spots, and it’s cheap. Just know it gets packed during rush hour, so be prepared for that.
For quick trips, people use the blue-and-white minibuses all the time. They’re not exactly the most comfortable, and if you don’t know the routes, they can be confusing.
You can walk around the central districts, though the sidewalks aren’t always smooth. If you’re exploring on foot, sturdy shoes are a must. Also, the altitude sneaks up on you, so don’t be surprised if long walks feel tougher than usual.