Addis Ababa in December
Not the best time
December brings peak tourist season with perfect weather but maximum crowds and prices. The dramatic temperature swings require careful packing, but clear skies and festive atmosphere make it appealing despite the costs.
Weather
December maintains the dry season pattern with warm afternoons and surprisingly cold mornings. Humidity drops to the year's lowest at 45%, and rain is virtually non-existent. Clear skies and excellent air quality make for stunning mountain views.
23°C high5°C low1 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$85/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
- •Christmas preparations
December Tips
- •Book everything months ahead - this is peak season
- •Mornings require warm clothing despite afternoon heat
- •New Year's celebrations can be quite festive but also crowded
All Months
March through May and September through November offer the best weather — dry days with temperatures around 20°C. The rainy season from June to August turns streets into rivers and makes getting around miserable. But there's a silver lining: everything is green, hotel prices drop, and you'll have attractions to yourself. Ethiopian New Year in September brings celebrations throughout the city. Timkat in January is the biggest religious festival — thousands gather at Jan Meda for Orthodox Epiphany celebrations. December through February can be surprisingly cool at night due to the altitude, so pack layers. Here's what caught me off guard: the sun is intense year-round at this elevation. You'll burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days.
Addis Ababa Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
8/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
7/10
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