When to go · Ethiopia
Ethiopia in August
Avoid month. Still wet across the highlands; only the east and Omo stay workable.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Crowds
- Low
- Ethiopia
- Prices
- Low
- Ethiopia
Verdict
Still wet across the highlands; only the east and Omo stay workable.
Weather in August
- Central highlands · Addis Ababa, Bishoftu, Bale Mountains, and the northern plateaurainy
Mild all year at altitude (days 20–25 °C, cold nights); the big rains (kiremt) run June to September, with short rains around March–April.
- Rift Valley lakes · Ziway, Langano, Hawassa, Arba Minchfine
Warmer than Addis; two rainy spells in many years (April–May and October).
- South Omo lowlands · Jinka, Turmi, Omorate, Konsofine
Hot and dusty; April–May and October rains turn tracks to mud and can cut off villages.
- Eastern escarpment · Harar, Dire Dawa, Jijigahot
Harar is mild at about 1,900 m; Dire Dawa below it is hot from May to September.
- Danakil and Afar lowlands · Afar region, Dallol, Erta Ale, Awashhot
Among the hottest places on earth; in 2026 largely covered by advice against travel.
- Addis Ababa20° / 11°, 23 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Mawlid
Aug–Sep (lunar — check)
Prophet's birthday; public holiday.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Ethiopia
- Low
- Prices · Ethiopia
- Low
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in August
Better another month
Heavy rain.