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When to go · Harar

Harar in May

Mixed month. Outside the best window (Oct–Apr). Across Ethiopia: Hot in the lowlands, rain in the Omo; quiet and cheap in the highlands.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Temperature
35°C (95°F) / 21°C (70°F)
average high / low
Rain days
7
Crowds
Low
Ethiopia overall
Prices
Low
Ethiopia overall

Verdict

MixedEthiopia month rating

Outside the best window (Oct–Apr). Across Ethiopia: Hot in the lowlands, rain in the Omo; quiet and cheap in the highlands.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages
  • HararHighs around 35 °C (95 °F), lows around 21 °C (70 °F), rain on about 7 days
  • Eastern escarpment, Ethiopia · Harar, Dire Dawa, Jijigahot

    Harar is mild at about 1,900 m; Dire Dawa below it is hot from May to September.

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.

  • Siklet and Fasika (Good Friday and Orthodox Easter) big impact

    Apr–May (moves yearly — check; 2 May in 2027) · Ethiopia

    End of the 55-day fast; offices close, domestic flights busy.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Ethiopia overall
Low
Prices · Ethiopia overall
Low

Ethiopia overall: Hot in the lowlands, rain in the Omo; quiet and cheap in the highlands.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Harar, side by side.

  • Verdict

    May: Mixed

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    May: 35 °C (95 °F)

    Jan: 28 °C (82 °F)

  • Night low

    May: 21 °C (70 °F)

    Jan: 14 °C (57 °F)

  • Rain days

    May: 7

    Jan: 2 (better)

  • Crowds

    May: Low

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    May: Low

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    May: 1

    Jan: 1

May: Outside the best window (Oct–Apr). Across Ethiopia: Hot in the lowlands, rain in the Omo; quiet and cheap in the highlands.

January: Inside Harar's best window: Oct–Apr.

Harar: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Ethiopia in May →