Time and Weather

Ethiopia is classified as a tropical zone due to its location between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. It’s split into three sections: Kolla, Woina dega, and Dega. Kolla is a tropical zone located below a height of 1,830 m (6,003 ft). The average annual temperature in this zone is 27 °C (80 °F). The Woina dega zone is subtropical in the highlands, with an average yearly temperature of 22 °C (71 °F). Finally, the Dega zone is a cold zone situated above 2,440 m (8,005 ft), with annual temperatures averaging 16 °C (60 °F).

The best time to visit

Despite being a tropical nation, Ethiopia enjoys a mild climate due to its elevation above sea level. The weather in Addis Abeba is pleasant, with hot days and chilly nights. Dry season, from October to June, is considered the best time to visit. From June through September, there will be periods of severe rain, with July and August being the wettest. The rains, on the other hand, arrive in short sharp storms. Everything is lush and green by October.

The only exception to the mild temperature is in the lowlands, where it will be very hot in the summer. The peak season for tourism lasts from the end of September until the beginning of January. This is the time to anticipate mild temperatures, clear sky, and dry weather. Wildlife watching is possible all year.

Wildlife

Ethiopia’s diverse terrain, from mountains to lakes, supports many plant and animal species. Ethiopia has eleven national parks dedicated to preserving the country’s flora and fauna, as well as fourteen significant wildlife reserves scattered across the country.

More than 270 animals live in Ethiopia’s ecosystems, including lions, elephants, gazelles, antelope, ibex, hyenas, and zebras. Baboons and other monkeys are widespread across the nation. It is home to approximately 800 species of birds, 20 of which are unique to the country.