Addis Ababa in December
In December, Addis Ababa averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December is a great month to visit Addis Ababa: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Addis Ababa
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Addis Ababa (6th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (21°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (22°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Addis Ababa
Times shown for Addis Ababa local time (Africa/Addis_Ababa), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Addis Ababa — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Addis Ababa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Addis Ababa in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Addis Ababa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Addis Ababa
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Addis Ababa in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C / 71°F | 8°C / 47°F | 8 mm | 7 | — |
| February | 23°C / 73°F | 10°C / 50°F | 16 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 23°C / 74°F | 11°C / 51°F | 53 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 11°C / 52°F | 113 mm | 23 | — |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 51°F | 141 mm | 24 | — |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 10°C / 50°F | 211 mm | 28 | — |
| July | 19°C / 67°F | 11°C / 51°F | 357 mm | 31 | — |
| August | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 51°F | 320 mm | 31 | — |
| September | 19°C / 67°F | 10°C / 49°F | 219 mm | 29 | — |
| October | 20°C / 69°F | 9°C / 48°F | 30 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 9°C / 47°F | 9 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 2 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Addis Ababa in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Addis Ababa in December?
In December, Addis Ababa averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Addis Ababa in December?
December is generally dry in Addis Ababa, with about 4 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Addis Ababa?
December is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Addis Ababa in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Addis Ababa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.