Addis Ababa in January

In January, Addis Ababa averages 22°C (71°F) during the day and 8°C (47°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (8 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

January is a great month to visit Addis Ababa: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

22°C
Avg high
8°C
Avg low
7
Rain days
8 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Addis Ababa

5th
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
1%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
11 h 39 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Addis Ababa (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (21°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (21°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (23°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Addis Ababa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:23 PM
Day length
11 h 39 min

Times shown for Addis Ababa local time (Africa/Addis_Ababa), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Addis Ababa — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Addis Ababa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:44 AM – 6:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:43 PM – 6:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:43 PM – 7:23 PM

📅 When to book — Addis Ababa in January

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 January's tier (High season) and Addis Ababa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — January in Addis Ababa

High season

This is a busy month in Addis Ababa — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Addis Ababa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Addis Ababa in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Addis Ababa in January?

In January, Addis Ababa averages a high of 22°C (71°F) and a low of 8°C (47°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Addis Ababa in January?

January sees occasional rain in Addis Ababa, with about 7 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Addis Ababa?

January is mild and pleasant. 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 January?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full January packing list for Addis Ababa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Addis Ababa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.