Addis Ababa in March

In March, Addis Ababa averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (53 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

March offers comfortable temperatures in Addis Ababa, with some rain to plan around.

23°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
53 mm
Rainfall

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

1st
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
12 h 4 min
daylight on the 15th

March is one of the warmest months in Addis Ababa (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (21°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (23°C) and cools 1°C in April (23°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Addis Ababa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:32 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:36 PM
Day length
12 h 4 min

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

Photography light in Addis Ababa — March

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:32 AM – 6:12 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:12 AM – 7:12 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:56 PM – 6:56 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:56 PM – 7:36 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Addis Ababa.

📅 When to book — Addis Ababa in March

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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Addis Ababa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — March in Addis Ababa

Shoulder

Addis Ababa is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Addis Ababa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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 March weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Addis Ababa in March?

In March, Addis Ababa averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Addis Ababa in March?

March is quite rainy in Addis Ababa, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Addis Ababa?

March is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. 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 March?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March 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.