Addis Ababa in May
In May, Addis Ababa averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 24 days of the month see precipitation (141 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Addis Ababa, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Addis Ababa
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Addis Ababa (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (21°C). May runs roughly the same as April (23°C) and cools 1°C in June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Addis Ababa
Times shown for Addis Ababa local time (Africa/Addis_Ababa), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Addis Ababa — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Addis Ababa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Addis Ababa in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Addis Ababa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Addis Ababa
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 — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Addis Ababa in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Addis Ababa in May?
In May, Addis Ababa averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Addis Ababa in May?
May is quite rainy in Addis Ababa, with about 24 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Addis Ababa?
May 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Addis Ababa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.