Addis Ababa in October

In October, Addis Ababa averages 20°C (69°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (30 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

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

20°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
30 mm
Rainfall

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

9th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
2%
of yearly rainfall falls in October
11 h 56 min
daylight on the 15th

October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Addis Ababa (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (21°C). October runs 1°C warmer than September (19°C) and warms a further 1°C into November (21°C).

October sunrise & sunset in Addis Ababa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:12 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:08 PM
Day length
11 h 56 min

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

Photography light in Addis Ababa — October

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:12 AM – 5:52 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:52 AM – 6:52 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:28 PM – 6:28 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:28 PM – 7:08 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Addis Ababa in October

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 October'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.

Crowds & pricing — October 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 — October in Addis Ababa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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 October weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Addis Ababa in October?

In October, Addis Ababa averages a high of 20°C (69°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Addis Ababa in October?

October can be fairly wet in Addis Ababa, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is October a good time to visit Addis Ababa?

October 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 October?

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