Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Addis Ababa, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Addis Ababa
- Important essentials for Addis Ababa
- Activities for Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa in January: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in February: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in March: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in April: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in May: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in June: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in July: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in August: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in September: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in October: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in November: weather and what to pack
- Addis Ababa in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Based on the climate and weather in Addis Ababa, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Addis Ababa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Addis Ababa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Addis Ababa during January, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The finest luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. The finest suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
April here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the finest suitcases can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
May in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
June in Addis Ababa is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The best suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
July in Addis Ababa is crisp and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The best luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
August in Addis Ababa is cool and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the best luggage can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
September in Addis Ababa can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. Even the most durable luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
If you are traveling to Addis Ababa in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
November in Addis Ababa is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
If you visit Addis Ababa during December, you may see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the beautiful Anwar Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; it is best to check with the Addis Ababa tourism authority.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Addis Ababa Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Activities for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Addis Ababa.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick, Canada, Barichara, Colombia, El Monte, California, United States of America, Knowlton, Quebec, Canada, Milford, Texas, United States of America, Chifeng, China, Bergerac, France, Liguria, Italy, Pontal de Coruripe, Alagoas, Brazil, Gjøvik, Norway, and Stanton, North Dakota, United States of America.