Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Dire Dawa, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Dire Dawa, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Based on the climate and weather in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dire Dawa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Dire Dawa, Ethiopia by month

January

If you go to Dire Dawa in January, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

February

If you visit Dire Dawa during February, you might find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be careful to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

If you visit Dire Dawa during March, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you get the necessary type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

April in Dire Dawa can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to get the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

May

May is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you are traveling to Dire Dawa in June, you will notice that it can be sizzling and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

July for Dire Dawa is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to get the right kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

If you vacation in Dire Dawa during August, you may notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be careful to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

September

If you visit Dire Dawa during September, you will probably notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

October

If you are traveling to Dire Dawa in October, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

Traveling to Dire Dawa in November, you will notice that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in this region is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dire Dawa 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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

What to do in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Dire Dawa is a beautiful city located in Eastern Ethiopia, known for its historical heritage, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. The city has a lot to offer to tourists, from its vibrant marketplaces and bustling cafes to its ancient rock art and stunning natural wonders. In this article, we will take a look at the top tourist attractions in Dire Dawa.

1. Kezira Market - One of the most vibrant and bustling places in Dire Dawa is Kezira Market. This local market is a hub for vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to traditional jewelry and pottery. It's also a great place to try some local food, including injera (traditional Ethiopian bread), different types of stews, and fresh fruit.

2. Harar Jugol - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harar Jugol is a walled city located about an hour's drive from Dire Dawa. The city is known for its unique architecture, including narrow alleyways and colorful buildings. It is also famous for its hyena feeding ritual, where locals hand-feed hyenas with raw meat.

3. Babille Elephant Sanctuary - Located about 50 km from Dire Dawa, Babille Elephant Sanctuary is a nature reserve that offers visitors the chance to see elephants in the wild. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife species, including gazelles, baboons, and ostriches.

4. Awash National Park - A two-hour drive from Dire Dawa, the Awash National Park is a nature lover's paradise. It offers visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including baboons, gazelles, warthogs, and crocodiles. The highlight of the park is the stunning Awash Falls, a 45-meter-tall waterfall that will take your breath away.

5. Dire Dawa Railway Museum - If you're interested in the history of transportation, don't miss the Dire Dawa Railway Museum. This museum showcases the history of the railway system in Ethiopia and includes exhibits on everything from locomotives to ticketing systems.

6. Dire Dawa Stadium - For sports enthusiasts, a visit to the Dire Dawa Stadium is a must. This stadium is home to the Dire Dawa City football team and offers visitors the chance to see a game and experience the lively atmosphere created by local fans.

7. Kefira Rock Art - Located about an hour's drive from Dire Dawa, the Kefira area is home to ancient rock art dating back more than 3,000 years. The rock art includes depictions of animals, people, and geometric shapes, and is a fascinating window into the culture of Ethiopia's ancient past.

In conclusion, Dire Dawa is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or sports, you will find something to enjoy in this vibrant and welcoming city. So, pack your bags, book a trip, and get ready to explore all that Dire Dawa has to offer!

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.

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