Ethiopia, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Ethiopia, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Ethiopia, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ethiopia
- Important essentials for Ethiopia
- Activities for Ethiopia
- Ethiopia in January: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in February: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in March: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in April: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in May: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in June: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in July: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in August: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in September: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in October: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia in November: weather and what to pack
- Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia, Ethiopia
Based on the climate and weather in Ethiopia, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ethiopia, Ethiopia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ethiopia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
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).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this 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 Ethiopia may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. This one works in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Ethiopia, Ethiopia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
February
If you are traveling to Ethiopia in February, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
March
March is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
April
April for Ethiopia is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
May
May in this region can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June for Ethiopia is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you go to Ethiopia in July, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
If you go to Ethiopia in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you go to Ethiopia in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
December
If you are traveling to Ethiopia in December, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
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