Addisababa in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Addisababa

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland temperature - daily highs of 26°C (79°F) with cool mornings at 15°C (59°F) ideal for walking tours without overheating
Post-dry season clarity - crystal clear mountain views before heavy rains begin, perfect for photography at Entoto Hills and Mount Zuqualla
Ethiopian New Year preparation season - locals preparing for Enkutatash celebrations, markets bustling with traditional preparations and cultural activities
Optimal trekking conditions - dry trails in Menagesha Forest with mild temperatures, before May rains make paths muddy and impassable

Considerations

Afternoon shower unpredictability - 60% chance of sudden downpours between 2-5pm that can disrupt outdoor plans for 30-45 minutes
High altitude adjustment period - at 2,400 m (7,874 ft), many visitors experience mild fatigue and shortness of breath for first 2-3 days
Pre-rainy season dust - construction and unpaved roads create dusty conditions, especially problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in April

Entoto Hills Historical Tours

April's clear skies offer unobstructed panoramic views across Addis Ababa from 3,200 m (10,499 ft) elevation. Cool morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make the steep climb comfortable, while afternoon clouds create dramatic photography conditions. Visit Entoto Maryam Church and Menelik II's palace complex before afternoon showers typically arrive at 3pm.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8am-12pm) to avoid afternoon weather. Half-day tours typically cost 800-1,200 Ethiopian Birr including transport. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles for the steep mountain roads. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Merkato Market Cultural Immersion

Africa's largest open-air market thrives in April's moderate temperatures before the intense heat of May. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make walking the sprawling 7 km² (2.7 sq mi) market comfortable. April's pre-New Year activity means exceptional variety in traditional crafts, spices, and textiles as vendors stock up for celebrations.

Booking Tip: Start early (8am) to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Guided cultural tours cost 600-900 Birr for 3-4 hours. Look for certified guides through the Ethiopian Tourism Organization. Current market tours available in booking widget below.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Experiences

April's cool mornings are perfect for traditional coffee ceremonies in outdoor courtyards. The moderate humidity (70%) enhances the aromatic experience without the stuffiness of rainy season. Many families perform extended ceremonies during this pre-celebration period, offering authentic cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Book homestay experiences or cultural centers rather than tourist-focused venues. Authentic ceremonies cost 300-600 Birr per person and last 1.5-2 hours. Morning sessions (9am-11am) offer the most traditional atmosphere. Find current cultural experiences in the booking section.

National Museum and Archaeological Tours

April's unpredictable afternoon weather makes this the ideal month for indoor cultural exploration. The Banjul housing Lucy (Dinkinesh) offers climate-controlled comfort when sudden showers hit. Combine with nearby Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial for complete historical understanding during rainy periods.

Booking Tip: Perfect backup activity for rainy afternoons. Entry costs 30-50 Birr, guided tours 400-700 Birr for 2-3 hours. Book afternoon slots (2pm-5pm) as indoor alternatives to weather-dependent activities. Museum tours listed in current booking options below.

Menagesha National Forest Hiking

April represents the last month of optimal trail conditions before May rains create muddy, slippery paths. At 2,500-3,000 m (8,202-9,843 ft) elevation, cool temperatures and clear air provide perfect conditions for exploring Ethiopia's oldest nature reserve. Ancient juniper trees and endemic wildlife viewing at their peak visibility.

Booking Tip: Book early morning starts (7am) to complete 4-6 hour hikes before potential afternoon storms. Day trips cost 1,000-1,500 Birr including transport and guide. Essential to use experienced local guides for high-altitude navigation. Current hiking tours in booking widget below.

Traditional Injera and Cooking Classes

April's comfortable indoor temperatures make lengthy cooking sessions enjoyable. Pre-New Year season means access to freshest ingredients and traditional preparation methods as families prepare celebration foods. Learn teff cultivation stories and fermentation techniques in ideal weather conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost 700-1,200 Birr including meals. Book morning sessions (9am-2pm) to avoid afternoon kitchen heat. Look for classes including market visits for ingredient selection. Current cooking experiences available through booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Orthodox Lenten Season Observances

April falls during the 55-day Ethiopian Orthodox Lenten period with elaborate fasting traditions, special church services, and unique vegan cuisine preparations. Experience traditional fasting foods and witness devotional practices in churches throughout the city.

Mid to Late April

Pre-Enkutatash Preparations

Local communities begin intensive preparations for Ethiopian New Year (September 11), including traditional craft making, house renovations, and cultural practice sessions. Markets showcase increased activity with traditional items and celebratory goods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 15°C (59°F) rising to 26°C (79°F), pack removable fleece or light jacket

Waterproof day pack cover - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 30-45 minutes with moderate intensity

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at high altitude with thinner atmospheric protection at 2,400 m (7,874 ft)

Altitude adjustment medication - consult doctor about acetazolamide for elevation above 2,400 m (7,874 ft)

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet during afternoon showers

Light rain jacket (not umbrella) - sudden wind gusts during storms make umbrellas impractical in highland conditions

Dust mask or scarf - pre-rainy season construction dust particularly problematic for sensitive individuals

Insect repellent with DEET - increased mosquito activity around standing water from early rains

Power bank and waterproof phone case - afternoon power outages common during storms, protect electronics from moisture

Cash in small denominations - Ethiopian Birr in 10s and 50s for market transactions, credit cards rarely accepted outside hotels

Insider Knowledge

Afternoon power outages spike in April as the aging electrical grid struggles with pre-rainy season storms - always carry charged devices and know your hotel's backup power situation

Local restaurants switch to 'fasting menus' during Orthodox Lent - this actually provides the best opportunity to experience authentic Ethiopian vegan cuisine, often more flavorful than regular menus

Taxi prices increase 20-30% during afternoon rains due to demand surge - use ride-sharing apps like Ride or ZayRide for consistent pricing, or wait out storms in cafes

The 2025 Addis Ababa Light Rail expansion to Entoto Park opens this April - use the new Blue Line extension to avoid traffic on mountain roads, operates 6am-10pm daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - 60% of April days see sudden downpours between 2-5pm that can last 45 minutes with no shelter available

Not acclimatizing to altitude gradually - many tourists rush into full-day activities without allowing 48-72 hours adjustment period at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) elevation

Carrying only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) and mornings require layers, especially for mountain excursions starting at dawn