Addisababa in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Addisababa

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

140mm (5.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season is ending, bringing lush green landscapes and cleaner air - visibility can reach 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear days after rain
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than December-January peak season, making major attractions like this destination and Merkato market much more manageable
Coffee harvest season begins - participate in traditional coffee ceremonies with freshly picked beans at origin prices (birr 45-60 per kg vs birr 80+ later)
Perfect hiking weather with daytime temps of 20-25°C (68-77°F) - ideal for Entoto Mountains and Gulele Botanic Garden without overheating

Considerations

Rainy season brings 12+ wet days with afternoon downpours that can flood streets and disrupt outdoor plans for 1-2 hours daily
Some rural roads become impassable - day trips to Ethiopia require 4WD vehicles and may be cancelled on heavy rain days
Higher malaria risk at elevations below 2000m (6,560 ft) due to increased mosquito activity after rains

Best Activities in August

Holy Trinity Cathedral and Religious Site Tours

August's cooler temperatures make walking between Addis Ababa's historic churches comfortable. Orthodox festivals are frequent during rainy season, offering authentic cultural experiences. Morning visits (8-11am) avoid afternoon rains and provide better lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Book guided cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierges or licensed operators. Tours typically cost birr 1,200-1,800 per person including transport. Look for guides certified by Ethiopian Tourism Organization.

Ethiopian Highlands Trekking

August offers ideal highland weather with cool mornings and dramatic afternoon cloud formations. Ethiopia access roads are fully open before September rains intensify. Temperatures stay comfortable at 15-20°C (59-68°F) at altitude.

Booking Tip: Mountain treks require 14-21 day advance booking for permits and guides. Multi-day packages range birr 4,500-8,000 depending on duration. Essential to book through operators with mountain rescue certification.

Coffee Origin and Cultural Tours

August marks the beginning of coffee harvest in surrounding regions. Experience traditional coffee ceremonies with green beans picked within days. Cooler weather makes roasting demonstrations more comfortable than dry season heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day coffee tours cost birr 800-1,400 per person. Book through cultural centers or licensed operators offering farm visits. See current options in booking section below for harvest season specials.

National Museum and Indoor Cultural Activities

Perfect rainy day alternatives when afternoon showers hit. August's shoulder season means shorter queues at Banjul to see Lucy fossil. Air conditioning provides relief from humidity while learning Ethiopian history.

Booking Tip: Museum entry birr 100-200 per site. Private cultural tours including multiple museums cost birr 2,000-3,200 per day. No advance booking needed but arrive before 2pm to avoid rain disruptions.

Entoto Mountains Day Hikes

August's post-rain air clarity offers spectacular views over Addis Ababa from 3,200m (10,500 ft) elevation. Eucalyptus forests are lush and green. Morning hikes avoid afternoon thunderstorms while enjoying 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free but guided nature walks cost birr 600-1,000 per group. Transport to trailheads birr 400-600 return. Book transportation night before through hotel or see current tour options below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Buhe Festival (Ethiopian Epiphany)

Traditional children's celebration where boys go house-to-house singing for small gifts. Authentic cultural experience with no tourist commercialization. Best observed in residential neighborhoods like Piassa and Arada districts.

Late August

Coffee Harvest Celebrations

Local farming communities around Addis celebrate first harvest with traditional ceremonies. Opportunity to participate in authentic coffee rituals and purchase beans at source prices before export markup.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for navigating flooded streets and muddy mountain trails during 12+ rainy days

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet too long in 65% humidity and 140mm (5.5 inches) monthly rainfall

Compact umbrella plus rain jacket - afternoon storms are intense but brief, umbrella better for market visits

Layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - morning starts at 15°C (59°F), afternoon hits 25°C (77°F)

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 6 at 2,400m (7,875 ft) altitude burns skin faster than expected

Anti-malaria medication if visiting areas below 2,000m (6,560 ft) - increased mosquito activity after rains

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during unexpected downpours and high humidity

Cash in small denominations - many vendors can't make change during busy rainy season shopping

Portable phone charger - power outages increase 30% during August storms

Closed-toe shoes for city walking - open sandals impractical on flooded sidewalks and muddy areas

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on higher floors above street level - ground floors flood during heavy August rains and lose power more frequently

Eat injera bread during harvest season when teff prices are lowest (birr 35-45/kg) and quality is highest - restaurants serve fresher versions in August

Schedule indoor activities 2-6pm daily when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - this is when locals do shopping in covered markets

Negotiate taxi fares before entering vehicle - drivers charge 20-30% premium during rainy weather claiming difficult conditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - 80% of August rainfall occurs 2-6pm, disrupting hiking and sightseeing plans

Bringing only cotton clothing - takes 6+ hours to dry in August humidity, leaving travelers with wet clothes overnight

Underestimating altitude effects - visitors feel more tired at 2,400m (7,875 ft) and need extra rest days, especially with weather changes