Things to Do in Addis Ababa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Addis Ababa

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Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry weather with minimal rainfall - only 3 rainy days expected and 25 mm (1 inch) total precipitation means outdoor activities proceed as planned
Optimal temperature range of 6-23°C (43-73°F) makes walking and sightseeing comfortable all day without the exhausting heat of other months
Crystal clear mountain views and excellent air quality due to dry season winds - photography conditions are at their annual best
Timkat preparation season brings authentic cultural experiences as Orthodox communities prepare for January's biggest festival with special church services and traditional brewing

Considerations

Extreme UV exposure at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude with UV index reaching 11 - sun protection is critical and many tourists underestimate this
Significant temperature swings from 6°C (43°F) at dawn to 23°C (73°F) at midday require layered clothing strategy that catches visitors off-guard
Dust levels increase due to dry conditions making it challenging for those with respiratory sensitivities or allergies

Best Activities in December

Entoto Mountain Hiking and Cultural Exploration

December's dry weather and clear skies make this the ideal month for hiking Entoto Mountain. The 3,200 m (10,499 ft) summit offers unobstructed views of the city below. Cool morning temperatures of 6°C (43°F) are perfect for the ascent, warming to comfortable 18°C (64°F) by midday. Local women still gather eucalyptus here in traditional dress, and the mountain's historical churches are preparing for Timkat season.

Booking Tip: Join morning hiking groups that depart by 7 AM to avoid midday UV intensity. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 birr including transport and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or established tour operators. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Mercato Market and Traditional Coffee Ceremony Tours

December's dry conditions make navigating Africa's largest market more pleasant without mud and fewer flies. The coffee ceremony season is at its peak as families prepare special blends for upcoming celebrations. Morning temperatures around 12°C (54°F) create comfortable walking conditions through the sprawling 7 km (4.3 miles) of market alleys.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours that include coffee ceremonies for 600-900 birr per person. Start early (8 AM) to experience the market's authentic morning energy. Licensed guides provide safety and cultural context. Check current cultural tour availability in booking section below.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela Day Trips

While technically requiring a flight, December is the optimal month for Lalibela visits from Addis Ababa. Clear weather ensures reliable flights, and the churches are in their pre-Timkat preparation phase. Temperatures in Lalibela range 8-20°C (46-68°F), perfect for exploring the underground churches without the extreme heat or rain of other seasons.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 15,000-22,000 birr including flights, guides, and entrance fees. Book 10-14 days ahead as December flights fill up. Ethiopian Airlines operates 2-3 daily flights. See current Lalibela tour packages in booking section below.

Traditional Tej and Honey Wine Tasting Tours

December marks honey harvest season in the Ethiopian highlands, making it the best month for authentic tej (honey wine) experiences. Local tej bets (honey wine houses) showcase fresh seasonal varieties. The cool evening temperatures of 8°C (46°F) create perfect conditions for indoor cultural experiences after daytime sightseeing.

Booking Tip: Evening cultural tours including tej tasting cost 700-1,100 birr per person. Book through reputable operators who know authentic tej bets versus tourist traps. Tours typically run 6-9 PM. Find current cultural evening tours in booking section below.

Blue Nile Gorge and Portuguese Bridge Excursions

December's dry season drops the Blue Nile to manageable levels while still maintaining scenic flow. The 1,000 m (3,281 ft) descent into the gorge is most comfortable in December's moderate temperatures. Clear weather provides excellent visibility for photography and the Portuguese Bridge built in the 1620s is accessible.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions cost 2,500-3,800 birr including transport and lunch. The 4-hour drive each way requires early 6 AM departure. Book with operators who provide experienced drivers familiar with mountain roads. Check current Blue Nile tour availability in booking section below.

National Museum and Archaeological Site Tours

December's pleasant daytime temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make combination indoor-outdoor cultural tours comfortable. The National Museum housing Lucy (Dinkinesh) and the nearby archaeological sites benefit from dry access roads. Cool mornings and evenings extend sightseeing hours without fatigue.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours cost 500-800 birr per person including transport and guide. Museum entry is 100 birr for foreigners. Combine with nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral for full cultural experience. See current archaeological tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Timkat Preparation Ceremonies

While Timkat itself occurs in January, December features intensive preparation ceremonies in Orthodox churches across Addis Ababa. Witness traditional blessing of ceremonial crosses, practice processions, and special prayer services. Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. George Cathedral hold nightly preparation services.

Mid to Late December

Ethiopian Christmas Market Preparations

Orthodox Christmas (Genna) falls on January 7th, but December sees traditional market preparations. Local markets feature increased handicraft vendors, traditional clothing displays, and special food preparations. Mercato and Shiro Meda markets showcase authentic pre-Christmas culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 11 at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude causes severe burns within 15 minutes

Layered clothing system including warm jacket for 6°C (43°F) mornings and light cotton for 23°C (73°F) afternoons

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven cobblestone streets and hiking trails up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) elevation changes

Light scarf or shawl for church visits - required for covering shoulders and head in Orthodox churches

Dust mask or bandana for sensitive individuals - dry season increases airborne particles especially in markets

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - low 45% humidity combined with altitude causes rapid skin dehydration

Lightweight rain jacket for occasional brief showers - while only 3 rainy days expected, mountain weather changes quickly

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power cuts during dry season and Ethiopian plugs are unique

Cash in small bills - ATMs can be unreliable and many services require exact change in Ethiopian birr

Insect repellent for evening activities - while dry season reduces mosquitoes, they still emerge during brief rainfall periods

Insider Knowledge

Locals start their day at 5:30 AM during December to maximize comfortable temperatures - join morning runners around Meskel Square for authentic city life and perfect 8°C (46°F) jogging weather

Ethiopian time runs 6 hours behind standard time (7 AM = 1 o'clock Ethiopian time) - confirm appointment times to avoid confusion, especially for cultural ceremonies during Timkat preparation season

Book accommodation near Bole area for December visits - this district has the most reliable electricity and water during dry season, plus proximity to restaurants that cater to international visitors

December honey harvest creates the year's best tej (honey wine) - local tej bets in the Piazza district offer tastings of fresh seasonal varieties unavailable other months, typically 50-80 birr per glass