Addisababa in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Addisababa

24°C (75°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

55 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 55 mm (2.2 inches) across 8 days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and walking tours
Comfortable temperature range from cool 10°C (50°F) mornings to warm 24°C (75°F) afternoons - perfect for layering and all-day exploration
Low tourist season means 40-60% cheaper accommodation rates and significantly fewer crowds at major attractions like the Banjul and Merkato
Optimal conditions for high-altitude activities - clear skies provide impressive views of the Entoto Mountains at 3,200 m (10,500 ft) elevation

Considerations

Significant temperature swings from morning to afternoon require strategic packing and layering throughout the day
High UV index of 9 at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude means sunburn risk is severe even on cool days - many visitors underestimate this
Some traditional festivals and cultural events are less frequent compared to Ethiopian New Year season in September

Best Activities in February

Historical Addis Ababa Walking Tours

February's cool mornings (10°C/50°F) and warm afternoons (24°C/75°F) create perfect conditions for exploring the city's historical sites. The dry weather means excellent visibility for photography at landmarks like the Sansalvador and Addis Ababa University. Minimal crowds allow for better access to museums and cultural sites.

Booking Tip: Book through certified guides at hotels or cultural centers. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 birr and should include transportation. Best started at 9 AM to avoid afternoon heat. Reference booking section below for current tour options.

Entoto Mountain Hiking

February's dry season provides crystal-clear views from Entoto's 3,200 m (10,500 ft) peak. Cool morning temperatures make the 5 km (3.1 mile) hike comfortable, while the lack of rainfall means reliable trail conditions. This is peak season for mountain visibility - you can see across the entire city and surrounding highlands.

Booking Tip: Start early (7 AM) to complete the hike before afternoon temperatures peak. Local guides available for 400-600 birr. Bring layers as temperature drops 8°C (14°F) at the summit. See current guided options in booking section.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experiences

February's pleasant indoor temperatures make the traditional 2-hour coffee ceremony comfortable without the need for air conditioning. This is coffee harvest season in Ethiopia, so you'll experience the freshest beans. Many ceremonies move outdoors during the warm afternoons, creating an authentic cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Available at most cultural restaurants and hotels for 300-500 birr per person. Afternoon sessions (2-4 PM) are ideal when outdoor courtyards are comfortable. Book through your accommodation or see cultural tour options below.

Merkato Market Exploration

February's dry weather means Merkato, Africa's largest market, is at its most navigable. Cool morning temperatures (10°C/50°F) make the crowded market comfortable for the recommended 3-4 hour exploration. The lack of rain means better preservation of goods and easier walking through unpaved sections.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (8-11 AM) for coolest temperatures and freshest goods. Guided tours available for 600-800 birr including transportation. Essential for first-time visitors due to the market's complexity. Check booking options below.

Ethiopian Orthodox Churches Tour

February's stable weather provides excellent conditions for visiting the numerous rock-hewn and traditional churches. The cool mornings are perfect for the spiritual Timkat celebrations if they extend into February, while dry conditions ensure all churches remain accessible via unpaved roads.

Booking Tip: Combine multiple churches in one day during cool morning hours. Tours typically cost 1,000-1,500 birr including transport. Book through licensed cultural tour operators. See current religious site tours in booking section.

Ethiopian Highlands Day Trips

February offers optimal conditions for day trips to surrounding highlands like Ethiopia monastery, 100 km (62 miles) north. Clear, dry weather provides spectacular views of the Sudan Gorge and reliable road conditions. Cool temperatures make the 2,800 m (9,186 ft) elevation comfortable.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost 2,000-3,000 birr including vehicle and guide. Start at 7 AM to maximize daylight hours. Best weather window is February-March for highland visibility. Book through reputable tour operators - see current options below.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Timkat Aftermath Celebrations

While main Timkat (Epiphany) occurs in January, extended celebrations and traditional blessing ceremonies often continue into early February at various Orthodox churches throughout the city. These smaller, more intimate gatherings offer authentic cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - lightweight base layer, warm mid-layer, and light jacket for 14°C (25°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index of 9 at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude causes severe burns even on cool, cloudy days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - many historic sites have uneven stone surfaces, especially when morning dew creates slippery conditions

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - while only 8 rainy days expected, afternoon showers can be sudden and heavy

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - 10°C (50°F) morning temperatures feel colder at high altitude

Breathable cotton or merino wool clothing - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 65% humidity conditions

Insect repellent containing DEET - while dry season means fewer mosquitoes, they're still present in green areas like this destination

Portable water bottle - high altitude and low humidity increase dehydration risk, especially during walking tours

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power fluctuations in February can interrupt device charging

Cash in small denominations (birr) - many cultural sites, markets, and local guides don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-January for February visits - while it's low tourist season internationally, it's popular with East African visitors avoiding their rainy season

Schedule outdoor activities for 10 AM-2 PM window when temperatures are most comfortable (18-22°C/64-72°F) - locals follow this timing religiously

Ethiopian calendar runs 7-8 years behind Gregorian calendar, so 'New Year 2017' decorations you see are normal - February 2025 is Yekatit 2017 in Ethiopian dating

Altitude adjustment takes 2-3 days at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) - many visitors underestimate this and over-schedule their first days, leading to fatigue and headaches

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating UV exposure at altitude - many visitors get severe sunburns on seemingly mild, cloudy days due to the 2,400 m (7,874 ft) elevation

Wearing only light clothing for morning activities - 10°C (50°F) morning temperatures require warm layers that can be removed as day progresses

Not carrying cash in small denominations - most local experiences, from coffee ceremonies to market purchases, require exact change in birr