Addisababa in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Addisababa

23°C (73°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - only 3 rainy days with minimal 15 mm (0.6 inches) rainfall makes outdoor activities reliable
Crystal clear mountain views - dry air eliminates haze, offering spectacular photography opportunities of the Entoto Mountains 3,200 m (10,499 ft) above sea level
Ethiopian Orthodox Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations on January 19th - witness authentic religious processions and colorful ceremonies at Meskel Square
Comfortable daytime temperatures 23°C (73°F) ideal for walking tours through Merkato market and exploring the 13th-century rock churches without oppressive heat

Considerations

Cold mornings at 6°C (43°F) - high altitude means significant temperature drops requiring layered clothing and warm gear for early activities
Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to rainy season months, book 6-8 weeks ahead
Dusty conditions during dry season - bring quality face masks and eye protection for outdoor markets and unpaved areas

Best Activities in January

Lalibela Rock Churches Pilgrimage Tours

January's dry weather makes the 645 km (401 mile) journey to Ethiopia optimal with clear roads and perfect conditions for exploring the 13th-century churches carved from solid rock. Cool mornings 6°C (43°F) are ideal for the physical demands of climbing between churches, while afternoon temperatures 23°C (73°F) remain comfortable. Timkat celebrations here are particularly spectacular.

Booking Tip: Book flights to Ethiopia 8-10 weeks ahead as January is peak pilgrimage season. Multi-day packages typically cost ฿15,000-25,000 including domestic flights. Look for licensed guides certified by the Ethiopian Tourism Authority.

Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana Expeditions

Dry season means accessible roads to Ethiopia and optimal water levels at the Sudan Falls 400 km (249 miles) north. January's clear skies provide perfect conditions for boat trips across Lake Tana to ancient island monasteries. Morning temperatures are comfortable for hiking to viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Two to three-day packages range ฿8,000-12,000. Book through established operators with insurance coverage. Roads are best in dry season but book early as January is peak season for this route.

Danakil Depression Salt Mining Tours

January offers the most tolerable conditions for visiting one of Earth's hottest places. While still extreme at 50°C+ (122°F+) during day, cooler mornings and dry roads make access to Erta Ale volcano and salt flats feasible. Clear weather ensures impressive geological formations are visible.

Booking Tip: Multi-day camping expeditions cost ฿20,000-35,000. Requires specialized 4WD operators with medical support. Book minimum 3-4 weeks ahead through operators with Afar region permits.

Addis Ababa Cultural Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring the city on foot - cool mornings ideal for Merkato market visits, comfortable afternoons for Banjul and this destination. January's dry conditions mean dusty but walkable streets. Timkat preparations add cultural authenticity to city tours.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours typically ฿1,500-2,500. Morning tours 8am-12pm avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides registered with Addis Ababa Tourism Bureau. Cultural sites cost ฿200-400 entrance fees.

Simien Mountains Trekking

Dry season offers the best trekking conditions in this UNESCO World Heritage site 4,620 m (15,157 ft) at highest point. Clear weather provides spectacular views and reliable camping conditions. January's cool temperatures are perfect for multi-day treks to see gelada monkeys and Walia ibex.

Booking Tip: Three to five-day treks cost ฿12,000-20,000 including park fees, guide, and camping equipment. Book with operators holding valid park permits. Altitude acclimatization in Addis recommended.

Harar Old City and Hyena Feeding Tours

Dry roads make the 525 km (326 mile) journey to this UNESCO World Heritage walled city comfortable. January's clear evenings are perfect for the famous hyena feeding ceremonies outside the city walls. Cool mornings ideal for exploring the narrow alleyways and traditional markets.

Booking Tip: Day trips with flights cost ฿8,000-12,000, overland journeys ฿4,000-6,000. Evening hyena feeding experiences cost ฿800-1,200. Book with operators familiar with Harari cultural protocols.

January Events & Festivals

January 19th (main celebration) with preparations starting January 18th

Ethiopian Orthodox Timkat (Epiphany)

The most important religious festival featuring elaborate processions, colorful ceremonies, and mass baptisms. In Addis Ababa, main celebrations occur at Meskel Square and Jan Meda with thousands of participants in white traditional dress. Replica Ark of Covenant processions and holy water blessings create spectacular cultural experiences.

Late January

Addis Ababa International Film Festival

Annual celebration of African cinema typically held in late January featuring premieres, documentaries, and cultural events across multiple venues. Provides insight into contemporary Ethiopian and African storytelling traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 6°C (43°F) but afternoons reach 23°C (73°F), pack lightweight fleece and breathable cotton layers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure despite cool temperatures

Quality dust masks - January's dry conditions create dusty environments in markets and unpaved areas

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - essential for highland treks and overnight tours where temperatures drop significantly

Waterproof hiking boots - while dry season, early morning dew and occasional light rain require proper footwear for uneven terrain

Portable water purification tablets - tap water not recommended, bottled water expensive outside Addis Ababa

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power cuts in rural areas, Ethiopian plugs are Type C/F European standard

Anti-altitude sickness medication - Addis Ababa's 2,400 m (7,874 ft) elevation affects some visitors, higher destinations even more challenging

Lightweight rain jacket - while only 3 rainy days expected, mountain weather can change quickly

Insect repellent with DEET - malaria risk exists below 2,000 m (6,562 ft) elevation on trips outside Addis Ababa

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within Ethiopia 6-8 weeks ahead - January is peak season and Ethiopian Airlines has limited frequency to tourist destinations like Ethiopia and Ethiopia

Carry small denomination birr notes - most tourist sites and markets don't accept cards, and breaking large notes outside Addis Ababa is difficult

Time restaurant visits for 1-3pm or after 7pm - many traditional restaurants close during Orthodox fasting periods, and service can be extremely slow during busy lunch periods

Download offline maps before leaving Addis Ababa - internet connectivity is unreliable outside major cities, and GPS is essential for remote destinations like Eritrea

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - arriving from sea level to Addis Ababa's 2,400 m (7,874 ft) can cause headaches and fatigue, allow 2-3 days acclimatization before highland treks

Not booking Ethiopia accommodation early enough - January is peak pilgrimage season and the limited quality accommodation fills up 2-3 months ahead, leaving only overpriced basic options

Wearing inappropriate clothing for religious sites - shoulders and knees must be covered for church visits, and shoes are removed frequently, pack appropriate modest clothing and slip-on shoes