Addisababa in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Addisababa

23°C (73°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

280 mm (11 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - the heavy June rains transform the city and surrounding highlands into verdant beauty that's impossible to capture any other month
Dramatically fewer tourists - accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to dry season, and major sites like the Banjul and this destination are virtually crowd-free
Perfect coffee harvest season - June marks peak coffee picking time in surrounding regions, with fresh roasting happening daily and coffee ceremony invitations more common
Cooler temperatures make walking the city comfortable - at 2,400m (7,874 ft) elevation, June's rainy season brings refreshing 13-23°C (55-73°F) temperatures ideal for exploring on foot

Considerations

Daily afternoon downpours from 2-5pm make outdoor sightseeing challenging - you'll need to plan indoor activities during peak rain hours when streets can flood briefly
Unpaved roads to some historical sites become impassable - areas like Entoto Hills require 4WD vehicles and some days are completely inaccessible
Flight delays are common due to afternoon thunderstorms - Ethiopian Airlines experiences 25% more delays in June, affecting both domestic and international connections

Best Activities in June

National Museum and Cultural Institution Tours

June's rainy afternoons make this the perfect time to explore Addis Ababa's world-class museums, including Lucy's fossils and extensive ethnological collections. The cooler, humid weather means comfortable indoor exploration without the oppressive heat of dry season. Morning visits (8-11am) offer the best lighting and smallest crowds.

Booking Tip: Most museums offer guided tours for 200-400 birr. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon rain disrupting travel between sites. Many cultural centers offer combined tickets at 20-30% savings.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experiences

June coincides with coffee harvest season, making this the absolute best time for authentic coffee experiences. Fresh beans are being processed daily, and locals are most eager to share ceremonies. The rainy season means more indoor social gatherings where coffee ceremonies naturally occur.

Booking Tip: Cultural centers and guesthouses offer 2-3 hour experiences for 300-600 birr. Book through established cultural organizations rather than street offers. Morning ceremonies (9-11am) are most traditional.

Merkato Market Covered Shopping Tours

Africa's largest market is at its most atmospheric during June rains. The covered sections provide shelter while still offering authentic market experience. Vendors are less aggressive with fewer tourists, and you'll find the freshest spices and grains from the recent harvest.

Booking Tip: Go with local guides who know covered routes - expect to pay 400-800 birr for 3-4 hour guided experiences. Start early (7-9am) before afternoon rains make navigation difficult.

Orthodox Church and Religious Site Visits

June falls during important Orthodox calendar periods, with increased religious activity and beautiful ceremonies. The cooler, wetter weather makes walking between the historic churches on and around Entoto Hill more comfortable, though you'll need proper rain gear.

Booking Tip: Religious site tours typically cost 300-500 birr with transportation. Book morning departures (8am) to complete visits before afternoon rains. Some hill sites require 4WD during heavy rain periods.

Contemporary Art Gallery and Creative Space Tours

Addis Ababa's growing art scene is perfect for rainy season exploration. June features several gallery openings and indoor cultural events. The cooler weather makes walking between creative districts like Kazanchis more pleasant.

Booking Tip: Many galleries offer free entry with guided tours available for 200-400 birr. Afternoon visits (2-5pm) work well as most galleries provide good rain shelter. Check current exhibitions through local cultural centers.

Traditional Restaurant and Injera Making Classes

Rainy season is ideal for extended indoor cultural experiences like learning to make injera and traditional stews. June's cooler temperatures make kitchen-based activities comfortable, and teff (injera grain) is freshly harvested.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from 600-1200 birr for 4-6 hour experiences including meals. Book through established restaurants or cultural centers. Afternoon classes work well during rain periods.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June

Timkat Preparation Season

While Timkat occurs in January, June marks the beginning of preparation season with increased Orthodox church activities, special prayers, and community gatherings that visitors can respectfully observe

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for navigating flooded streets and muddy historical sites, especially around Entoto Hills at 3,200m (10,500 ft) elevation

Quality rain jacket with hood - afternoon downpours produce 15-20mm (0.6-0.8 inches) per hour and last 2-3 hours daily

Warm layers for mornings - temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) at dawn due to 2,400m (7,874 ft) altitude

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry, synthetic fabrics dry in 30-45 minutes

Waterproof bag covers - protect electronics and documents from sudden downpours that can soak through regular bags

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to high altitude, locals often underestimate this

Umbrella that handles wind - afternoon storms bring 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) gusts that destroy cheap umbrellas

Insect repellent - increased standing water from rains means more mosquitos, especially in evening hours

Comfortable walking sandals - for indoor use when boots get muddy, also useful for coffee ceremonies where shoes are removed

Small headlamp or flashlight - power outages are more common during June storms, lasting 1-3 hours typically

Insider Knowledge

Power outages happen 3-4 times per week during June storms, lasting 1-3 hours. Locals charge devices at cafes during storms - bring a power bank and download offline maps before heading out

The best time for photos is immediately after rain (5-6pm) when the air is crystal clear and the city sparkles. Professional photographers call this 'Addis golden hour' - the highland light is spectacular

Taxi prices increase 25-30% during rain hours (2-6pm) due to demand. Smart locals use morning hours for errands and afternoon rain time for indoor activities like coffee ceremonies

June is peak season for traditional weddings and celebrations - if you hear drums and singing, you're witnessing authentic culture. Respectful observation from a distance is usually welcomed

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon rains start predictably between 2-3pm and make walking dangerous due to flooding in lower city areas

Bringing only lightweight rain gear - June storms are intense with wind, requiring proper waterproof boots and jackets rather than flimsy ponchos

Not booking accommodations early - despite fewer tourists, June is wedding season for locals, so better hotels fill up with celebration parties and family gatherings