Addisababa in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Addisababa

24°C (75°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - March falls in the dry season with comfortable temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F), ideal for exploring the Entoto Mountains and city's highland terrain at 2,355m (7,726 ft) elevation
Lowest rainfall of the year at just 65mm (2.6 inches) - excellent visibility for photography and outdoor activities, with crisp, clear air that showcases the city's dramatic landscape
Cultural calendar peak - March coincides with Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter) preparations and the end of the 55-day fasting period, offering authentic cultural immersion opportunities
Post-harvest season means fresh local produce and traditional dishes are at their peak, with new-season teff, barley, and coffee beans available at local markets

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings - mornings can be as cold as 6°C (43°F) while afternoons reach 26°C (79°F), requiring careful layering and multiple outfit changes
Intense UV exposure - at 2,355m (7,726 ft) altitude with clear skies, UV index reaches 9+ and sunburn happens within 15 minutes without protection, even on cool days
Dust and wind - March marks the windy season with afternoon gusts up to 25 km/h (15 mph) stirring up dust from construction sites and unpaved roads, challenging for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in March

Entoto Mountains Hiking and Historical Sites

March's dry conditions and clear skies make this the ideal time to explore Entoto's 3,200m (10,499 ft) peaks. Morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour climb, with panoramic city views and visits to Emperor Menelik's palace. The eucalyptus forests are lush from recent rains but trails are dry and stable.

Booking Tip: Local guides available at park entrance typically charge 200-400 birr for half-day tours. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon winds and heat. No advance booking needed, but bring cash for entrance fees.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela Day Trips

March weather is optimal for the 645km (401 mile) journey north - dry roads and clear skies ensure reliable flight schedules and impressive aerial views of the highlands. Cool morning temperatures make exploring the 12th-century churches comfortable, while low humidity preserves energy for the full-day walking tour.

Booking Tip: Domestic flights typically cost 8,000-12,000 birr return and should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead during March. Ground tours range 2,500-4,000 birr per day including guide and entrance fees. Check current flight schedules in booking section below.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony and Market Tours

March coincides with post-harvest coffee season - green beans are freshest and most aromatic. The comfortable indoor temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) make the 2-3 hour ceremony experiences pleasant, while outdoor market walks benefit from low rainfall and good visibility for photography.

Booking Tip: Cultural centers and local families offer ceremonies for 300-800 birr per person. Mercato market tours best done 9am-11am before afternoon heat and dust. Book through cultural organizations or see current options in booking section below.

Ethiopian Highlands Photography Tours

March's exceptional visibility and dramatic cloud formations create perfect conditions for landscape photography. The 45% humidity prevents lens fogging while morning mist at higher elevations (above 2,800m/9,186 ft) adds mystical elements to shots. Golden hour light is particularly striking against the highland terrain.

Booking Tip: Photography guides with 4WD vehicles charge 3,500-6,000 birr for full-day highland tours. Book vehicles with spare tires - highland roads can be rough. Multi-day packages available through local operators, see current tours in booking section.

National Museum and Historical Walking Tours

March's mild daytime temperatures (20-24°C/68-75°F) are ideal for indoor museum visits followed by outdoor historical site walks. The dry weather ensures reliable opening hours and comfortable exploration of sites like Red Terror Martyrs Memorial and this destination without rain disruptions.

Booking Tip: Museum entrance 10-30 birr, walking tours 500-1,200 birr for 3-4 hours. Afternoon timing (2-5pm) works well as temperatures moderate and dust settles. No advance booking needed for museums, but guides can be arranged Easttimor-day.

Blue Nile Gorge and Debre Libanos Monastery

The 110km (68 mile) drive north offers spectacular views in March's clear conditions. The Sudan Gorge drops 1,000m (3,281 ft) below the Dakar - perfect visibility for photography and wildlife spotting. Cool morning temperatures make the monastery visit comfortable while avoiding afternoon winds.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 2,800-4,500 birr including transport and guide. Depart by 7am to maximize morning visibility and return before afternoon dust storms. 4WD recommended for gorge viewpoints. See current tour operators in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March (varies by Orthodox calendar)

Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter) Preparations

March marks the final weeks of the 55-day Lenten fasting period, with elaborate church services and traditional preparation rituals. Churches conduct special evening services with beautiful chanting and incense ceremonies, offering visitors authentic cultural experiences rarely seen by tourists.

Throughout March

Traditional Harvest Celebrations

Rural communities around Addis Ababa celebrate the completion of barley and teff harvests with traditional music, dance, and food festivals. These local celebrations often welcome visitors and provide insight into Ethiopia's agricultural heritage and communal traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack thermal base layer for 6°C (43°F) mornings plus breathable cotton t-shirts for 26°C (79°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9+ at 2,355m (7,726 ft) altitude, causing burns in 10-15 minutes

Lightweight down jacket or fleece - essential for early morning activities and evening temperatures that drop rapidly after sunset

Dust mask or scarf - March winds stir up construction dust and unpaved road particles, especially problematic for respiratory-sensitive travelers

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - highland trails can be rocky and uneven, even on day hikes around the city

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 45% humidity and high altitude cause rapid skin dehydration

Cash in small denominations - many cultural sites and local guides only accept birr, ATMs can be unreliable

Portable phone charger - high altitude and temperature changes drain batteries faster than at sea level

Light rain jacket - while March is mostly dry, occasional afternoon showers can be heavy and sudden

Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration - many historical sites require significant walking on uneven surfaces

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 7am - March mornings are cool and calm, but afternoon winds pick up dust and temperatures soar. Locals schedule important outdoor work before 10am.

March is coffee harvest celebration time - visit local roasters in the Piassa district for the freshest beans and participate in traditional ceremonies with families who've just received their annual harvest.

Ethiopian Airlines domestic flights are cheapest when booked exactly 21 days in advance during March - this is when they release discounted seats for the shoulder season period.

Altitude adjustment takes 2-3 days even for healthy travelers at 2,355m (7,726 ft) - plan easier activities for your first days and increase intensity as you acclimatize to avoid headaches and fatigue.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack only for warm weather then suffer in 6°C (43°F) mornings or overpack for cold weather and struggle in 26°C (79°F) afternoons

Ignoring altitude effects - many visitors don't realize Addis Ababa sits at 2,355m (7,726 ft) and experience unexpected fatigue, dehydration, and altitude sickness symptoms

Scheduling outdoor activities mid-afternoon - March afternoons bring winds, dust, and intense UV that make sightseeing uncomfortable, while mornings offer perfect conditions