Addisababa in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Addisababa

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero afternoon rain - ideal for walking the 13 km (8.1 miles) of cobblestone streets in Merkato without getting soaked
Crystal clear mountain air at 2,355 m (7,726 ft) altitude provides impressive views of the Entoto Hills and reduces the typical urban haze by 80%
Post-harvest festival season means abundant fresh teff, berbere, and honey in markets with prices 30-40% lower than rainy season months
Cool mornings 8-12°C (46-54°F) make early morning church visits at 4am comfortable for Timkat preparation ceremonies

Considerations

Dust levels peak during dry season - respiratory sensitive travelers need masks, especially around construction zones near Bole Road expansion
UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 9) at high altitude with thin atmosphere - sunburn happens in 15 minutes even for darker skin tones
Cool evening temperatures 10-15°C (50-59°F) catch tropical-climate travelers off-guard requiring warm layers most don't pack

Best Activities in November

Entoto Hills Hiking and Monastery Tours

November's dry weather makes the 1,000 m (3,280 ft) climb to Entoto Maryam Church achievable without mud. Clear skies provide 50 km (31 mile) views across Addis. Cool morning temperatures 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour round trip hike that would be unbearable in hot months.

Booking Tip: Start before 7am to avoid afternoon UV intensity. Local guides charge 500-800 birr for half-day trips. Book through hotel concierges or see current tour options in booking section below. Bring minimum 2 liters (0.5 gallons) water.

Merkato Market Deep-Dive Tours

Africa's largest open-air market is most comfortable in November's dry season. No mud, clear pathways, and post-harvest abundance means 40% more variety in spices and textiles. The 13 km (8.1 miles) of market streets are walkable without rain gear, and vendors are more willing to demonstrate traditional weaving and coffee roasting.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost 1,200-1,800 birr including translator guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed cultural tourism operators. See current options in booking section below. Start by 8am before crowds and heat build.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Festival Tours

November marks preparation season for Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany). Churches like this destination conduct special blessing ceremonies and traditional music rehearsals. The dry weather allows 4am-6am morning services without rain disruption, and cool temperatures make the traditional white cotton shawls comfortable.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours focusing on Orthodox traditions cost 800-1,200 birr for morning experiences. Requires advance arrangement through licensed cultural guides who understand religious protocols. See current religious tour options in booking section below.

Blue Nile Gorge Day Trips

The 160 km (99 mile) drive to Blue Nile Gorge is safest in November with dry roads and clear visibility. Water levels are optimal after rainy season end - high enough for dramatic views but not dangerous flooding. Cool morning temperatures make the 300 m (984 ft) descent hike comfortable.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions cost 3,500-5,500 birr including 4WD transport and guide. Book minimum 10 days ahead as dry season increases demand. Licensed operators provide safety equipment for gorge hiking. See current day trip options in booking section below.

Addis Ababa Coffee Culture Walking Tours

November coincides with fresh coffee harvest arrival in city markets. Traditional coffee ceremonies happen outdoors comfortably in 18-22°C (64-72°F) afternoon temperatures. The dry weather allows walking between 8-12 traditional coffee houses in Piassa and Kazanchis districts without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Cultural coffee tours cost 600-1,000 birr for 3-4 hour experiences including multiple ceremony participations. Book through certified cultural tourism guides. See current coffee culture tour options in booking section below. Afternoon tours 2pm-6pm optimal.

Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge Tours

The 105 km (65 mile) mountain drive to Ethiopia is spectacular in November's clear weather with 100 km (62 mile) visibility. Dry conditions make the cliff-edge monastery safe to explore, and cool temperatures 15-20°C (59-68°F) make the historical walking tours comfortable for 3-4 hours.

Booking Tip: Full-day monastery tours cost 2,800-4,200 birr including transport, guide, and entrance fees. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators with mountain driving experience. See current monastery tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Timkat Preparation Ceremonies

Throughout November, Orthodox churches conduct rehearsals and blessing ceremonies preparing for Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany in January). Churches like Raguel and Gabriel hold evening processions with traditional music and incense ceremonies. Locals participate in purification rituals and traditional white clothing blessings.

Mid to Late November

Fresh Coffee Harvest Celebrations

November marks when new coffee harvest arrives in Addis markets from southern growing regions. Neighborhoods hold community coffee ceremonies celebrating the new crop. Traditional roasting demonstrations and blessing ceremonies happen in Merkato and Piassa districts with enhanced social participation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm layers for evenings - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) and highland wind chill makes it feel like 4°C (39°F)

High SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index 9 at 2,355 m (7,726 ft) altitude causes burns in 15 minutes

Dust masks or N95 respirators - dry season dust levels spike, especially around Bole Road construction zones

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for cobblestone streets and uneven market pathways spanning 13+ km (8+ miles)

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional highland mist and morning dew at Entoto Hills elevation

Warm socks and closed shoes for 4am church visits when temperatures hit 6°C (43°F)

Sunglasses with UV protection - reflection off light-colored buildings and dust increases glare significantly

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - dust and market exploration requires frequent hand cleaning

Reusable water bottle minimum 1 liter (34 oz) - high altitude and dry air increase dehydration risk by 40%

Modest long pants and shirts for Orthodox church visits - required for entry to historical sites

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Bole or Kazanchis districts in November - road construction around Merkato area creates 45-minute delays during 7am-9am and 5pm-7pm periods

Carry small denomination birr notes (10, 20, 50) in November as market vendors have limited change due to increased tourist season cash flow

Visit Lucy (Australopithecus) at National Museum between 10am-12pm in November - afternoon lighting through windows creates glare making fossil viewing difficult after 1pm

Learn basic Amharic greetings before November visit - post-harvest season locals are more social and appreciative of cultural effort, leading to 50% better market prices and restaurant service

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - 2,355 m (7,726 ft) elevation causes headaches and fatigue for first 2-3 days, especially when combined with November's dry air

Not bringing warm clothes - many travelers expect tropical weather year-round and suffer in 8°C (46°F) morning temperatures and highland wind chill

Attempting outdoor activities after 11am - November's intense UV index 9 causes dangerous sunburn within 15 minutes, even for those accustomed to equatorial sun