Addisababa in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Addisababa

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

140 mm (5.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

End of dry season means crystal-clear mountain views before October rains intensify - perfect for photography at Entoto Hills with visibility up to 50 km (31 miles)
Meskel flower blooms create golden carpets across the city's highlands - September is the only month to see this spectacular natural display
Shoulder season pricing with hotel rates 30-40% lower than peak December-February period, while weather remains largely favorable
Coffee harvest season begins in surrounding regions - fresh crop tastings at local roasteries and opportunity to visit processing stations 2-3 hours outside the city

Considerations

Afternoon showers increase to 3-4 times per week by late September, often lasting 1-2 hours and creating muddy conditions on unpaved roads
Morning fog can reduce visibility until 10am on 40% of days, potentially affecting early flight departures from Bole International Airport
Road conditions to rural attractions like rock churches deteriorate significantly after rain - 4WD recommended for same-day travel after storms

Best Activities in September

Entoto Hills Hiking and Eucalyptus Forest Exploration

September offers the last month of dry-season clarity with panoramic city views extending 50 km (31 miles) on clear mornings. The 3,200m (10,500 ft) elevation provides cool respite from city heat, and eucalyptus groves are at their most fragrant. Morning hikes (7-10am) avoid afternoon showers while capturing golden hour photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Join organized hiking groups departing 7am-8am, typically costing 500-800 birr per person. Book through hotel concierges or local trekking associations. Weather window closes by 2pm most days due to cloud buildup.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony and Roastery Tours

September marks the beginning of Ethiopia's coffee harvest season, making it ideal for experiencing fresh crop tastings. Local roasteries receive their first green beans, and traditional ceremonies feature the year's premium selections. The cooler weather makes the 2-3 hour indoor ceremonies more comfortable than during hot months.

Booking Tip: Book morning sessions (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon rains. Private ceremonies cost 300-600 birr per person, group sessions 150-250 birr. Look for experiences that include green bean selection and roasting process education.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela Day Trips

September's moderate temperatures make the 645 km (401 mile) journey more comfortable, and tourist crowds remain manageable before peak season. Churches are accessible without extreme heat, though road conditions require monitoring after September's increasing rainfall. Early month visits are optimal.

Booking Tip: Fly rather than drive if traveling after September 20th due to road conditions. Domestic flights cost 4,000-6,000 birr return. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead as options are limited. Single-day trips possible but rushed - consider 2-day minimum.

Mercato Market Cultural Immersion

Africa's largest open-air market is most comfortable in September's cooler mornings before 11am. Spice sections offer fresh berbere preparations for the upcoming holiday season, and textile areas showcase traditional clothing for Meskel celebrations. Lower humidity makes the dense market areas more tolerable than summer months.

Booking Tip: Join guided morning tours (8am-11am) costing 400-700 birr per person including cultural explanations and safe navigation. Avoid afternoons due to crowding and potential rain. Guides prevent overcharging and provide cultural context essential for first-time visitors.

Ethiopian Highland Wildlife Spotting

September's clearer skies and moderate temperatures make wildlife viewing optimal in nearby Menagesha Suba Forest and Entoto Natural Park. Endemic gelada monkeys are most active in cooler morning temperatures, and bird migration patterns bring unique September species to highland areas.

Booking Tip: Book early morning departures (6am-7am) for best wildlife activity and weather conditions. Day trips cost 1,200-2,000 birr including transport and guide. Afternoon rains can make forest paths impassable, so morning-only itineraries are essential.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

September cultural calendar includes preparation performances for Meskel festival, offering real feels beyond tourist-oriented shows. Indoor venues provide perfect refuge during afternoon showers, and cooler evenings make traditional restaurants with live music more enjoyable than sweltering summer nights.

Booking Tip: Authentic cultural restaurants with live music charge 300-800 birr per person including dinner and performance. Book evening shows (7pm-10pm) starting early September before Meskel rush. Hotel concierges can arrange cultural center performances for more intimate experiences.

September Events & Festivals

Late September

Meskel Festival Preparations

The finding of the True Cross celebration occurs September 27th (or 28th in leap years). Throughout September, witness traditional preparation including Meskel flower gathering, cross-making workshops, and practice ceremonies. Yellow Meskel daisies bloom specifically for this celebration, creating impressive natural displays across the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy conditions after afternoon rains, especially for Entoto Hills walks and unpaved market areas

Light rain jacket with hood - September showers intensify through the month, lasting 1-2 hours with little warning

Layered clothing for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - mornings require light fleece, afternoons only t-shirt needed

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 2,400m (7,900 ft) elevation despite cooler temperatures

Insect repellent for evening use - September's increased moisture brings mosquitoes after 6pm in garden areas

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestone areas in Hanoi become slippery when wet

Portable umbrella - afternoon showers start suddenly, street shelter is limited in modern areas

Light scarf or shawl - required for church visits and useful for cool morning temperatures

Power bank - frequent power fluctuations during September storms affect charging reliability

Cash in small denominations - September's shoulder season means fewer vendors accept cards than peak tourist months

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Bole or Kazanchis areas rather than Hanoi - better road drainage prevents September flooding that can trap visitors for hours

Schedule important activities before 2pm daily - afternoon rain probability increases from 30% early September to 60% by month's end

Exchange money at hotel rates in September rather than banks - rates are nearly identical, but banks close during storm warnings while hotels remain flexible

Domestic flight delays increase 40% in late September due to mountain weather - book morning flights and avoid tight connections for travel to Ethiopia or other destinations

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm without rain backup - September afternoons see increasing storm frequency that can last 2-3 hours

Packing only summer clothes - morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) at 2,400m (7,900 ft) elevation require warm layers that many tropical travelers forget

Assuming dry season continues through September - weather transitions rapidly after mid-month, catching visitors unprepared for mud season road conditions