Addis Ababa Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Addis Ababa. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Addis Ababa experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1801 mm of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, August receives substantial rainfall, averaging 398 mm of precipitation, recorded across 13 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, December brings less rainfall, with 7.6 mm over 3 rainy days.

August, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 21°C. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 24°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Addis Ababa Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Ethiopia

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Ethiopia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Addis Ababa’s average annual precipitation is 1801 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages [964 mm], with snowy winters and rainy summers.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
• Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

For more detailed information about Addis Ababa’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Addis Ababa Climate page.