Bahir Dar

Ethiopia Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Ethiopia in January.

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Addis Ababa Bahir Dar Lalībela Gonder

Considering a trip to Ethiopia this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Ethiopia in January

January in Ethiopia generally has temperatures that range from pleasant to warm, with precipitation levels ranging from almost none to moderate.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from pleasant in Goba at 19°C (66°F) to warm in Adama at 28°C (82°F). At night it cools down to 13°C (55°F) in Adama and 8°C (46°F) in Goba.

For specific regional insights in Ethiopia, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From almost no rainfall in Bahar Dar with an average of 4.1 mm (0.2 in) to moderate rainfall in Sanetti Plateau with 73 mm (2.9 in).

Average sunshine

Many locations offer abundant sunshine during this month. For instance, Addis Ababa enjoys approximately 270 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Ethiopia by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Ethiopia — and find the best time to visit. (based on Addis Ababa)

January24°C (75°F) February25°C (77°F) March26°C (79°F) April25°C (77°F) May25°C (77°F) June23°C (73°F) This monthJuly21°C (70°F) August21°C (70°F) September21°C (70°F) October23°C (73°F) November24°C (75°F) December24°C (75°F)
Best Time to Visit Ethiopia →

Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Ethiopia.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Ethiopia

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Ethiopia?

Temperature range in Ethiopia (January)

Precipitation variation in Ethiopia (January)

Addis Ababa

In January Addis Ababa generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
280 hours
270 hours
238 hours
Monthly rainfall
7.6 mm (0.3 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
4 days
5 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Addis Ababa →

Bahir Dar

In January Bahir Dar generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
4.7 mm (0.2 in)
4.2 mm (0.2 in)
4.8 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
2 days
2 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Bahir Dar →

Lalībela

In January Lalībela generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly rainfall
7.9 mm (0.3 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
20 mm (0.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
2 days
3 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Lalībela →

Gonder

In January Gonder generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
27°C (81°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
11°C (52°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly rainfall
5.5 mm (0.2 in)
5.7 mm (0.2 in)
6.4 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
2 days
2 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Gonder →

Debre Zeyit

In January Debre Zeyit generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly sun hours
280 hours
270 hours
238 hours
Monthly rainfall
3.8 mm (0.1 in)
8.5 mm (0.3 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
3 days
4 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Debre Zeyit →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Ethiopia.

In our records: Ethiopia January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Ethiopia in our climate database (2005 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest January night in Ethiopia dropped to 0°C (32°F) in Addis Ababa on January 7, 2017.
  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in Ethiopia was 12°C (54°F) in Mekelle on January 1, 2018.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Ethiopia in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Addis Ababa 24°C (75°F) 9°C (48°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Bahir Dar 27°C (81°F) 15°C (59°F) 4.2 mm (0.2 in)
Lalībela 24°C (75°F) 10°C (50°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Gonder 27°C (81°F) 11°C (52°F) 5.7 mm (0.2 in)
Debre Zeyit 26°C (79°F) 11°C (52°F) 8.5 mm (0.3 in)
Adama 28°C (82°F) 13°C (55°F) 7.8 mm (0.3 in)

Ethiopia weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Ethiopia in January?

In January, Ethiopia generally has perfect weather conditions. Addis Ababa sees daytime temperatures near 24°C (75°F), with nights cooling to roughly 9°C (48°F).

What is the average temperature in Ethiopia in January?

Daytime temperatures in Addis Ababa peak at roughly 24°C (75°F) in January, dropping to about 9°C (48°F) overnight.

Does Ethiopia get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa averages only about 18 mm (0.7 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Ethiopia?

We consider January to be one of the best times to travel to Ethiopia. Typically, the climate in Addis Ababa is perfect. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, January, February, March, October, November and December provide perfect weather in Addis Ababa. In contrast, June, July, August and September tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Ethiopia.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Ethiopia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Ethiopia.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.

One of the best-kept secrets in East Africa: The Tigray rock churches

In Tigray, Ethiopia you can find more than 120 hidden rock churches. To get to most of these churches you have to hike up into the mountains, where you will find hidden 1600-year-old churches that have been preserved by the monks and priests.

Must visit in Ethiopia →