Weather: Addis Ababa — May
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
☔ Climate Overview
May is a wet time to visit Addis Ababa. Warm weather with highs of 24°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.
Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options
24°C
12°C
13days
12.5h
177mm
10.7h/day
66%
Humid8.7
Very High12 km/h (gusts 30)
Is May a good time to visit Addis Ababa?
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
Now
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Air Quality
Travel Context
- CrowdsVery Quiet
- Travel Costs Shoulder Rates
Daylight
06:06
18:38
Visiting Addis Ababa in May: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
- Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
- Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
Cons
- Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential
Things to Do in May
Events & Festivals
Recommended for This Weather
Addis Ababa Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain | Sunshine | Humidity | UV Index | Crowds | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C | 9°C | 1d (4mm) | 10.8h | 56% Moderate | 8.7 Very High | | Excellent |
| Feb | 24°C | 10°C | 2d (9mm) | 10.8h | 51% Moderate | 9.3 Very High | | Excellent |
| Mar | 24°C | 12°C | 10d (82mm) | 10.7h | 57% Moderate | 9.2 Very High | | Good |
| Apr | 24°C | 12°C | 14d (122mm) | 10.6h | 63% Moderate | 9 Very High | | Wet |
| May Current | 24°C | 12°C | 13d (177mm) | 10.7h | 66% Humid | 8.7 Very High | | Wet |
| Jun | 22°C | 12°C | 21d (245mm) | 10.2h | 77% Humid | 7.7 Very High | | Wet |
| Jul | 20°C | 12°C | 31d (404mm) | 8.5h | 88% Very Humid | 6.4 High | | Wet |
| Aug | 20°C | 12°C | 31d (431mm) | 9.1h | 88% Very Humid | 7 High | | Wet |
| Sep | 20°C | 11°C | 27d (328mm) | 10.2h | 85% Very Humid | 8 Very High | | Wet |
| Oct | 21°C | 10°C | 8d (84mm) | 10.8h | 68% Humid | 8.8 Very High | | Excellent |
| Nov | 22°C | 8°C | 1d (7mm) | 10.7h | 58% Moderate | 8.9 Very High | | Excellent |
| Dec | 22°C | 8°C | 1d (2mm) | 10.7h | 56% Moderate | 8.6 Very High | | Excellent |
Addis Ababa
Ethiopian capital with ancient artifacts, coffee ceremonies, Merkato market, highland churches, and gateway to Lalibela's rock-hewn wonders.
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What to Pack for May
Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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More Addis Ababa Guides
Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Addis Ababa: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.