Weather in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
April
Avg Temp
23°C
Rain Days
14 days
Sun Hours
11 hrs
Humidity
82%
Africa › 🇪🇹 Ethiopia › Addis Ababa
Updated: March 2026
Is April a Good Time to Visit Addis Ababa?
5/10
Fair
April is a fair time to visit Addis Ababa (5/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 14 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 4th sunniest of the year in Addis Ababa. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find April a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. May offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Addis Ababa's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
vs March:23°C avg high
Addis Ababa's April weather is shaped by atmospheric forces that make the data more than just numbers. The 23°C average high reflects a transitional pressure pattern where mid-latitude westerlies alternately bring mild maritime air and cooler polar intrusions. As a result, 11 daily sunshine hours are recorded on average, and rainfall of 132mm is distributed across approximately 14 days because precipitation events tend to be frequent but short-lived.
23°C
73°F
Avg High
11°C
52°F
Avg Low
14 days
132 mm total
Rain Days
11h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
Temperature in Addis Ababa in April
The 12°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 23°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Winds are calm at an average 14 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 73°F average high, 52°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Addis Ababa in April
Morning11°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon23°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening14°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Addis Ababa in April means dressing for 23°C days and 11°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 23°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evenings drop 12°C to around 11°C, a notable shift that catches underprepared visitors off guard. Pack a dedicated evening layer. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 14 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Layers are more practical than a single heavy garment in Addis Ababa. The day-to-evening temperature shift rewards packing a versatile mid-layer you can add or remove as conditions change.
Events in Addis Ababa in April
April has no major festivals or public holidays in Addis Ababa, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Addis Ababa in April
Based on 23°C average highs and 14 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Addis Ababa in April
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 23°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)April is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 14 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningApril brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmApril seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year
Why is Addis Ababa mild in April?
In April, Addis Ababa sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 23°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 11°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addis Ababa in April
In April, Addis Ababa experiences average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Expect around 14 rainy days and 11 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 12°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Addis Ababa typically sees 14 rainy days in April, with total precipitation of around 132mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Addis Ababa typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than April.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Addis Ababa in April. Daytime temperatures of 23°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 11°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 14 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
April is a reasonable time to visit Addis Ababa. Expect 14 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 23°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 11 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Addis Ababa in April is 23°C (73°F), and the average low is 11°C (52°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 17°C (63°F). The day-to-night range of 12°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Addis Ababa is generally January. January offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 3 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 22°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around January gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
April is shoulder or low season in Addis Ababa, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 11 sunshine hours and 14 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In April, Addis Ababa suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 23°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 11 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
April ranks 4th sunniest of the year in Addis Ababa, with an average 11 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are December, November, and January. February is the hottest month (23°C avg high); July is the coolest (19°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into May. Compared to last month (March: 23°C high, 10 rain days), April is similarly warm and wetter. April sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Addis Ababa, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 9°C | 3 | 11h | View |
| February | 23°C | 10°C | 5 | 11h | View |
| March | 23°C | 11°C | 10 | 11h | View |
| April | 23°C | 11°C | 14 | 11h | View |
| May | 23°C | 11°C | 14 | 11h | View |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 23 | 10h | View |
| July | 19°C | 11°C | 31 | 9h | View |
| August | 19°C | 11°C | 31 | 10h | View |
| September | 20°C | 10°C | 25 | 11h | View |
| October | 20°C | 8°C | 7 | 11h | View |
| November | 21°C | 8°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| December | 21°C | 8°C | 1 | 11h | View |
January
3 rain days, 11h sun
22°9°
February
5 rain days, 11h sun
23°10°
March
10 rain days, 11h sun
23°11°
April
14 rain days, 11h sun
23°11°
May
14 rain days, 11h sun
23°11°
June
23 rain days, 10h sun
21°11°
July
31 rain days, 9h sun
19°11°
August
31 rain days, 10h sun
19°11°
September
25 rain days, 11h sun
20°10°
October
7 rain days, 11h sun
20°8°
November
2 rain days, 11h sun
21°8°
December
1 rain days, 11h sun
21°8°
Other Months in Addis Ababa
Plan Your Trip to Addis Ababa
Data Sources for Addis Ababa
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.