Addis Ababa
Capital of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and home to about 5.7 million people. Visitors come to explore its historic palaces, cathedrals, and museums.
What to see
The city features several significant landmarks. Notable religious and administrative sites include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. George's Cathedral, and the Medhane Alem Cathedral. Architecture and history enthusiasts can visit the National Palace, Menelik Palace, the Ethiopian Parliament Building, and the Africa Hall. Other points of interest include the National Museum of Ethiopia, the National Archives and Library of Ethiopia, the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum, the Monument to the Lion of Judah, and the Tiglachin Monument.
When to go
The driest months are November, December, and January, which see minimal rainfall and daily highs around 20 °C to 21 °C. Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, with highs ranging from 19 °C to 22 °C. Rainfall increases significantly from June through September, with July and August recording the highest precipitation levels, often exceeding 270 mm across nearly every day of the month.
Getting there
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is located 8 km from the city center, providing direct access for travelers arriving by air.
Top sights in Addis Ababa
Weather by month
The warmest month is March, with an average high of 22 °C. The wettest is August, with about 283 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 |
| Average low, °C | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Rainfall, mm | 14 | 33 | 71 | 88 | 75 | 141 | 278 | 283 | 150 | 35 | 8 | 8 |
| Rainy days | 3 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 16 | 23 | 30 | 29 | 24 | 9 | 4 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Addis Ababa (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Africa Hall
- Ethiopian Parliament Building
- Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa
- Monument to the Lion of Judah
- National Archives and Library of Ethiopia
- National Museum of Ethiopia
- Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
- St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa
- Tiglachin Monument