Axum

City in Ethiopia

Axum
Photo: A.Savin, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons

Axum is a city in Ethiopia with a population of about 94,500. Located 565 km from the capital, Addis Ababa, it is known for its significant historical sites.

What to see

The city features several notable landmarks. Visitors can view the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion and the ancient Ezana Stone. Additionally, the site of Dungur is available to explore.

When to go

The dry season, lasting from October to March, offers the most pleasant conditions for travel. During these months, daily highs range from 24 °C to 28 °C, and rainfall is minimal, occurring on only 1 to 2 days per month. The rainy season begins in April and peaks in July and August, when rainfall is frequent, occurring on 20 to 25 days per month. Temperatures are also cooler during the wettest months, with daily highs dropping to 22 °C in July and August.

Getting there

Axum is accessible via Axum Airport, which is located 5 km from the city center. For international connections, Djibouti-Ambouli Airport in Djibouti City is 558 km away.

Top sights in Axum

  1. Church of Our Lady Mary of ZionChurch of Our Lady Mary of Zion
  2. Ezana StoneEzana Stone
  3. DungurDungur

Weather by month

The warmest month is April, with an average high of 28 °C. The wettest is August, with about 256 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C252728282826222224252424
Average low, °C910121314131313111098
Rainfall, mm4319345288238256942293
Rainy days1116712202514621

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Axum (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Other cities in Ethiopia