September sees the rains tapering off toward the end of the month, with landscapes still wet and rivers running high. Meskel brings major local festivities and is an interesting cultural time to visit.
Bernard Gagnon derivative work: ויקיג'אנקי CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Ethiopia in September.
Tigray, Amhara, Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Gondar
September sees the gradual tapering of the Kiremt rains; late-month skies begin to clear and terraces around Gondar and Bahir Dar show the full green revival. Trails dry slowly so early month hikes remain wet underfoot; by late September you can start to enjoy clearer summit views on drier days. Festival crowds start to build toward Meskel (end of September) in towns like Lalibela and Gondar, so book ahead if attending.
Addis Ababa, Debre Birhan, Adama, Awash
September brings a slow end to the heavy rains and a gradual drying across the central highlands; by late month the Rift escarpment clears enough for long views. Road repair and clearing are common as communities recover from the wet season, so allow extra travel time. The color return to farmland makes scenic drives especially rewarding; sleep with fewer layers as nights warm slightly.
Bale, Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Harenna Forest
September begins drying out slowly; by late month the plateau sees fewer storms and visibility improves for longer day hikes, while the coffee zones start to prepare for harvest. Road conditions improve but still expect lingering muddy patches on unpaved tracks. Nights cool quickly at altitude, so keep warm layers for evening after a day of trekking in strong daytime sun.
Arba Minch, Jinka, Konso, Omo River
September sees the start of the drying phase as Kiremt eases and roads gradually become more reliable; by late month some villages reopen to visitors who had been inaccessible during the peak rains. The countryside remains green and lakes around Arba Minch are still high, offering excellent boat safaris. This is a good time to resume tribal visits before the peak dry season crowds and to enjoy comfortable evenings without heavy rains.
Afar Depression, Danakil Depression, Mille, Dire Dawa, Somali border
September sees the beginning of a gradual cooldown from the extreme highs of mid-year, though the Afar and Danakil remain very hot during the daytime and nights are warmer than in the highlands. Dust storms may ease and late afternoons become more comfortable for short excursions. This is still a specialist-season for travel - adequate acclimatization and trusted local operators remain non-negotiable.
Gambela, Benishangul-Gumuz, Metekel, Blue Nile headwaters
September starts the gradual drying trend with river levels slowly falling and tracks becoming firmer; wildlife patterns begin returning to more predictable habits around exposed riverbanks. By late month roads improve enough for expanded overland travel and some lodges reopen fully after the rains. Carry protective clothing against residual humidity and mosquitoes as the landscape transitions from saturated to drying.
Meskel (September 27) celebrates the finding of the True Cross with large public bonfires and church ceremonies, especially in Addis Ababa and northern towns.
See how September compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.