Addis Ababa Weather in December
Ethiopia · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Addis Ababa sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 7.5°C (45.5°F) to a high of 21.1°C (70.0°F), with a mean of 14.0°C (57.2°F). Compared to the annual average of 14.8°C (58.6°F), this month is 0.8°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 1.2mm, making it approximately 113.0mm drier than the monthly average of 114.0mm. This is the driest month of the year, with just 1.2mm of precipitation. The city receives an average of 10.9 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 53.8%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 15.2 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Addis Ababa, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Addis Ababa's altitude of 2,355 meters creates a subtropical highland climate with comfortable temperatures year-round. I've studied the data and found that the city experiences two rainy seasons, with the main rains from June to September. The best time for visiting is October to May, when the weather is drier and the city's cultural attractions are most accessible.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 14.1°C (57.4°F) | 14.0°C (57.2°F) | 14.5°C (58.1°F) |
| Rainfall | 4.8mm | 1.2mm | 7.4mm |
| Sunshine | 11.3 hrs | 10.9 hrs | 10.9 hrs |
| Humidity | 57.6% | 53.8% | 56.3% |
| Wind | 16.8 km/h | 15.2 km/h | 15.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 4.6 | 1.6 | 6.8 |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Addis Ababa in December, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Addis Ababa in December?
The average temperature in Addis Ababa during December ranges from 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 21.1°C (70.0°F), with a mean of 14.0°C (57.2°F).
How much does it rain in Addis Ababa in December?
Addis Ababa receives an average of 1.2mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 1.6 rainy days. This is the driest month of the year.
What should I pack for Addis Ababa in December?
Based on December weather data, pack warm layers, a medium jacket, and waterproof outerwear.
Is December a good time to visit Addis Ababa?
December is a cooler month, suitable for travelers who prefer mild weather and fewer crowds. Pack warm layers and enjoy indoor attractions.
Other Months for Addis Ababa
Cities with Similar December Climate (Subtropical Highlands)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 9.03°, 38.75°. Timezone: Africa/Addis_Ababa. Last updated: 2026-07-30.