Addis Ababa Weather in May
Ethiopia · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Addis Ababa sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 10.2°C (50.4°F) to a high of 22.6°C (72.7°F), with a mean of 16.2°C (61.2°F). Compared to the annual average of 14.8°C (58.6°F), this month is 1.4°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 99.9mm, making it approximately 14.0mm drier than the monthly average of 114.0mm. The city receives an average of 11.1 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 65.1%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 15.6 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.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 16.1°C (61.0°F) | 16.2°C (61.2°F) | 15.2°C (59.4°F) |
| Rainfall | 121.4mm | 99.9mm | 159.7mm |
| Sunshine | 10.3 hrs | 11.1 hrs | 10.7 hrs |
| Humidity | 66.4% | 65.1% | 73.4% |
| Wind | 14.6 km/h | 15.6 km/h | 14.0 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 21.8 | 20.2 | 26.6 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Addis Ababa in May, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Addis Ababa in May?
The average temperature in Addis Ababa during May ranges from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F), with a mean of 16.2°C (61.2°F).
How much does it rain in Addis Ababa in May?
Addis Ababa receives an average of 99.9mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 20.2 rainy days.
What should I pack for Addis Ababa in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Addis Ababa?
May is a good time to visit Addis Ababa, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Addis Ababa
Cities with Similar May 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.