January weather forecast
Ethiopia

January falls within Ethiopia's Bega season, which is known as the driest period of the year. During this month, rainfall is minimal throughout the country, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.

In the capital city, Addis Ababa, which sits at an altitude of 2,355 meters, temperatures are typically mild with highs averaging 23°C (73.4°F) and lows hovering near 7°C (44.6°F). January is known as one of the coldest months in Addis Ababa, so it is advisable for visitors to pack layers.

Contrastingly, the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on earth, experiences extreme heat even in January. The temperatures can soar from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F), making it challenging for travelers. However, those interested in seeing this unique lunar-like landscape should be prepared for the extreme heat.

In comparison to the temperatures in December, January can be slightly cooler, particularly in the highland regions, as this is the middle of the Bega, or winter season. February tends to be similar to January in terms of temperatures and precipitation across the country, as it is still part of the dry season. However, as one progresses towards the end of February, signs of the short rainy season, Belg, can begin to appear, particularly in the highland areas.

The city of Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches and situated in the highlands, typically experiences temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) in January. Despite being one of the colder months of the year, the skies generally remain clear, offering excellent conditions for exploring these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Over in the Semien Mountains, January is a popular time for trekking due to the cooler temperatures (usually between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F)) and low rainfall. However, nights can be very cold, often dropping below freezing, so suitable clothing is necessary for those planning a trip here.

In the southern city of Arba Minch, known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife, January sees warm temperatures from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F). The weather in this part of the country contrasts with the chill of the highlands, offering a different perspective of Ethiopia's climatic diversity.

In the Omo Valley, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and tribal communities, January experiences warm to hot conditions, with temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Despite the heat, this is a favorable time to visit due to the minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine.

January offers a broad spectrum of weather conditions across Ethiopia due to its varied topography and altitudes. It is advisable for visitors to research their specific destinations within the country to prepare adequately for the local weather conditions.

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• Addis Ababa - January »
  January through May, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. January through May, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Dire Dawa - January »
  In Dire Dawa in January, it is raining for 2 days, with typically 15mm (0.59") of accumulated precipitation. In Dire Dawa the average relative humidity in January is 43.9%.
• Bahir Dar - January »
  January and February are months with the least rain in Bahir Dar when the rain falls for 1 days and typically aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of rain. January and February are months with the least rain in Bahir Dar when the rain falls for 1 days and typically aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of rain.
• Gondar - January »
  Gondar experiences a subtle adjustment in high-temperatures to a still moderately hot 26.7°C (80.1°F) with the onset of January, maintaining near parity with December's 25.3°C (77.5°F). January through May, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Gondar, Ethiopia.
• Adama - January »
  As December turns into January in Adama, the average high-temperatures rest at a still moderately hot 27°C (80.6°F), showing a minor variation from the prior month. On the first day of January in Adama, sunrise is at 06:37 and sunset at 18:15.
• Jimma - January »
  In Jimma during January, the rain falls for 5 days and regularly aggregates up to 40mm (1.57") of precipitation. With the onset of January, Jimma's average high-temperature clocks in at a still moderately hot 28°C (82.4°F), showing a minor fluctuation from the previous month.
• Jijiga - January »
  January's weather in Jijiga displays an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 25.8°C (78.4°F), slightly varied from December's 25.6°C (78.1°F). Jijiga experiences a significant reduction from daytime highs with an average low-temperature of 7.1°C (44.8°F) in January.
• Mek'ele - January »
  On the first day of January, sunrise is at 06:44 and sunset at 18:05. On the first day of January, sunrise is at 06:44 and sunset at 18:05.
• Harar - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Harar is January, when the rain falls for 3.5 days and typically collects 5mm (0.2") of precipitation. In Harar, in January, it is raining for 3.5 days, with typically 5mm (0.2") of accumulated precipitation.
• Sodo - January »
  Cooler temperatures provide a welcome respite from the typical tropical heat, making January a pleasant time for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Sodo. January through April in Sodo, Ethiopia, are characterised by peak temperatures, with an average high of 18°C (64.4°F).