Last updated: August 21, 2025
In December, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia experiences a delightful transition into the dry season. Average temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F), with highs reaching a pleasant 26°C (78°F) and lows dipping to a cool 3°C (37°F). Remarkably, the month records minimal precipitation, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) spread across no rainy days, allowing for plenty of sunshine. With humidity levels at a comfortable 67%, December offers an ideal climate for exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this captivating city.
In December, Addis Ababa experiences a gentle decline in temperatures as the year comes to a close. The city's minimum temperature hovers around 3°C (37°F), providing a crispness in the air, while the average remains steady at 15°C (59°F), perfect for outdoor exploration. Max temperatures peak at 26°C (78°F), making the days pleasantly warm. This consistent pattern reflects the city's overall moderate climate throughout the year. As the festive season approaches, the cool evenings invite cozy gatherings, while the warm afternoons offer a delightful backdrop for enjoying the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Ethiopia's capital.
In Addis Ababa, December marks a significant transition in the precipitation pattern, mirroring the dry start to the new year. With only 3 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall and no rainy days recorded, December stands in stark contrast to the intense wet months that precede it, particularly from June through August, when the city experiences its heaviest downpours. The late rainy season, characterized by a surge in precipitation, culminates in remarkable totals of 329 mm (13.0 in) in June and peaks at 407 mm (16.0 in) in August. As the year winds down, the sharp decline to almost no precipitation underscores a notable reduction in rain, as Addis Ababa prepares for drier months ahead, setting the stage for a distinct seasonal rhythm that influences the region’s climate and ecology.
December in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia marks the onset of a notable fluctuation in humidity levels as the year concludes. With a humidity level of 67%, December experiences a substantial drop from the peak months of July and August, where humidity soared to an impressive 83% and 88%, respectively. This progressive decline begins after the lush rains of May, where humidity averages 66%. As the dry season approaches, a noticeable decrease is observed through the months of January to March, ultimately reaching its nadir in March at just 34%. However, by December, the air retains a moderate moisture content, reflecting the transitional climate of this vibrant city, balancing between the prior heavy rainfall and the upcoming dry months ahead.
In December, Addis Ababa experiences a UV Index of 12, maintaining its classification in the extreme exposure category, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This slight dip from November's UV Index of 13 reflects the city's relatively consistent levels of solar radiation throughout the year, where values often peak between February and August, hitting a high of 16. Despite December's minor decrease, the need for sun protection remains critical, as residents and visitors should stay vigilant against the potentially harmful effects of intense UV rays. For more insights on sun safety in the region, check out the Addis Ababa UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In December, Addis Ababa basks in a generous 342 hours of sunshine, beautifully wrapping up the year's sunlit journey. The trend of increasingly longer daylight hours is evident, with December's sunshine slightly tapering off from the year’s peak of 349 hours in March but still outshining several months. As the city transitions into the dry season, December offers a warm farewell to the year, setting the perfect stage for a bright and hopeful start to January. This month acts as a gentle reminder that while days may grow shorter in winter, the sun continues to grace Ethiopia with its golden embrace.
December in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brings a notable shift in weather patterns, showcasing a healthy 68% chance of sunny weather. This month stands out, reminiscent of November's 72% sunshine, but with a slight decline. After a series of increasingly overcast months from May to September, December serves as a refreshing transition, hinting at the emerging sunny days ahead. The trend suggests a return to brighter skies, making December a promising time for those seeking warmth and radiance in the heart of Ethiopia, especially as the sunshine paves the way for the vibrant new year ahead.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the pattern of daylight duration throughout the year reveals a fascinating rhythm influenced by its equatorial position. In the winter months of December, January, and February, the city enjoys 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent 11-hour window for both productivity and leisure. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that persists through the rainy months from April to September. This extended daylight fosters an energizing atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities. However, as October rolls in, daylight begins to taper again, returning to 11 hours by November and maintaining that duration through December. This cyclical trend highlights the balance between shorter and longer days, offering residents a diverse experience of light throughout the year.
In December, the wind in Addis Ababa picks up slightly, maintaining an average speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), which aligns with the levels seen in November. This marks a subtle shift as the year draws to a close, following a gradual increase from the calmer winds of August and September, which averaged around 1.4 m/s to 1.3 m/s. While the winds remain relatively gentle throughout the year, the coming of December brings a refreshing consistency that complements the city's vibrant atmosphere. As the dry season approaches, these light breezes provide a pleasant contrast to the warmer daytime temperatures, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the city's bustling end-of-year activities.
Weather in Addis Ababa varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Addis Ababa, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather maintains a mild temperature range, with minimums reaching 3°C (37°F) and maximums capping at 26°C (78°F), while averaging around 15°C (59°F). This month experiences no significant precipitation and a relatively high humidity level of 67%. In contrast, January presents slightly cooler nights with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), but maintains a similar average temperature of 15°C (59°F) and a slightly warmer maximum of 27°C (81°F). Like December, January also witnesses negligible precipitation at 3 mm (0.1 in) and enjoys lower humidity at 50%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Addis Ababa weather in January.
In December, the weather is generally mild with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). This month is characterized by low precipitation of just 3 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, along with relatively high humidity at 67%. In contrast, February experiences slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average temperature of 17°C (62°F). However, February sees an increase in precipitation to 22 mm (0.9 in) over four days and lower humidity at 41%. For more detailed information, you can check Addis Ababa weather in February.
When comparing the weather in December and March, notable differences emerge. December typically presents a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) and averaging around 15°C (59°F). This month sees little precipitation, averaging only 3 mm, and low humidity at 67%. In contrast, March experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). However, it also brings significantly more precipitation, totaling 37 mm over about 8 rainy days, and notably lower humidity at 34%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in March, you can visit Addis Ababa weather in March.
December and April present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a mild 3°C (37°F) at night to a warm 26°C (78°F) during the day, with an average of 15°C (59°F) and very little precipitation, just 3 mm over the month and no rainy days, resulting in a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, April experiences significantly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). However, this month is marked by heavy rainfall, accumulating 161 mm over 15 rainy days, leading to a lower humidity of 43%. For more detailed information, check out Addis Ababa weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging just 3 mm (0.1 in) over no rainy days, alongside a humidity level of 67%. In stark contrast, May sees higher temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum that reaches 28°C (84°F). However, May is significantly wetter, recording 221 mm (8.7 in) of precipitation across 16 days, while maintaining a humidity level similar to December at 66%. For more detailed information, you can check Addis Ababa weather in May.
In December, the weather is generally mild with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), characterized by low precipitation of only 3 mm (0.1 in) and consistent sunny days, boasting a higher humidity level of 67%. In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer conditions with an average temperature between 9°C (49°F) and 28°C (83°F), but it also brings significant rainfall, with 329 mm (13.0 in) spread over 24 days, resulting in a humidity level of 60%. This stark difference highlights December's dry and mild climate compared to June's humid and wet weather. For more specific information on June weather, you can refer to Addis Ababa weather in June.
In December, the weather in Addis Ababa is mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). This month experiences minimal precipitation, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) recorded across 0 days and humidity at a comfortable 67%. In contrast, July is considerably wetter and cooler, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C (50°F) to a high of 22°C (73°F), maintaining the same average of 15°C (59°F). The month sees substantial rainfall, totaling 386 mm (15.2 in) over 31 days, alongside higher humidity levels at 83%. For more detailed information, you can check out Addis Ababa weather in July.
When comparing the weather between December and August, it's clear that December offers much milder conditions. The minimum temperature in December is a cool 3°C (37°F), while August starts at a relatively warmer minimum of 10°C (50°F). Both months have an average temperature of around 15°C (59°F), but December reaches a maximum of 26°C (78°F), significantly warmer than August's peak of 22°C (72°F).
In terms of precipitation, December is remarkably dry, receiving just 3 mm (0.1 in) with no rainy days, whereas August is extremely wet with an average of 407 mm (16.0 in) of rain over 31 days. This noticeable difference in humidity also emphasizes the contrast, with December at 67% and August at a much more humid 88%. For more detailed information about August weather, you can check this link: Addis Ababa weather in August.
In December, the weather in the region tends to be quite mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) and an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation, receiving only 3 mm (0.1 in) over 0 days and maintaining a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, September is much wetter and cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while the average temperature is slightly higher at 15°C (60°F). September experiences significant rainfall, with 305 mm (12.0 in) across 27 days, resulting in higher humidity at 81%. For more detailed information, check out Addis Ababa weather in September.
In comparing December and October weather, December tends to be milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), while October shows slightly cooler minimum temperatures at 5°C (41°F) and a narrower range, with a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Notably, December experiences significantly lower precipitation, only 3 mm (0.1 in) over the month and no rainy days, in stark contrast to October's 65 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall spread across 7 days. Additionally, December's humidity averages at 67%, which is lower than October's average of 78%. For those interested in the specifics of October's weather patterns, you can find more information here: Addis Ababa weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, both months showcase similar temperature ranges, with December experiencing slightly higher maximum temperatures at 26°C (78°F) compared to November's 25°C (77°F). Notably, December offers a drier climate, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over no rainy days, while November sees 15 mm (0.6 in) across three days of rain. Additionally, the humidity decreases from November's 79% to December's 67%, making December feel a bit more comfortable overall. For a more detailed look at November's conditions, check out the Addis Ababa weather in November.
As the year draws to a close, December in Addis Ababa presents a refreshing shift in weather, marked by pleasantly mild temperatures and remarkable dryness. With an average temperature around 15°C, it contrasts dramatically with the warmer months, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities without the burden of humidity or heavy rainfall. This month stands out with its striking lack of precipitation, making it an ideal time for exploring the city's vibrant culture and surroundings. To learn more about the year-round climate in this captivating city, visit Addis Ababa Climate.