September is a good time to visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for several reasons:
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Cultural events: September hosts the annual Meskel Festival, a vibrant celebration that commemorates the finding of the True Cross. This festival showcases traditional Ethiopian music, dance, and religious ceremonies.
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Pleasant weather: Compared to the dry season (November-February), September offers more comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. The average temperature in September ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 24°C (75°F).
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Tourism: The shoulder season (September-October) attracts fewer tourists compared to the peak season (December-April), providing a more relaxed and authentic travel experience.
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Accessibility: International flights to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) are readily available from major cities around the world. The city is also well-connected to other parts of Ethiopia by road and air.
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Combination with other destinations: September is an ideal time to visit Addis Ababa before or after exploring other popular destinations in Ethiopia, such as the Simien Mountains, the Omo Valley, or the Danakil Depression.
Weather In Addis Ababa During September
September Weather in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
September is typically the transition month between the wet and dry seasons in Addis Ababa. The weather is generally pleasant, with decreasing rainfall and more sunshine.
Temperature:
- Average high: 25°C (77°F)
- Average low: 12°C (54°F)
- Daily average: 19°C (66°F)
Rainfall:
- Average monthly rainfall: 100mm (4 inches)
- Number of rainy days: 10-12
Sunshine:
- Average daily sunshine: 8 hours
Humidity:
- Average relative humidity: 50-60%
Other Weather Conditions:
- Wind: Moderate to strong, especially in the afternoons.
- Cloud cover: Variable, with a mix of sunny and cloudy days.
- Visibility: Generally good.
Seasonal Outlook:
September marks the end of the rainy season in Addis Ababa. The weather will gradually become drier and sunnier as the month progresses. By the end of September, the city will typically be experiencing the dry season, with little or no rainfall.
Tips for Visitors:
- Bring comfortable clothing for all types of weather, including layers for the cooler evenings.
- Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case.
- Stay hydrated, as the high altitude can increase the risk of dehydration.
- Apply sunscreen, even on cloudy days, due to the strong UV radiation at high altitudes.
Things To Do In Addis Ababa In September
Events in September in Addis Ababa:
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September 11: Martyr’s Day (Enkutatash), a public holiday commemorating the victory of Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II over Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa. The day is marked with parades, speeches, and cultural performances.
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September 12: Meskel Festival (Meskel Demera), a religious holiday celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to commemorate the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena. Bonfires are lit in churches and homes, and people gather to pray and sing.
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September 27: New Year’s Day (Enkutatash), the beginning of the Ethiopian New Year. The day is celebrated with traditional food, dances, and religious ceremonies.
Unique Things to See:
- Meskel Square: A large open space where the Meskel Festival takes place each year.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral: One of the largest Orthodox Christian churches in the world.
- National Museum of Ethiopia: Houses a vast collection of Ethiopian artifacts, including the renowned Lucy fossil.
- Merkato: The largest open-air market in Africa, a bustling hub of activity.
- Mount Entoto: The highest peak in the surrounding Entoto Mountains, offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa.
Additional Activities:
- Visit historical sites: Explore places like the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Palace, or the Menelik II Mausoleum.
- Attend a traditional coffee ceremony: Experience the unique Ethiopian ritual of coffee making.
- Go shopping: Find local crafts and souvenirs in Merkato or the many boutiques in Bole and Kazanchis.
- Enjoy live music: Head to Habesha 2000 or Fendika Cultural Center for traditional Ethiopian music and dance performances.
- Take a day trip: Visit Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
Tourism In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia During September
Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, offers a vibrant and diverse array of tourist attractions during the month of September. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the city by exploring its many museums, including the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famed hominid fossil “Lucy.” The city’s vibrant art scene showcases the talents of local and international artists, with exhibitions and galleries scattered throughout the city.
Religious sites hold a special significance in Addis Ababa, and visitors can admire the grandeur of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the country, and the Anwar Mosque, a striking landmark in the city’s old quarter. The Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offers a chaotic yet captivating experience, where vendors sell everything from spices and traditional crafts to electronics and clothing.
Beyond the city, day trips to Mount Entoto provide panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the scenic Debre Libanos Monastery, perched on a hilltop overlooking a lush valley. For a taste of Ethiopian cuisine, traditional restaurants serve injera, a spongy flatbread, with a variety of spicy stews and sauces. Coffee ceremonies, an integral part of Ethiopian culture, are performed in many cafes and homes, allowing visitors to experience the unique aroma and flavor of Ethiopian coffee.