Addis Ababa Weather in May

May: mild, with frequent rain

May feels mild in Addis Ababa, with warm afternoons and cool nights. Rain falls on many days, and cloudy spells can interrupt a visit, so leave room for changes to your plans. The city's museums and cafés work well when showers set in. On drier stretches, explore the National Museum or walk around Piazza.

It's not the best month for long outdoor plans. A wet spell can make a day trip to the Entoto hills less appealing, and views may be clouded over. May is also wetter than April, though June is wetter still.

May holidays and city life

May brings several public holidays: Workers' Day, Patriots' Victory Day, and Derg Downfall Day. Patriots' Victory Day marks Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation. These dates can mean public events and changes to opening hours, so check before heading to a specific museum.

If you hate crowds, May may suit you better than the October-to-March period, which is generally the best time to visit. Visitor demand is often quieter outside that peak season, though holiday events can draw local crowds. Don't count on lower prices everywhere; fares and room rates vary.

Make the most of a wet day

Travelling with kids? Keep a museum visit in reserve for rainy spells, and save open-air plans for breaks in the clouds. The National Museum is a handy choice, with the famous fossil Lucy among its exhibits.

For a local food stop, head to Piazza for injera, the sour flatbread often served with stews. If you're visiting Merkato, Addis Ababa's huge open-air market, expect muddy patches after rain. Take a taxi between the market and other sights rather than relying on a long walk through wet streets.