Ethiopia
is pretty pleasant all year round, with temperatures in Addis Ababa
averaging around 20°C (68°F) no matter what the season. Early October,
just after the rains is a particularly good time to visit. The country
is wonderfully green, the wildflowers are stunning and there are fewer
visitors. Trekking during this time is especially sublime, though it's
pretty amazing throughout the entire dry season (October through
mid-March).
The rainy season in most of the country is from
mid-June to the end of September. If you're planning to visit the Lower
Omo Valley, avoid April, May and October, when rains are heaviest and
roads are impassable. Finally, you'd do well to coincide with one of
Ethiopia's very colourful festivals, particularly Timkat or Meskel. Be
aware, however, that domestic flights and hotels often fill up far in
advance of Ethiopian festivals and European Christmas.
