Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 meters above sea level, giving it a mild, spring-like climate year-round despite being just 9 degrees north of the equator.

The city experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the main rains arriving June through September and requiring waterproof layers that most tropical cities never need.

Temperatures hover between 10°C and 25°C throughout the year, with chilly mornings and evenings that catch lowland visitors off guard.

Low humidity and intense high-altitude sun create deceptive conditions where you'll shiver in the shade and burn within twenty minutes of direct exposure.

The combination of elevation and eucalyptus-scented air means you'll want a proper jacket for evenings, not the flimsy cardigan that suffices in coastal Africa.