Things to Do in Ethiopia in December

December Weather in Ethiopia

26°C (79°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season with minimal rainfall - only 1 rainy day expected in December with crystal clear skies ideal for photography
Cool morning temperatures of 10°C (50°F) make hiking and trekking comfortable before midday heat sets in
Post-harvest season means fresh teff, barley, and berbere spice in markets, plus locals celebrate abundance with traditional feasts
Excellent visibility for Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression - December offers the clearest mountain views of the year with 15+ km (9+ mile) visibility

Considerations

Extreme UV index of 10 at high altitudes requires constant sun protection and limits midday outdoor activities to 2-3 hour windows
Tourist high season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to rainy season, especially in Lalibela and Axum
Dusty conditions from dry Harmattan winds can irritate respiratory systems and reduce air quality in Addis Ababa

Best Activities in December

Simien Mountains Trekking

December's dry conditions create perfect trekking weather with stable trails and no mud. Cool mornings at 10°C (50°F) are ideal for starting multi-day hikes, while clear skies offer unobstructed views of Ras Dashen peak at 4,550m (14,928 ft). Gelada monkeys are most active in cooler temperatures, gathering in large troops near campsites.

Booking Tip: Book mountain permits and guides 14-21 days ahead through Ethiopian Wildlife Authority. Multi-day treks typically cost $85-120 per person per day including guide, cook, and mules. December books out fastest due to optimal conditions.

Lalibela Rock Church Exploration

December's dry weather means the underground tunnels and chambers are completely accessible without flooding concerns. Morning temperatures of 10°C (50°F) make the 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable before afternoon heat. Christmas preparations begin in December, offering glimpses of Orthodox traditions.

Booking Tip: Church entry requires $50 UNESCO site pass. Book accommodations 30+ days ahead as December is peak pilgrimage season. Early morning visits (6-8am) avoid crowds and heat. Licensed guides cost $25-35 per day.

Danakil Depression Salt Mining Tours

December offers the most bearable conditions for visiting one of Earth's hottest places. While still reaching 40°C+ (104°F+) midday, the lack of humidity makes it more tolerable than other months. Salt caravans are most active in dry season, creating authentic cultural encounters with Afar people.

Booking Tip: 3-day expeditions typically cost $450-650 per person including 4WD transport, camping gear, and armed guards (required). Book through Mekelle-based operators 10-14 days ahead. December has highest demand due to accessible roads.

Omo Valley Cultural Visits

Dry season means accessible dirt roads to remote villages and river crossings are possible with standard 4WD vehicles. December coincides with post-harvest celebrations among Mursi, Hamar, and Karo tribes. Morning cultural visits avoid afternoon heat while respecting traditional daily routines.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural tours cost $180-280 per person per day including vehicle, guide, and village fees. Book through Jinka or Arba Minch operators 7-10 days ahead. Expect additional village fees of $5-15 per person per visit.

Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana Monasteries

December represents optimal water levels at Blue Nile Falls - not too low from dry season but not flooded from rains. Lake Tana's monasteries are fully accessible by boat with calm waters and clear skies. Fishing communities are most active in dry season, offering cultural interactions.

Booking Tip: Day boat tours of Lake Tana monasteries cost $45-75 per person including boat and monastery entry fees. Blue Nile Falls entry is $3. Book through Bahir Dar operators 3-5 days ahead. Combined day tours typically cost $80-110.

Bale Mountains Wildlife Tracking

December's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala, and giant mole rats easier to spot. Clear morning conditions at 3,000m+ (9,840ft+) elevation offer excellent photography light and comfortable hiking temperatures.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $25 per person. Wildlife tracking guides cost $35-45 per day. 4WD access to Sanetti Plateau requires park vehicle rental at $80-100 per day. Book through Dinsho headquarters 5-7 days ahead.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Timkat Preparation Ceremonies

December marks the beginning of preparations for Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany). Churches begin rehearsals for ceremonial processions, and traditional white cotton clothes appear in markets. Witness authentic religious preparations without tourist crowds.

Early December

Ethiopian New Year Market Season

Post-harvest abundance fills markets with fresh teff, berbere spice blends, and traditional honey wine (tej). Local families prepare for New Year celebrations with increased market activity and traditional food preparation demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-altitude sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 10 at elevations above 2,500m (8,202 ft)

Layered clothing system: mornings start at 10°C (50°F) but afternoons reach 26°C (79°F) - pack zip-off pants and light fleece

Dust mask or buff: Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities

Insulated sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F): mountain camping temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F) at night

High-quality hiking boots: dry season trails are rocky and uneven, especially in Simien and Bale Mountains

Water purification tablets or UV sterilizer: rural areas have limited bottled water availability during peak tourist season

Cash in small denominations: ATMs are limited outside Addis Ababa, and village fees require exact change

Headlamp with extra batteries: frequent power outages in smaller towns, plus early morning starts for wildlife viewing

Antimalarial medication: still required for lowland areas including Omo Valley despite dry conditions

Cultural respect clothing: long pants and shirts with sleeves for church visits and conservative rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities at 6am - by 11am the sun becomes punishing even in December. Locals take midday rest from noon-3pm, following their lead maximizes comfort.

Buy berbere spice directly from Merkato market in Addis Ababa during December harvest season - it's 60% cheaper than tourist shops and highest quality of the year.

Book domestic flights 2-3 weeks ahead for December travel - Ethiopian Airlines increases frequencies but demand peaks. Lalibela and Bahir Dar routes sell out fastest.

Carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere - even upscale tourist sites often lack basic supplies during high season when facilities are overused.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in December's clear conditions - many visitors skip acclimatization days in Addis Ababa (2,350m/7,710ft) and suffer headaches in higher regions

Assuming dry season means no weather preparation - mountain temperatures drop to near freezing at night, and dust storms can delay flights or road transport

Planning too many destinations in one trip - December's popularity means longer queues, crowded sites, and increased travel times between regions due to tourist traffic