Things to Do in Ethiopia in February

February Weather in Ethiopia

26°C (79°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - clear blue skies with visibility extending 200+ km (124+ miles) for mountain views and photography
Comfortable daytime temperatures of 23-26°C (73-79°F) ideal for hiking and outdoor activities without excessive heat
Minimal rainfall (only 2 rainy days average) means reliable conditions for multi-day treks and outdoor adventures
Low tourist season pricing - accommodation rates 30-40% lower than peak months, with better availability at premium lodges

Considerations

Very cold nights dropping to 8-10°C (46-50°F) in highlands requiring warm sleeping gear and layered clothing
Extreme UV intensity (index 11+) at high altitudes causes rapid sunburn even on cloudy days - sunscreen needs hourly reapplication
Dusty conditions on unpaved roads become more pronounced in dry season, affecting those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in February

Simien Mountains Trekking

February offers the clearest mountain views of the year with visibility extending over 150 km (93 miles). Dry trails make multi-day treks accessible, and you'll encounter Gelada monkeys in their mating season displaying vibrant chest patches. Daytime temperatures of 20-23°C (68-73°F) at altitude are perfect for hiking, though nights drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F).

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during dry season. Multi-day treks typically cost $180-250 per person per day including guide, mule, and camping gear. Ensure operators provide sub-zero rated sleeping bags for February nights. Group size affects pricing significantly.

Danakil Depression Expeditions

February's dry conditions make roads to Erta Ale volcano most accessible, with minimal risk of flash floods blocking routes. Daytime temperatures reach 45-50°C (113-122°F) but the stable weather ensures reliable access to active lava lakes and sulfur formations. Clear skies provide stunning stargazing opportunities during overnight camping.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as tours are weather-dependent. Expect costs of $350-450 per person for 3-day expeditions. Operators must provide military escorts and 4WD vehicles with GPS tracking. Verify comprehensive medical insurance coverage.

Lalibela Church Festivals

February coincides with the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19-20 Ethiopian calendar, creating vibrant religious processions around the rock churches. Clear weather ensures comfortable temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) for exploring the complex without seasonal mud or rain disrupting ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Book accommodation 4-6 weeks ahead for festival periods as occupancy reaches 95%. Day tours typically cost $40-60 including licensed guide. Early morning visits (6-8am) avoid crowds and capture golden light photography. Churches close 12-2pm daily.

Bale Mountains Wildlife Tracking

February's dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, improving sighting opportunities for Ethiopian wolves and mountain nyala. Clear weather provides excellent conditions for the 3,400m (11,155ft) Sanetti Plateau drive, with minimal cloud cover obscuring views of Africa's highest all-weather road.

Booking Tip: Self-drive permits cost $25-35 per vehicle plus $15 park entry. Guided wildlife tours typically $120-180 per day including 4WD transport. Book through Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority-registered guides. Altitude requires acclimatization day.

Omo Valley Cultural Visits

February's dry season makes remote village access easier via improved road conditions. Daytime temperatures of 28-32°C (82-90°F) are manageable for cultural interactions, while clear weather ensures reliable photography conditions for traditional ceremonies and markets that continue year-round.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural tours cost $200-300 per person daily including guide, permits, and accommodation. Book through registered cultural tourism operators who maintain community agreements. Photography fees are additional $5-20 per person per village.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February (January 19-20 Ethiopian calendar)

Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany)

Ethiopia's most significant religious festival featuring elaborate processions, ceremonial baptisms, and traditional music. Each town celebrates differently - Lalibela's ceremonies occur within the rock churches while Addis Ababa's procession covers 8 km (5 miles) through the city center with thousands of participants in white traditional dress.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - fleece jacket for 8-10°C (46-50°F) highland nights plus light cotton for 26°C (79°F) daytime temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude requiring hourly reapplication even through clouds

Dust mask or neck gaiter - unpaved roads generate fine dust that penetrates regular clothing and affects breathing

Insulated water bottle - prevents freezing during highland camping and keeps drinks cool in 45°C (113°F) desert conditions

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common and essential for pre-dawn volcano hikes or early morning wildlife viewing

Prescription altitude sickness medication if visiting areas above 3,000m (9,843ft) - many activities exceed this elevation

Cash in small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10) - ATMs unreliable outside major cities and card acceptance limited

Comfortable hiking boots broken-in beforehand - rocky terrain and 15+ km (9+ mile) daily walking distances are standard

Quick-dry clothing in earth tones - reduces dust visibility and dries rapidly in low humidity conditions

Portable phone charger - cellular towers have limited backup power during regional outages

Insider Knowledge

Ethiopian calendar runs 7-8 years behind Gregorian calendar - February 2025 corresponds to local year 2017, affecting festival dates and official documents

Altitude adjustment takes 48-72 hours - arrive in Addis Ababa (2,355m/7,726ft) two days early before highland activities to avoid severe headaches

Restaurant prices increase 200-300% during Timkat festival week even outside religious centers - stock up on snacks and water beforehand

Fuel shortages affect remote areas in dry season - tour operators should carry extra jerrycans for Danakil and Omo Valley expeditions lasting 3+ days

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - 20°C (36°F) daily variation between day/night requires both summer and winter clothing in same bag

Booking accommodation only in Addis Ababa for multi-region trips - internal flight delays of 4-6 hours are common, requiring buffer days between destinations

Expecting Western-style infrastructure outside major cities - rural areas lack reliable electricity, hot water, and internet connectivity for days at a time