Things to Do in Ethiopia in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Ethiopia
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transforms the highlands into stunning landscapes - the countryside around Lalibela and Simien Mountains becomes absolutely lush after months of dry weather, with waterfalls at full power and wildflowers covering the hillsides
- Timkat preparations and local festivals - June marks the lead-up to major Orthodox celebrations, with churches practicing ceremonies and communities preparing traditional foods, giving you an authentic window into religious life without the massive tourist crowds of January
- Lower accommodation costs and negotiable prices - June sits firmly in shoulder season, meaning hotels in Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Axum typically discount rates by 20-30% compared to peak season, and you'll actually have leverage to negotiate with guides and drivers
- Comfortable highland temperatures for hiking - daytime temps in the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F), which is genuinely perfect for multi-hour treks without the scorching heat of March-May or the bitter cold of December-January
Considerations
- Rain disrupts travel logistics regularly - afternoon downpours in June can turn unpaved roads to mud, particularly in the Omo Valley and rural areas, meaning scheduled drives might take 2-3 hours longer than planned or get postponed entirely
- Danakil Depression becomes largely inaccessible - temperatures in the Afar region push past 45°C (113°F) during June, and the rainy season makes the already challenging roads nearly impassable, so most reputable operators suspend tours until October
- Photography conditions can be frustrating - the combination of overcast skies, afternoon rain, and high humidity means that golden hour shots are hit-or-miss, and the dramatic blue skies you see in peak season photos just aren't as reliable
Best Activities in June
Simien Mountains trekking routes
June offers ideal hiking temperatures in the 15-20°C (59-68°F) range before the heavier July-August rains arrive. The landscape is green but trails remain mostly passable, and you'll encounter far fewer trekkers than during the October-November rush. Morning hikes typically stay dry, with rain usually holding off until 2-3pm. The endemic Gelada baboons are particularly active in the cooler mornings, and waterfall flows are spectacular without being dangerously high.
Lalibela rock-hewn churches exploration
The June weather actually works in your favor here - morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make the uphill walks between church clusters comfortable, and occasional afternoon clouds provide natural shade in the courtyards. The surrounding countryside is brilliantly green, and you'll have space to actually contemplate these incredible structures without being packed in with tour groups. Local priests have more time for conversations when crowds are thinner.
Addis Ababa cultural immersion and coffee ceremonies
June is actually perfect for exploring the capital - the rain cools things down from the hot dry season, and the city's museums, galleries, and restaurants provide excellent rainy afternoon backup plans. This is peak season for fresh Ethiopian coffee as the previous harvest is still excellent quality. The National Museum, Ethnological Museum, and Red Terror Museum are never crowded in June, and traditional coffee ceremonies in local homes or cultural restaurants happen in covered spaces anyway.
Bale Mountains wildlife tracking
June represents one of the best months for spotting Ethiopian wolves in Bale - the endangered canids are most active in the cooler, wetter conditions, and the Sanetti Plateau's distinctive Afroalpine habitat is at its most vibrant. Morning wildlife drives between 6-9am offer the highest wolf sighting rates before afternoon weather rolls in. The endemic mountain nyala are also more visible in the green season as they venture into open areas to graze.
Gondar castle complex and highland monastery visits
The former imperial capital is genuinely pleasant in June - the castles and Debre Berhan Selassie church are covered structures, so rain doesn't interrupt exploration, and the surrounding gardens are lush. Afternoon showers actually enhance the medieval atmosphere. June crowds are minimal, meaning you can spend quality time with the detailed ceiling paintings at Debre Berhan without being rushed. The nearby Simien Mountains provide dramatic backdrops when clouds break.
Lake Tana island monastery boat tours
June lake conditions are generally calm in mornings before afternoon breezes pick up, making the traditional tankwa boat rides to island monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret comfortable and scenic. The lake's water levels are good without being dangerously high, and the surrounding papyrus marshes are vibrant green. The monastery murals are protected from weather inside, and you'll have these remarkable 16th-century artworks largely to yourself in June.
June Events & Festivals
Kulubi Gabriel Pilgrimage preparations
While the major pilgrimage happens in late December, June marks when churches across Ethiopia begin organizing groups and practicing hymns for this massive Orthodox gathering. In towns like Dire Dawa and Harar, you'll see communities collecting funds, preparing traditional walking staffs, and holding practice ceremonies. It's a fascinating glimpse into the organizational side of Ethiopian Orthodox faith that tourists rarely witness.
Ethiopian New Year planning season
Though Enkutatash itself happens in September, June is when families traditionally begin saving money, planning celebrations, and starting to prepare homes for the new year. Markets in Addis Ababa and regional cities start stocking new year supplies, and you'll notice increased activity around tailors as people order new traditional clothing. This pre-celebration period offers insight into Ethiopian time-keeping and cultural priorities.