Things to Do in Ethiopia in March

March Weather in Ethiopia

24°C (75°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

63mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - March is the tail end of the dry season with minimal rainfall (only 8 rainy days) and crystal-clear skies ideal for photography and outdoor activities
Optimal trekking conditions in the Simien Mountains - daytime temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) while nights drop to 9°C (48°F), perfect for challenging hikes without extreme heat or mud
Danakil Depression accessibility - March offers the last chance before the scorching summer to visit this geological wonder, with temperatures still manageable for salt mining tours
Pre-Easter cultural immersion - March precedes Ethiopian Orthodox Easter (usually April), offering authentic preparation ceremonies and fasting traditions without tourist crowds

Considerations

End-of-dry-season dust - Harmattan winds bring significant dust from the Sahara, reducing visibility and causing respiratory discomfort, particularly in northern regions
Water scarcity affects some attractions - Rivers and waterfalls like Blue Nile Falls run at minimum levels, making them less spectacular than during rainy season
Increasing temperatures signal approaching heat - By late March, lowland areas like the Omo Valley reach uncomfortable 35°C+ (95°F+), limiting midday activities

Best Activities in March

Simien Mountains Trekking

March offers ideal conditions for multi-day treks with cool mornings at 9°C (48°F) and comfortable hiking temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F). Clear skies provide excellent visibility for spotting endemic gelada monkeys and Walia ibex. The dry trails are perfect for camping, and you'll avoid the muddy conditions of rainy season.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority-certified guides. Trek packages typically cost $80-120 per person per day including guide, scout, and camping equipment. Reference booking widget for current trekking options.

Danakil Depression Salt Mining Tours

March is the final month before extreme summer heat makes this region nearly unbearable. Daytime temperatures in the depression reach 45°C (113°F), but this is still manageable compared to 55°C+ (131°F+) in summer. Clear dry conditions offer unobstructed views of sulfur springs, salt flats, and active Erta Ale volcano.

Booking Tip: Book through Mekele-based operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours cost $200-300 per person for 3-day trips including 4WD transport, guide, and basic camping. Medical clearance recommended for heart conditions.

Lalibela Rock Churches Exploration

March's dry weather means dusty but accessible paths to all 11 churches, with comfortable temperatures for extended exploration. The approaching Easter season brings increased religious activity and preparation ceremonies, offering authentic cultural experiences without the massive crowds of actual Easter week.

Booking Tip: Local guides cost 500-800 birr per day and provide essential historical context. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead as March begins the pre-Easter pilgrimage season. Church entry requires single ticket covering all sites.

Omo Valley Cultural Tours

March offers the last comfortable window before extreme heat. Morning temperatures are perfect for village visits and market days, though afternoon heat can exceed 35°C (95°F). Dry roads provide better access to remote tribes, and the post-harvest season means communities are more available for cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Book through Arba Minch or Jinka operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Multi-day tours cost $150-250 per person daily including guide, driver, and permits. Bring gifts like coffee beans or salt for village visits.

Historic Route Circuit

March's clear, dry conditions create optimal driving weather for the northern historic circuit connecting Axum, Gondar, and Lalibela. Roads are in best condition before spring rains begin, and morning temperatures are perfect for exploring ancient ruins and castles.

Booking Tip: Self-drive or driver tours cost $100-180 per day for vehicle and driver. Book flights between cities 4-6 weeks ahead as Ethiopian Airlines routes fill up. Combine overland segments with short flights to maximize time.

Coffee Origin Tours

March coincides with coffee processing season in regions like Yirgacheffe and Sidamo. Dry weather allows visits to coffee farms and processing stations, while temperatures remain comfortable for walking through highland plantations at 1,800-2,000m (5,900-6,560 ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Book through specialty coffee tour operators in Addis Ababa or directly with farms 2-3 weeks ahead. Day tours cost $60-100 per person including transportation and tasting sessions. Combine with cultural sites for full experiences.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Timkat Aftermath Celebrations

While main Timkat occurs in January, regional celebrations continue through March in some Orthodox communities. These offer more intimate experiences of Ethiopian Orthodox traditions without massive tourist crowds.

Mid to Late March

Pre-Easter Fasting Preparations

March marks the beginning of the 55-day Orthodox fasting period leading to Easter. Witness authentic preparation ceremonies, special church services, and traditional fasting food preparations in monasteries and communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Dust mask or bandana - March brings significant Saharan dust, especially in northern regions, causing respiratory irritation and reducing visibility

Layered clothing system - Temperature swings from 9°C (48°F) at dawn to 24°C (75°F) midday require versatile clothing options

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 at altitude with thin atmosphere providing little protection, especially dangerous for fair skin

Sturdy hiking boots - Dry season creates rocky, dusty terrain that requires ankle support for uneven church steps and mountain paths

Headlamp with extra batteries - Power outages are common, and early morning starts for wildlife viewing require reliable lighting

Water purification tablets - Dry season reduces water quality in some regions, and bottled water isn't always available in remote areas

Warm sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) - Essential for mountain camping where temperatures drop significantly at night

Moisturizer and lip balm - Low 45% humidity and dust cause severe skin drying, particularly noticeable for visitors from humid climates

Cash in small denominations - ATMs are unreliable outside major cities, and small villages only accept Ethiopian birr for permits and guides

Respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees - Required for church visits and shows cultural sensitivity in conservative rural communities

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights with Ethiopian Airlines 6-8 weeks ahead - March begins high season buildup and domestic flights to Lalibela, Axum fill quickly, often forcing expensive ground transport alternatives

Carry your own water consistently - March's dry conditions and high altitude cause rapid dehydration that many visitors underestimate, leading to altitude sickness and fatigue

Plan Danakil trips for first half of March - Local Afar guides increasingly refuse tours after mid-March as temperatures approach dangerous levels, even for experienced desert travelers

Negotiate accommodation rates in advance - March prices can fluctuate wildly as Easter approaches, and having confirmed rates prevents last-minute price gouging in religious sites

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - Addis Ababa sits at 2,400m (7,874 ft) and many attractions are higher, causing headaches and fatigue that visitors attribute to heat rather than altitude

Skipping medical preparations - Travelers often ignore yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria prophylaxis recommendations, risking serious health issues in lowland regions

Bringing only summer clothes - Many pack for hot African weather but ignore cold mountain mornings and evenings, leading to miserable camping experiences and inadequate church visit attire