Things to Do in Ethiopia in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ethiopia
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-rainy season clarity means the highlands are incredibly green and photogenic, with waterfalls at their most dramatic - Tis Abay Falls near Lake Tana typically flows at triple its dry season volume
- Timkat preparation season brings authentic cultural experiences without the massive tourist crowds of January - you'll see churches rehearsing processions and communities preparing ceremonial garments, giving you insight into one of Ethiopia's most important festivals
- Ideal trekking weather in the Simien and Bale Mountains - daytime temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F) at altitude with minimal rain, plus November migration brings gelada baboons down to lower elevations where they're easier to spot
- Agricultural harvest season means markets overflow with fresh teff, honey, and produce - particularly the berbere spice harvest in southern regions, when you'll find the freshest spice blends of the year at 30-40% below tourist season prices
Considerations
- Nighttime temperatures in highland areas like Lalibela and Simien Mountains drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F) - many budget guesthouses lack heating, and you'll genuinely need a proper sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) or below
- Some rural roads remain muddy from October rains, particularly in southern regions like the Omo Valley - what's listed as a 6-hour drive can stretch to 9-10 hours, and 4x4 vehicles cost 40-50% more than standard rates
- Shoulder season means fewer daily flight options to regional airports - Ethiopian Airlines might only run 3-4 flights weekly to Axum or Arba Minch instead of daily service, limiting itinerary flexibility if you're on a tight schedule
Best Activities in November
Simien Mountains trekking and wildlife viewing
November hits the sweet spot for highland trekking - the landscape is still lush from October rains but trails have dried out enough for comfortable hiking. Morning temperatures around 12-15°C (54-59°F) are perfect for covering distance, and the post-rain clarity means you'll actually see the dramatic escarpments that are often haze-obscured in dry season. Gelada baboons congregate in larger groups during November's harvest period, and you'll spot Walia ibex more easily as they descend to graze on fresh vegetation. The tourist crowds won't arrive until late December, so you'll have viewpoints largely to yourself.
Lalibela rock-hewn churches exploration
November offers the best lighting conditions for photographing the churches - the sun angle is lower than mid-winter, creating dramatic shadows in the carved stone that bring out architectural details. You'll avoid both the January Timkat festival crowds and the muddy October conditions. Morning temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) mean you'll want layers, but by 10am it warms to comfortable 20°C (68°F) for exploring the church complexes. The priests are less rushed in November and more willing to show you manuscripts and explain ceremonies, particularly if you visit on Sunday morning services when the churches are active but not tourist-packed.
Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano expeditions
November is actually one of the better months for the Danakil despite the heat - daytime temperatures around 38-42°C (100-108°F) are slightly cooler than the 45-48°C (113-118°F) you'd face in March-May. The recent rainy season means the salt flats have that mirror-like quality when water sits on the surface, creating otherworldly photo conditions at sunrise. Erta Ale's lava lake tends to be more active in November for reasons volcanologists haven't entirely figured out, though eruption patterns vary year to year. The Afar people are harvesting salt in November, so you'll see the traditional camel caravans that tourist brochures promise but aren't always present.
Bale Mountains Ethiopian wolf tracking and Afroalpine hiking
November is prime time for Ethiopian wolf sightings on the Sanetti Plateau - the wolves are more active during post-rain season when rodent populations peak, and you'll typically spot 8-12 wolves on early morning drives across the plateau at 4,000 m (13,123 ft) elevation. The landscape shifts from brown to green in November, with wildflowers still blooming at lower elevations. Morning temperatures at altitude drop to -2 to 2°C (28-36°F), so you'll need proper cold weather gear, but by midday it warms to 12-15°C (54-59°F). Far fewer tourists than Simien Mountains, giving you a more wilderness experience.
Omo Valley cultural village visits and market days
November marks the end of harvest season in the Omo Valley, when communities have more time for ceremonies and the weekly markets are most vibrant with produce, livestock, and trade goods. Road conditions improve significantly from October but haven't yet turned to the dust bowl of January-February. The Karo, Hamar, Dorze, and Mursi communities are more accessible in November, though be aware this is increasingly performative tourism - you're essentially paying for photo opportunities rather than observing authentic daily life. Morning temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) make for comfortable travel before midday heat reaches 30-32°C (86-90°F).
Lake Tana monastery boat tours and Blue Nile Falls
November is the single best month for visiting Tis Abay Falls - the Blue Nile still carries high water volume from the rainy season, creating the full curtain of water that gives it the name 'Smoking Water.' By December the hydroelectric dam upstream reduces flow significantly. Lake Tana boat tours in November benefit from calm water conditions and clear skies for photographing the 14th-16th century monastery murals on the lake islands. Morning mist on the lake around 7-8am creates atmospheric conditions for photography. Temperatures are comfortable at 20-24°C (68-75°F) during the day.
November Events & Festivals
Meskel Festival aftermath and cross processions
While the main Meskel celebration happens in late September, many communities continue procession practices through early November, particularly in rural areas where harvest schedules delayed the festivities. You'll see yellow meskel daisies still decorating churches and occasional smaller processions in towns like Axum and Gondar. Not a major tourist event but offers authentic glimpses of Orthodox traditions without the massive Addis Ababa crowds.
Irreecha Oromo Thanksgiving
Occasionally falls in early November depending on the lunar calendar - this Oromo cultural festival at Hora Harsadi lake near Bishoftu celebrates the end of the rainy season with traditional songs, dances, and thanksgiving ceremonies. Draws hundreds of thousands of participants, making it one of Ethiopia's largest cultural gatherings. In recent years it has carried political significance for Oromo cultural identity. If it falls during your November visit, it's worth experiencing but be aware of potential travel disruptions and accommodation shortages in Bishoftu and Addis Ababa.