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Ethiopia - Things to Do in Ethiopia in September

Things to Do in Ethiopia in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Ethiopia

24°C (75°F) High Temp
11°C (52°F) Low Temp
150 mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

  • Post-rain landscapes are absolutely stunning - the highlands are emerald green, waterfalls are at full power, and visibility for photography is exceptional after the rains wash away dust. The Simien Mountains and Blue Nile Falls are at their most dramatic.
  • Meskel Festival (September 27, 2026) is one of Ethiopia's biggest celebrations marking the finding of the True Cross. You'll see massive bonfires, processions in traditional dress, and celebrations across the country, especially spectacular in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square and in Lalibela.
  • Shoulder season pricing and smaller crowds - international tourist numbers are still building after the rainy season, so you'll find better hotel rates (typically 20-30% lower than peak December-January), shorter lines at major sites, and more authentic interactions without the tour bus crowds.
  • Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) falls on September 11, 2026 - the country literally starts fresh with yellow daisies (adey abeba) blooming everywhere, families visiting each other, and a genuinely festive atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants offer special New Year menus and cultural performances.

Considerations

  • Lingering rain means you'll still get occasional afternoon showers, especially in the first two weeks - about 10 rainy days total with showers typically lasting 30-60 minutes. This can disrupt outdoor plans and make some rural roads muddy, particularly affecting access to remote rock-hewn churches in Tigray.
  • Some trekking routes in the Simien and Bale Mountains may still have muddy sections and slippery trails from recent rains. If you're planning serious multi-day treks, late October or November would be more reliable, though day hikes are generally fine.
  • Festival periods (September 11 and 27) mean domestic travel gets busier - Ethiopian families travel for these celebrations, so internal flights and hotels in major cities can fill up quickly. Book domestic Ethiopian Airlines flights at least 4-6 weeks ahead during these dates.

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Best Activities in September

Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Exploration

September is actually ideal for Lalibela - the post-rain weather means cooler temperatures for climbing between the churches (you'll be doing a fair bit of walking up and down), fewer crowds than peak season, and the surrounding countryside is green and beautiful. The churches themselves are carved from living rock, so weather doesn't affect access. Morning visits (6am-9am) offer the best light and you'll often catch priests performing early liturgies. The Meskel celebrations here on September 27 are particularly special with overnight vigils and processions.

Booking Tip: Entry permits cost around 1,200 birr (approximately 21 USD at current rates) and are valid for multiple days. Licensed guides typically charge 800-1,200 birr per day and are worth it for historical context. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for regular September dates, but 6-8 weeks ahead if visiting around Meskel (September 27). Most hotels can arrange guides, or you'll find them at the ticket office.

Simien Mountains Day Hiking

The Simiens are spectacular in September - the highlands are lush green after the rains, waterfalls are powerful, and you'll likely see Gelada baboons (endemic to Ethiopia) grazing in large troops. While multi-day camping treks might still encounter muddy sections, day hikes from Debark or Sankaber are excellent. The weather is typically clear mornings with possible afternoon clouds, perfect for the 4-6 hour Sankaber to Geech trail. You'll need to be at 3,000-4,000 m (9,840-13,120 ft) elevation, so the post-rain cooler temperatures are actually more comfortable than the hot dry season.

Booking Tip: Park entry is 200 birr per person plus 150 birr for a mandatory scout (armed guide). For day hikes, you can arrange this directly at the park office in Debark. For overnight treks, book through trekking agencies in Gondar 2-3 weeks ahead - costs typically run 3,500-5,000 birr per person per day including guide, scout, mule, and camping gear. September weather means you should confirm trail conditions the day before.

Addis Ababa Cultural and Coffee Experiences

The capital is perfect for September's variable weather since you can easily pivot between indoor and outdoor activities. The National Museum (home of Lucy, the 3.2 million year old hominid), Ethnological Museum, and Red Terror Martyrs Memorial are world-class indoor options. For outdoor time, the Merkato market (Africa's largest open-air market) is manageable in September's cooler temperatures - go mornings before potential afternoon showers. Traditional coffee ceremonies are everywhere and watching the beans roasted, ground, and brewed is genuinely fascinating, not touristy. September also means New Year (September 11) celebrations across the city.

Booking Tip: Most museums charge 10-50 birr entry and don't require advance booking. For coffee ceremonies, look for traditional restaurants or cultural centers rather than booking formal tours - you'll pay 50-150 birr and get a more authentic experience. City walking tours through local guides typically cost 1,500-2,500 birr for a half day. The Meskel Festival on September 27 at Meskel Square is free but arrive early (by 2pm) for good viewing spots.

Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana Boat Tours

September is arguably THE best month for the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat - 'smoking water') because the rainy season has just ended and the falls are at maximum flow and power. The falls drop 45 m (148 ft) and the spray creates rainbows in the morning sun. Combine this with boat tours on Lake Tana to visit the ancient island monasteries - the lake is full, the surrounding landscape is green, and the weather is pleasant for being on the water. The monasteries (like Ura Kidane Mehret) have stunning 16th-century murals and are still active religious sites.

Booking Tip: Blue Nile Falls entry is 50 birr plus you'll need a guide (200-300 birr) for the 30-minute walk each way. Lake Tana boat tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 birr for a half-day visiting 2-3 monasteries, depending on group size. Book through hotels in Bahir Dar or at the boat operators near the lake - 1-2 days advance booking is usually sufficient in September. Mornings are best for both activities before afternoon weather rolls in.

Danakil Depression Multi-Day Expeditions

September is transitioning into better Danakil weather - it's one of the hottest places on Earth, and while still intense, September temperatures (35-40°C or 95-104°F) are more bearable than the April-June peak heat (45-50°C or 113-122°F). You'll see the Erta Ale lava lake (one of only five permanent lava lakes globally), the colorful sulfur springs of Dallol, and salt caravans crossing the depression. The surreal landscapes look like another planet. This is genuinely adventurous travel, not comfortable tourism.

Booking Tip: You cannot visit independently - security escorts are mandatory and you need specialized 4WD vehicles. Book through established agencies in Mekele at least 3-4 weeks ahead. Three-day expeditions typically cost 18,000-25,000 birr (roughly 320-450 USD) per person in small groups, including transport, permits, guards, food, and camping gear. September bookings are lighter than peak season (November-February), so you might find better per-person rates or more flexible departure dates.

Harar Old Town and Hyena Feeding

Harar is Ethiopia's fourth holiest Islamic city with 82 mosques within the old walled town (Jugol) and a fascinating mix of Ethiopian, Islamic, and even French colonial influences. September weather is pleasant for wandering the narrow alleyways, visiting Arthur Rimbaud's house (the French poet lived here), and exploring the colorful markets. The famous hyena feeding happens nightly just outside the walls - locals have fed wild hyenas for generations, and you can watch or even participate. It's genuinely wild, not a zoo show.

Booking Tip: Jugol entry doesn't require a ticket, but hiring a local guide (300-500 birr for half day) helps navigate the maze-like streets and provides cultural context. Hyena feeding spots charge 200-400 birr per person to watch, more if you want to feed them yourself. Harar is accessible by flight from Addis (book domestic flights 2-3 weeks ahead, around 3,000-4,000 birr round trip) or a long bus journey. Two nights is ideal for exploring without rushing.

September Events & Festivals

September 11, 2026

Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)

September 11, 2026 marks the start of the Ethiopian year 2019 (Ethiopia uses its own calendar, about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar). The celebration coincides with the end of the rainy season when yellow daisies (adey abeba) bloom across the highlands. Families visit each other, children sing traditional songs door-to-door, and special meals are prepared. In Addis Ababa, you'll see cultural performances, traditional dress, and a festive atmosphere in restaurants and hotels. It's not as visually spectacular as Meskel, but it's genuinely warm and welcoming, especially if you're invited to someone's home.

September 27, 2026

Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)

September 27, 2026 is Meskel, one of Ethiopia's most important Orthodox Christian festivals celebrating Saint Helena's discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The main event involves building massive bonfires (demera) decorated with daisies, which are lit in the evening after hours of singing, dancing, and processions led by priests in ornate robes carrying elaborate crosses. Meskel Square in Addis Ababa hosts the largest celebration with tens of thousands attending, but Lalibela's celebration is equally spectacular with overnight vigils at the rock-hewn churches. The direction the demera falls supposedly predicts the year ahead.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - you'll face about 10 rainy days with afternoon showers typically lasting 30-60 minutes. The rain isn't constant but can catch you out.
Layering clothing for temperature swings - mornings in the highlands can be 11°C (52°F) while afternoons reach 24°C (75°F). Think long-sleeve shirts you can roll up, light fleece or sweater for mornings and evenings.
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and at high altitudes (Addis is 2,400 m or 7,874 ft, Lalibela is 2,500 m or 8,202 ft) you'll burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days.
Sturdy walking shoes with good tread - trails around Lalibela, Simien day hikes, and even Addis sidewalks can be uneven and potentially muddy from recent rains. Waterproof is helpful but not essential.
Modest clothing for religious sites - shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Many churches require shoe removal, so socks are useful. A light scarf for women is respectful and versatile.
Small denomination Ethiopian birr - many places don't accept cards outside major hotels, and breaking large bills can be difficult. ATMs in major cities work reliably but carry cash for rural areas.
Headlamp or small flashlight - power cuts happen occasionally even in cities, and if you're doing early morning church visits or overnight Meskel celebrations, you'll need your own light.
Basic medical kit including altitude sickness medication - much of Ethiopia sits above 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Bring ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal medication, and any prescription medicines as pharmacies outside Addis have limited stock.
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets - tap water isn't safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available (10-20 birr) but a filter reduces plastic waste and costs over a longer trip.
Power adapter for Type C, E, and F outlets - Ethiopia uses European-style plugs with 220V. Most modern electronics handle the voltage, but you'll need the physical adapter.

Insider Knowledge

Ethiopian time runs six hours different from Western time - when locals say 1 o'clock, they might mean 7am (one hour after sunrise) or 7pm (one hour after sunset). Always clarify if someone means 'Ethiopian time' or 'ferengi time' (foreigner time) when making plans, especially for bus departures or tour pickups.
September's New Year and Meskel festivals mean banks and government offices close for 2-3 days around September 11 and 27. ATMs still work, but plan ahead if you need to exchange money or handle official business. Restaurants and tourist sites stay open and actually become more interesting.
Coffee in Ethiopia is nothing like Starbucks - it's served in three rounds (abol, tona, bereka) during a ceremony that can take an hour. The first round is strongest, and refusing all three rounds before finishing is considered rude. If you're short on time, politely explain you can only stay for one cup before sitting down.
Book internal Ethiopian Airlines flights as early as possible - they're the main way to cover long distances (Addis to Lalibela is 10-12 hours by bus versus 1 hour flying), but planes are smaller and fill up, especially around festival dates. Domestic flights typically cost 3,000-5,000 birr (55-90 USD) one way when booked ahead, double that if you wait until the last minute.
Tipping culture is developing but not universal - in tourist restaurants, 10% is appreciated. For guides, 200-300 birr per day is standard. For coffee ceremonies or small services, 20-50 birr is generous. Don't tip in churches or monasteries, but donations (50-100 birr) to the church itself are appropriate.
Injera (the spongy sourdough flatbread) is the base of most meals and takes getting used to - it's made from teff grain and has a slightly sour taste. You eat with your right hand, tearing off pieces to scoop up wat (stew). If you're struggling with it, most restaurants in tourist areas can provide rice or pasta as an alternative, but give injera a fair chance first.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times between destinations - Ethiopia is a large country (about the size of France and Spain combined) with mountainous terrain. What looks like 200 km (124 miles) on a map can take 6-8 hours by road due to winding mountain roads and variable conditions. Always add buffer time and don't try to cram too many destinations into a short trip.
Not carrying small bills - many vendors, guides, and small restaurants can't break 100 or 500 birr notes. You'll waste time finding change or miss opportunities. Keep a stash of 10, 20, and 50 birr notes separate from your main money.
Assuming September is fully dry season - it's the transition period, so while conditions are generally good, you'll still get caught in rain if you don't plan for it. Tourists show up with only shorts and t-shirts, then scramble to buy cheap rain ponchos. Pack properly from the start.
Skipping travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities - if you're trekking in the Simiens (up to 4,000 m or 13,120 ft) or visiting the Danakil, standard insurance often excludes these activities. Medical evacuation from remote areas is expensive and complicated. Get proper coverage before you leave home.
Being inflexible about food - Ethiopian cuisine is distinct and not everyone loves it immediately. Travelers who insist on finding Western food miss out and often end up eating overpriced mediocre pasta. Embrace injera and wat, try the vegetarian fasting dishes (beyaynetu), and you'll have a much better experience. If you genuinely can't adjust, Addis has international options, but elsewhere you're limited.

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October

Travel guide for October

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Ethiopia

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