WHEN TO TRAVEL to Ethiopia

Location

Climate

Seasons in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is located in the tropics and therefore has a warm, humid climate all year round. However, the country is also characterized by geographical and climatic variations, leading to differences in temperature and rainfall in different regions. There are generally three main seasons:

• Dry season (October - February) Summer: This is considered the best time to visit Ethiopia. Temperatures are pleasant, varying between 20°C and 30°C, and rainfall is rare. Landscapes are verdant following the rainy season, offering an excellent opportunity for hiking and trekking.
• The short rainy season (March - May) Rainy season: During this period, rainfall is less abundant than during the main rainy season. Temperatures remain high, but the rains can make some roads impassable and some activities more difficult to carry out.
• The main rainy season (June - September) Season: This is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall throughout the country. It is generally not advisable to travel in Ethiopia during this season, as road infrastructure is often damaged by flooding and landslides.

It's important to note that these seasons apply mainly to the Ethiopian highlands, where the majority of tourist sites are located. In lower regions, such as Mago National Park or the Omo Valley, the climate can be different, with much higher temperatures and constant humidity.

Major cultural events in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country rich in traditions and festivities. Here are some of the major cultural events that could influence your choice of time to visit the country:

• Timkat (January) Epiphany: This is the celebration of the Epiphany according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. During this festival, religious icons are carried in procession around the churches and prayers are said at the water's edge. The festivities last three days and are particularly impressive in Gondar.
• Fasika (April) The festival celebrates the resurrection of Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. Celebrations begin with a midnight mass in the churches, followed by processions and religious songs. Visitors are welcome to attend the ceremonies.
• Meskel (September) MESKEL: This event marks the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena in the 4th century. Celebrations around the MESKEL last two days and include processions, singing, dancing and the lighting of bonfires.

Public holidays in Ethiopia

In addition to major cultural events, it is essential to take into account national holidays when planning your trip to Ethiopia :

• Ethiopian New Year (September 11) Ethiopian New Year: In Ethiopia, the New Year is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used in most Western countries. The Ethiopian New Year generally coincides with September 11, or September 12 in leap years.
• Victory Day (March 2) Adoua Day: This day commemorates Ethiopia's victory over Italy at the Battle of Adoua in 1896. Celebrations include military parades and cultural events.
• National holiday (May 28) Ethiopia Day: The national holiday celebrates the fall of the communist regime and the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in 1991. Patriotic demonstrations are held throughout the country.

Low and high season periods

In terms of tourist numbers, the low season generally corresponds to the main rainy season (June - September), as climatic conditions make certain activities and travel more difficult. On the other hand, the high season coincides with the dry season (October - February), when conditions are ideal for traveling and taking full advantage of tourist sites and cultural events.

Immigration statistics for Ethiopia

According to available data, Ethiopia has seen a significant increase in the number of immigrants in recent years. Here are some key figures to illustrate this trend:

• In 2020, Ethiopia's immigrant population was estimated at around 1.2 million people.
• This represents an increase of almost 50 % compared with 2005, when the number of immigrants was estimated at 800,000.
• Most immigrants to Ethiopia come from neighbouring countries such asEritreathe Somalia and the South Sudan.

Reasons for immigration to Ethiopia

Several factors explain the increase in immigration to Ethiopia:

• Conflict and humanitarian crises in neighboring countries have prompted many refugees to seek refuge in Ethiopia. The country is considered a haven of peace for these displaced populations.
• Economic opportunities offered by Ethiopia also attract migrants in search of employment or a better quality of life. The country enjoys sustained economic growth and a dynamic labor market.
• Family reunification is also an important factor, with immigrants joining family members already settled in Ethiopia.

Most popular visas in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, several types of visa are available for foreigners wishing to enter the country. The most popular visas are :

• Tourist visa This visa allows foreign visitors to stay in Ethiopia for up to 90 days. This type of visa is particularly popular due to the country's tourist appeal.
• Business visa for professionals coming to work or invest in Ethiopia, this visa can be granted for up to 3 years.
• Refugee visa This visa, granted to people fleeing conflict or persecution in their country of origin, is in high demand due to the geopolitical situation in the region.
• Student visa This program offers foreign students the opportunity to study at Ethiopian universities for a variable length of time, depending on the level of study and the program chosen.

International tourism figures for Ethiopia

Ethiopia's tourism sector has grown exponentially in recent years. The country's historic sites, natural landscapes and unique culture attract increasing numbers of international visitors every year. Here are a few facts and figures to illustrate this trend:

• In 2019, Ethiopia welcomed approximately 950,000 international touristsThis represents an increase of almost 50 % compared with 2015.
• Tourism revenues reached 1.6 billion dollars in 2019, representing around 9 % of the country's GDP.
• The main markets for tourists to Ethiopia are the USA, China, the UK, Germany and France.

Ethiopia's top tourist attractions

Ethiopia offers a multitude of tourist attractions for international visitors. Among the most popular sites are :

• The historic town of Lalibelawith its monolithic rock-hewn churches, is an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Simien Mountains National Park offers spectacular scenery and is home to several endemic species such as the Gelada baboon and the Walia ibex.
• The Omo Valleya UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its cultural diversity and its many traditional villages.
• The fortified town of Harar is a historic Islamic center and a unique example of African urban architecture.