Does It Snow In Ethiopia?

Frank Liske Park - Concord, NC

Looking to find out if it snows in Ethiopia? We’ve got the answer for you! From the coldest snowiest places to enjoy a winter wonderland, we’ll let you know everything there is to know about our winters in Africa’s east coast country. So what are you waiting for? Check out our blog and find out, does it snow in Ethiopia?

Does It Snow In Ethiopia?

Does it Snow in Ethiopia?
Lake Dallol, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The answer to this question may surprise you, but yes, it does snow in Ethiopia!

Although it doesn’t snow as heavily as it does in other countries, it does get its fair share of Snowy Winter.

The country is home to several mountains, including Ras Dashen, reaching an elevation of 4,550 m in the Simien Mountains National Park in the Amhara Region in North Gondar. These peaks are high enough to receive a dusting of snowfall each year. 

While the Ethiopian Highlands get fairly cold during the winter months, it doesn’t snow everywhere in the country. In fact, most Ethiopians live in lowland areas where the climate is much warmer, and there is no chance of seeing any snow.

The Weather In Ethiopia

The weather in Ethiopia is quite varied, depending on which part of the country you’re in. The capital city of Addis Ababa sits at around 7,800 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level and experiences a temperate climate with relatively cool temperatures year-round.

However, it does snow in Ethiopia – on Mount Kenya, which is located just across the border in Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest point in Ethiopia, at 17,057 feet (5,199 meters), and Snowfall is common at its peak from June to September.

The Climate In Ethiopia

The climate in Ethiopia is quite varied depending on the region, with some areas experiencing very little rainfall and others receiving quite a bit. 

The average temperature also varies depending on the region, with the capital city of Addis Ababa generally being cooler than other parts of the country. Despite this variation, there are still some generalities that can be made about the climate in Ethiopia.

For starters, it should be noted that Ethiopia is located in the northern hemisphere and therefore experiences seasons similar to those in Europe and North America.

The main difference is that Ethiopian winters are much shorter than ours, lasting only from December to February. Additionally, while it does snow in some parts of Ethiopia (mainly in the highlands), it is not a common occurrence.

In terms of rainfall, Ethiopia generally has two wet seasons: one from March to May and another from September to November. These wet seasons are caused by the country’s proximity to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is a band of low pressure near the equator where trade winds from both hemispheres come together. When these trade winds meet, they create an area of rising air that leads to increased precipitation.

So, to sum up, the climate in Ethiopia is generally warm, with two wet seasons per year. However, there is significant variation depending on the region, with some areas being much drier or cooler than others.

The Snowy Regions In Ethiopia

Although it might not seem like the most obvious place, Ethiopia actually has some pretty impressive snowfall in certain regions. For example, the mountains in the north of the country can receive up to a few feet of snow each year. This might not sound like much, but given that Ethiopia is located near the equator, it’s pretty impressive!

The highlands in Ethiopia are home to many different mountain ranges, and it is these areas that see the most snow. The Ethiopian Highlands is a unique geographical area, and they offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, then this is definitely the place to go!

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that Ethiopia is only a hot, dry country with no snow. In reality, Ethiopia is a large and diverse country with many different climate zones.

While it’s true that the vast majority of the country is tropical or subtropical, there are also highland areas where temperatures can get quite cold – cold enough to snow!

So while you’re not likely to see snow in most of Ethiopia, if you head to the right place, you just might be lucky enough to experience a winter wonderland!