Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Ethiopia
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Ethiopia? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Ethiopia
The most expensive time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season and around major religious festivals, when favorable weather and cultural celebrations draw both domestic and international travelers.
Dry Season (October to March)
This is the best time to explore Ethiopia’s highlands, historical sites, and national parks.
- Hotels in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, and the Simien Mountains charge peak rates.
- Attractions such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Danakil Depression tours are crowded.
Christmas (Genna – January 7)
Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas is one of the most important religious celebrations.
- Lalibela, in particular, becomes packed with pilgrims and tourists.
- Hotels and transportation rise sharply in price.
Timkat (Epiphany – January 19)
A vibrant celebration of baptism across Ethiopia, especially in Gondar.
- Accommodation prices soar, and availability is limited.
- Flights and buses fill quickly during this week.
Meskel (Finding of the True Cross – September 27)
One of Ethiopia’s grandest festivals, celebrated with massive bonfires and processions.
- Hotels in Addis Ababa and other major cities raise their prices.
- Large crowds gather in Meskel Square and across the country.
Cheapest Time to Visit Ethiopia
The cheapest time to visit Ethiopia is during the rainy season and between major festivals, when fewer tourists travel and costs drop significantly.
Rainy Season (June to September)
Heavy rains, especially in the highlands, reduce international tourism.
- Hotels and flights are at their lowest of the year.
- Tourist attractions are quieter, though landscapes are beautifully green.
Late Spring (April to May, after the dry season ends)
This transitional shoulder season offers moderate prices.
- Hotels across the country are more affordable.
- Attractions remain less crowded before the rains arrive.
Late September to Early October (After Meskel, before peak season)
A short lull between festival season and the dry-season tourism rush.
- Hotels and flights drop in cost.
- Fewer tourists make it easier to visit major cultural sites.
Price Summary Table for Ethiopia Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – March (Dry Season) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Best weather, peak sightseeing season |
| Jan 7 (Genna – Christmas) | 💲💲💲 Very High | Major Orthodox celebration, heavy demand |
| Jan 19 (Timkat – Epiphany) | 💲💲💲 Very High | National religious festival, crowded cities |
| Sept 27 (Meskel Festival) | 💲💲💲 High | Grand religious event, limited availability |
| June – Sept (Rainy Season) | 💲 Lowest | Fewer tourists, cheapest hotels & flights |
| April – May | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, affordable accommodations |
| Late Sept – Early Oct | 💲 Low–Mid | Post-Meskel lull, budget-friendly travel |
How To Save Money When Visiting Ethiopia?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with Ethiopia’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
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