In Ethiopia, rainfall patterns are closely linked to agricultural and religious events, creating cultural milestones throughout the seasons. Below is a summary of the climatic characteristics of each season along with the main events and cultures.
Spring (March to May)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: Mild, around 20°C during the day and around 10°C at night
- Precipitation: Entering the short rainy season (Belg), with increased rainfall from April to May
- Characteristics: The land becomes moist, and activities related to planting crops and preparing for religious events become active
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship to Content and Climate |
| March 2 |
Adwa Victory Day |
Outdoor memorial ceremonies and parades are held amidst many sunny days |
| April (moving holiday) |
Fasika (Easter) |
Coinciding with the start of the Belg rainy season, outdoor family gatherings take place after church rituals |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
Celebratory events take place in parks and squares during relatively stable weather between rains |
Summer (June to August)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: Reaches high temperatures of 25 to 30°C, with increased humidity
- Precipitation: The main rainy season (Kiremt) features frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms from June to September
- Characteristics: The growing season for crops, increased river water levels, and mist or low clouds appearing in mountainous areas
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship to Content and Climate |
| June |
Rainy Season Arrival Ritual |
Traditional prayers and dances praying for rain are held in many villages |
| July |
Simien Mountain Climbing Period |
Tourists and pilgrims take advantage of relatively stable weather to climb or pilgrimage during breaks in the rain |
| August 19 |
Buhe Festival |
A celebration where children sing and walk. It is held outdoors utilizing the sunny intervals of the rainy season |
Autumn (September to November)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: Decreases to 20 to 25°C as it transitions to the dry season
- Precipitation: Rain lingers until early September, but it rapidly dries thereafter
- Characteristics: The land dries out, and the harvest season intensifies. The air becomes clear, making daytime comfortable
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship to Content and Climate |
| September 11 |
Enkutatash (New Year) |
Under dry and sunny weather, flowers are exchanged to celebrate the new year |
| Last Sunday of October |
Irreecha Festival |
Gratitude ceremonies by rivers or lakes. A season well-suited for gatherings by the water due to frequent sunny weather |
| November 30 |
Hidarf Zion Arrival Day (St. Zion) |
Religious events are held in churches, and the dry climate facilitates pilgrimages and visits |
Winter (December to February)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: 15 to 20°C during the day, dropping below 5°C at night
- Precipitation: In the dry season (Bega), there is almost no rain, and sunny weather continues
- Characteristics: The air is dry and there is abundant sunlight. It gets cold at night
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship to Content and Climate |
| January 7 |
Genna (Christmas) |
Events with church services and family gatherings are held during the cool dry season |
| January 19 |
Timkat (Epiphany) |
A holy water blessing ceremony by the lakeside. Many believers gather under sunny weather |
| February |
Preparation Period for Agriculture |
The end of the dry season before the rainy season. Farmers use the dry soil to maintain tools and select seeds |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
| Spring |
Increased rainfall in the short rainy season, mild temperatures |
Adwa Victory Day, Fasika, Labor Day |
| Summer |
Heavy rains in the main rainy season, high temperatures and humidity |
Rainy season prayer rituals, Simien Mountain climbing period, Buhe Festival |
| Autumn |
Transitioning to dry season, intensifying harvest season |
Enkutatash, Irreecha Festival, Hidarf Zion |
| Winter |
Continued sunny weather in the dry season, cooler temperatures |
Genna, Timkat, Preparation Period for Agriculture |
Additional Notes
- Ethiopia's holidays are largely movable based on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church calendar
- Agricultural culture and religious events are intertwined, with rainfall patterns influencing the scheduling of annual events
- Many events are held outdoors, and stable climate periods form the "festival season"
- The dry season focuses on worship and gatherings, while the rainy season centers on agricultural labor and prayer
Ethiopian seasonal events closely intertwine with climate changes, marking the rhythms of agriculture, religion, and culture.
Light rain shower