Gambela in September

Outside the best window (check). Across Ethiopia: Rain tails off; Enkutatash (11 Sep) and Meskel (27 Sep) bonfires. Green hills, yellow meskel daisies.

September is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• OctoberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Ethiopia: Start of the dry season; Irreecha (Oromo thanksgiving) in Bishoftu and Addis early in the month.
• NovemberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Ethiopia: Dry, green and clear; one of the best months overall.
• DecemberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Ethiopia: Dry season peak; Christmas–New Year holiday flights fill up.
• JanuaryGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Ethiopia: Dry and clear; Genna (7 Jan) and Timkat (19 Jan) fill churches and festival towns. Book early.

• GambelaHighs around 34 °C (93 °F), lows around 24 °C (75 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 93 °F (34 °C), lows around 75 °F (24 °C), rain on about 12 days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) big impact

  27 Sep (28 Sep in some years) · Ethiopia

  Huge demera bonfire on Meskel Square in Addis the evening before; UNESCO-listed.

Crowds · Ethiopia overall

Medium

Prices · Ethiopia overall

Medium

Ethiopia overall: Rain tails off; Enkutatash (11 Sep) and Meskel (27 Sep) bonfires. Green hills, yellow meskel daisies.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Gambela, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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