What to Wear in Addis Ababa

Packing for Addis Ababa is all about highland altitude and cultural respect: because the city sits nearly two and a half kilometres above sea level, you can experience warm equatorial sun at midday and a crisp 8°C to 10°C chill as soon as the sun drops behind the hills.

Highland layers, sun protection and footwear

• Peelable daytime layers and a warm evening jacket or fleece: during the dry season from October to May, daytime temperatures in the sun feel pleasantly warm (22°C to 25°C) in a cotton shirt, blouse or light jumper, but shaded interiors and evenings require a proper wool cardigan, fleece or packable down jacket, especially up on the 3,200-metre ridge of Mount Entoto.
• A waterproof shell and sturdy closed-toe shoes from June to September: during the Kiremt rains, afternoon showers can be heavy; bring a hooded rain jacket and water-resistant walking shoes or trainers with solid tread for cobbled pavements and park paths.
• High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses: at 2,355 metres, UV radiation is fierce even through thin cloud and the dry highland breeze chaps lips quickly.

Orthodox church etiquette and buying a local netela shawl

Ethiopians dress modestly and neatly in urban areas; both men and women wear long trousers, jeans or skirts below the knee rather than short shorts. When stepping inside Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo churches such as Holy Trinity Cathedral, St George's Cathedral or Entoto Maryam, you must remove your shoes at the door (pack a pair of thick socks in your daybag, as stone floors are cold), keep shoulders and legs covered, and women should drape a scarf loosely over their hair. One of the best souvenirs you can buy on your first morning at Shiro Meda Market is a handwoven white cotton netela (light shawl) or thicker cosy gabi blanket, which serves both as respectful church attire and as an evening wrap. Check seasonal weather in Addis Ababa before you fly.