The climate of Ethiopia varies mainly according to elevation. The Tropical zone below 1,800m above sea level (about 6,000ft) has an average annual temperature of about 27°C (about 80°F) and receives less than 500mm of rain annually. The sub Tropical Zone, which includes most of the highland plateau is between about 1,800 and 2,400m above sea level (about 6,000 and 8,000 ft) on elevations with an average temperature of about 22° C (about 72°F) and an annual rainfall ranging from about 500 to 1,500 mm (about 20 to 60 in).

Over 2,400m above sea level (approximately 8,000 ft) is the temperate zone with an average temperature about 16°C (about 61°F) and an annual rainfall between about 1,300 and 1,800 mm (about 50 and 70in). The Principal rainy season occurs between mid-June and mid-September, followed by a dry season that may be interrupted in February or March by a short rainy season. At Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia which elevation ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 m (7,000 to 10,000 ft), the maximum temperature is 26°C (80°F) and the minimum 4°C (40°F).