Driest Cities in Ethiopia

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Ethiopia

Driest Cities — Ethiopia

1 Asaita 45 6.0"

2 Samara 45 7.7"

3 Dubti 45 7.7"

4 Arerti 45 8.3"

5 Qorof 52 8.6"

6 Waal 52 8.7"

7 Yamarugley 52 9.3"

8 Duuban 52 9.3"

9 Logīya 45 9.5"

10 Raqo 52 10.0"

11 Golwayn 52 10.0"

12 Digih Habar Es 52 10.0"

13 Kahandhale 52 10.8"

14 Warder 52 11.2"

15 Neefkuceliye 52 11.3"

16 El Bahay 52 11.4"

17 Lasoano 52 11.4"

18 Fadhigaradle 52 11.8"

19 Mīlē 45 12.1"

20 Gode 52 12.6"

21 Kebri Dahar 52 15.4"

22 Ārabī 52 17.9"

23 Degeh Bur 52 18.1"

24 Ara Ali 51 18.4"

25 Gawanē 45 18.4"

26 Gedeb 52 21.3"

27 Hartīshēk 52 22.4"

28 Sifra 45 22.7"

29 Ādīgrat 53 22.8"

30 Idaga Hamus 53 23.0"

31 Mēga 51 23.5"

32 Adebaye 53 24.1"

33 Intich’o 53 24.3"

34 Abala 53 24.5"

35 Wik’ro 53 24.5"

36 Adwa 53 24.8"

37 Dire Dawa 48 24.9"

38 Sheraro 53 25.4"

39 Aksum 53 25.6"

40 Āwash 45 25.7"

41 Babīlē 51 25.8"

42 Mek'ele 53 25.8"

43 Jijiga 52 25.8"

44 Metahāra 51 25.9"

45 Ābīy Ādī 53 25.9"

46 Dolo 53 25.9"

47 May Cadera 53 26.1"

48 Yabēlo 51 26.5"

49 Ābderafī 46 26.8"

50 Indabaguna 53 27.1"

51 Chinahsen 52 27.5"

52 Inda Silasē 53 27.8"

53 Negēlē 51 28.3"

54 Harar 50 28.5"

55 Batī 46 29.0"

56 Funyan Bīra 51 30.1"

57 Felana 51 30.1"

58 Mena 51 30.1"

59 Mehoni 45 30.2"

60 Maych’ew 53 30.2"

61 ‘Alemaya 51 30.4"

62 Korem 53 30.5"

63 Mī’ēso 51 30.6"

64 Kobo 46 30.9"

65 Āsasa 51 31.2"

66 Sek’ot’a 46 31.2"

67 Alamata 53 31.4"

68 Abomsa 46 31.5"

69 Robit 46 31.5"

70 Gīdolē 56 31.9"

71 Wonji 51 32.1"

72 Wenjī 51 32.1"

73 Arsi Negele 51 32.4"

74 Ziway 51 32.4"

75 Welench’ītī 51 32.7"

76 Robīt 46 33.4"

77 Lalibela 46 33.8"

78 Dēra 51 33.9"

79 ‘Alem T’ēna 51 33.9"

80 Nazrēt 51 34.0"

81 Mojo 51 34.1"

82 ‘Alem Ketema 46 34.4"

83 Metemma 46 34.8"

84 Sīrē 51 35.0"

85 Bishoftu 51 35.2"

86 Mek’ī 51 35.2"

87 Kuyera 51 35.6"

88 Shashamane 51 35.6"

89 Hagere Maryam 51 35.8"

90 Tulu Bolo 51 35.8"

91 Ghinnir 51 35.9"

92 Filakit 46 35.9"

93 Mersa 46 36.3"

94 Weldiya 46 36.3"

95 Debark’ 46 36.6"

96 Arba Minch 56 36.9"

97 Tikil Dingay 46 36.9"

98 Kara K’orē 46 37.0"

99 Āt’aye 46 37.0"

100 Chelenko 51 37.2"

The driest cities in Ethiopia receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Asaita receives just 6.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Asaita gets just 6.0" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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