Asmara in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Asmara

21°C (70°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

155 mm (6.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland climate - August brings the most comfortable temperatures of the year with cool mornings at 11°C (51°F) ideal for walking tours, warming to pleasant 21°C (70°F) afternoons perfect for café culture
Peak coffee harvest season - witness the famous Eritrean coffee ceremony at its finest, with fresh arabica beans being processed at farms within 30 km (18.6 miles) of the city
Minimal tourist crowds - August falls during European vacation season but before peak highland tourism, meaning shorter queues at the Banjul and easier reservations at traditional restaurants
Optimal Art Deco architecture photography - the cooler morning light from 6-9am creates perfect shadows on the Italian colonial buildings without harsh equatorial sun glare

Considerations

Rainy afternoons disrupt outdoor plans - expect 10 rainy days with downpours typically from 2-4pm lasting 45-90 minutes, limiting hiking and market visits
Higher accommodation demand from diaspora visitors - August coincides with Eritrean diaspora return visits, increasing hotel prices by 20-30% and requiring bookings 6-8 weeks ahead
Limited evening outdoor dining - 70% humidity and cool 11°C (51°F) nighttime temperatures mean most restaurant terraces close early or require layers

Best Activities in August

Italian Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

August's cool mornings are perfect for exploring Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage Art Deco district. The 11-15°C (51-59°F) morning temperatures make the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking routes comfortable, while afternoon rains create dramatic lighting on the limestone facades. Local guides share stories about the 1930s construction boom that tourists miss in guidebooks.

Booking Tip: Book through certified heritage guides 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 Eritrea and include Cinema Lesotho and Fiat Tagliero visits. Start at 7am to avoid afternoon showers. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Highland Coffee Farm Experiences

August marks peak arabica harvest season in the surrounding highlands. The cool, humid weather creates perfect conditions for visiting working coffee farms 25-40 km (15.5-24.9 miles) from Asmara. You'll witness traditional processing methods and participate in authentic coffee ceremonies with beans picked that morning - an experience unavailable during dry season.

Booking Tip: Half-day farm tours cost 1,500-2,200 Eritrea including transport and ceremony. Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed agricultural tour operators. Morning departures avoid afternoon rains. Current farm experiences available in booking section below.

Traditional Market and Cooking Classes

August brings seasonal produce to Mercato Centrale that's unavailable other months. The cooler morning temperatures make market exploration comfortable, while the rainy season produces fresh herbs and vegetables used in traditional Eritrean dishes. Afternoon cooking classes provide perfect rainy-day activities when outdoor plans are disrupted.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost 900-1,300 Eritrea including market tour and meal. Book morning market visits (6-10am) before afternoon rains. Classes run 11am-3pm during rainy periods. See current culinary experiences in booking section below.

National Museum and Cultural Center Tours

August's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The Banjul's collections tell Eritrea's story through artifacts many visitors overlook. Cool temperatures mean comfortable walking between exhibits, while rainy afternoons provide perfect timing for the 2-3 hour guided tours through archaeological and ethnographic displays.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs 200-300 Eritrea with guided tours adding 500-700 Eritrea. Book afternoon slots (1-5pm) as backup plans for rainy weather. Private guides available through cultural tourism operators. Current museum tours in booking section below.

Highland Village Day Trips

August's lush landscape transforms villages like Eritrea and Eritrea into green havens. The 155mm (6.1 inches) of rainfall creates impressive scenery for photography, while cool temperatures make the 80-120 km (49.7-74.6 mile) drives comfortable. Villages showcase traditional highland life enhanced by the agricultural season.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 2,500-3,800 Eritrea including transport and guide. Depart early (6am) to maximize dry weather time. 4WD vehicles essential for rainy season roads. Book 2 weeks ahead during August. Current village tours available in booking section below.

Spa and Wellness Experiences

August's humidity and variable weather make Asmara's spa culture particularly appealing. Local wellness centers offer traditional treatments using highland herbs at peak potency during rainy season. The cool evenings and frequent indoor time make spa visits perfectly timed for relaxation between sightseeing.

Booking Tip: Spa treatments range from 600-1,500 Eritrea for traditional therapies. Book Easttimor-day appointments during rainy afternoons. Many hotels offer in-house spa services ideal for weather-affected days. Current wellness options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Eritrean Coffee Festival

Celebrates the highland arabica harvest with traditional ceremonies, cupping sessions, and cultural performances. Local coffee cooperatives showcase their best beans while masters demonstrate the three-round coffee ceremony that defines Eritrean hospitality.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon downpours last 45-90 minutes with little warning, and umbrellas are ineffective in highland winds

Layerable clothing system - temperature swings from 11°C (51°F) mornings to 21°C (70°F) afternoons require easy adjustment options

Waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and unpaved areas outside city center turn muddy

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 2,325m (7,628 ft) elevation creates intense sun exposure despite cool temperatures

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry after rain exposure

Warm sleepwear - evenings drop to 11°C (51°F) and many accommodations have minimal heating

Portable phone charger - frequent indoor time and navigation needs during weather changes drain batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - many traditional restaurants and markets don't accept cards, especially during weather disruptions

Insect repellent - increased humidity and standing water from rains attract mosquitoes in early evening hours

Compact day backpack - need space for weather layers, rain protection, and purchases during market visits

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants serve 'special rainy season menu' items from 2-5pm during August - ask for 'shiro bet' (chickpea stew) only available when fresh herbs are abundant from recent rains

Avoid scheduling important meetings or tours between 2-4pm - this is when most afternoon thunderstorms occur, and locals plan indoor activities during this window

Hotel rates drop significantly if you book Sunday-Tuesday nights even in August - diaspora visitors typically arrive Friday-Saturday, creating midweek pricing opportunities

The best views of the city happen just after rain clears around 4-5pm - head to Liberation Avenue or Tank Cemetery for crystal-clear mountain vistas impossible during dry season

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothing - many tourists arrive expecting hot African weather but face 11°C (51°F) mornings requiring warm layers

Not having indoor backup plans - tourists often lose entire afternoon sightseeing when 2pm rains arrive without alternative activities prepared

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - diaspora tourism in August fills mid-range hotels quickly, forcing expensive last-minute bookings or poor locations