Saint George dwarfs onlookers in Lalibela!
Lalibela saint George church carved from the Earth
Evening light on saint George church
Exploring the underground networks at Lalibela
Saint George towering above
The beautiful saint George church Lalibela
Biete Qeddus Mercoreus Church
Walking the bridge over Biete Gabriel Raphael Church
When is the best time to go to Lalibela?
In general, the best time of year to visit Lalibela is between October and March during the dry season, when the weather is warm and the sky is clear.
Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-twenties, which means the conditions are pleasant and enjoyable for exploring the town or heading off into the surrounding highlands for hikes.
Due to the high altitude, the temperature can drop considerably at night, so warm clothes are still essential!
Exploring the underground tunnel networks at Lalibela.
Lalibela's bustling saturday markets
To really experience the magic of Lalibela, we recommend visiting at the weekend. Every Saturday is market day, and the bustling, colourful marketplace is not to be missed. Here, visitors can join in with the crowds of vendors and shoppers to buy some delicious snacks or pick up the perfect souvenir from the wide range of unique local handicrafts on offer.
There is something about the chaos of these markets that bring the entire town to life - the sounds of the thousands talking and shouting, and friendly faces smiling at you as you meander through the maze.
Bustling market day in Lalibela
Sunday morning service in the rock-hewn churches
Sunday is also a wonderful time to be in Lalibela. The stunning 13th century rock-hewn churches in the town are amazing any day of the week, but they really come alive on Sunday. The churches are still in active use - over 900 years after their creation - and soaking up the atmosphere during a Sunday morning service is an amazing experience.
Hundreds of white-robed locals arrive at dawn to pray and sing worship songs, bringing the churches to life. This is Ethiopia at its best.
Church of Saint George, Lalibela.
January Festivals in Lalibela
The churches are incredibly important during Ethiopian Christmas as well, which takes place on the 7th of January. Thousands of pilgrims arrive in Lalibela for the festivities, and the town really comes alive. At this time, it can be harder to find accommodation and prices will rise due to the high demand, though visitors can save by planning well in advance. If you're visiting at this time, be prepared for big crowds and lots of noise!
Timkat, another major festival on the Ethiopian Calendar, falls on 19th January each year. Lalibela is one of the best places to be to experience the festival (Gonder and Addis Ababa are also great options at this time).
Visit Lalibela on these trips
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