Eritrea in March

October through March is your sweet spot. Asmara sits at 7,500 feet, so even in summer it's pleasant, but the highlands can get surprisingly cold at night. December and January are perfect — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the rains have ended. The Red Sea coast stays warm year-round, making Massawa and the Dahlak Islands accessible for diving and beach time. Avoid June through September when heavy rains make travel difficult and many roads become impassable. Religious festivals like Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany) in January bring colorful celebrations, but also crowds and higher accommodation prices. Here's the practical reality: you'll need to coordinate with tour operators regardless of when you visit, so factor in their schedules and government permit processing times.