Asmara sits at 2,350 metres and is one of the most comfortable capitals in Africa year-round. Daytime temperatures hover between 20 and 25°C for most of the year, dropping to single digits at night in December and January.
The main rains fall between July and September. They tend to come in short, intense afternoon storms; mornings are usually clear. Around the rains is when the surrounding countryside is greenest. October to February is dry and cool — bring a jacket for evenings.
If you can, time a visit to coincide with the Eritrean Independence celebrations on 24 May, when the city fills with parades and music, or with the Asmara Festival (Expo) in late July and August on the southern grounds.