You just woke up, checked your phone, and it’s January 2026. You’re thinking about the future, maybe some New Year’s resolutions you've already broken. But if you hopped on a flight to Addis Ababa right now, you’d effectively be stepping out of a time machine. People there aren't living in 2026. They aren't even in 2025.
So, what year is Ethiopia now?
Believe it or not, Ethiopia is currently in the year 2018.
No, they aren't "stuck in the past" because of a lack of technology or some weird glitch in the matrix. It’s actually a conscious, culturally rich choice. While almost every other nation on the planet bowed to the Gregorian calendar centuries ago, Ethiopia just... didn't. They stuck to their guns. They kept their own rhythm. Honestly, it’s one of the coolest examples of cultural preservation you'll ever find.
The 7-Year Itch (Or Why the Math Doesn't Add Up)
You’ve probably heard people say Ethiopia is "seven years behind." That's a bit of a simplification. Depending on the time of year, it’s actually a gap of seven or eight years.
The reason boils down to a guy named Dionysius Exiguus, a monk from the 6th century. He’s the one who calculated the birth of Jesus Christ for the Western world. He was a bit off, or at least, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church thinks so. They follow the calculations of the Annunciation (when Gabriel told Mary she’d have a baby) based on the ancient Alexandrian calendar.
The West updated their math in 1582 under Pope Gregory XIII. Ethiopia looked at that update and basically said, "We’re good, thanks."
📖 Related: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Because they calculate the birth of Christ differently, their "Year 1" started about seven to eight years later than the Gregorian "Year 1." So, while we are barrelling toward the mid-2020s, Ethiopians are just starting to enjoy the late 2010s. It’s a bit of a trip.
13 Months of Sunshine (Yes, Really)
If the year difference wasn't enough to make your head spin, let's talk about the months.
In the Western world, we have 12 months. Some have 31 days, some have 30, and February is just doing its own chaotic thing with 28 or 29. It’s messy.
The Ethiopian calendar—the Ge'ez calendar—is way more organized.
- 12 months have exactly 30 days each.
- The 13th month, called Pagumē, has 5 days (or 6 in a leap year).
Think about that. Every single month starts and ends with a predictable rhythm. The 13th month is basically a "mini-month" at the end of the year to catch those leftover days. It’s often used for prayer, reflection, or just finishing up business before the New Year hits in September.
The Clock Starts at Sunrise
Travelers get really confused by this part. If you ask an Ethiopian what time it is, they might tell you it's 1:00 when your watch says 7:00 AM.
👉 See also: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
In Ethiopia, the day doesn't start at midnight. That feels arbitrary to them. Instead, the day starts at dawn.
- 1:00 (Ethiopian Time) = 7:00 AM (International Time)
- 6:00 (Ethiopian Time) = 12:00 PM (Noon)
- 12:00 (Ethiopian Time) = 6:00 PM (Sunset)
Basically, they count the hours of daylight. It makes perfect sense if you're living in a country near the equator where the sun rises and sets at roughly the same time all year. 12 hours of light, 12 hours of dark. Simple. But if you’re trying to catch a flight, you better double-check which "10 o'clock" the airline is talking about.
When Is the Big Party?
Since the calendar is different, Enkutatash (the Ethiopian New Year) doesn't happen on January 1st.
It happens on September 11th (or September 12th if it’s a leap year).
The timing is beautiful. It marks the end of the heavy rainy season. The hills turn bright yellow with "Meskel Daisies," and the whole country feels like it’s blooming. It’s a time of massive feasts, traditional songs, and children going door-to-door with hand-painted pictures of the saints.
If you’re wondering what year is Ethiopia now in terms of holidays, they just celebrated the start of 2018 this past September. While you were getting ready for autumn in 2025, they were popping bottles for the brand new year of 2018.
✨ Don't miss: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
Living in Two Worlds
Now, you might be thinking, "How do they handle international business?"
It’s a bit of a balancing act. If you’re a banker in Addis Ababa or an airline pilot for Ethiopian Airlines, you’re basically bilingual in "time." Official government documents, school schedules, and local holidays all use the Ethiopian calendar. But for international flights, trade, or emails to New York, they swap to the Gregorian system.
It’s not uncommon to see two dates on a single newspaper.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers and History Buffs
If you're planning to visit or just want to understand the vibe better, keep these points in mind:
- Confirm the Clock: If someone invites you to dinner at "2 o'clock," ask if they mean Ethiopian time (which would be 8:00 PM) or International time.
- Respect the 13th Month: Pagumē is a sacred time. It’s a short window—only 5 or 6 days—usually falling in early September. It’s a great time to witness local religious ceremonies.
- The 7-Year Rule: When checking expiration dates on local products or looking at historical markers, always add 7 or 8 years to get the Western equivalent.
- Experience Enkutatash: If you want to see Ethiopia at its most vibrant, visit in mid-September. The yellow daisies and the "New Year 2018" (as of right now) energy is infectious.
Ethiopia’s calendar isn't a mistake. It’s a badge of honor. It’s a reminder that time is just a story we tell ourselves, and Ethiopia prefers the version they've been telling for thousands of years.