How the Ethiopian calendar works
The Ethiopian calendar follows its own rhythm: 13 months, a distinct year count, and holidays aligned to local tradition.
1) Thirteen months, not twelve
Ethiopia uses 12 months of 30 days each, then a short 13th month called Pagume with 5 days, or 6 in a leap year. This keeps the calendar close to the solar year while remaining easy to count.
2) Why the year number is different
Ethiopian year numbering follows a different historical calculation than Gregorian calendars. In practice, Ethiopian years are roughly 7 to 8 years behind Gregorian depending on the date.
3) New Year starts in September
Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, usually falls on September 11 (or September 12 in the year before a Gregorian leap year). This date marks the reset of the Ethiopian year.
4) It is a living civil calendar
The Ethiopian calendar is not only ceremonial. It is used in day-to-day life across forms, schedules, holidays, and local date references, especially in domestic workflows.
Continue with tools: Ethiopian Calendar and Calendar Converter.