Today's Geez Date

Common questions

What year is it in Ethiopia?

The Geez year is 7 or 8 years behind the Gregorian year. It changes on Meskerem 1, not on January 1. Meskerem 1 falls on September 11, or on September 12 when the previous Geez year was a leap year.

Why is the Geez calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?

The Geez calendar has 12 months of 30 days and a 13th month, Pagume, of 5 or 6 days. It follows the older Alexandrian calculation of the year of the birth of Jesus Christ, which differs from the one used in the Gregorian calendar. That is why it is 7 or 8 years behind.

When is the Geez New Year?

Enkutatash falls on Meskerem 1. That is September 11 in most years, and September 12 when the previous Geez year was a leap year.

How many months does the Geez calendar have?

Thirteen: twelve months of 30 days, and Pagume with 5 days, or 6 days in a leap year.