diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index f37c623..2c1b480 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ Keep it human-readable, your future self will thank you!
 
 ## [Unreleased](https://github.com/ecmwf/anemoi-utils/compare/0.4.0...HEAD)
 
+## Fixed
+- Fix `__version__` import in init
+
 ### Changed
 
 - Fix pre-commit regex
diff --git a/src/anemoi/utils/__init__.py b/src/anemoi/utils/__init__.py
index eef2c1d..9733be2 100644
--- a/src/anemoi/utils/__init__.py
+++ b/src/anemoi/utils/__init__.py
@@ -6,4 +6,10 @@
 # nor does it submit to any jurisdiction.
 
 
-from ._version import __version__ as __version__
+try:
+    # NOTE: the `_version.py` file must not be present in the git repository
+    #   as it is generated by setuptools at install time
+    from ._version import __version__  # type: ignore
+except ImportError:  # pragma: no cover
+    # Local copy or not installed with setuptools
+    __version__ = "999"