The climate of Algeria
Algeria, located in North Africa, is distinguished by its diverse topography and geographic features. The north of the country, along the Mediterranean coast, boasts fertile lands, mountains, and hilly regions while the vast, arid Sahara Desert occupies the southern regions. The weather patterns in Algeria generally follow a pattern dictated by these geographic divisions.
Throughout the year, the coastal region experiences a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) with temperatures from 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F). This area sees mild and wet winters contrasted by hot and dry summers. The desert region, being of the Arid Desert Climate (BWh), is typically very hot during the day, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in summer months, while at night, temperatures can drop to 7°C (44.6°F). This area experiences infrequent rainfall and large temperature fluctuations. The Atlas Mountains and the high plateaus have a Cold Semi-arid Climate (BSk), with a wider range of temperature variations and a higher precipitation rate than the desert regions, from 0°C (32°F) to 30°C (86°F), depending on the time of the year.
The best time to visit Algeria
For tourists interested in experiencing
Algeria's diverse climates and geographic features, the best time to visit would generally be during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, offering optimal conditions for exploring both the coastal regions and the desert areas. For those planning to visit the Atlas Mountains or the high plateaus, it is important to note that the spring months, particularly from
March to
May, offer the most favorable weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Algeria
The height of summer, particularly from
July to
August, is generally considered the worst time to visit
Algeria, especially for those planning to explore the Sahara Desert. During this time, the desert region experiences extremely high temperatures that can exceed 40°C (104°F). Similarly, the coastal regions can become uncomfortably hot, with temperatures frequently reaching upwards of 30°C (86°F). Winter, particularly from
December to
February, can also prove challenging for visitors to the mountainous regions, where temperatures drop significantly and snowfall is common.
Spring weather in Algeria
Spring, from
March to
May, is a period of temperate and comfortable weather across
Algeria. In the coastal regions, temperatures average between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, in the desert regions, the temperature begins to rise from a cool winter, with averages between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day and dropping significantly at night. In the mountainous regions and high plateaus, temperatures can vary greatly but are generally between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F).
Summer weather in Algeria
In
Algeria, summer extends from
June to
August and is characterized by intense heat in most regions. The coastal areas experience temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), while the Sahara Desert can experience extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Night temperatures in the desert can still drop significantly, providing some respite from the heat. The high plateaus and Atlas Mountains can experience temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) during this period.
Autumn weather in Algeria
The autumn months, from
September to
November, mark a transitional period from the hot summer to the cooler winter. In the coastal regions, temperatures generally range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). The Sahara Desert sees a decrease in daytime temperatures, averaging between 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), while nights become progressively cooler. The Atlas Mountains and the high plateaus experience a temperature range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Winter weather in Algeria
Winter in
Algeria lasts from
December to
February. During this time, the coastal regions experience their coolest temperatures, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), and the highest levels of precipitation. In contrast, the Sahara Desert sees mild daytime temperatures between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) and significantly colder temperatures at night. In the Atlas Mountains and high plateaus, winter is characteristically cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, and snowfall is common.
Weather in January
January is characterized by contrasting weather conditions across different regions of
Algeria. The coastal areas, including the city of Algiers, experience a mild Mediterranean winter. Temperatures generally range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F), making it one of the cooler months for this region.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter season across
Algeria with temperatures gradually beginning to rise from
January. In the coastal areas, such as the city of Oran, temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), signaling a gradual transition towards the warmer spring season.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is the beginning of spring in
Algeria and brings with it a notable shift in weather conditions across the different regions of the country. In the coastal areas, including the city of Algiers, temperatures continue to rise from
February, generally ranging between 12°C (53.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F).
Weather in March » Weather in April
April marks the height of spring in
Algeria, with weather conditions significantly milder and more stable compared to the preceding months. In the coastal region, including cities such as Algiers and Oran, temperatures generally range between 13°C (55.4°F) and 20°C (68°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the end of the spring season in
Algeria and the commencement of warmer summer temperatures. The climate across the various regions of Algeria during this time showcases a transition from the mild spring weather to the upcoming hot summer. Along the coastal region, which includes cities like Algiers and Oran, average temperatures range between 16°C (60.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the beginning of the summer season in
Algeria, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures across all regions of the country. The coastal areas, including Algiers and Oran, start experiencing warmer conditions.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Algeria is characterized by peak summer conditions with high temperatures prevalent across all regions of the country. In the coastal areas, including cities like Algiers and Oran, temperatures can reach their maximum for the year, averaging between 22°C (71.6°F) and 30°C (86°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer season in
Algeria, with high temperatures dominating across all regions, although it brings signs of a slight decrease towards the end of the month. The coastal areas, encompassing cities like Algiers and Oran, experience high temperatures averaging between 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the onset of the autumn season in
Algeria, bringing with it a gradual decrease in temperature and a slight increase in rainfall towards the end of the month. In coastal regions, including cities such as Algiers and Oran, average temperatures start to decrease, typically ranging from 19°C (66.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October ushers in full autumn conditions in
Algeria, with significantly cooler temperatures and increased precipitation compared to the preceding summer months. In coastal regions, which include cities like Algiers and Oran, average temperatures continue to decrease, typically ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 23°C (73.4°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Algeria continues to present autumn conditions, with further decreases in temperature and increases in precipitation across the country. In the coastal regions, such as Algiers and Oran, average temperatures range from 12°C (53.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Algeria heralds the arrival of winter, bringing colder temperatures and increased precipitation across most of the country. The coastal regions, which include cities like Algiers and Oran, experience average temperatures ranging from 9°C (48.2°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Weather in December »