The climate of Ain Salah
Nestled in the heart of the Sahara desert,
Ain Salah has a subtropical desert climate that is classified as BWh by the Köppen climate classification. This climate is characterized by low rainfall throughout the year and significantly high temperatures particularly from late spring to early autumn.
The weather parameters depict significant variations. Temperatures swing from a yearly low of 9.8°C (49.6°F) in
January to a scorching high of 44.1°C (111.4°F) in
July. As for the precipitation levels, the rainfall in the area is minimal, reaching a maximum of 4mm (0.16") in
May and displaying minimal showers for most of the year. An interesting reflection of the parched land is the relative humidity, which bottoms out at a mere 10% in July and only climbs to a peak of 37% in
December.
Wind speeds in Ain Salah fluctuate throughout the year, showing minimum speeds of 16.4km/h (10.2mph) in
November and reaching their zenith at 20.9km/h (13mph) in July. The sunlight is noteworthy, with maximum daylight of 13.8 hours in
June and the shortest day occurring in December with 10.4 hours of daylight.
Unique weather patterns emerge from the data. The month with the highest temperatures and minimal rainfall, July, also experiences the fastest wind speeds. The inverse is December, which provides the coolest temperatures, the highest relative humidity and the slowest wind speeds.
The best time to visit Ain Salah
For those seeking mild temperatures and lower wind speeds, the best time is from
December to
February. These months see lower daytime temperatures ranging from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), and charmingly chilly nights falling between 9.8°C (49.6°F) and 12.3°C (54.1°F). The wind speeds are moderate, with averages from 16.4km/h (10.2mph) to 17.7km/h (11mph). Visitors can also expect relatively clearer skies as cloud cover stays under 9%, and a UV index averaging 4 to prevent unpleasant sunburns.
The worst time to visit Ain Salah
The summer months -
June,
July, and
August, prove to be the harshest period to visit
Ain Salah. Daytime temperatures escalate to a mean high above 40°C (104°F) and barely let up during the nights with a searing 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F). The months are lethally arid too, with a maximum rainfall of 1mm (0.04") across the entire period, and the humidity drops to an extreme of 10% to 13%. Additionally, the fast winds, averaging above 20km/h (12.4mph), can stir up sand and reducing visibility.
Spring weather in Ain Salah
Springtime in
Ain Salah starts off mild but quickly escalates into an inferno.
March sees temperatures picking up from 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
April follows a similar trajectory with temperatures ascending from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F). The heat peaks in
May, with temperature variables extending from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 37.8°C (100°F). Rainfall is scarce, but increases slightly from 2mm (0.08") in March to 4mm (0.16") in May.
Summer weather in Ain Salah
Summers in
Ain Salah are harsh with soaring temperatures. The average daily temperatures in
June range from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 42.2°C (108°F), climbing further to 32.6°C (90.7°F) to 44.1°C (111.4°F) in
July and then slightly cooling down to 31.6°C (88.9°F) to 42.9°C (109.2°F) in
August. Precipitation is almost non-existent with the rain gauges recording 1mm (0.04") in June and August, and there being no rainfall in July.
Autumn weather in Ain Salah
In Autumn, temperatures start to descend but remain high.
September sees temperatures falling from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 40°C (104°F).
October witnesses milder temperatures with them ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F). In
November, the temperature further cools to 25.5°C (77.9°F) at the highest and 16°C (60.8°F) at the lowest. There is a slight increase in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") in September to 2mm (0.08") in November.
Winter weather in Ain Salah
Ain Salah's winter season provides a respite from the thermal assault the town faces the rest of the year.
December presents daytime temperatures of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and drops to a cool 11.4°C (52.5°F) at night.
January follows the same pattern, with temperatures ranging from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F).
February experiences a slight increase in temperature from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Winter rainfall is minimal, with a consistent level of 1mm (0.04") across all three months.
Weather in January
The new year in
Ain Salah,
Algeria, traditionally begins with cool temperatures and relative clarity. Compared to the previous month,
January's climate significantly impacts visibility, registering a solid 10km (6.2mi). The low cloud coverage of 9% is a boon for locals and tourists alike and it's a time when outdoor activities can be enjoyed without the hindrance of rainfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The transition between
January and
February brings with it a notable rise in temperatures, both in daytime highs and nightly lows. With a slight increase to 23°C (73.4°F) in the afternoon and a low of 12.3°C (54.1°F) in the late hours, February maintains the favorable climate of its predecessor month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Rolling into spring,
March manifests itself as one of the transitional months in
Ain Salah. The shift from
February ends a cooling period and brings higher temperatures and longer daylight hours. Importantly, March registers a unique UV Index of 7, indicating a higher risk of sunburn and eye damage.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, being a prime example of the spring season, best represents the balance between the cooler first quarter of the year and the impending summer heat in
Ain Salah. Humidity further plummets in April to 17%, from 21% in
March, signaling drier days ahead.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is seen as the unofficial start of summer with a remarkable rise in temperature to 37.8°C (100°F) from
April's 33.1°C (91.6°F). Although many would anticipate an increase in cloud cover and potential rainfall, May surprisingly contradicts these expectations.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is notable for introducing full-blown summer heat to
Ain Salah, with an unparalleled jump to a scorching high of 42.2°C (108°F). The relentless combination of increased temperature and daylight prolongs the heat throughout the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Nothing is quite as distinct as
July's temperature, which peaks at an extreme and singular high of 44.1°C (111.4°F). This hottest month in
Ain Salah comes with increased daylight and the maximum UV Index of 9. During this time, Ain Salah locals and tourists are advised to take necessary precautions due to the intense heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's arrival is seen as a subtle turning point from the baking summer months to slightly less intense heat. This month doesn't bring about a drastic change in temperature but paves the way to a much cooler fourth quarter. Meanwhile, August retains the predecessor's 31.6°C (88.9°F) night time lows.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September begins the transition into the more moderate months of the year in
Ain Salah. The shift from
August sees a trimming down of maximum temperatures, while the low temperatures retain the same warmth of 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October manifests appreciable changes in
Ain Salah's climate. The transition from
September, brings much welcome relief to residents after consecutive months of intense heat. As the temperature begins to ebb, there is a simultaneous increase in humidity and the frequency of rainfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Ain Salah, is warm month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 16°C (60.8°F) and an average high of 25.5°C (77.9°F). With the onset of November, Ain Salah's average high-temperature adjusts, receding from
October's tropical 33.2°C (91.8°F) to a warm 25.5°C (77.9°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is a fitting end to the year in
Ain Salah, presenting cooler, more relaxed weather. Moving from
November, the temperatures drop to a pleasant daily high of 20.7°C (69.3°F) while the nights stay at a comfortable 11.4°C (52.5°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]