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Climate in Algeria


Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine

Flag - Algeria

Map - Algeria

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In Algeria, the largest African country, there are three types of climate: the Mediterranean climate of the coast, the transitional climate of the northern hills and mountains, which is a little more continental and moderately rainy, and finally, the desert climate of the vast area occupied by the Sahara.

Index


  • The coast
  • Mountain areas
  • Saharan desert
  • When to go
  • What to pack
  • Climate data

The coast



In the thin coastal strip (zone 1 on the map), the climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers.
The rains are scarcer in the western part (see Oran), where they range between 330 and 400 millimeters (13 and 16 inches) per year; consequently, the landscape here is more arid. In the central and eastern parts (see Algiers, Annaba), the rains are more abundant, in fact they range between 600 and 800 mm (23.5 and 31.5 in). Most of the rains occur between October and April.
By contrast, the temperatures on the coast are rather uniform: the daily average is around 11/12 °C (52/53.5 °F) in January and around 26/27 °C (79/81 °F) in August (which is, albeit slightly, the warmest month). Summer is sunny, with fairly high humidity, but also with the breeze blowing from the sea.
Sometimes, a hot wind coming from the desert, called Chili, can blow: it reaches the coast after climbing the mountains, and it is able to cause a sudden drop in relative humidity and to bring sand and dust. This wind is more frequent in spring and autumn; when it blows in summer, it can raise temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F), and occasionally up to 47/48 °C (117/118 °F).

Algiers

Climate chart - Algiers
Algiers, the capital, is located in the central part of the coast.
Precipitation totals 600 mm (23.5 in) per year. The trend is typically Mediterranean, in fact the rainiest period goes from November to January, while in summer it rains very rarely.
Along the coast, the sun shines regularly in summer, while in the other seasons, there may be sunny days, but also cloudy and rainy days.
The sea is warm enough for swimming from July to September, while in June, it's still a bit cool.

In the eastern part of the coast (see Annaba), the sea is a bit warmer than in the western part (see Oran), which is located near the Alborán Sea, where the Mediterranean water mixes with the Atlantic water.

Algiers

Mountainous areas



In the north of Algeria, we find a mountainous belt parallel to the coast (zone 2), which divides it from the desert. There are two mountain ranges, Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas; the former is wetter because it's more often affected by humid winds from the sea, and in winter it's snowy, so much so that there are a few winter resorts (see Chréa, Tikjda) where you can go skiing, especially from December to March.
Between the two ranges, we find a plateau, with several cities located between 1,000 and 1,300 meters (3,300 and 4,200 feet). Here, the climate is slightly continental, with quite cold winters and hot summers.

Sétif

Climate chart - Sétif
For example, in Sétif, at 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, the daily average ranges from 5.5 °C (42 °F) in January to 26.5 °C (79 °F) in July. So, the summer here is as hot as on the coast, but the humidity is lower, in addition, the temperature is higher during the day and lower at night. Winter is rather cold, especially when cold air masses arrive from Europe, which can at times bring even snow and frost.
In Sétif, precipitation amounts to 400 mm (16 in) per year and follows the Mediterranean pattern, ie with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer, when, however, some rare thunderstorms are possible.

A similar climate is found in other towns of the area, with a few variations due to altitude and slope exposure, such as Batna, 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, Constantine, 770 meters (2,500 feet), and Tebessa, 800 meters (2,600 feet).

Snow in Setif

Saharan Desert



In the vast Algerian desert (zone 3), the climate is hot and dry during the long summer months, and it's also progressively hotter and drier as you proceed towards the south.
In winter, the warmest area is the far south, where the temperature during the day is around 25/27 °C (77/80 °F), while the hottest area in summer lies between the 24th and the 30th parallel, since the far south is reached by the extreme offshoot of the African monsoon, which bring a bit of cloudiness and occasional downpours.
The rains are very rare in the whole area, below 100 mm (4 in) per year, and often below 50 mm (2 in); they occur in the form of downpours, and are more likely in winter in the north, and as mentioned, in summer in the far south.
The sky in the desert is almost always clear, and this favors a wide temperature range between night and day, which is often around 20 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit). During winter, the temperature can drop below freezing at night, albeit slightly, while the days remain mild.
In the desert, sand storms can occur at any time, especially in the vast areas covered with sand dunes, called ergs.
The heat records, which are set during hot air invasions from the south, depend on the position and altitude, and range from 48 °C (118 °F) in the northernmost part (see Biskra) to 50/51 °C (122/124 °F) in the hottest areas.

Biskra

Climate chart - Biskra
In the northern part of the desert, the average maximum temperature in July and August is around 40/41 °C (104/106 °F) in Biskra, the "Gateway of the Sahara", located just south of the Saharan Atlas, and around 41/42 °C (106/108 °F) in Touggourt.
In Biskra, rainfall amounts to 155 mm (6.1 in) per year.

Tassili N'Ajjer

In the south-east of the country, in the middle of the desert, there is a mountain massif, called Hoggar, whose highest peak is Mount Tahat, 2,908 meters (9,541 feet) high. Here, the rains, still at desert-like levels, are slightly more frequent than in the surrounding areas. North of Hoggar, but still in a mountainous region, we find the Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, a rocky desert, with deep canyons and lunar landscapes, but also some verdant oasis.

Tamanrasset

Climate chart - Tamanrasset
The city of Tamanrasset, 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level, has a very salubrious climate, dry and sunny all year round, and tempered by the altitude: in winter, it can get cold at night, while the days remain mild, whereas in summer, the heat is intense, but not as intense as at sea level, in fact, average highs are around 35/36 °C (95/97 °F), with possible peaks around 40/42 °C (104/108 °F).
Rainfall in Tamanrasset, rare and sporadic, is slightly above 50 mm (2 in) per year. In the lowlands of this southern part of the desert, rainfall is even scarcer.

The situation is quite different in the lowlands of the central-southern part of the desert. In oases like Timimoun, In Salah, Aoulef and Reggane, the average maximum in July is around 45/46 °C (113/115 °F), and the highest records are around 50/51 °C (122/124 °F). In summer, this is one of the hottest regions in the world.

In Salah

Climate chart - In Salah
In Salah is an oasis located in the center of the country, in the province of Tamanrasset, at 290 meters (950 feet) of altitude.
In In Salah, the sun shines all year round.

Owing to the aforementioned marginal influence of the African monsoon, the amount of sunshine in summer slightly decreases in the south and in the Hoggar Massif (where there are 10 hours of sunshine per day, compared with 12 hours in the central and northern regions).

When to go



The best time to visit Algiers and the coastal cities, but also those of the mountainous belt, is spring, and in particular the months of April and May. Autumn is also a good season, especially the month of October, which, however, is more rainy. You can then choose September, which, however, can still be hot during the day.
If you want to visit the Algerian desert, the best season is winter, from December to February, especially in the southern part: it is true that at night it is cold, but during the day the sun shines and the temperature is pleasant. In the northern part of the desert (see Biskra), which in winter is more often cold, you may prefer the months of March and November.
You can go to the beach from mid-May to October, although, as we mentioned, the sea becomes warm enough for swimming in July, and given that the rains may start by October, the best time for a beach holiday runs from July to September.

What to pack in the suitcase



In winter: for Algiers and the coast, bring spring/autumn clothes, a jacket and a sweater, and a raincoat or umbrella. For the hilly and mountainous areas of the north, bring warm clothes, such as a down jacket, and a hat. For the desert, spring/autumn clothes, being ready to remove the outer layer during the day, but a also sweater and a warm jacket for the evening and early morning, and a scarf for the sand.

In summer: for Algiers and the coast, and the northern plateau as well, bring summer clothing, a light sweatshirt for the evening, and possibly a scarf for the wind-borne sand and dust. For the desert, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, light and long shirts and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a wide-brimmed hat, a light scarf, sunglasses (even graduated instead of contact lenses), comfortable and breathable shoes. For the mountains or for nights in a tent, you can bring a sweatshirt for the evening, and hiking boots or sandals.
It's better for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts, especially in rural and non-tourist areas.

Climate data - Algeria


Temperatures: °C, Precipitation: mm
Algiers
Algiers, location on the map
Algiers, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.5579121619201814107
Max temp.171720222529323330272118
Precip.80755560401051030609090
Prec. days11109117323591112
Humidity77%76%75%74%72%68%67%67%70%72%76%78%
Day length101112131415141412111010
Sun hours4678101011109655
Sea temp161515161821242625221917

Annaba
Annaba, location on the map
Annaba, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.77810131719201815118
Max temp.171719212428313229262118
Precip.9075655050100104560100100
Prec. days1311101374139101314
Humidity78%78%76%76%75%72%71%71%73%74%76%78%
Day length101112131415141412111010
Sun hours466781011108654
Sea temp161515161822242625232017

Batna (1,050 meters)
Batna, location on the map
Batna, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.003610141817141041
Max temp.121317212632363529241713
Precip.35203035352052035252530
Prec. days887764246568
Humidity71%66%60%57%51%42%35%40%53%58%66%73%
Day length101112131414141312111010

Bechar
Bechar, location on the map
Bechar, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.36101419242827221695
Max temp.171923273237414034282117
Precip.5510555051015205
Prec. days222221123322
Humidity48%40%33%28%25%20%16%20%29%37%44%53%
Day length101112131414141312111010
Sun hours8910111112121110988

Biskra
Biskra, location on the map
Biskra, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.781115202528282318128
Max temp.171923273238414035292218
Precip.10520151055025151515
Prec. days444331114334
Humidity56%48%42%38%32%28%26%29%40%45%52%58%
Day length101112131414141312111010
Sun hours7889101112119977

Constantine (770 meters)
Constantine, location on the map
Constantine, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.225710151818151163
Max temp.121317202531353529241713
Precip.605055504015102035405560
Prec. days121010107524771011
Humidity77%75%71%69%63%52%44%48%61%66%73%78%
Day length101112131415141412111010
Sun hours566781012109765

Djanet (1,035 meters)
Djanet, location on the map
Djanet, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.471217222424242217106
Max temp.202327333638383837322621
Precip.050555050005
Prec. days111122011110
Humidity35%27%22%18%18%18%17%19%21%27%30%35%
Day length111112131314141312121111

Djelfa (1,100 meters)
Djelfa, location on the map
Djelfa, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.114711162019151052
Max temp.101115192430353327221411
Precip.252025303015101535252020
Prec. days444331123344
Humidity69%63%56%50%43%34%27%32%46%53%66%73%
Day length101112131414141312111010

In Salah (280 meters)
In Salah, location on the map
In Salah, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.7101418242831312721139
Max temp.222530353944464542362823
Precip.550000000005
Prec. days111120001111
Humidity36%29%23%19%17%15%13%15%20%26%32%38%
Day length111112131414141312121110
Sun hours99111111121212111098

Oran
Oran, location on the map
Oran, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.56911141720211814107
Max temp.171820222528323229262118
Precip.403535352050015456045
Prec. days877862124688
Humidity77%75%72%68%66%64%65%65%68%72%75%78%
Day length101112131414141312111010
Sea temp161516161821232524221917

Sétif (1,100 meters)
Sétif, location on the map
Sétif, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.114610151918141052
Max temp.101115182430343327221511
Precip.403040454020152040303540
Prec. days10998742477910
Humidity76%72%66%62%56%44%35%39%55%62%72%78%
Day length101112131415141412111010

Tamanrasset (1,400 meters)
Tamanrasset, location on the map
Tamanrasset, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.581216212424232217117
Max temp.202226313436363534302522
Precip.00505551010500
Prec. days111013253201
Humidity21%19%17%14%16%17%17%24%22%23%23%24%
Day length111112131314131312121111

Tebessa (850 meters)
Tebessa, location on the map
Tebessa, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.225711161919151163
Max temp.121417212632363529241813
Precip.252035353525152555403030
Prec. days776653245567
Humidity71%66%62%57%52%44%38%42%56%61%67%72%
Day length101112131414141312111010

Tiaret (1,000 meters)
Tiaret, location on the map
Tiaret, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.11359141818141052
Max temp.121316192431353529231612
Precip.45354045301051035304545
Prec. days987862135689
Humidity77%74%69%66%57%43%34%38%53%61%74%80%
Day length101112131414141312111010

Timimoun (290 meters)
Timimoun, location on the map
Timimoun, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.581216212629282518117
Max temp.192227323742454440332520
Precip.005505055500
Prec. days111000001110
Humidity38%31%25%22%19%15%13%15%22%28%36%42%
Day length101112131414141312111110

Tindouf (400 meters)
Tindouf, location on the map
Tindouf, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.791215172127272318128
Max temp.212428313539444338322622
Precip.055050010151555
Prec. days110110022211
Humidity40%35%31%29%28%25%18%21%29%35%39%45%
Day length111112131414141312121110

Touggourt
Touggourt, location on the map
Touggourt, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.561014192427262217106
Max temp.172024283338424136302318
Precip.10510510010015555
Prec. days222211013222
Humidity62%52%46%40%36%31%29%32%42%47%56%63%
Day length101112131414141312111010



See also the temperatures month by month

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 See also (cities or regions):
 Adrar
 Algiers
 Annaba
 Batna
 Bechar
 Bejaia
 Biskra
 Bou Saada
 Chlef
 Others (expand)
 Constantine
 Djanet
 Djelfa
 El Menia
 El Oued
 Ghardaia
 Hassi Messaoud
 Illizi
 In Amenas
 In Salah
 Jijel
 Mecheria
 Oran
 Ouargla
 Sétif
 Skikda
 Tamanrasset
 Tebessa
 Tiaret
 Timimoun
 Tindouf
 Tlemcen
 Touggourt

 Nearby countries:
 Libya
 Mali
 Mauritania
 Morocco
 Niger
 Spain
 Tunisia
 Western Sahara

 Continents:
 Africa
 North America
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 Antarctica
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