Algeria is the largest country in Africa, spanning over 2.38 million square kilometers. It is located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia and Libya to the northeast, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, and Morocco to the west. The country’s landscape is highly diverse, ranging from coastal plains and fertile valleys to rugged mountain ranges and the vast Sahara Desert, which covers about 80% of its total land area.
The Atlas Mountains dominate the northern part of Algeria, forming a natural barrier between the coastal Mediterranean region and the inland desert. The coastal regions are Mediterranean in climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. As one moves southwards, the climate shifts to semi-arid and then to an arid desert climate in the Sahara, where temperatures can soar to extreme levels, and rainfall is scarce.
Algeria’s climate can be classified into three main zones:
- Northern Algeria (Coastal and Tell regions): Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains: Semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers, more extreme than the coastal regions.
- Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert): Arid desert climate with extremely high summer temperatures and very little rainfall throughout the year.
With this diverse geography, Algeria experiences significant regional variations in weather. Let’s explore Algeria’s weather month by month.
January
Weather Overview
January is the middle of winter in Algeria and brings cold temperatures in the northern regions, particularly in the Atlas Mountains, where snow is common. The coastal areas are milder, while the southern desert remains dry but cool.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 70-120 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with occasional rain showers in cities like Algiers and Oran. The coastal areas experience their highest rainfall during this time, and winter storms are possible.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
- Weather: Cold, with frequent snow in the Tell Atlas and Aurès Mountains. Cities like Tlemcen and Constantine experience frosty mornings and chilly days.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
- Weather: Cool and dry in cities like Tamanrasset and Djanet. Desert nights can be cold, dropping close to freezing, but daytime temperatures remain comfortable.
February
Weather Overview
February continues to be winter in Algeria, with cold conditions persisting in the northern regions. The rainfall starts to decrease slightly, but snow remains common in the mountains.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with scattered rain showers. Algiers and other coastal cities experience mild days and cool nights.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
- Weather: Cold, with some regions still experiencing snow, particularly in the higher altitudes of the Atlas Mountains.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 7°C to 22°C (45°F to 72°F)
- Weather: Cool mornings and warm afternoons. The Sahara remains dry, with little or no rainfall.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the beginning of spring in Algeria, with temperatures gradually rising, particularly in the northern regions. The rain starts to decrease, and the snow begins to melt in the Atlas Mountains.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Mild, with occasional rain showers. Oran and Bejaia experience warmer days, while nights remain cool.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F)
- Weather: Milder, with snow melting in lower elevations. The higher mountain areas may still see some snow, but it is less frequent.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
- Weather: Warm days and cool nights. The desert remains dry and increasingly warm as the month progresses.
April
Weather Overview
April is full spring in Algeria, bringing warmer temperatures across the country. Rainfall decreases significantly, especially in the coastal regions, while the desert becomes hotter.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and pleasant, with fewer rain showers. This is an ideal time for travel, as the coastal cities are mild and blooming with spring flowers.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F)
- Weather: Mild, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Snow is rare at this time, making it easier to explore the mountain regions.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
- Weather: Warm to hot, with increasing daytime temperatures. Nights are still cool, but the desert heat starts to intensify.
May
Weather Overview
May marks the transition into summer, with hot temperatures in the southern desert and warm weather in the northern regions. Rainfall continues to decrease, especially in the northern areas.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with plenty of sunshine in Algiers, Oran, and the Mediterranean coast. This is one of the most pleasant months to visit.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
- Weather: Warm and dry, with little to no rainfall. The highlands are pleasant, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
- Weather: Hot, particularly during the day. Nights are still relatively cool, but the desert heat is building quickly.
June
Weather Overview
June is the start of summer in Algeria, with soaring temperatures in the Sahara and hot, dry conditions across the country. The northern regions still experience milder temperatures compared to the desert.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Hot and sunny, with clear skies and little to no rainfall. The Mediterranean coast remains a popular destination for beachgoers.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Weather: Hot and dry, with clear skies. The high-altitude areas provide cooler conditions compared to the lowlands.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
- Weather: Extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The nights remain warm, with little respite from the heat.
July
Weather Overview
July is the hottest month in Algeria, particularly in the Sahara Desert. The coastal regions and the northern highlands remain more bearable, but the entire country experiences high temperatures.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 0-10 mm
- Weather: Very hot, with clear skies and strong sunshine. Coastal cities like Algiers and Oran offer slightly cooler temperatures due to the Mediterranean breeze.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Weather: Hot and dry, with very little rainfall. The mountains offer some relief from the heat, but it remains warm even at higher altitudes.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F)
- Weather: Extremely hot, with blistering heat during the day. Nights remain warm, but temperatures can still drop below 30°C in the evenings.
August
Weather Overview
August is another very hot month, particularly in the Sahara Desert, while northern Algeria remains hot but more manageable. It’s the height of summer, and rainfall is virtually nonexistent.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 0-10 mm
- Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures peaking in late afternoon. Coastal areas remain popular, offering some relief from the inland heat.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
- Weather: Hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. The mountain regions remain warmer than in previous months.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 30°C to 46°C (86°F to 115°F)
- Weather: Extremely hot, with daytime highs exceeding 45°C. The desert remains arid and dry, and travel becomes challenging due to the heat.
September
Weather Overview
September signals the transition from summer to autumn, with temperatures starting to cool down slightly, especially in the northern regions. The desert remains hot, but the intensity of the heat diminishes toward the end of the month.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with the beginning of cooler evenings. The Mediterranean coast experiences pleasant conditions, ideal for late summer travel.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Weather: Warm and dry, with cooler evenings. Rainfall remains minimal, but the highlands offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
- Weather: Hot but starting to cool down. The desert remains arid, and the extreme summer heat begins to subside.
October
Weather Overview
October brings cooler temperatures, particularly in northern Algeria. The coastal regions enjoy mild and comfortable weather, while the desert remains warm but more bearable.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Mild and sunny, with pleasant temperatures and occasional rain showers. It’s a great time to visit Algiers and Oran, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler nights.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
- Weather: Warm, with cooler nights and some rain showers in the mountains. The autumn season brings clear skies and beautiful landscapes.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
- Weather: Warm to hot, with cooler evenings. The desert becomes more manageable, and nights are refreshingly cool.
November
Weather Overview
November marks the beginning of winter in northern Algeria, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. The desert remains warm during the day, but nighttime temperatures drop significantly.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with more frequent rain showers in Algiers and the northern regions. Days are shorter, but the temperatures remain mild during the daytime.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Weather: Cool, with more rain and occasional frost in higher elevations. The mountains see increasing cloud cover, and the first signs of winter begin to appear.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
- Weather: Warm days and cool nights. The desert experiences little to no rainfall, and temperatures remain mild.
December
Weather Overview
December is the beginning of winter in Algeria, with cold temperatures in the north and mild to cool conditions in the Sahara. The Atlas Mountains may see some snow, while the coastal regions experience frequent rain.
Northern Algeria (Coastal Regions)
- Temperature: 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with overcast skies and frequent rain in cities like Algiers and Oran. The coastal areas are cool but rarely experience snow.
High Plateaus and Atlas Mountains
- Temperature: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
- Weather: Cold, with the possibility of snowfall in the Aurès and Tell Atlas Mountains. The higher elevations experience frosty mornings and chilly days.
Southern Algeria (Sahara Desert)
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Weather: Cool and dry, with chilly desert nights. Tamanrasset and other southern cities remain mild, though temperatures drop significantly at night.