When you plan a trip to Algiers, the weather really matters. It shapes everything, whether you’re wandering the historic Casbah or just kicking back by the Mediterranean.
The best time to visit Algiers is during spring and fall, when the temperatures stay mild and it just feels comfortable to explore. These months bring warm days, but not the heavy summer heat or the damp chill of winter.
You’ll find pleasant weather from March to May, and again from September to November. During these times, daytime temperatures usually sit somewhere between the upper teens and mid-20s Celsius.
That’s pretty ideal for walking tours, sipping coffee at outdoor cafés, or just soaking in those coastal views. Rain falls less often than in winter, and you’ll get a lot of clear skies.
Picking the right season helps you dodge the extremes. Summers can easily top 30°C, and winters bring cooler air with extra rainfall.
If you visit during the shoulder seasons, you’ll find a good balance—comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a better chance to see Algiers at its best.
Overview of Algiers’ Climate
Algiers sits on the coast, and the Mediterranean Sea plus the nearby mountains really shape the climate. You get mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, and the temperature and rainfall shift a lot between seasons.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Algiers has a Mediterranean climate, so winters are cool and rainy, while summers are hot and dry.
The sea keeps temperatures from getting too extreme, especially along the coast. Go inland, though, and you’ll feel more intense heat or cold.
Humidity usually stays pretty high, especially in winter, which makes the air feel damp. Sometimes, desert winds from the Sahara sweep in and suddenly push temperatures higher, making things dry and dusty. Those hot spells don’t last long, but wow, they can make the heat feel brutal.
Algiers gets over 2,700 hours of sunshine a year—that’s brighter than a lot of European cities with similar climates. Summer days are long and sunny, while winter brings shorter, cloudier days.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter (December to February) feels mild but wet. Highs usually stick close to 17 °C, and lows can get down near 5 °C.
Rain falls often, and storms from the north sometimes bring colder air. You probably won’t see snow in the city, but the nearby mountains get their share.
Spring (March to May) warms up fast, and rain becomes less of a problem. Days get longer and sunnier, making it a super comfortable time to visit.
Summer (June to August) brings the heat and dryness, with highs around 30–33 °C. Rain almost disappears, and sea breezes along the coast make things a bit easier. Inland, though, it can feel much hotter, especially if those desert winds blow in.
Autumn (September to November) cools things off, and rain starts picking up again. September still feels a lot like summer, but by November, it’s wetter and cooler—basically, winter’s around the corner.
Temperature and Precipitation Trends
Algiers averages about 18 °C throughout the year. January comes in as the coldest month, around 11 °C, while August is the hottest at 26–27 °C.
Sometimes, heat waves push temperatures above 45 °C, but that’s not common.
Rainfall totals about 600 mm per year, with most of it falling between November and January. July barely gets any rain—usually less than 5 mm.
| Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17 | 5 | 80 |
| Apr | 22 | 9 | 60 |
| Jul | 32 | 19 | 5 |
| Oct | 26 | 14 | 60 |
Sea temperatures shift from 15 °C in winter to 25 °C in late summer. Beaches are at their best between June and September.
Temperature swings and rainfall patterns really highlight how much the seasons shape daily life here.
Best Months to Visit Algiers for Ideal Weather
Some months in Algiers just feel better for sightseeing and outdoor fun. Spring and autumn usually bring mild temperatures, not much rain, and lots of clear skies.
Spring: March to May
Spring delivers some of the nicest weather in Algiers. From March to May, highs usually sit between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F), and nights are cool but not freezing.
Rain tapers off as spring moves along, so you can make plans without worrying too much about getting soaked.
It’s a great time to check out the Casbah of Algiers, stroll by the Mediterranean, or wander through gardens like the Jardin d’Essai. The air feels fresh, and you won’t bump into as many tourists as you would in summer.
By late May, the sea starts to warm up, so you can mix in some beach time with your city exploring. If you’re after mild temperatures and a lively city vibe, spring really is a sweet spot.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn brings another round of comfortable weather. In September, highs hover near 29°C (84°F), but things cool off quickly by October and November, settling between 21°C and 25°C (70°F–77°F).
Nights get cooler, but not in a harsh way—just crisp enough to feel nice.
Rain starts to pick up in late autumn, but from early September to mid-October, it’s still mostly dry. This stretch is perfect for walking tours, museums, and soaking in those coastal views—without the summer crowds.
Foodies and anyone into local events will love autumn, too. Seasonal markets and harvest produce hit their peak. The mix of good weather and cultural buzz makes this season really appealing.
Weather Highlights in Peak Months
The most reliable weather for sightseeing falls between April–June and September–November. During these months, you’ll get:
- Daytime highs: 21°C–28°C (70°F–82°F)
- Low rainfall: 1–5 days of rain per month in spring and early autumn
- Clear skies: Perfect for photos and outdoor exploring
Summer gets hotter, often above 32°C (90°F), which can make walking around the city tough. Winter, from December to February, is cooler and wetter, with up to 9 rainy days per month.
If you want comfort and fewer weather hassles, stick to those shoulder seasons.
Seasonal Breakdown: What to Expect Each Time of Year
Algiers has a Mediterranean climate, so you get hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The differences in temperature, rainfall, and overall comfort really depend on when you go.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Algiers feels hot and dry, with daytime highs around 85–90°F (29–32°C). Nights stay pretty warm, usually in the upper 60s.
Rain almost never happens, and the sky stays mostly clear.
Humidity usually stays moderate, though it can feel heavier by the water. The sea warms up to 75–79°F (24–26°C), so beaches get crowded, especially in August when everyone heads for the coast.
Outdoor sightseeing during midday can be uncomfortable because of the heat. Try to plan walks or visits to the Casbah in the early morning or late afternoon.
Older buildings don’t always have air conditioning, so if you’re sensitive to heat, check your hotel’s amenities ahead of time.
Winter: December to February
Winter brings cooler, wetter weather, but Algiers stays mild compared to inland Algeria. Daytime highs usually range from 55–60°F (13–16°C), and nights dip into the mid-40s.
This is when rainfall peaks, with 7–10 rainy days per month. Showers don’t usually last long, but they can be heavy, so packing a raincoat isn’t a bad idea.
The sea cools down to about 60°F (16°C), which most people would call too cold for swimming.
Tourism drops off in winter. You’ll have fewer crowds at spots like the Ketchaoua Mosque or Martyrs’ Memorial, and hotel prices tend to fall.
The cooler air makes walking the hilly streets easier, though rain might occasionally mess with outdoor plans.
Monthly Weather Overview in Algiers
Algiers keeps that Mediterranean rhythm with mild winters, hot summers, and short, in-between seasons. Temperatures, rain, and humidity change steadily as the year rolls on, and that really affects how your trip will feel.
Temperature Ranges by Month
Winter in Algiers is mild compared to a lot of northern cities. In January, daily averages sit around 11 °C, with lows near 5 °C and highs at about 17 °C.
Sometimes nights drop close to freezing, but days stay manageable.
When spring arrives, things warm up quickly. April averages 15 °C, and May nearly hits 19 °C. Early summer in June gets up to 22 °C, with highs often near 29 °C.
The hottest stretch is July and August. Highs regularly climb past 32 °C, with average daily means around 26 °C. Sometimes, desert winds push things above 40 °C.
Autumn cools things down gradually. October averages 20 °C, and by December, highs are back around 18 °C. Late autumn feels a lot like spring, just with shorter days.
| Month | Avg Low (°C) | Avg High (°C) | Mean (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5 | 17 | 11 |
| Apr | 9 | 22 | 15 |
| Jul | 19 | 32 | 26 |
| Oct | 14 | 27 | 20 |
Rainfall and Sunshine Patterns
Rain in Algiers follows a pretty clear pattern. November through January get the most, averaging 80–90 mm spread over 10–12 days. Showers happen often, and storms can be brief but heavy.
Spring brings lighter rain. March and April see 50–60 mm a month. By June, rain drops off to under 10 mm, and July barely gets 5 mm.
Summer is also when the sun really shines. July averages more than 11 hours of sunshine a day, while December and January get just 4–5 hours. Algiers racks up about 2,775 hours of sun each year, so it’s a pretty bright place overall.
| Month | Rain (mm) | Rainy Days | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80 | 11 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 60 | 11 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 5 | 2 | 11.5 |
| Nov | 90 | 11 | 5 |
Humidity Levels Throughout the Year
Humidity in Algiers stays fairly high, thanks to its coastal spot. In winter, average humidity climbs to 75–77%, which can make the air feel extra damp, especially when it’s cool.
When spring and summer roll in, humidity dips a bit. June through August average around 67–69%. The air feels lighter, but hot days can still get muggy if the wind dies down.
By autumn, humidity starts rising again, back to the mid-70s by November. So, you can expect a moist feel most of the year, though it’s more noticeable when it’s cooler and evaporation slows down.
| Season | Avg Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| Winter | 75–77 |
| Spring | 72–74 |
| Summer | 67–69 |
| Autumn | 72–75 |
Travel Tips for Visiting Algiers by Season
Algiers has a Mediterranean climate—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. What you pack, what you do, and how crowded things get really depend on the time of year.
Packing Recommendations
In spring (March–May), pack light layers. Days usually stay mild, but evenings can cool off fast near the coast.
A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes come in handy if you want to explore the Casbah or stroll along seaside promenades.
During summer (June–August), daytime temperatures often climb above 30°C. Bring breathable clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
You’ll want to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to walk around or check out outdoor markets.
In autumn (September–November), temperatures drop back to comfortable levels. A mix of short sleeves and light sweaters works well.
Occasional rain showers pop up, so tossing a small umbrella or waterproof jacket in your bag makes sense.
For winter (December–February), expect cooler weather and more rain. Pack warmer clothes, like sweaters and a medium-weight coat, especially for evenings.
Choose footwear that can handle wet streets, since you might run into rain.
Outdoor Activities and Local Events
Spring makes a great season for walking tours. You can wander through gardens like Jardin d’Essai or explore Algiers’ Ottoman and French colonial architecture without sweating through the day.
Summer leans toward coastal activities. Beaches near Algiers fill up with locals and visitors, but that midday sun can be brutal.
Try heading out early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more comfortable time.
Autumn brings a wave of cultural events. Local festivals and exhibitions pop up as things cool down.
Outdoor cafés feel pleasant, and the Mediterranean coast still offers plenty to enjoy without the summer crowds.
Winter stays quieter, but it’s still worth visiting. Cooler air makes city sightseeing easier, and museums like the National Museum of Fine Arts offer indoor escapes.
Rainy days might change your outdoor plans, yet the city’s historic sites usually remain open for exploring.
Crowds and Tourist Seasons
Visitor numbers shift with the seasons. Spring and autumn attract moderate crowds, since these months give you the most comfortable weather.
You’ll find a sweet spot—good conditions without overwhelming tourist activity.
Summer gets the busiest. Local families and international travelers flock to the coast, so beaches get crowded and hotel rates go up.
If you’re after peace and quiet, maybe skip July and August.
Winter draws fewer tourists. Some attractions might shorten their hours, but you’ll get lower prices and less congestion.
This season works best if you don’t mind cooler, wetter weather and prefer a slower pace.
Summary: Choosing the Best Time for Your Algiers Trip
Algiers sits in a Mediterranean climate. Summers get hot and dry, while winters turn mild and wetter.
So, when should you go? Well, it really depends on whether you’re chasing those warm beach days or if you’d rather wander the city in cooler air.
Spring (March–May) usually sits between 15°C and 24°C. You can stroll through gardens or visit historic sites without sweating too much.
Summer (June–August) gets scorching, often above 30°C. Beaches call your name, but honestly, you’ll want to dodge the midday sun.
Autumn (September–November) feels pleasant, with temperatures from 18°C to 26°C. Fewer people crowd the city, and it’s a great time for cultural discoveries.
Winter (December–February) drops to 9°C to 16°C and brings more rain. Streets quiet down, and you might appreciate the slower pace if you’re not into crowds.
| Season | Avg. Temp (°C) | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 15–24 | Mild, low rain | Walking tours, gardens |
| Summer | 25–32+ | Hot, dry | Beaches, coastal trips |
| Autumn | 18–26 | Warm, moderate | Culture, city exploration |
| Winter | 9–16 | Cool, wetter | Indoor sites, fewer crowds |
If you’re after mild weather and smaller crowds, April, May, September, or October might be your sweet spot.
But if you want to catch festivals and don’t mind the heat, July and August turn the city lively and busy.