If you’re planning a trip to Annaba, you’ll want to know when the weather will actually make your experience enjoyable. This coastal city on Algeria’s northeast shore mixes historical sites with Mediterranean beaches, so picking the right time to go really does matter.
The best time to visit Annaba for comfortable weather is spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October), when temperatures stay warm, but you avoid the extremes of summer heat.
During these months, you can explore Roman ruins, stroll along the Corniche, or just relax by the sea without heavy rain or sticky humidity getting in the way.
Summers get hotter and the beaches fill up, while winters cool off and get wetter, so making outdoor plans can be tricky.
Overview of Annaba’s Climate
Annaba has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters shape the city’s weather.
Because Annaba sits on Algeria’s northeastern coast, the sea keeps temperatures milder than you’d find inland.
Hot-Summer Mediterranean Climate Explained
Annaba falls in the Csa category of the Köppen climate classification—a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. You’ll get long, dry summers with plenty of sunshine and mild, rainy winters.
Rain mostly shows up between October and April. June through August stay almost entirely dry.
The city usually gets 500–700 mm of rain each year, with December and January as the wettest months.
Annaba’s climate is pretty predictable. Summers are hot, but not brutal like the desert, and winters are cool but rarely harsh.
This balance of warmth and rain supports a variety of plants and makes the city comfortable for living and visiting.
Influence of the Mediterranean Sea on Weather
The Mediterranean Sea really shapes Annaba’s weather. Because the city hugs the coast, the sea helps even out temperature swings.
In summer, sea breezes take the edge off the heat, especially when you compare it to inland Algeria. At night, the water releases stored warmth, so temperatures don’t drop too much.
During winter, the sea keeps things from getting too cold. Freezing temperatures almost never happen.
Moist air off the sea brings more frequent rain from late autumn through early spring.
This maritime influence affects humidity too. Summers can feel muggy, especially in July and August, when sea temperatures climb to about 77–78°F (25–26°C).
The mix of warmth and humidity is noticeable, but honestly, it’s still milder than what you’d find in many other coastal cities.
Annaba’s Year-Round Temperature Ranges
Annaba’s temperatures stay moderate compared to inland Algeria.
Winters are mild, with average lows around 46°F (8°C) and daytime highs near 60–64°F (16–18°C) in January.
By spring, things warm up quickly. April and May bring highs of 69–75°F (21–24°C), which feels great for outdoor activities.
Summer is the hottest, with July and August peaking at 86–89°F (30–32°C). Nights stay warm, averaging 66–73°F (19–23°C).
Rain is almost nonexistent during summer.
In autumn, temperatures drop back to comfortable levels. September and October average 78–84°F (26–29°C) during the day, with cooler nights.
Rainfall starts to pick up again, signaling the return of wetter weather.
This steady cycle of warm summers and mild winters makes it easy to plan a trip to Annaba.
Best Time to Visit Annaba for Ideal Weather
Annaba’s Mediterranean climate brings warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine.
The best time to visit depends on whether you want mild sightseeing weather, long daylight hours, or warm sea water for swimming.
Optimal Months for Pleasant Temperatures
You’ll find the most comfortable weather in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).
During these months, daytime highs usually sit between 20°C and 27°C (68°F to 81°F), and nights stay mild.
Rainfall is low, so you can enjoy being outside without too many interruptions.
July and August get hotter, with highs around 30–33°C (86–91°F). It’s perfect if you’re a beach lover, but maybe a bit much for long walks or sightseeing.
Winter, from November to March, cools down and gets wetter, with highs near 15–18°C (59–64°F). The city is quieter then, which is nice if you want to avoid crowds.
For the best mix of comfort and activity, late spring and early autumn really do stand out.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Annaba gets lots of sunshine year-round, but the longest days stretch from May to August.
During this time, you’ll get 10–14 hours of daylight, which gives you plenty of time to explore beaches, ruins, and city streets.
April and September offer about 11–12 hours of daylight, which is still solid for sightseeing without the harsh summer sun.
Winter shortens the days to 9–10 hours, and you’ll see more clouds.
If you want long days but not the hottest temperatures, May, June, and September are great options. You get the best of both worlds.
Sea Temperature for Swimming
The Mediterranean waters off Annaba warm up slowly in late spring and stay nice until early autumn.
From June through September, the sea usually sits between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F). That’s pretty much perfect for swimming and water sports.
In May and October, the sea cools to around 19–21°C (66–70°F). Some people still swim, but it can feel brisk.
Winter and early spring drop the water to 15–17°C (59–63°F), which most folks find too chilly.
If swimming tops your list, aim for mid-summer through early fall, when the water feels best.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Annaba
Annaba’s hot-summer Mediterranean climate brings clear seasonal changes.
You can expect mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Spring and autumn offer a comfortable middle ground. Rainfall isn’t spread evenly—late autumn and winter get the most, and summer is almost dry.
Spring: Mild Temperatures and Moderate Rain
Spring in Annaba runs from March through May.
Temperatures rise steadily, with highs moving from about 19°C in March to 24°C in May.
Nights start off cool, especially in March, but get more comfortable by late spring.
Rain still shows up, but less than in winter. March averages 65 mm of rain, while April and May get closer to 50 mm.
Showers don’t usually last long, so you’ll have plenty of dry hours for outdoor fun.
Sunshine increases as spring goes on. March brings about 6.5 hours of sun per day, climbing to 8.5 hours in May.
This mix of warmth, daylight, and manageable rain makes spring a good time for sightseeing and exploring the coast.
Sea temperatures stay cool early on, around 15–16°C, but reach 18°C by May. That’s still a bit chilly for swimming.
Summer: Hot, Dry, and Sunny
Summer in Annaba, from June to August, is hot, dry, and packed with long days.
Average highs climb from 28°C in June to 31–32°C in July and August.
Nights stay warm, rarely dropping below 19°C.
Rain barely makes an appearance. July averages just 2 mm of rainfall, making it the driest month.
Humidity stays moderate, but desert winds can sometimes push temperatures above 40°C. Those days are seriously hot.
Sunshine rules the season. June sees about 10 hours of sun daily, with July peaking at 11.5 hours.
It’s prime time for beach trips and outdoor activities that need clear skies.
The Mediterranean Sea warms up fast, reaching 24–26°C in July and August. Swimming is comfortable, and the coastline buzzes with activity.
Autumn: Mild with Increasing Rain
Autumn, from September to November, brings more rain and cooler temperatures.
September hangs onto the warmth, with highs near 29°C. By November, daytime temperatures drop to about 21°C.
Nights get cooler, averaging 11°C in November.
Rainfall increases as autumn goes on. September averages 45 mm, October about 60 mm, and November can hit 100 mm.
Showers come more often, but usually don’t last all day.
Sea temperatures stay warm in early autumn, around 25°C in September, before dropping to 20°C by November.
You can still swim in early autumn, but it gets brisk later.
Sunshine hours dip from 8.5 per day in September to 5 per day in November. Still, you’ll have enough daylight for most outdoor plans.
Winter: Cool and Wet
Winter in Annaba, from December to February, is mild compared to inland Algeria, but it’s the wettest time of year.
Highs range from 16–17°C in January and February, with lows around 6–7°C.
Frost is rare, though the coldest nights can get close to freezing.
Rain peaks in winter. December and January each bring 90–100 mm of rain, spread over 12–14 days.
Overcast skies are common, but you’ll still catch breaks of sunshine.
Daylight is shortest in winter, with 4.5–6 hours of sun per day.
Humidity is high, often near 78%, which can make the air feel damp.
The sea drops to its coldest, averaging 15°C. Swimming isn’t really an option, but the mild air makes city walks and cultural outings pleasant.
Monthly Breakdown of Annaba’s Weather
Annaba’s Mediterranean climate means mild, wetter winters and hot, drier summers.
Temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine hours change a lot through the year, which shapes how it feels outdoors and what activities work best.
Weather Highlights by Month
Winter (December–February) brings mild days, with highs around 16–17°C (61–63°F) and lows near 6–7°C (43–45°F).
Nights sometimes dip close to freezing, but daytime stays comfortable.
Spring (March–May) warms up steadily. By May, highs often reach 24°C (75°F), and nights stay around 13°C (55°F).
This stretch is great for walking and exploring outdoors.
Summer (June–August) is hot and sunny. July and August average 30–32°C (86–90°F), and sometimes desert winds push temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
Nights stay warm, often above 20°C (68°F).
Autumn (September–November) cools off gradually. September still feels summery with highs near 29°C (84°F), while November drops to about 21°C (70°F).
By late autumn, evenings are cooler but still milder than what you’d find inland.
Rainfall and Cloud Cover Trends
Rainfall in Annaba isn’t spread evenly.
Winter and late autumn are wettest, with 90–100 mm per month in November, December, and January.
Rain usually falls over 10–14 days per month during these months.
Spring brings lighter showers, averaging 50–65 mm from March to May. Rain happens less often, with about 7–13 days of measurable precipitation.
Summer is extremely dry. July averages just 2 mm of rain, often falling in a single day.
August is a touch wetter, but still dry compared to other months.
Cloud cover matches the rain patterns. Winter skies are more overcast, while summer skies stay mostly clear.
July and August are the sunniest months, with 10–11 hours of sunshine daily.
Humidity and UV Index Variations
Humidity usually feels moderate to high all year, but honestly, summer makes it stand out because of the heat. In winter, you’ll notice 75–78% humidity, and those cool mornings can feel a bit damp.
Summer brings humidity around 70–72%. When you mix that with high temperatures, it gets muggy fast. If you’re near the coast, sea breezes help a little.
The UV index really ramps up from May through August. Long sunny days and clear skies mean you get a lot of sun, so if you’re outside for a while, you’ll want to protect your skin.
In winter, the UV index drops. Shorter days and more clouds make the sun less intense, so your skin gets a break.
Tourism Seasons and Visitor Trends
Annaba’s tourism ebbs and flows with its Mediterranean weather. Hot summers bring out beachgoers, while cooler months feel quieter and better for exploring culture. Visitor numbers jump during school holidays, comfortable weather, and big local festivals.
Peak and Off-Peak Tourist Months
Annaba gets busiest in July and August. Summer holidays and hot, dry weather fill up beaches like Sidi Salem and La Caroube. Hotels raise their rates when demand spikes. Daytime highs climb above 30°C, and rain barely shows up.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) feel milder, with temps between 20°C and 28°C. Fewer crowds, still-warm weather—honestly, these months are perfect if you don’t love the heat but still want to be outside.
The off-peak season runs from November to March. Winter cools things down, with highs around 15–18°C and more rain. Beach activities are limited, but you’ll find lower prices, fewer people, and easier access to places like Hippo Regius.
| Season | Weather (avg) | Visitor Trend | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 30–33°C, dry | Very busy | Beaches, festivals |
| Spring/Fall | 20–28°C, mild | Moderate crowds | Sightseeing, hiking |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 10–18°C, wetter | Quiet | History, local culture |
Events and Activities by Season
Local events really shape what it’s like to visit. In spring, Heritage Days celebrate Algeria’s history with exhibitions and guided tours. The weather makes it easy to mix culture with walks along the coast.
Summer brings the Festival of the Mediterranean in July. Music, dance, and food stalls draw both locals and visitors. Beaches get packed, and the nightlife feels livelier than usual.
In autumn, you’ll find pleasant weather and fewer crowds. September and October are great for national parks and Roman ruins, especially if you want to skip the midsummer heat.
Winter quiets things down. Streets empty out, but you can still catch cultural events like the Annaba International Film Festival in November. If you want a slower pace and better deals on hotels, this is your season.
Travel Tips for Visiting Annaba Based on Weather
Annaba’s weather swings from mild, wet winters to hot, dry summers. What you pack and how you plan your days really depends on the time of year. If you prepare for the weather, you’ll enjoy the city’s beaches, ruins, and outdoor spaces a lot more.
Packing Recommendations by Season
In spring (March–May), mornings can be cool and afternoons warm up nicely. Bring light layers, a waterproof jacket for the odd rain shower, and comfy shoes for checking out historical sites.
Summer (June–August) gets hot and humid, with barely any rain. Light, breathable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves. Planning to swim? Pack your beachwear—the Mediterranean stays warm.
Fall (September–November) feels pleasant, but you’ll see more rain. A light sweater, umbrella, and waterproof shoes will keep you comfortable. Days stay warm enough to explore, so mix short sleeves with a couple of warmer pieces.
For winter (December–February), things cool off and get wetter. Highs are still mild, but nights can feel chilly. Bring a medium-weight jacket, long pants, and closed shoes. Rain gear helps too, since showers are pretty common.
Weather-Related Considerations for Activities
You’ll want to plan beach trips and swimming between late spring and early fall. The sea feels warm and there’s not much rain during these months.
Honestly, June through September is the sweet spot for water activities. The days just seem to invite you in.
Thinking about hiking or wandering around Roman ruins? Spring and fall are your best bet. The air feels cooler, humidity drops, and you won’t get exhausted as quickly.
When winter rolls in, it’s probably smarter to stick to indoor spots like museums or cozy cafés. Rain and wind show up more often, and the weather just isn’t as friendly.
Summer afternoons can get unbearably hot. If you want to see the sights, mornings or evenings make everything more pleasant.
Sometimes the wind really picks up in July and August. That might mess with your boating plans or a stroll along the coast.
It’s always a good idea to check the local forecast before you head out. You never know what the weather might throw at you.