If you’re planning a holiday trip to Tlemcen, it’s smart to get a feel for the weather around Christmas. Daytime temperatures usually hover near 17°C (63°F), while nights cool off to about 8°C (47°F). December brings more rain than summer, but showers tend to be light and pass quickly.
Days feel shorter this time of year, with less than 10 hours of daylight. Still, the city manages to enjoy several hours of sunshine most days.
That mix of cool air, blue skies, and the odd bit of rain gives Tlemcen a peaceful winter vibe—totally different from its scorching, dry summers.
Weather shapes everything from sightseeing plans to cozy evening meals. If you want to wander historic sites or prefer staying in for dinner, knowing Tlemcen’s typical Christmas weather lets you plan with a bit more confidence.
Typical Christmas Weather in Tlemcen
At Christmas, Tlemcen usually sees cool temps, some rain, and moderate humidity. Days are short, but you’ll still have enough daylight for walks or sightseeing.
Compared to northern winters, the cold isn’t harsh, but evenings can get pretty chilly.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Late December brings daytime highs around 17°C (63°F) and nighttime lows near 8–9°C (47–48°F). The city’s Mediterranean climate keeps winters cool but not extreme.
Bring some layers, since temperatures can shift a lot between day and night. A light jacket works for afternoons, but you’ll probably want something heavier after sunset.
Frost doesn’t show up often, though it can happen in the hills nearby. Inside the city, mornings feel crisp, and afternoons are usually pleasant, especially if the sun’s out.
December weather is manageable for walking tours and browsing outdoor markets, as long as you’re ready for colder evenings.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
December counts as one of Tlemcen’s wetter months. Rainfall averages about 30–40 mm (1.2–1.3 inches) for the month. Showers usually come in quick bursts, not long downpours.
You’ll probably see 2–4 rainy days in a typical December, but most days stay dry. Showers tend to be light to moderate, though the occasional heavy rain isn’t unheard of.
Carrying a small umbrella or waterproof jacket makes sense. Rain rarely messes up travel plans for long, but wet streets can get slippery.
Compared to the dry summer, December is definitely wetter, so plan for more moisture than other times of year.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Humidity in December usually sits between 58% and 65%, which makes the air feel chillier than the numbers suggest. Still, it’s not uncomfortable.
Clouds pop up more often than in summer, and you’ll see partly cloudy skies a lot. Even so, you get about 7–8 hours of sunshine most days, which is plenty for exploring.
Visibility generally holds at 10 km (6 miles), so you’ll still catch nice views of the hills. Some days are cloudier, but the sun often breaks through in the afternoons.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
In late December, Tlemcen has shorter days and cooler weather. Daylight is limited, and sunshine hours depend a lot on the clouds.
Daylight Time During Christmas
Around Christmas, daylight lasts about 9.5 to 10 hours per day. The sun rises close to 7:45 AM and sets around 5:30 PM. That’s winter in northern Algeria for you.
With limited daylight, you’ll want to start outdoor plans earlier. Evening comes fast, and it gets colder once the sun dips.
In summer, daylight stretches up to 14 hours, so winter days feel much shorter by comparison. This shift changes how much time you have outside and can affect travel plans.
Average Sunshine Hours
Even with fewer daylight hours, Tlemcen still gets a decent dose of sun in December. On average, you’ll see 5 to 6 hours of direct sunshine per day. Cloud cover is more common, but the sky isn’t always gray.
How much sun you get depends on the weather systems passing through. Some days are bright and clear, others a bit gloomier.
Just remember, sunshine hours aren’t the same as daylight hours. For example:
| Measure | Average in December |
|---|---|
| Daylight Duration | ~9.5–10 hours |
| Sunshine Hours | ~5–6 hours |
This mix of sun and clouds gives you mild winter days—bright enough for sightseeing, but not blinding.
Wind Conditions in December
December brings cooler air and steady breezes to Tlemcen. Wind definitely shapes how the temperature feels and can make a difference in outdoor comfort during the holidays.
Average Wind Speed
You’ll usually get moderate winds in December, averaging 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph). It’s breezy enough to notice but not strong enough to ruin your plans.
Sometimes winds pick up, especially when weather fronts move through. Strong gusts aren’t common, though. The air feels colder when the wind rises, especially in the evenings when temperatures drop to 4–6°C (39–43°F).
Calmer days show up too, especially in sheltered spots around the city. If you’re heading out, expect a mix of light and moderate breezes. This airflow keeps the atmosphere clear and helps cut down on any damp feeling from winter rain.
Prevailing Wind Directions
Most December winds blow from the northwest and west. These bring in cool air from the Mediterranean, which can make it feel a bit colder than the actual temperature.
Winds sometimes swing in from the northeast, and those tend to be drier and bring clearer skies. Southerly winds are warmer but weaker, and they don’t show up much this month.
If you’re traveling, expect breezes that feel colder in open areas. City streets and courtyards shield you from most of it, but higher spots around Tlemcen’s plateaus can get gustier.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Winter Months
Tlemcen’s winter weather shifts gradually after December. You’ll notice small changes in temperature, rainfall, and daily conditions as winter moves along.
December Versus January
December usually brings mild daytime temperatures, around 12–15°C (54–59°F), with nights dropping to 5°C (41°F). Rain is common, but it tends to show up in short spells.
By January, things cool down. Highs stay near 10–12°C (50–54°F), and lows can reach 3–4°C (37–39°F). Nights feel colder, and frost sometimes appears in higher areas.
Rain falls more often and heavier in January. This makes the month feel wetter and a bit less predictable for outdoor plans. Days are even shorter, and sunshine is limited, so you won’t want to linger outside as much.
If you like milder weather and a bit more sun, December feels more balanced. January is deeper winter—sharper cold and more moisture in the air.
December Versus February
February still feels like winter, but temperatures start to climb a little compared to January. Daytime highs reach 13–14°C (55–57°F), and nighttime lows hover around 4–5°C (39–41°F). It’s still chilly, but not as biting.
Rain continues, though it’s usually lighter than in January. You might see more sunny breaks, especially later in the month. Days get longer, giving you extra time for exploring.
Compared to December, February is a bit drier and slightly warmer, though evenings stay cool. If you want to skip January’s damp chill but still enjoy crisp winter air, February strikes a better balance.
Impact of Weather on Holiday Activities
At Christmas, Tlemcen’s weather is cool and often damp, with highs near 13–15 °C and lows close to 4–6 °C. Rain and cloudy skies are common, and that can shape how you plan your days.
Outdoor Events and Sightseeing
Expect mild but chilly days, so layer up and don’t forget a warm jacket. Walking tours in the old medina or trips to landmarks like the Great Mosque feel pretty comfortable during the day, but evenings can get cold fast.
Rain is possible, with 4–6 wet days in December on average. It’s smart to keep an umbrella or raincoat handy, especially if you’re heading to places like Mansourah ruins or Lalla Setti plateau. Watch your step—wet paths can get slick.
Sunlight hours are short, about 10 hours per day, so get your sightseeing in early. Clouds are frequent, but you’ll still catch some clear breaks, which make for nice photos.
Crowds are lighter than in summer, so you can enjoy a more relaxed visit. Outdoor celebrations might get scaled back if it rains, so check the local forecast before heading out.
Travel Considerations
Rain can change road conditions fast. City streets get slick, and rural roads to mountain villages can get muddy or tough to drive. Add some extra time if you’re driving outside the city.
Flights in and out of Tlemcen Zenata Airport sometimes face weather delays from low visibility, but it doesn’t happen often. It’s a good idea to double-check schedules during rainy spells.
If you’re using buses or taxis, traffic slows down in wet weather. Carry a small bag with warm clothes, water, and rain gear so you stay comfortable if you’re stuck waiting.
Nights get cold in December, so heating matters. Make sure your hotel or guesthouse has reliable heat, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.
Long-Term Climate Trends in Tlemcen
Tlemcen has a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Temperature, rainfall, and sunshine follow seasonal patterns, but long-term records show gradual shifts that influence what you’ll find in late December.
Historical Weather Patterns
Tlemcen fits the Csa Mediterranean climate: warm summers, mild winters. Over the years, average annual temperatures stay near 15–20°C (59–68°F), with about 450 mm (17–18 in) of rain per year.
Winters, including December, are the wettest months. Rainfall often hits 30–34 mm (1.2–1.3 in), and humidity rises above 60%. December feels much damper than the dry summer, when rain can drop below 5 mm.
December highs usually land around 16–17°C (60–63°F), with nights dipping to 7–9°C (45–48°F). Sunshine averages 7–8 hours a day, which is less than half what you’ll get in summer. Even so, you get enough daylight for outdoor plans.
Wind and pressure change in winter too. Average pressure climbs above 1020 mb, which brings more stable but colder air. These long-term averages give you a good sense of what December usually feels like in Tlemcen.
Recent Changes in December Weather
Over the past few decades, you might’ve noticed that winter days feel a bit warmer than they used to. December highs now usually hit 17–18°C (63–64°F), which is a small but steady bump up from older records.
Nights still get chilly. But honestly, those really cold snaps below 5°C (41°F) just don’t happen as often anymore.
Rainfall’s gotten a lot more unpredictable. Some years, December brings almost 35 mm of rain. Other years? Not nearly as much.
This swing means December could turn out wetter than you expect, or sometimes much drier than the old averages suggest.
Humidity hangs around 60–65% most of the time, so not much has changed there. Still, you might spot more clear days now.
Sunshine hours have climbed, too, usually hitting 8 hours daily instead of the gloomier numbers from years back.
So, if you’re hoping for a milder and brighter Christmas, odds are better than they used to be. But with rain, well, you never really know—might be dry, might be wet. Probably smart to pack for both.