When you picture fall in the Sahara, maybe you expect endless heat and not much else. Tamanrasset, though, surprises you. During autumn, both daytime and nighttime temperatures steadily drop, shifting from hot desert afternoons to evenings that actually feel comfortable. This change makes fall a great time to explore the region.
You’ll notice more than cooler air. The skies start to cloud up a bit, and while rain remains rare, September usually has the best shot at a quick shower. By season’s end, the air dries out again, winds calm down, and daylight shrinks, so you get a real sense of the desert’s seasonal rhythm.
This mix of warmth, gentle breezes, and just a hint of rain sets fall apart from the harsher summer and winter extremes. Whether you’re here for the climate or the views, fall in Tamanrasset offers a blend of comfort and desert character that’s honestly worth experiencing.
Overview of Tamanrasset’s Fall Climate
Tamanrasset sits right in the central Sahara on a high plateau, which shapes its dry desert climate and those big temperature swings. In autumn, you’ll feel cooler nights, shorter days, and less rain than late summer. The daytime heat hangs on for a while, but it gradually backs off.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Tamanrasset sits in southern Algeria at about 1,368 meters (4,490 feet) above sea level. The city’s spot in the Hoggar Mountains puts it in a subtropical hot desert climate (BWh) according to Köppen.
The elevation takes the edge off the desert heat, so nights get much cooler than in lower Saharan towns. Still, the region stays very dry, with annual precipitation averaging just 30–40 mm (1–1.5 inches) most years.
Around the city, rocky plateaus and bare ground dominate. Not much grows here. This landscape heats up fast by day and cools off just as quickly at night, which explains the dramatic temperature swings.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Autumn
In fall, daytime highs drop from about 34°C (94°F) in September to around 23°C (73°F) in November. Nighttime lows fall from 21°C (70°F) in early autumn to near 9°C (49°F) by late season.
Rain barely shows up, but September sometimes brings quick showers, averaging 0.6 inches before things dry out almost completely by November. Humidity stays low, so muggy days are pretty much unheard of.
Clouds become more common as fall goes on. Early September skies are mostly clear, but by late autumn, overcast days pop up more often, even though rain stays rare. Winds usually come from the east and average 8–9 mph, adding to that dry, crisp desert feel.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, autumn feels much more manageable for being outside. Summer highs can soar past 40°C (104°F), but fall brings milder days. You’ll still get warm afternoons, but evenings cool off fast, making things easier.
Winter brings colder nights, sometimes dipping near 5°C (41°F), although daytime highs stay pleasant around 20°C (68°F). Spring warms up more quickly, but dust and wind pick up.
Autumn stands out as the moment when summer’s heat finally lets go, but winter’s chill hasn’t really arrived yet.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Tamanrasset, Algeria, fall means a steady cool-down as summer’s grip loosens. Days start out hot but lose their edge, while nights cool off in a hurry, creating a big gap between highs and lows. By late autumn, temperatures feel much gentler than the fierce heat of summer.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During fall, daytime highs usually range from about 35°C (95°F) in early September to 23°C (73°F) by late November. Early in the season, afternoons stay warm, but by the end, it feels more like a mild spring day.
Nights cool off much more sharply. Early on, lows average near 21°C (70°F), but by late November, they drop to around 10°C (50°F). Some nights, especially in open desert spots, you might even see 6°C (43°F).
That big swing between day and night is classic desert weather. If you’re planning to be out after sunset, you’ll want layers—hot afternoons turn chilly fast.
Monthly Temperature Trends
The cooling trend shows up clearly if you look at each month.
- September: Highs hit around 33–35°C, lows near 20–21°C. It’s still hot by day, but nights start to cool.
- October: Highs fall to about 28–30°C, with nighttime lows at 14–16°C. This month feels like the sweet spot.
- November: By late autumn, highs average 23–25°C, and lows hover near 10°C. Nights turn crisp, and mornings can feel pretty cold.
Temperature Extremes in Autumn
Though the averages show a gentle cool-down, extremes still happen. Early September can spike up to 36°C (97°F), while late November nights can drop to 6°C (43°F). These aren’t the norm, but desert weather likes to keep you guessing.
The coldest nights usually show up just before winter, when clear skies let heat escape. Hot days linger in September, hanging on to the last bit of summer.
If you’re traveling here, pack for both ends—light clothes for the heat, layers for the cold. That way, you’ll be ready for whatever Tamanrasset’s fall throws your way.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Autumn
Autumn brings Tamanrasset its highest rainfall of the year, though honestly, that isn’t saying much. Rain comes in quick bursts, usually over just a few days. September stands out as the wettest month.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Tamanrasset during autumn barely makes a dent, but there’s a clear pattern. September usually sees the most, around 8 mm. October drops to about 3–4 mm, and November averages close to 1 mm.
All together, the whole season might bring 12–15 mm of rain. That’s less than what many cities get in a single day. Still, for a desert climate, these small amounts matter—they mark the seasonal “peak.”
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~8 mm |
| October | ~3–4 mm |
| November | ~1 mm |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are rare, but autumn has more than the rest of the year. You might see about 2 days with rain in September, 1–2 in October, and maybe 1 or less in November.
So, across all of autumn, you’ll get maybe 4–5 rainy days total. Even then, rain tends to be quick and light. Long, wet spells just don’t happen here. Most days stay dry and sunny.
If you’re visiting, rain probably won’t mess up your plans, but you might get a surprise shower, especially in September.
Rainfall Patterns and Variability
Rain in Tamanrasset during autumn can be unpredictable. Some years, totals go a bit above average, while other years, it barely rains at all. Showers often hit one part of the city and skip another entirely.
Late-summer and early-autumn weather systems sometimes push moisture into the Sahara. By November, these fade out, and rain becomes almost nonexistent.
Don’t count on averages to tell the whole story. September might bring a short rainy spell, or the whole season could pass dry. This unpredictability is just part of desert rainfall.
Humidity and Air Quality in Fall
During fall in Tamanrasset, the dry desert climate keeps moisture levels low, but a few seasonal shifts can still affect comfort and air clarity. You’ll really feel the difference between the dry air at night and the heat during the day.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in fall usually sits between 20% and 35%. That’s classic for a subtropical desert—rain is rare, and what little moisture there is evaporates fast.
Humidity drops lowest during the hottest part of the day, sometimes hitting 20%. At night, as things cool off, humidity creeps up a bit, but rarely goes past 40%.
The dry air has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it keeps the air clear and prevents mold or dampness. On the downside, you might notice dry skin, chapped lips, or even dehydration if you’re outside a lot. Frequent water breaks are a must.
Visitors usually find that lip balm, moisturizer, and light clothes help. Locals are used to it, but if you’re new here, expect persistent dryness.
Seasonal Changes in Humidity
From September to November, humidity shifts a bit as temperatures drop. In September, when highs still hit around 32°C (89.6°F), humidity stays at its lowest. By November, with highs closer to 24°C (75.2°F), you might notice a small uptick.
Still, even the higher end is dry compared to most places. Rainfall stays minimal—September gets the most at about 8 mm (0.31 in), usually over just a day or two. That’s not enough to change the overall dryness.
Air quality is usually good, since low humidity means less haze or fog. But dust and sand can still blow through, especially in October when breezes pick up. If you’re sensitive to dust, keep an eye out—it can irritate your eyes or lungs.
The main pattern is a gentle cool-down with slightly higher humidity, but the climate stays firmly dry desert.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
In autumn, Tamanrasset’s wind patterns shift as the air cools. Winds stay steady but aren’t as fierce as in spring. The dry desert air keeps shaping the weather.
Typical Wind Speeds in Autumn
Wind speeds in Tamanrasset during fall usually sit between 7 to 9 miles per hour. That’s moderate compared to late winter and spring, when gusts can go above 9.2 mph.
You’ll notice a regular breeze, especially in the afternoons. This helps take the edge off September’s heat. By November, when highs drop to about 24°C (75°F), the wind feels cooler and more refreshing.
Mornings tend to be calm. As the sun rises and heats the ground, wind activity picks up. Nights stay pretty still, with just a light breeze that adds to the cool evening feel.
Overall, autumn winds in Tamanrasset aren’t extreme. They balance out the dry climate without kicking up the dust storms that are more common in other seasons.
Effects of Wind on Local Weather
Wind really shapes how you feel Tamanrasset weather in autumn. That steady breeze knocks down the heat in September, even though highs still hit 32°C (89°F).
Suddenly, being outside doesn’t feel so overwhelming, even with the sun blazing overhead. It’s just easier to get things done.
In October and November, cooler winds come in and push the seasonal change forward. They drop nighttime lows to around 10°C (50°F), so you’ll notice a big difference between day and night.
Rainfall stays low, with just 2 to 8 mm in early fall, so the wind doesn’t really bring much moisture. Instead, it sweeps the air clean and dry, which means you get long stretches of sunshine.
Dust storms aren’t as common in autumn as they are in spring. Still, you might run into short bursts of low visibility when gusts stir up the dry ground.
Travelers usually find the weather pretty steady, since the wind keeps things balanced instead of causing problems.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Daylight Hours
Fall in Tamanrasset changes how much sun you get, how often clouds show up, and how fast the days get shorter. These shifts can really influence your plans, whether you’re sightseeing or crossing the desert.
Average Daily Sunshine Duration
You’ll see plenty of sunshine during fall. Most days, Tamanrasset gets between 8 to 11 hours of sun, depending on where you are in the season. Early fall is brighter, but by late fall, the days get a bit shorter.
The area racks up about 3,383 hours of sunshine each year, which is roughly 77% of all daylight hours. So, even when the clouds roll in, the sky stays clear most of the time.
At midday, the sun climbs high—sometimes up to 67° above the horizon—so you’ll still feel strong light and warmth. If you’re planning long daytime outings, don’t let the cooler temps fool you, the sun packs a punch.
Tamanrasset actually gets more consistent sunshine than a lot of other desert spots. That’s great news if you love bright, reliable weather.
Cloud Cover Trends During Fall
Clouds start creeping in pretty fast as fall moves along. At the beginning of September, skies are clear or mostly clear about 89% of the time. By late November, overcast or mostly cloudy skies show up as much as 40% of the time.
The biggest change happens mid-season. You’ll still catch plenty of bright days, but don’t be surprised if a few afternoons turn hazy or cloudy.
Even so, Tamanrasset stays drier and clearer than a lot of Algeria. Rain is rare, and most clouds just drift by without dropping much.
If you’re into photography or desert tours, early fall is your best shot for crystal-clear skies. Later on, you might get softer light from the clouds, which can actually make for some pretty nice views.
Daylight Hours and Seasonal Changes
Daylight steadily gets shorter through the fall. On September 1, you’ll see about 12 hours and 35 minutes of daylight. By November 30, that drops to 10 hours and 51 minutes.
So, you lose almost 2 hours of daylight over the season. Sunrise creeps later, shifting from around 6:20 AM in early September to about 7:01 AM by late November.
Sunset comes earlier too, moving from 6:54 PM at the start of the season to 5:51 PM as November wraps up.
With less daylight, your window for travel in natural light shrinks as fall goes on. If you’re heading out into the desert, you might want to start early to avoid wandering back in the dark.
Tamanrasset doesn’t bother with daylight saving time, unlike some places. So, the changes you notice just come from the seasons, not from adjusting your clocks.
That makes it a bit simpler to keep track of sunrise and sunset each day.