Winter in Algiers, Algeria feels pretty mild and comfortable, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. The city doesn’t get those harsh, icy winters you find in Europe or North America.
Most days, you’ll see highs around 16–18°C (61–64°F) and lows near 6–8°C (43–46°F), so it’s honestly one of the more temperate winter spots in the region. Forget about snow and subzero chills—Algiers brings cooler air, regular rain showers, and shorter days instead.
You’ll notice rain becomes more frequent from November through January, which are the wettest months of the year. Cloudy skies show up often, but you’ll still get those sunny breaks that light up the city and its coastline.
The sea cools down, but the air stays mild enough for outdoor strolls, exploring cultural sites, or wandering the local markets without breaking a sweat. That’s a big plus if you ask me.
This mix of gentle temps, more rain, and softer winter sunlight gives Algiers a vibe you won’t find everywhere. If you’re thinking about exploring the city’s history, soaking up coastal views, or just curious about North African winters, it helps to know what you’re in for.
Overview of Algiers Winter Climate
Algiers gets mild winters because of its Mediterranean location. You’ll find moderate temperatures, regular rainfall, and less daylight than summer, but it’s still pretty comfortable for being outdoors.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Algiers has a Mediterranean climate (Csa), so winters are mild and wetter than the rest of the year. Rain falls most often between November and February, with 60–85 mm per month on average.
This rain keeps the city greener in winter, which is a nice change from the dry summers. Daytime temps usually stick around 16–18°C (61–64°F), while nights dip to 6–8°C (43–46°F).
Humidity often sits above 75%, making the air feel cooler than you might expect. Cloudy skies are pretty common, with about 35–40% of days being partly to mostly cloudy.
Even so, you’ll still get several hours of sunshine each day, which helps keep things from feeling too gloomy.
Winter Season Duration
Winter in Algiers typically runs from December through February, though late November and early March can feel wintry too. Temperatures stay steady during this time and don’t drop sharply like they do inland.
Rain falls more often, with about 8–12 rainy days per month. Snow almost never happens here, since the city sits right on the coast at just 30 meters above sea level.
Daylight hours are shorter, averaging 9.7 to 10 hours per day. That can limit evening plans outside, but the milder air compared to northern Europe means you can still enjoy sightseeing or coastal walks, even in the heart of winter.
Comparison to Other Algerian Cities
Algiers has much milder winters than inland places like Constantine or Batna. Those cities often see nighttime temps near freezing and even some frost, while Algiers usually stays above 5°C.
If you head down to the Sahara region—say, Ghardaïa—winters are drier and nights can get cold, sometimes hitting 0°C. The Mediterranean Sea keeps Algiers from those extremes.
This coastal influence makes Algiers one of Algeria’s most temperate winter destinations. There’s less swing between day and night temperatures, and the higher humidity keeps things pretty stable.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Algiers
Winter in Algiers brings mild days and cool nights, shaped by the city’s Mediterranean climate. Temperatures don’t really go to extremes, but you’ll notice a steady difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Most winter days in Algiers have highs between 60°F and 62°F (15°C to 17°C). It’s rare for highs to drop below 53°F (12°C) or climb above 70°F (21°C).
January usually feels coolest, with average highs near 60°F (16°C). Even then, afternoons are often mild enough for a light jacket or sweater.
Sunshine shows up often, but those clouds can make some days feel chillier. Compared to cities at similar latitudes, Algiers offers pretty steady winter highs.
You probably won’t get sudden warm-ups or deep freezes during the day, so you can plan outdoor activities year-round, even in January.
Average Nighttime Temperatures
Nights cool off more than the afternoons. Lows usually hover around 44°F (7°C), with the coldest nights dipping to about 35°F (2°C).
It’s rare for nighttime temps to go over 54°F (12°C). The coldest spell usually lands in mid to late January, with average lows around 42°F (6°C).
Freezing conditions can happen, but they’re not the norm. You might wake up to a chilly morning, but frost is pretty unusual right in the city.
Because Algiers sits on the coast, humidity stays moderate, so the air doesn’t feel as dry as it does inland. If you’re staying overnight, bring heavier clothing for after sunset, especially if the wind picks up from the west.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter temps in Algiers shift slowly between December, January, and February. December usually starts with highs near 62°F (17°C) and lows around 46°F (8°C).
By late January, you’ll see the coldest stretch, with highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows near 42°F (6°C). As February rolls on, things warm up a bit.
By the end of February, highs creep back toward 63°F (17°C), and lows rise closer to 47°F (8°C). This signals spring’s approach.
You’ll notice the days get a bit longer and afternoons feel warmer by late winter, so February is usually more pleasant than the shorter, cooler days of January.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Most of Algiers’ rain falls during the cooler months, while summers stay mostly dry. Rain usually comes as steady showers, not sudden downpours, and snow almost never happens thanks to the mild coastal climate.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Winter is the wettest season in Algiers. From November to February, you’ll typically see 60 mm to 90 mm of rain each month, with November often getting the most.
In summer, rain is almost a non-issue—July averages just 2 mm, making it the driest month. This sharp contrast creates a clear wet and dry season that shapes Algiers’ climate.
Annual rainfall averages about 630–640 mm, putting Algiers in the moderate range for Mediterranean cities. Winter rain makes up a big chunk of that, so the season feels damp but not extreme.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t fall every day in winter, but it’s regular. You can expect about 8 to 12 rainy days per month from November through February.
These rainy days are spread out, with dry spells in between. Storms here are usually light to moderate showers, not intense like in tropical climates.
November brings the most frequent rain, but December and January stay consistently wet. In summer, rainy days drop off sharply—July and August often see just 1 or 2 days with measurable rain.
Snowfall Rarity
Snow in Algiers? Almost unheard of. The city sits right on the Mediterranean at low elevation, and winter temps usually stay above freezing.
January’s average lows hover around 7°C (45°F), which isn’t cold enough for snow. If it does snow, it’s light and melts quickly—it’s more of a weather oddity than a seasonal thing.
If you want snow, you’ll need to head inland or up to the Atlas Mountains, where colder weather makes it more common. In Algiers, you get rain, not snow.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in Winter
Winter days in Algiers aren’t as long as summer, but you’ll still get a decent amount of sunshine, even with the regular rain. More clouds roll in during winter, so you’ll notice less direct sunlight.
Average Hours of Sunshine
You can expect 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in winter. Sure, that’s less than summer, but it’s still enough to enjoy being outdoors.
The Mediterranean location gives you a nice balance between sunny spells and cloudy stretches. December and January have the shortest days, with about 10 hours of daylight and fewer hours of strong sun.
By February, days start to lengthen again. The sun sits lower in the sky, so the light feels softer—great for walking or sightseeing.
Even when rain comes through, skies often clear up afterward, giving you bright breaks in between. For travelers, this means you can plan to be outside without having to hide indoors all winter.
Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover increases in winter, with skies being overcast or mostly cloudy about 35–40% of the time. Rain clouds are common, especially in December and January.
You’ll see stratus clouds bringing drizzle, and cumulus clouds popping up after showers. These patterns are classic for the Mediterranean, with rain systems moving in from the sea.
Even with lots of clouds, clear or partly cloudy days aren’t rare. After storms, the clouds often break up, giving you a mix of gray and sunny periods.
Weather can change quickly—what starts as a cloudy morning might turn into a sunny afternoon, so there are plenty of good moments for sightseeing or coastal walks.
Humidity, Wind, and Sea Conditions
Winter in Algiers brings cool temps, higher humidity, and more rain than other times of year. Winds shift with the weather, and the Mediterranean Sea cools down but stays milder than inland spots.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity stays pretty high in Algiers during winter. Relative humidity usually ranges from 75% to 82%, peaking in January.
This makes the air feel damp, especially on cooler days when temps hover around 16–17°C (62°F). That dampness can make it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Mornings are the most humid, while afternoons drop a bit. Rain is also more common, with 60–80 mm falling each month, adding to that moist feeling and keeping the city green.
If you’re sensitive to damp air, you might feel the chill more, especially in shaded or coastal spots.
Prevailing Winds
Winds in Algiers during winter come mostly from the north and northwest, bringing cool, moist air off the sea.
These breezes usually bring clouds and rain showers. Sometimes, stronger gusts make it feel colder, especially by the water.
Average wind speeds run from 10 to 20 km/h (6 to 12 mph), but storms can push them higher for a while. Occasionally, easterly or southerly winds show up and bring drier air, but that’s less common.
In winter, the main pattern stays maritime, keeping things damp and cool.
Sea Water Temperatures
The Mediterranean Sea off Algiers cools steadily through winter. Sea temps drop to 15°C (59°F) in January, then rise to about 16–17°C (61–63°F) by February and March.
Swimming isn’t popular at this time, since the water feels pretty chilly for most. Locals still use the shoreline for walks, fishing, or hanging out, but beach tourism slows down.
The cooler sea also cools the air along the coast. Even when the sun’s out, breezes off the water can feel cold, especially in the evening.
If you spend time near the port or seaside boulevards, you’ll notice the difference from inland neighborhoods.
Winter Weather Extremes and Notable Events
Algiers usually gets pretty mild winters, but every now and then, the weather throws in a surprise. You might notice a sudden warm breeze or an unexpected rainstorm that shakes up the usual Mediterranean vibe.
Unusual Temperature Spikes
Most winter days in Algiers hover between 44°F (7°C) at night and 62°F (17°C) during the day. Sometimes, those warm winds from the Sahara roll in and bump the temperature up.
It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you might see daytime highs reach the upper 60s°F (20s°C), even smack in the middle of January.
Usually, these warm spells only stick around for a day or two before cooler air settles back in. Honestly, it can feel pretty nice if you’re out exploring, though the chilly nights might catch you off guard.
If you’ve got outdoor plans, it’s smart to layer your clothing so you can handle the back-and-forth.
Extreme cold almost never happens, but sometimes the temperature drops to the mid-30s°F (1–2°C) overnight.
Frost hardly ever shows up, but you might spot it in the higher spots just outside the city. These chilly dips don’t last long and usually don’t mess with daily routines.
Occasional Storms
Rain falls most often in winter, and some storms really pack a punch. You might run into short but heavy downpours, especially in December.
These storms sometimes flood low-lying streets, so getting around the city can take longer on rainy days.
Thunderstorms don’t show up as much as they do in summer, but they’re still possible. When they hit, they usually bring gusty winds from the west or northwest.
Winter wind speeds usually sit around 10 mph (16 km/h), but storms can bump those numbers up for a while.
If you’re close to the coast, keep an eye out for rough seas when storms roll in. The Mediterranean waters around Algiers drop to about 59°F (15°C) in late winter.
Winds can make the water extra choppy, and that might mess with ferry schedules or cut down on waterfront activities.