If you spend Christmas in Annaba, you’ll find a cool, mild winter climate shaped by the Mediterranean Sea. Average daytime temperatures stick around 14–15°C (57–59°F), and nights drop close to 9–11°C (48–52°F).
Rain shows up more often this time of year, turning the city greener but adding a damp chill to the air. You’ll notice daylight hours get shorter in late December, with the sun setting early and skies usually cloudier than in summer.
Swimming’s out of the question—the sea averages about 15°C (59°F)—but that coastal breeze still makes for refreshing walks along the waterfront. This mix of mild temps, occasional rain, and crisp evenings gives Annaba a totally different vibe compared to its hot, dry summers.
If you’re planning a Christmas visit, get ready for both outdoor exploring and cozy indoor time. The weather can flip quickly between sunny spells and passing showers.
Overview of Annaba’s Climate
Annaba sits right on the Mediterranean, so it’s got a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, while winters turn cooler and wetter.
You’ll notice real changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity as the year rolls on.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Annaba falls under the Csa climate type—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average yearly temps land around 20°C (68°F). August gets hottest at about 30°C (86°F), and January cools down to around 16°C (61°F).
Most rain comes in the cooler months. Annaba averages 600–700 mm (24–28 inches) of precipitation a year, with the bulk falling between November and March.
Summers, on the other hand, stay almost bone dry, especially in July. Humidity spikes from June through September, so muggy days are pretty common then.
Winds pick up in winter, especially December, while summers are usually calmer. This balance of sun, rain, and wind gives Annaba a climate that feels both temperate and distinct as seasons change.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From late spring to early autumn, you’ll get long sunny stretches, clear skies, and daily highs above 27°C (80°F). July and August barely see any rain—less than 0.2 inches on average.
The cool season lasts from late November through March. Highs average between 15–18°C (59–64°F), and lows can dip down to 7–9°C (45–48°F). January is both the coldest and wettest month, with about 65 mm (2.6 inches) of rain and lots of overcast days.
Daylight shifts a lot too. In June, the sun sticks around for over 14 hours. Come December, you get less than 10 hours. These changes really shape how you plan your outdoor activities—summer’s for the beach, winter’s better for wandering the city or checking out museums.
Typical Weather in Annaba During Christmas
In late December, Annaba usually brings mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and frequent rainfall. The Mediterranean setting means wetter conditions than the dry summer months.
Average Temperatures in December
Daytime temps during December generally sit between 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F). Nights cool off more, dropping to about 10°C to 11°C (50°F to 52°F).
So you get mild, not freezing, weather—especially compared to other places at Christmas. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick during the day.
The Mediterranean Sea plays a big role here. Sea temperatures average about 15°C (59°F) in December, too cold for a dip, but the water helps keep the air from getting really cold.
You’ll probably find December in Annaba comfortable for sightseeing and being outdoors, though evenings can feel brisk.
Precipitation and Rainfall Levels
Rain matters a lot around Christmas. December is one of Annaba’s wettest months, with 50–70 mm (2–2.8 inches) of rain.
Rain falls over 12–15 days during the month, so you’ll want to expect showers fairly often. Usually, they’re light or moderate, but the occasional storm can roll in.
The extra rain makes the landscape greener than in summer. Just remember to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket if you’re heading outside.
Clouds show up more in December, so sunshine hours drop compared to spring or summer. Daylight lasts about 10 hours, and early sunsets add to the cooler vibe.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
December humidity averages around 70–75%, which can make the air feel damp, especially with the cooler temps. That’s just typical Mediterranean winter.
Winds come in moderate, usually off the sea, and average 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph), but gusts can get stronger when weather systems move through.
This mix of humidity and wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer reads. Layering your clothes really helps you stay comfortable.
Fog doesn’t show up much, but you might see misty mornings near the coast. By midday, that usually clears up, and things stay cool but not unpleasant.
Daytime and Nighttime Weather Conditions
Late December in Annaba keeps things mild compared to northern spots. Afternoons stay cool but comfy, and nights get chilly, especially with extra humidity and wind.
Daytime Highs and Sunshine Hours
Daytime highs around Christmas usually reach 59–63°F (15–17°C). That’s pleasant enough for a walk along the coast or exploring the city—no need for heavy winter coats.
The air feels fresh, thanks to breezes off the Mediterranean. Winds can be moderate, so sometimes it feels cooler than the actual temp. Rain showers aren’t rare in December, so keep an eye out for those quick wet spells.
You don’t get much sunshine—maybe 5–6 hours a day on average. Clouds hang around, and the sun rises late, sets early. Best to squeeze outdoor plans into the middle of the day.
Nighttime Lows and Cloud Cover
At night, temps usually fall to 46–50°F (8–10°C). It’s not freezing, but the damp air can make it feel colder, especially near the coast or in open spots. Light jackets or sweaters become a must after dark.
Clouds often cover the sky at night in December. That actually keeps temperatures from dropping too fast, but when the sky does clear, you’ll notice it gets colder.
Humidity stays high, adding a chill. Winds usually calm down at night, but you’ll still notice a steady sea breeze. Rain can happen, though it’s usually brief, not long storms.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Weather
Annaba’s spot on the Mediterranean means mild sea conditions in winter, though the water cools off a lot compared to summer. You’ll get moderate coastal weather—some calm days, some rain—which really shapes how the shoreline feels in December.
Average Sea Temperatures in December
By December, the Mediterranean waters along Annaba have cooled off a lot from the summer. Average sea temperature is about 17.3°C (63.1°F), with lows near 15.5°C (61.3°F) and highs around 19.1°C (64.9°F).
Most people skip swimming at these temps, though a few brave souls might wade or take a quick dip. If you’re into water activities, boating or fishing makes more sense than swimming.
The cooler sea also chills the coastal air, making the breeze feel crisp. With daytime highs on land in the mid-teens Celsius, you’ll really notice the difference from Annaba’s hot summer climate.
Beach and Waterfront Conditions
Annaba’s beaches stay open in December, but the vibe is much quieter than in peak season. You’ll see fewer crowds, and the cool air and water don’t encourage long swims.
Winter brings more rain, so expect some days with wet sand and high humidity. Winds can pick up, making waves choppier along the shore.
Still, the coast is great for walks, photography, or just soaking in the Mediterranean views. If you’re heading out, wear light layers and bring something waterproof to handle Annaba’s shifting weather.
Weather Variability and Extremes Around Christmas
Annaba usually offers mild, steady weather in late December, but sometimes things shift fast. Rare cold snaps and the occasional desert wind can shake up the usual Mediterranean pattern.
Unusual Cold Snaps and Rare Snowfall
Annaba’s spot on the coast keeps winters pretty mild, with daytime highs near 15°C (59°F). But when cold air from inland Algeria or Europe moves in, temperatures can drop several degrees below normal, especially at night.
Snow almost never happens in Annaba, but it has been recorded a few times. If cold air masses meet moist Mediterranean air, you might see light snow or sleet—gone in a flash, but enough to surprise people.
Frost is more common than snow. On colder mornings, you might spot a thin layer of frost on cars or plants, especially outside the city. These chilly spells don’t last long, but they show just how variable Annaba’s climate can get around Christmas.
Temperature Fluctuations and Desert Winds
Sometimes, Annaba gets warm, dry winds from the Sahara. Locals call these sirocco or chergui, and they can bump up temperatures in a hurry. The air gets drier, and you might notice visibility drop from fine dust.
These desert winds show up more in spring and summer, but they can make a winter appearance. When they do, you’ll feel daytime highs climb toward 20°C (68°F), even in late December.
That sudden shift between cool Mediterranean air and warm desert gusts can make the weather unpredictable. Packing light layers lets you handle mornings that need a jacket and afternoons that feel almost warm.
Practical Tips for Visiting Annaba at Christmas
December in Annaba means mild but damp weather, cool nights, and frequent rain. Prepare for changing conditions so you can enjoy both the city and the coast.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
During Christmas, daytime temps in Annaba usually hit 17–18 °C (63–65 °F), while nights can fall to about 8 °C (46 °F). Rain is common, with more than 100 mm falling over the month, so waterproof clothing is a must.
Bring a light to medium jacket and a waterproof layer for those rainy days. A compact umbrella comes in handy, as showers can pop up out of nowhere. For evenings, sweaters or extra layers help you stay warm when temps dip.
Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes, since streets can get wet or slippery after rain. If you’re planning coastal walks or outdoor exploring, pick shoes with good grip.
Even though the sea averages 17 °C (63 °F), it’s too cold for swimming, so you can skip the beach gear. Instead, focus on warm, layered outfits you can adjust as the weather changes during the day.
Impact of Weather on Local Activities
December brings cooler, wetter weather to Annaba, and that really changes how you enjoy the city. You can still explore outdoors, but rain might force you to take a break now and then.
When showers hit, most people duck into cafés, markets, and museums. Those places feel especially cozy on a chilly day.
You’ll find historic spots like the Basilica of St. Augustine or the ruins of Hippo Regius open all year. But honestly, wet ground can make long walks less appealing. If you want to wander around archaeological sites, just make sure you’ve got decent shoes.
Daylight hangs around for about 10 hours in December. If you’re planning to be outside, it’s smarter to start early.
With only 4–5 hours of sunshine on average, cloudy skies are the norm. That softer light can be nice for photos, though it’s not great for beach trips.
If local traditions are your thing, cooler evenings give you the perfect excuse to try Annaba’s restaurants. Warm stews and grilled dishes are especially popular in winter.
The weather definitely slows things down, but it doesn’t have to stop you from exploring the city.