If you’re planning a trip to Oran during Christmas, you’ll get to enjoy mild Mediterranean weather instead of the usual harsh winter chill. Daytime temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F), with nights cooling down to about 11°C (52°F), making Oran one of North Africa’s more comfortable winter destinations.
You’ll probably see more rain in December than in summer, but showers are brief and rarely ruin your plans.
The city feels calm with cooler air, the odd shower, and shorter days. Even in winter, there’s still a good amount of daily sunshine, so you can wander historic streets, enjoy the sea views, or relax at outdoor cafés without sweating through the heat.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Late December in Oran brings mild days, cool nights, and the occasional rain. Most days feel comfortable, not hot, with moderate humidity and gentle to moderate winds shaping the climate.
Average Temperatures in Late December
During Christmas, Oran usually gets daytime highs of 17°C to 18°C (63°F to 65°F). Nights cool off, often dropping to 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F).
Thanks to the Mediterranean-influenced steppe climate, you avoid extreme cold, but evenings can feel crisp. You’ll want a light jacket at night, while days remain pleasant for strolling outside.
The sea temperature sits around 15°C to 16°C (59°F to 61°F), which is a bit too chilly for swimming, but it adds to the mild coastal air.
Compared to northern Europe, Oran feels pretty warm this time of year. Still, those cooler evenings remind you that it’s winter, even if you’re not seeing any snow or frost.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December counts as one of the wetter months in Oran. Rainfall averages 20–29 mm (0.8–1.1 in) for the month, spread over several days.
Showers usually stay light or moderate and pass quickly. You’ll see about 6–8 rainy days in late December, so while rain isn’t constant, it can interrupt outdoor plans, especially at night.
Bringing an umbrella or light raincoat makes sense. Winter showers help freshen up the city, leaving streets and gardens greener and the air clearer.
Even though rain is more frequent, heavy downpours are rare, and flooding doesn’t usually happen at this time of year.
Humidity and Wind Trends
Humidity in Oran during Christmas generally sits between 60% and 70%. The air might feel a bit damp, but it’s not uncomfortable.
This mix actually makes the cool temperatures feel pleasant, not biting. Winds are usually mild or moderate, with average speeds of 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph).
You’ll notice breezes from the Mediterranean, especially in the evening, which can add a chill. Strong gusts aren’t the norm, but they do happen on stormy days.
The blend of humidity and wind keeps the weather steady. Mornings and evenings feel cooler, but daytime is mild and great for being outside.
Temperature Extremes and Notable Records
December in Oran mostly brings mild days and cooler nights, but past records show temperatures can swing above or below the average. Knowing about these extremes helps you pack for both surprise warm afternoons and unexpectedly chilly nights.
Record Highs for December
Average daytime highs in December reach about 18°C (64°F), but sometimes, Oran gets much warmer. On rare days, the thermometer can jump into the mid-20s°C (upper 70s°F).
Dry winds from the Sahara occasionally sweep north, pushing temperatures up well above the seasonal norm. These warm spells aren’t common, but when they hit, December afternoons can feel more like late spring.
If you’re around during one of these spikes, you might end up in short sleeves, even around Christmas. The contrast between warm afternoons and cool nights stands out, so packing layers is a smart move.
Record Lows for December
Nights in December can dip lower than you’d expect from the averages. The mean low sits at about 7°C (45°F), but record lows have dropped to 3–4°C (37–39°F).
Clear skies and calm winds often cause these chilly nights, letting warmth escape after sunset. Frost is very rare in Oran, but the coldest nights can feel brisk, especially by the coast where humidity adds to the chill.
If you plan to be out in the evenings, bring a heavier jacket or sweater. The swing from mild afternoons to cold nights is a key part of Oran’s December climate, and record lows show just how quickly things can change after dark.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Months
In Oran, December offers mild highs, cool nights, and a higher chance of rain than summer. These conditions put December between the cooler, wetter start of the year and the drier, warmer months before autumn.
How December Compares to January and November
December usually has average highs around 63°F (17°C) and lows near 45°F (7°C). Rainfall totals about 1.6 inches (40 mm) over several days, making it a fairly wet month.
By January, things cool down a bit more. Highs average 61°F (16°C), with nights dropping to 43°F (6°C). Rainfall is about the same, at 1.5 inches (38 mm), making January the coldest month, but not by much.
November is warmer and wetter. Highs reach 68°F (20°C), and lows stay near 51°F (10°C). Rainfall peaks at 2.1 inches (53 mm), the highest of the year.
So, December sits in the middle—cooler than November, not as cold as January, and with moderate rainfall marking the heart of Oran’s wet season.
Seasonal Temperature Shifts
Oran’s climate follows a clear seasonal rhythm. From late autumn through winter, daytime highs slide from the mid-70s °F (mid-20s °C) in October down to the low 60s °F (around 16–17°C) by December.
Nighttime lows drop steadily too as winter approaches. Rainfall increases in late fall and early spring, with November and December among the wettest months.
Summer is a different story—July gets just 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain. If you visit around Christmas, expect cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and the odd windy day.
Winter in Oran feels mild but damp, with weather that’s better for city walks than for lounging on the beach.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine Around Christmas
December brings the shortest days and lowest sunshine levels of the year in Oran. You’ll notice that daylight is limited, and while the sun comes out, the hours are fewer than in summer.
Typical Day Length in December
Around Christmas, Oran sees about 9 hours and 45 minutes of daylight each day. Sunrise is close to 8:00 a.m., and sunset happens just before 6:00 p.m.
From early to late December, the change is minimal. On December 1, sunrise is around 7:54 a.m. with sunset at 5:49 p.m. By December 31, sunrise moves to 8:12 a.m., and sunset is about 5:59 p.m.
You’ll want to plan outdoor activities earlier, since evenings get dark quickly. The shorter days also mean the sun doesn’t have as much time to warm things up.
If you’re coming from northern Europe or North America, you might notice the days are a bit longer here, but still much shorter than the 14 hours you’d get in June.
Average Daily Sunshine Duration
Even with the shorter days, Oran manages to get a decent amount of sunshine. In December, you’ll see about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day on average.
That’s the lowest of the year, but it’s still sunnier than many other Mediterranean spots in winter. The number of sunshine days averages 21 to 22 in December, so most days are at least partly sunny.
Cloud cover sits at about 26%, so skies are often clear enough to let in light. Summer brings over 11 hours of daily sunshine, so December feels dimmer, but there’s still enough sun for sightseeing.
If you’re heading to the coast, remember the sea is too cold for a swim, but the sun can make a walk along the shore pleasant. This mix of mild daylight and steady sunshine makes winter days in Oran nice for exploring the city or nearby scenery.
Practical Tips for Visiting Oran at Christmas
December in Oran means mild but sometimes damp weather, cool evenings, and shorter daylight hours. It’s smart to plan for changing conditions and think about comfort when packing.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime temperatures usually reach 17–18 °C (63–64 °F), while nights can drop to 6–7 °C (43–45 °F). Rain is common, with 45 mm over about 8 days, so waterproof gear is a good idea.
Pack light layers like long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a medium jacket. Bring a light raincoat or compact umbrella for sudden showers.
Even though it’s not freezing, a warmer layer is handy for evenings, especially if you’re walking by the water. Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes, as streets can get slippery after rain.
A scarf or light gloves might come in handy on breezy days, since Oran can get pretty windy. If you’re thinking about swimming, keep in mind the sea averages 17 °C in December, which most people find too cold.
You’ll want to focus on clothes for city walks, museum visits, and mild winter weather.
Outdoor Activities and Seasonal Events
You can explore Oran’s historic sites, like the Santa Cruz Fort, without the big summer crowds. The cooler weather makes walking tours of the old city or along the coast much nicer.
Markets stay busy in December, offering local foods and crafts. They’re a great way to see daily life and stay mostly sheltered if rain shows up.
Christmas isn’t a major public holiday in Algeria, but some hotels and restaurants in Oran put on seasonal meals or small celebrations for visitors. You might also find international churches holding Christmas services.
Daylight lasts just over 10 hours, so plan your sightseeing for late morning and early afternoon. Evenings are perfect for dining at local restaurants or catching traditional music indoors.
Long-Term Climate Trends in Oran
Oran’s climate reflects the strong influence of the Mediterranean Sea and the semi-arid steppe around the city. You’ll experience mild winters, hot and dry summers, and seasonal shifts in rainfall that shape both daily life and travel plans.
Overview of Oran’s Climate Classification
Oran falls under the Köppen BSk classification, so you’re looking at a mid-latitude steppe climate. Basically, the city sits in this in-between zone—somewhere between a Mediterranean coastal climate and a true desert.
The sea keeps temperatures in check, which makes winters much milder than what you’d get further inland in Algeria. Daytime highs in winter usually hover around 16–18°C (60–64°F).
In summer, temperatures often climb to 31–32°C (88–90°F). Nights almost never dip below freezing, so Oran feels less harsh than a lot of the nearby inland areas.
Rainfall’s pretty limited, but it comes in waves. Most of the rain shows up in late autumn and winter, with November and December usually seeing the most.
July and August, though, are just dry—sometimes barely a few millimeters of rain.
Humidity bounces around with the seasons. Cooler months bring higher humidity, often near 65–70%.
In summer, it drops closer to 55–60%, which definitely changes how comfortable it feels, especially if you’re spending time outside.
Annual Weather Patterns and Variability
Oran gets about 370–380 mm (14–15 inches) of rain each year. That’s just enough for some greenery, though it still puts the city firmly in a semi-arid zone.
Rain usually shows up as short, scattered bursts, not long storms. Most of it falls between November and January, when you’ll probably catch about 8–10 rainy days per month.
In summer, rain just about vanishes. Sometimes, weeks go by without a drop.
Winds make themselves known, especially in winter and early spring. Gusts can top 25 km/h (15 mph), which you’ll definitely notice on a walk.
By mid-summer, the wind calms down. The air gets hotter and stiller, which isn’t always comfortable.
Daylight shifts a lot, from about 10 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer. Pair that with plenty of sunshine, and it’s obvious why the warmer months feel better for being outside.
Temperatures don’t swing wildly here. Winter nights rarely dip below 5°C (41°F), and summer days usually stay under 32°C (90°F).
This kind of stability makes Oran’s climate easier to live with. Honestly, it’s nice not having to worry about weather surprises when making plans.