When you picture winter in North Africa, do you imagine biting winds or frigid desert nights? Oran, though, tells a different story. This coastal Mediterranean city enjoys a mild, easygoing season, thanks to its steppe climate and the influence of the sea.
Daytime temperatures usually hover between 15°C and 18°C, so winter here is a lot gentler than in many other places.
Rain gets more frequent in these months, especially in December and January, which see the most showers. The rainfall isn’t wild, but it does cool the air and put more clouds in the sky, changing Oran’s usual brightness.
This blend of moderate temps and occasional rain slows things down, giving the city a relaxed, almost cozy vibe, especially compared to those blazing, dry summers.
Along with the chillier air, winter brings shorter days and a bit more wind than usual. These changes shape daily routines, from time outside to the city’s general mood.
If you know what to expect, you can plan better—whether you’re wandering historic streets, hanging out by the water, or just soaking up Oran’s winter feel.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Oran
Oran’s winter days stay mild, and nights get cooler, but freezing temps are rare. The season follows a steady pattern, with only minor changes from December through February.
Monthly Daytime and Nighttime Averages
Daytime highs during winter usually sit between 16°C and 18°C (61°F–64°F). January is the coolest, with highs around 16°C. December and February warm up a touch, often closer to 17°C–18°C.
Nights cool off but don’t get icy. Lows average 6°C to 8°C (43°F–46°F). The coldest nights might drop to 2°C, but that doesn’t happen often.
You won’t need heavy winter gear, but a light jacket or sweater feels just right for the evenings and mornings.
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C |
|---|---|---|
| December | 17 | 8 |
| January | 16 | 6 |
| February | 17–18 | 7 |
Temperature Variations Throughout Winter
Temperatures in Oran don’t swing much during winter. You won’t see dramatic drops like in some places.
Mid-January is usually the coldest stretch, with daily ranges from 6°C at night to 16°C in the afternoon. By late February, afternoons often reach 18°C, while nights hold steady near 7°C.
You’ll notice the difference between day and night. A sunny afternoon feels pleasant, but as soon as the sun sets, the chill moves in quickly. Layering up makes sense here.
Freezing temps are almost unheard of, and snow just doesn’t happen in Oran’s coastal climate.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter is a whole different experience compared to summer in Oran. Summer highs jump to 30°C or more, and nights don’t cool much, staying around 20°C.
Spring warms up quickly after winter, while autumn cools things down after summer’s heat.
Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, winters are mild and a bit rainy, and summers turn hot and dry. For lots of travelers, winter strikes a nice balance—cooler than summer, but warmer than most of Europe at the same time.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Oran gets most of its rain in winter, with November and December standing out as the wettest months. Rain usually falls in short bursts, not drawn-out storms, and totals stay lower than in some wetter Mediterranean cities.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall jumps at the start of winter. November averages about 60–65 mm, making it the wettest month. December is close behind with 55–60 mm. January drops a bit to 40–45 mm, but rain still shows up pretty often.
Compared to other coastal Mediterranean spots, these amounts are moderate. Athens gets similar rain, while places like Marseille or Barcelona can see over 70 mm in a single winter month.
Rain concentrates in late autumn through mid-winter, then tapers off in spring and summer. This cycle shapes the local climate and outdoor plans.
Frequency of Rainy Days
It doesn’t rain every day in Oran’s winter. Instead, each month brings a handful of rainy days. November averages 6–7 rainy days, December about 6, and January around 5.
Most rainy days mean light to moderate showers that pass in a few hours, so you’ll still get plenty of dry stretches.
You probably won’t lose a whole day to rain. It’s usually enough to carry a light jacket or umbrella and adjust plans a little if you get caught in a shower.
Snowfall Occurrence
Snow just doesn’t happen in Oran. The city’s on the coast, and winter highs stick between 15–18°C in December and January, with nighttime lows well above freezing.
Even in rare cold years, it doesn’t get cold enough for snow. Some higher inland areas might see flurries, but not in Oran itself.
Because snow is off the table, winter travel stays simple. You won’t have to deal with icy roads or snow delays—just occasional rain.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
During winter, Oran gets stronger winds and cooler air than in other seasons. The city’s spot on the Mediterranean means wind is a big part of the local weather, shaping daily comfort and what you can do outside.
Typical Wind Speeds in Winter
Winter wind speeds in Oran usually climb above 9–11 mph (15–18 km/h). February tends to be the windiest, with speeds peaking near 10.9 mph.
These winds aren’t extreme, but their steady presence makes them hard to ignore.
Sometimes, stronger gusts blow in during storms, reaching 30 mph (48 km/h) or more. That wind can make the air feel colder than it actually is.
Oran stays breezy from November through May, so winter feels more exposed than the calm, still summer months.
Wind Direction Patterns
Oran’s winter winds mostly come from the west and east, shaped by the city’s spot on the Alboran Sea. Westerly winds dominate, bringing in cooler, moist air with passing weather systems.
Easterly winds can bump up humidity and make rain more likely. Westerlies stick around longer and are stronger, so they define Oran’s winter atmosphere.
This mix of wind directions brings changing conditions along the coast. You might notice shifts in clouds, sea chop, or even visibility depending on which wind is blowing.
Sea Water Temperature in Winter
The Mediterranean cools down off Oran in winter, but the water stays above 57°F. That’s chillier than summer, but still warmer than a lot of other coastal places at this time of year.
Monthly Sea Water Temperature
In December, the sea averages around 62.6°F (17°C). It’s the start of the cool season, but still not too bad compared to northern Europe.
January drops to about 60.7°F (16°C), which is one of the coldest points for the Mediterranean here. The water feels noticeably brisk.
February cools a bit more, averaging 59.7°F (15.5°C). The coldest readings hit 57.7°F, so February is usually the least tempting for a swim.
On average, Oran’s winter sea hovers around 61°F (16°C). The Mediterranean keeps the chill from getting too severe.
Suitability for Swimming
You can jump in the water in winter, but most people find it too cold for a long swim unless they wear a wetsuit. At 59–63°F, it’s brisk.
The main swimming season in Oran runs from June to October, when water temps stay above 68°F (20°C). Winter falls well below that.
If you’re sensitive to cold, you’ll probably want to stick to the shore. Water sports like diving or snorkeling slow down in winter because of the chill.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Oran brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and less sunshine. You’ll get fewer bright hours than in summer, which can change how you plan your days and how the season feels overall.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Oran averages about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day in winter. January sees the lowest, with roughly 7.2 hours daily or about 224 hours in the month.
February brings a little more sunlight, and December falls somewhere in the middle, with around 6.7 hours a day.
With less sun, afternoons feel cooler and evenings stretch out longer. If you want to be outside, aim for midday when it’s brightest and warmest.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine (hrs/day) | Total (hrs/month) |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~6.7 | ~207 |
| January | ~7.2 | ~224 |
| February | ~7.5 | ~210–215 |
Day Length Changes
Late December brings the shortest days, with daylight lasting about 9 hours and 35 minutes. By late January, days stretch past 10 hours, and by February, you get close to 11 hours of daylight.
This gradual change means February feels noticeably brighter than December. More daylight also makes afternoons feel a bit warmer, even if the air stays cool.
Sunrise in winter usually falls around 7:45–8:00 a.m., and sunset happens between 5:30–6:30 p.m., depending on the month. These times help when you’re planning sightseeing or outdoor activities.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Winter skies in Oran tend to be moderately cloudy, with only small shifts from month to month. You’ll see a mix of overcast days and clearer spells, but the season leans toward gentle cloudiness rather than persistent gloom.
Frequency of Overcast Days
The sky stays overcast or mostly cloudy about 36% of the time in winter. This pattern doesn’t change much from December through February.
Early January brings the cloudiest days, but the difference is tiny—just a couple percent above the seasonal average.
Unlike northern Europe, where gray skies can drag on for weeks, Oran gets breaks in the clouds. Long, dreary stretches are rare, and the season never feels too dark.
Quick facts:
- Average winter cloud cover: ~36%
- Lowest chance of overcast: early February (~34%)
- Highest chance of overcast: early January (~37–38%)
Clear and Partly Cloudy Days
You’ll notice the skies open up most often in February, especially during that first week. On those days, there’s about a 66% chance you’ll catch clear, mostly clear, or at least partly cloudy weather.
Late winter just feels sunnier, honestly.
In December, you won’t get as many clear days, but the clouds do break up now and then. The difference between early and late winter stands out, since February brings more daylight and brighter skies.
If you’re planning to be outside, February’s probably your best bet for steady sunshine. Even in January, the skies flip between partly cloudy and clear, so you’re not likely to go long without some sun.
At a glance:
- Clearest winter period: early February
- Chance of clear/partly cloudy skies then: ~66%
- Least clear: December, but sunshine still appears regularly