Skip to content
wheretotravel.info
Hillside town with domed buildings and trees

Algeria travel guide

Africa's largest country, from Mediterranean coast to deep Sahara dunes

Best: Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec

Photo: DigitalByNADAS Photography / Pexels

Capital
Algiers
Language
Arabic
Currency
Algerian dinar
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Plugs
Type C, E, F · 230 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
14 / 17 / 1548

Why visit Algeria

Algeria spans 2,381,741 km², from coastal cities like Algiers and Oran to Saharan towns like Tamanrasset and Djanet. It suits travellers drawn to desert landscapes, old medina streets and a coastline that gets far fewer visitors than its neighbours. For the country overall, November, December, October and February bring milder, more comfortable temperatures. Coastal cities and the deep south have different rhythms, though, so check city-level timing if you're planning a specific route.

  • Africa's largest country, barely touristed

    Algeria covers 2,381,741 km2, the biggest country in Africa, yet it stays off most itineraries. With a population of 47400000, you get huge Saharan landscapes and old cities without the crowds found in neighbouring countries.

  • Algiers, a coastal capital

    Algiers is the capital and largest city, with a population of 2364230. It sits on the coast, so you can pair city sightseeing with sea air. Locals rate June, October, May and April as the best months to visit.

  • Inland Constantine and desert gateways

    Constantine, population 465138, is built inland rather than on the coast, a contrast to Algiers and Oran. Further south, Tamanrasset and Djanet open the door to Saharan travel, with Tamanrasset listing January and February as top months.

  • A long cool season for travel

    The country's best months overall are November, December, October and February, pointing to a cooler, more comfortable stretch for moving between coast and interior rather than the summer heat.

  • Smaller coastal and oasis towns

    Béjaïa, population 176139, is a coastal city best visited June through October, while Ghardaia, an oasis town of around 120000 people, favours March, November, February and April, giving you two very different climates to plan around.

Is Algeria right for you?

Great for

  • Travellers who want warm sea swimming, with Algiers sea temps at 25-26°C from July to September
  • Visitors chasing mild, drier weather in coastal cities like Algiers and Oran during October and May
  • People drawn to desert towns such as Tamanrasset and Djanet, best visited December to February when it's cooler
  • Sun-seekers: Algiers gets 13 sun hours a day in June and July
  • Travellers who like shoulder-season city trips, since November, December, October and February rank as Algeria's best overall months

Less ideal for

  • Anyone avoiding heat, since Algiers highs reach 31°C in July and August with almost no rain
  • Travellers wanting dry beach days in November, when Algiers sees 11.3 rain days and 92mm of rain
  • People who dislike wet winters, as January also brings 75mm of rain over 10 days in Algiers

Algeria right now: October

8.5/10
Avg high
26°C
Avg low
17°C
Rain days
6
Sea
23°C

Averages for Algiers.

Weather by month

This data is for Algiers. Weather is best from October to December and February to May, with mild highs of 16–25°C and warm sea temperatures up to 23°C, making these months comfortable for sightseeing. July and August are toughest, with highs of 31°C, almost no rain, and the lowest comfort scores (around 5), so the heat can be intense.

Average highs and lows in Algiers by month January: high 16°C, low 8°C , 10 rain days . February: high 17°C, low 9°C , 8 rain days . March: high 18°C, low 10°C , 10 rain days . April: high 20°C, low 12°C , 8 rain days . May: high 23°C, low 15°C , 6 rain days . June: high 27°C, low 18°C , 2 rain days . July: high 31°C, low 22°C , 0 rain days . August: high 31°C, low 22°C , 2 rain days . September: high 29°C, low 20°C , 5 rain days . October: high 26°C, low 17°C , 6 rain days . November: high 20°C, low 13°C , 11 rain days . December: high 18°C, low 10°C , 7 rain days . 16°C 8°C JAN 10d 17°C 9°C FEB 8d 18°C 10°C MAR 10d 20°C 12°C APR 8d 23°C 15°C MAY 6d 27°C 18°C JUN 2d 31°C 22°C JUL 0d 31°C 22°C AUG 2d 29°C 20°C SEP 5d 26°C 17°C OCT 6d 20°C 13°C NOV 11d 18°C 10°C DEC 7d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

Algiers · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit Algeria: month-by-month weather →

Algeria's climate regions

The weather varies across the country; each region has its own best months.

  • Mediterranean North Coast

    Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Béjaïa, Tlemcen

    Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Béjaïa and Tlemcen sit on the Mediterranean coast, with highs near 15°C in January and 32.4°C in July. With about 74 rain days a year, the mildest, driest conditions come in October, May, June and April.

    Best: Apr, May, Jun, Oct

  • Sahara Desert

    Ghardaia, Tamanrasset, Djanet

    Ghardaia, Tamanrasset and Djanet are desert towns with highs around 18.1°C in January and 37.2°C in July. Rain is rare, only about 8.3 days a year, so cooler months like February, November, December and January are best for visiting.

    Best: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

Sample itineraries

7 days

Northern Algeria: Coast and Cities

  1. Day 1–3

    Algiers

    Explore the capital, home to 2364230 people. Walk the coastal city center and visit the Casbah. June, October, May, and April are the best months to visit.

  2. Day 4–5

    Béjaïa

    Head east to this coastal city of 176139 residents. Enjoy the harbor and nearby beaches; June, September, July, and October offer the best weather.

  3. Day 6–7

    Constantine

    Finish inland in Constantine, population 465138, known for its dramatic bridges over the gorge. October, April, May, and November are ideal months to explore the old town.

10 days

Algeria Highlights: Coast to Sahara Gateway

  1. Day 1–2

    Algiers

    Start in the capital, home to 2364230 people, with time for the Casbah and seafront promenades. June, October, May, and April bring the mildest weather.

  2. Day 3–4

    Oran

    Travel west to Oran, a coastal city of 803329. Wander the waterfront and old quarters; May, October, December, and April are the best months to visit.

  3. Day 5–6

    Tlemcen

    Continue to Tlemcen, population 173531, known for its Islamic architecture and hillside views. October, May, November, and June offer pleasant conditions.

  4. Day 7–8

    Ghardaia

    Head south to Ghardaia, home to 120000 people, to see the mzab valley's fortified towns. March, November, February, and April are the recommended months.

  5. Day 9–10

    Tamanrasset

    End the trip in Tamanrasset, population 92635, a gateway to the Sahara's dramatic landscapes. January, February, December, and November bring cooler, more comfortable temperatures.

Food to try in Algeria

Couscous

Steamed semolina grains served with a stew of vegetables and often lamb or chicken. It is a staple across the country and a common dish for family meals and celebrations.

Chorba frik

A tomato-based soup made with cracked green wheat, meat and herbs. Many families serve it at the evening meal that breaks the fast during the Muslim holy month.

Chakhchoukha

Thin flatbread torn into small pieces and soaked in a spicy tomato and meat sauce. It is linked to the east of the country and is often made for special occasions.

Rechta

Thin fresh noodles served with chicken, chickpeas, turnips and a light white sauce. It is closely linked to Algiers and is a common dish for festive meals.

Karantika

A baked chickpea flour flan, usually sold in slices with cumin and harissa. It is a cheap street snack, especially associated with Oran and the west.

Mint tea

Green tea brewed with fresh mint and usually served sweet. People drink it through the day, at home and in cafés, often with pastries or after a meal.

Know before you go

  • Plugs and voltage: Algeria uses plug types C, E and F, with a supply of 230 V. Most European chargers fit. Travellers from the UK or North America will need an adapter, and possibly a converter for older devices.
  • Driving side: Traffic drives on the right in Algeria. If you are used to driving on the left, take extra care at roundabouts and when turning.
  • Emergency numbers: The emergency numbers in Algeria are 14, 17 and 1548. Save all 3 in your phone before you arrive, and ask your hotel which one to call for police, fire or ambulance.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Algerian dinar. Plan how you will get cash before you travel, and keep some dinars with you for small everyday purchases.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language. Learning a few basic Arabic greetings and phrases will make daily contact with people easier and is usually appreciated.
  • Time zone and calling code: Algeria is on UTC+01:00 all year in the fact data we hold. The international calling code is +213, so use it when you give your number to local contacts or call from abroad.

Algeria: frequently asked questions

Is Algeria good in August?

August scores 5 out of 10 for Algiers, the lowest rating of the year along with July's 5.4. Daytime highs reach 31.1°C with only 1.8 rain days, so it's hot and dry. Sea temperature hits 25.7°C, which suits swimmers, but sightseeing in the heat is harder.

What is the best month to visit Algeria?

November scores highest at 8.7, followed closely by December at 8.6 and October at 8.5. These months bring milder highs of 17.5 to 25.5°C in Algiers. The top four months overall are November, December, October and February, based on the yearly scoring.

When is the rainy season in Algiers?

The wettest months are November, with 92mm over 11.3 rain days, and January and March, each around 70-75mm. December and February also see regular rain, between 58 and 56mm. Summer is dry: July gets just 1mm of rain on average.

Is the sea warm enough for swimming in Algiers?

Yes, from June through October. Sea temperatures climb from 22.6°C in June to a peak of 25.7°C in August, staying near 25°C into September and October. Outside this window, winter sea temperatures drop to 15.8-17.8°C from December to February.

What is the weather like in Algiers in winter?

Winter in Algiers, from December to February, brings daytime highs of 15.7 to 17.5°C and lows around 7.9 to 9.5°C. January is the rainiest winter month with 75mm over 10.1 days. Despite the rain, January and February both score 7.7 and 8.3, among the best-rated months.

Similar destinations

Countries with a year of weather much like Algeria.