Algeria: When to Go

Algeria's weather varies significantly between the north and south. The mountainous Tell region in the north has warm, sticky summers and mild winters with substantial rainfall. In the south, summer days are very hot and dry, but nights can be chilly.

Apart from the weather and a sprinkling of local festivals, the most important consideration for when to visit is the holy month of Ramadan. Few countries take the month of fasting as seriously as Algeria does; the simple fact that Algerians break their daily fast in private homes and most restaurants close for the month should make you think seriously about avoiding travelling in Algeria for the duration. Only in five-star hotels in Algiers are you likely to find a place to eat during Ramadan.

Weather

The best time to visit Algeria is in October and November when the skies are clear, the temperatures are mild and, depending on end-of-summer rains, the desert may even have a greenish tinge in places. The next best alternative is from March through to early May, although there's a higher chance of sandstorms in April and, by May, temperatures are really starting to rise. December through to February is also a good time, although temperatures can be surprisingly cool and night-time temperatures in the Sahara routinely drop below zero. In summer (mid-May to September), temperatures can be unbearably hot - don't even think of a desert expedition at this time.