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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.
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. |
