Algeria is a country located in Africa that experiences three types of climate. Up north the region gets a Mediterranean climate where the summers are hot and dry while the winters are generally wet, yet mild. The areas with higher plateaus enjoy a continental climate with higher temperatures on a daily basis. Rainfall in these parts is occasional and normally does not last for a long time. Near the Sahara Desert, rainfall is erratic and comes in short spells. The topography has something to do with the climate variation in Algeria. This is why the country receives a lot of sunshine and rainfall along the coast, experiences occasional frost and snow inland, and has winds during both the summer and winter season.

Travelers going to the Sahara Desert are bound to experience a variety of temperatures. It could be as cold as -10 °C or 14 °F at night or as hot as 49 °C or 120.2 °F during the day. There are also violent winds that occur quite frequently. Being a desert region, it does not receive much rainfall.

During the summer season, travelers might get caught up in sandstorms, especially when out traveling. It could also be quite humid, especially in the northern portion of the country. Coastal cities, on the other hand, benefit from the cooling breeze of the ocean. However, towns and cities along the coast may be prone to some storms.

Travelers who find themselves by the High Plateaus may encounter Sirocco or Chehili winds during the winter season. These strong winds carry desert sands. In some instances, the Sirocco winds reach Tell Atlas, a chain of mountains that run parallel to the coast of the Mediterranean.

The most ideal time to visit Algeria is sometime in May, June, July, August, September and October. During these months, the average temperatures range between 20 °C to 30 °C or about 68 °F to 86 °F. Travelers who prefer cooler temperatures should plan their trip for the months of February, March, April, November and December. During these months, the temperatures range from 10 °C to 20 °C, which is about 50 °F to 68 °F. January is the coldest time of the year, when the temperature on the average ranges from 9 °C to 15 °C or 48 °F to 59 °F, so travelers are advised to pack a jacket or coat when traveling to Algeria. It is also the wettest month of the year. The warmest months in Algeria are July and August, when the temperatures hit an average of 28 °C, which is slightly over 82 °F.

Different parts of Algeria experience differences in temperature. For example, the city of Djanet is typically the warmest, with an average of 23 °C or over 73 °F throughout the year. It is likewise the city that receives the least amount of rainfall, only about 1.3 millimeters of rain for the whole year. On the other hand, Djelfa is the coldest city, with an average temperature of 14.5 °C, equivalent to 58 °F. The Algerian city that receives the most rainfall is the Annaba, which gets as much as 56.3 millimeters of rainfall in a year. The highest temperatures recorded in Algeria are in Ain Salah (In Salah), with a record topping 50.6 °C or 123 °F. The capital city of Algiers enjoys a pleasant temperature average of about 20 °C or 68 °F, topping at 32 °C or almost 90 ºF in August and dropping down to as low as 5 °C or 41 °F in January.

Before leaving for Algeria, travelers should determine the exact city they are going to as well as the time of the year they are planning the trip. This way, the right type of clothing could be brought along. Overall, cotton and linen articles of clothing are appropriate for most of the year, especially when going to the desert areas. On the other hand, light rainwear might be needed by travelers visiting Algeria during the winter season, especially those going to the coastal towns. Pack along a wide brimmed hat, cap, scarf and other protective items as a safeguard against the heat. Those who plan to do a lot of outdoor activities should have some high SPF sunscreen as well.

Lightweight clothing that could be layered in pieces is great to pack along as it affords the traveler the most versatility. Travelers should keep in mind that people do dress conservatively in Algeria, so be sure to keep the religious sensitivities of the people in mind. Plunging necklines, bare arms and legs and similar articles of clothing may not be the best choices to bring along, especially for women.

The ideal Mediterranean climate is just one of the many reasons why travelers want to visit the country of Algeria. Travelers should check the weather forecasts and other weather-related advisories before heading out to Algeria, to ensure an enjoyable visit.