What's the best time to visit Algeria?
The optimal time to visit Algeria is from April to July, with warm temperatures between 59F and 77F and decreasing rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities. This period avoids peak summer crowds and offers more affordable hotel rates, averaging around $91 to $95 per night. April to June is particularly great for beach outings, desert excursions, and exploring ancient ruins, combining good weather with lower tourist density.
Going to discover the historic wonder and beauty of Algeria? It’s a lesser-visited country that deserves more attention because it has so much to offer! Find out the best time to visit Algeria, along with cheapest, least busy, and worst times to go in this guide.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Algeria
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The best time to visit Algeria is from April to July, with warm and sunny conditions as the rainy season comes to an end. You can expect warm temperatures between 59F-77F during this period, steadily warming up as the summer gets into full swing but never reaching into scorching hot temperatures.
Rainfall is unavoidable at this time of year, especially in April and (to a lesser extent) May, but there’s very little rain in June and July. That makes it perfect for spending time on the beaches and coast, visiting the Sahara, or exploring ancient ruins.
April to July is really ideal for a visit to Algeria because it’s just before the peak summer season takes hold and you can get all the benefits without the huge crowds.
Hotels are more expensive in the late spring (April nightly rates average about $94), but get cheaper closer to the summer ($91/night in May and June) and rise again in July ($95/night).
You get great weather, progressively decreasing rainfall, cheaper prices on rooms, and fewer crowds when you go during the April to June period. It’s the overall best time to visit Algeria!
Cheapest Time to Visit Algeria
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The cheapest time to visit Algeria is from January to March, when the rainy season is keeping many tourists away and prices hit their lowest point of the year.
January, February, and March hotel room rates average around $82/night, which is the lowest price you’ll find throughout the year in Algeria. That makes this period perfect for a budget trip!
It’s rainy during this time of year, with each month receiving a little less rain than the month before it. Aim to visit in March for drier conditions and warmer temperatures. January highs in Algeria are around 52F, February reaches 54F, and March hits 55F on average.
It’s about as cold as it gets in Algeria, except for the mountainous areas that stay in the low 40s. Note that March may be less ideal for a visit to Algeria because it’s a very popular month for tourists, second only to August during the peak summer season.
Still, prices are very low from January to March and many areas of Algeria will still be uncrowded as most tourists flock to Algiers, the capital city.
Least Busy Time to Visit Algeria
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The least busy time to visit Algeria is from December to February, when the forecast includes a lot of rain and temperatures are at their chilliest.
Algeria’s most popular months for tourists are March, April, August, and November – spring and fall – leaving the winter period from December to February relatively uncrowded and peaceful. You’ll benefit with great hotel availability, even last-minute, during this time of year.
And while temperatures are cooler than in spring, summer, and fall, they’re still not frigid. Expect daily highs around 52F-54F from December to February, which may call for a light jacket and layers if you plan to hike or spend time outdoors and it’s breezy or rainy out.
Rainfall can pose a problem if you’re doing a lot of outdoor activities, however. December is the rainiest month of the year, followed by January (2nd-rainiest) and February (4th-rainiest).
Some of the cheapest times to visit Algeria are within this range, including January and February at an average $82/night. December is slightly more expensive at $93/night on average.
Worst Time to Visit Algeria
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The worst time to visit Algeria is from March to August. March is busy, chilly, and rainy while August is the busiest tourism month of the year and prices rise to meet demand.
March is one of the cheapest months to visit Algeria, but it’s really not that great of a deal when you factor in the disadvantages to coming at this time of year.
Algeria gets a lot of visitors in the month of March – the second-highest number of the entire year, next to August – and hotels, restaurants, shops, and airports can be flooded with tourists this month.
March is also a rainy month with cooler temperatures around 55F. August isn’t much better with its explosion of tourists, hotter temperatures around 80F (up to 93F in the Sahara), and higher prices.
You’ll pay around $94/night for a room in busy August, which is still relatively cheap compared to other destinations, but one of the most expensive months of the year to stay in Algeria.
You’re better off visiting Algeria during the overall best season – April to July – or during the early fall in September or October for a better-balanced trip.
Things to Consider
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Knowing the best time to visit Algeria is only the start of getting ready for a trip! There are some additional considerations and safety precautions to keep in mind before you start planning your trip to Algeria.
- Keep safety precautions in mind. Algeria is not the safest country for tourists, with theft being the primary concern for travelers. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Algeria due to increased potential for terrorism and kidnapping. Stick to the major cities and stay away from the eastern and southern borders, as well as the Sahara Desert, to keep your risk low.
- Very few foreign tourists visit Algeria. The National Geographic interviewed a member of the North Africa Atlantic Council, who stated that among the 2 million tourists Algeria welcomes each year, only “a handful are foreign visitors.” While more and more people are discovering the beauty and historical significance of Algeria today, it’s not a common destination for people who aren’t originally from the country.
- You’ll need a visa to go. Algeria requires U.S. citizens to have a visa for lawful entry to the country. You’ll need to submit a visa application to the embassy in Washington, D.C. and ensure you meet all the travel requirements (valid passport, airline itinerary, etc.) before you plan to visit Algeria.
- Most Algerians don’t speak English. While English is spoken by around 8% of Algerians, it’s not a widely spoken language here and shouldn’t be relied on for communication while you’re here. Most people in Algeria speak Algerian Arabic or Berber, so it’s a good idea to learn a few key phrases to communicate in Algeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Now that you know the best time to visit Algeria, take a look at the most frequently asked questions to learn more about Algerian tourism and what you can expect when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Algeria?
The best time to visit Algeria is in the spring, particularly during April and May, when the weather is pleasant, and nature is in full bloom.
When is the rainy season in Algeria?
Algeria experiences a limited rainy season primarily in the northern regions during the winter months, from November to February.
What is the hottest month in Algeria?
The hottest month in Algeria is typically July, with high temperatures in many areas, especially in the desert regions.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Algeria?
You can’t beat a visit to Algeria between April and July, before the peak summer crowds arrive when prices are moderate and the weather is perfect with some rain.
Whether you choose to go during the overall best time to go or throw caution to the wind and head to Algeria in March or August – the worst time to go – there’s a wealth of history, culture, and scenic views waiting for you here.