Algeria in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Algeria

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland weather - Atlas Mountains see 15-18°C (59-64°F) with crystal-clear visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles), ideal for hiking without summer's scorching heat
Sahara season at its peak - daytime temperatures reach comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) while nights drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F), creating the dramatic temperature swings that make desert camping magical
Coastal cities like Algiers and Oran enjoy mild 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures with refreshing Mediterranean breezes, perfect for exploring medinas without summer crowds
Citrus harvest season brings fresh oranges, mandarins, and lemons flooding local markets at 50-100 DA per kg, while traditional winter dishes like chorba and harira appear on every menu

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall creates muddy conditions on mountain trails and can close desert access roads for 1-2 days after storms, requiring flexible itineraries
Limited daylight hours with sunset at 5:30 PM restricts outdoor activities to 8-hour windows, cutting short Sahara excursions and hiking opportunities
Tourist infrastructure runs on reduced winter schedules - many desert camps operate limited services and some coastal restaurants close by 8 PM

Best Activities in December

Atlas Mountains Trekking Routes

December transforms the Atlas into a hiker's great destination with temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) and exceptional visibility. Snow occasionally caps peaks above 2,000 m (6,562 ft), creating impressive photo opportunities while lower trails remain accessible. Local Berber villages prepare traditional winter tagines using seasonal vegetables, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Book mountain guides 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators as December is peak trekking season. Expect to pay 8,000-12,000 DA per day for certified guides. Look for operators offering winter gear rental and check recent weather conditions. See current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

Sahara Desert Camping Expeditions

December offers optimal desert conditions with comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) days and cool 5-8°C (41-46°F) nights perfect for traditional camping under star-filled skies. Winter's clear atmosphere provides exceptional stargazing - the Milky Way is visible with naked eyes. Camel trekking becomes enjoyable without summer's brutal heat, and traditional desert music sessions around campfires create unforgettable experiences.

Booking Tip: Desert camps book 10-14 days ahead during December peak season. Multi-day packages typically cost 15,000-25,000 DA including transport, meals, and camping equipment. Choose operators providing warm sleeping bags rated for 5°C (41°F). Weather can change rapidly, so select flexible booking options.

Medina Walking Tours and Artisan Workshops

Cool December temperatures make exploring Algeria's historic medinas comfortable, with craftsmen working outdoors during pleasant 20-25°C (68-77°F) afternoons. Traditional carpet weavers, metalworkers, and leather artisans operate extended winter schedules. December's slower pace allows deeper cultural interactions, and winter specialties like traditional hammam treatments become more appealing in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost 3,000-6,000 DA for half-day experiences with local guides. Book morning slots (9 AM-12 PM) for optimal lighting and craftsman availability. Look for guides certified by regional tourism offices and offering traditional tea ceremonies. Check current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Coastal Archaeological Site Exploration

December's mild coastal climate of 20-25°C (68-77°F) with refreshing sea breezes creates perfect conditions for exploring Roman ruins at Tipaza, Djémila, and Timgad. Winter's softer light enhances photography of ancient mosaics and columns. Fewer tourists mean peaceful contemplation of 2,000-year-old structures, while local archaeological museums extend winter hours.

Booking Tip: Archaeological site tours typically cost 4,000-8,000 DA including transport and certified guides. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter is popular for cultural tourism. Morning tours (8 AM-12 PM) offer best lighting for photography. Ensure guides have archaeological expertise and current site access permits.

Traditional Hammam and Wellness Experiences

December's cooler weather makes traditional hammam treatments particularly appealing, with the contrast between cool outdoor air and warm steam rooms creating therapeutic benefits. Historic hammams in Algiers and Constantine operate traditional winter schedules with longer sessions. Local olive oil massages use fresh winter harvest oils, and traditional mint tea ceremonies extend the relaxation experience.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammam sessions cost 2,000-4,000 DA for 2-3 hour experiences. Book afternoon slots (2 PM-5 PM) when temperatures are coolest. Choose hammams with female-only or mixed schedules depending on preference. Authentic facilities provide traditional black soap and rough mitts included in pricing.

Winter Bird Watching Tours

December marks peak migration season with flamingos, cranes, and waterfowl concentrating in coastal wetlands and mountain lakes. Cool morning temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) increase bird activity, while clear winter air provides excellent visibility for photography. Local bird guides offer specialized knowledge of seasonal species unavailable during summer months.

Booking Tip: Birding tours cost 6,000-10,000 DA for full-day experiences with specialized guides and transport. Book early morning departures (6 AM-12 PM) for optimal bird activity. Look for operators providing binoculars and bird identification guides. Winter weather requires flexible scheduling for best conditions.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Mouloud (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) Celebrations

Islamic celebrations featuring traditional music, poetry recitations, and special sweets like makroudh and chharak. Mosques host evening gatherings with Sufi music performances, and families prepare elaborate feasts. Streets in major cities display decorative lighting and traditional crafts.

Early to Mid December

Winter Citrus Festivals

Regional festivals celebrating orange and mandarin harvests in coastal regions, featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and fresh fruit tastings. Farmers showcase heritage varieties while local restaurants create special citrus-based dishes and fresh juices.

Late December

Year-End Cultural Festival Season

Major cities host traditional music concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions as cultural institutions launch winter programming. Opera houses in Algiers and Oran present classical Arabic music concerts, while galleries showcase contemporary Algerian artists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight down jacket for desert nights dropping to 5°C (41°F) - synthetic fill works better in potential humidity

Breathable hiking boots rated for 500-1,000 m (1,640-3,280 ft) elevation changes in Atlas Mountains with good ankle support

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in winter, intensified by desert sand and mountain snow reflection

Quick-dry long pants for mosque visits and desert protection - shorts are culturally inappropriate in most settings

Packable rain jacket for 10 rainy days averaging 2-3 hours each, particularly important in mountain regions

Moisture-wicking base layers for 70% humidity levels along the coast - cotton retains sweat and becomes uncomfortable

Warm sleeping bag liner rated to 5°C (41°F) if planning desert camping - provided equipment may be insufficient

Sturdy daypack for 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) daily walking distances on uneven Medina streets and mountain trails

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries 30-40% faster during long outdoor days

Cash in small denominations - many traditional craft workshops and rural guides don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Local families prepare harira soup and traditional winter stews during December - ask restaurant servers about 'plats d'hiver' (winter dishes) not listed on tourist menus for authentic seasonal cuisine

December's shortened daylight means Sahara tours depart earlier (6 AM vs 8 AM in summer) to maximize desert time - confirm departure times when booking to avoid missing transfers

Mountain villages celebrate olive harvest festivals throughout December with free tastings and traditional music - ask local guides about 'fête des olives' happening during your visit

Winter heating in budget accommodations is often minimal - bring warm sleepwear and consider upgrading to mid-range hotels with central heating, especially in Atlas Mountain towns where temperatures drop significantly

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes assuming North Africa is always hot - December temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) in desert and mountains, catching unprepared tourists off guard

Planning rigid itineraries without accounting for December's unpredictable weather - rain can close mountain passes and desert roads, requiring 2-3 day flexibility

Booking desert camping without checking operator's winter equipment - many provide inadequate sleeping bags for 5°C (41°F) nights, leading to miserable experiences