Weather in Ghardaia

Planning a trip? Stay up to date with the latest weather changes in the city of Ghardaia.

Below you will find current information, charts, and forecasts to help you choose the ideal time for walks and excursions.

The climate characteristic of the city of Ghardaia can be confidently described as desert and arid. Located in the heart of the M'zab Valley in Algeria, this region is distinguished by an abundance of sunlight and an almost complete absence of rainfall year-round. Travellers should be prepared for dry air and clear skies, regardless of the time chosen for their visit.

There is a noticeable contrast in temperatures throughout the year. Summer turns out to be very hot and sultry: in July and August, the air often warms up above +40°C, making the midday hours unsuitable for active outdoor walks. Winter, on the other hand, brings welcome coolness with comfortable daytime temperatures around +12...+16°C; however, nights during this period can be truly cold, so modest warm clothing in your luggage will not be amiss.

The main weather feature is phenomenal stability and a lack of rain. Judging by meteorological data, the probability of getting caught in a downpour tends to zero even in the "wettest" months, when only 1-2 days with possible precipitation are recorded. This makes the destination ideal for lovers of guaranteed sunshine but requires careful attention to UV protection and maintaining hydration.

Climatic conditions in this region are typical for desert zones, so Ghardaia is characterized by a pronounced contrast between seasons. Summer here is truly hot and dry: the sultriest month is July, when the average temperature is about 34.1°C, and daytime maximums regularly exceed the 40°C mark. June and August are also distinguished by high figures, creating dry heat conditions without precipitation, which requires travellers to use mandatory sun protection.

Winter brings noticeable coolness, although it remains quite mild compared to northern latitudes. The coldest month is considered to be January with an average figure of 10.3°C. During this period, the air warms up to a comfortable 16-17°C during the day, which is ideal for sightseeing, however, nights can be quite chilly — the temperature often drops to 4-6°C, so warm clothing for the evening time will be necessary.

Spring and autumn act as short transitional seasons when the weather changes quickly. Already in April, it becomes noticeably warm, and in May, average values reach nearly 25°C. An important feature of the local climate is the significant amplitude of daily temperatures: the difference between the daily peak and the nightly minimum averages 12-14 degrees year-round. This means that even after an exhausting summer day, the night brings relative freshness.

The climate in this region is distinguished by exceptional dryness, so Ghardaia rarely sees serious precipitation. Rain here is an episodic and short-lived phenomenon. According to statistics, rainfall levels remain practically zero throughout the year, which is typical for the desert terrain in which the city is located.

It is impossible to single out a conditional "rainy season," however, a small probability of precipitation exists in the transitional seasons and winter. In months such as February, April, May, and September, up to 2 rainy days may be observed, but even then, moisture evaporates very quickly. At other times, for example in January or October, the sky may shed rain only once a month.

The driest period is the middle of summer: in June and July, the probability of precipitation falls to absolute zero. Snowfall is uncharacteristic for this region due to sufficiently high temperatures even in the winter period. Travellers heading to Algeria should prepare for dry and clear weather regardless of the chosen travel date.

When packing for your journey, remember that Ghardaia is located in a desert climate zone, so sun protection must be your main priority. In the summer months, when the daytime temperature often exceeds 40°C, opt for loose-fitting clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, preferably in light colours. Be sure to take a wide-brimmed hat or cap, as well as high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright light.

However, the desert is tricky with its temperature fluctuations. In winter and the off-season, nights can be truly cold: in January and February, the temperature sometimes drops to 4–6°C. Therefore, even if it is warm during the day, your suitcase should contain a warm fleece jacket, sweater, or light coat for evening walks. It is best to use the principle of layering to easily adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

Since rain in this region is an extremely rare phenomenon (precipitation is practically absent year-round), an umbrella or raincoat is unlikely to be needed. Instead, pay attention to your choice of footwear: for walking along ancient stony streets, comfortable trainers or sturdy flat-soled sandals are ideal. Also, do not forget sunscreen with a high protection factor and moisturizing skin products, as the air here is very dry.