Weather in Ouargla

To ensure your trip to Ouargla goes perfectly, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in this part of the country. In this section, you will find up-to-date data, charts, and forecasts to help you plan your day wisely.

The climate of Ouargla can be described as typical desert, characterised by exceptional aridity and an abundance of sunlight. Clear weather prevails here throughout the year, and rain is an extremely rare, almost unique event. The air here is dry, which helps make the high temperatures characteristic of this region of Algeria slightly easier to bear.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are quite pronounced. Summer in Ouargla is very hot and long: in July and August, the thermometer often rises above 40°C, creating intense heat. Winter, on the other hand, is mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures around 12–14°C. However, travellers should be mindful of daily variations: winter nights can be quite cool, with the air cooling down to 5–7°C.

The main feature of the local weather is its stability and the almost complete absence of precipitation. Regardless of the month of your visit, the likelihood of getting caught in the rain tends towards zero. This makes the city a predictable destination for tourism, where you need not worry about bad weather disrupting your plans for excursions or walks through the desert landscapes.

The climate in Ouargla is distinguished by its distinct desert character with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The hottest month of the year is July, when the average temperature hovers around 35.8°C, while the coolest is January with an average of 11.5°C. Precipitation in this region is a rarity: dry and clear weather prevails here practically all year round.

The summer season, lasting from June to August, is characterised by intense heat. During the day, the air heats up to 40–43°C, which requires tourists to be cautious and use sun protection. Notably, even the nights during this period do not bring the desired coolness: minimum night-time temperatures in summer rarely drop below 26–28°C, creating a lingering heat even after sunset.

Winter, conversely, offers comfortable conditions for travel during the daytime, when the thermometer rises to a pleasant 18–20°C. However, this time of year is characterised by significant temperature changes throughout the day. While you can enjoy the warmth during the day, the air cools quickly at night, especially in January and February, dropping to 5–8°C, so warm clothing will definitely be required for evening walks.

The climate in Ouargla is noted for the exceptional dryness typical of desert regions. Precipitation here is very rare, and the concept of a "rainy season" in the usual sense does not exist. Throughout the year, humidity levels remain minimal, often recorded at zero marks.

The driest period lasts from May to August, and also includes January and October. In these months, the probability of rainfall is practically zero, and statistically, there are no rainy days. Travellers can expect consistently clear skies and dry air.

A slight chance of rain appears during the transition seasons and winter—in February, March, April, September, November, and December. However, even in these "wetter" months, an average of only one rainy day is recorded. Any precipitation is short-lived, so an umbrella is unlikely to be useful on your trip.

A trip to Ouargla requires careful wardrobe planning due to the desert climate. In the summer months, when temperatures often exceed 40°C, clothing made from light natural fabrics such as cotton or linen is vital. Opt for light colours to reflect the sun's rays, and choose loose-fitting items that cover your shoulders and arms to avoid sunburn and respect local modesty norms. Be sure to bring quality sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+), as the sun here is very active.

If your trip to Algeria is planned for the winter months (December to February), be prepared for significant daily temperature fluctuations. It may be comfortable and sunny during the day, but at night the thermometer often drops to 5–7°C. The principle of layering is relevant during this period: pack a warm jumper, a fleece jacket, or a thick windbreaker to keep you warm on cool evenings. Since rain in this region is extremely rare, you will hardly need an umbrella or raincoat.

Pay special attention to footwear: it should be as comfortable as possible, preferably closed-toe, to protect your feet from hot sand and dust. Given the extremely low humidity throughout the year, do not forget to bring skin moisturisers and lip balm to avoid dryness and chapping. Also, always carry a water bottle with you, as maintaining hydration in the dry climate is critically important.