Weather in Tamanrasset

Stay informed about the weather conditions when planning your trip to Tamanrasset. In this section, you will find the latest weather data, detailed charts, and forecasts for the near future.

The climate that welcomes travellers to Tamanrasset can be described as desert, yet with pleasant characteristics typical of the highlands. Thanks to its location in the Ahaggar Mountains, the Saharan heat is much more bearable here than in the lowlands. Dry and sunny weather prevails throughout the year, creating excellent conditions for exploring Algeria's unique landscapes.

Seasonality is quite distinct here. Summer is hot and stable: in June and July, daytime temperatures often reach +35°C, although the nights bring relative freshness. Winter is mild and very comfortable for excursions, with the air warming up to +20°C... +22°C during the day. Travellers should note that in the winter months (January-February), nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to +6°C.

The main feature of the local weather is its exceptional aridity. Precipitation is a rarity here; rain is practically absent year-round, with only isolated wet days possible in August. This weather stability allows you to plan your trip with almost no fear that bad weather will disrupt your plans.

The climate in the city of Tamanrasset is defined by its location deep within the Sahara Desert and its altitude above sea level, creating specific weather conditions. The annual temperature chart shows a noticeable contrast between seasons. The hottest month is traditionally July, when the average temperature is around 29.4°C, and the daily maximum often exceeds 35°C. The coolest period is considered to be January, when average figures drop to 13.1°C.

Summer in Tamanrasset is characterized by dry heat. From June to August, daytime temperatures steadily hold at the 34–35°C mark, but thanks to the low humidity, the heat is tolerated relatively easily. Winter here is mild and sunny: in December and January, the air warms up to a comfortable 20–21°C during the day, making this time of year ideal for travel and sightseeing without the risk of overheating.

An important feature of the local weather is the significant temperature difference between day and night, characteristic of desert regions. This is especially pronounced in winter: after a pleasantly warm day (around 20°C), the night temperature can drop sharply to 6–8°C, so tourists are strongly recommended to bring warm clothes for evening walks. In summer, nights become significantly warmer, staying at around 23°C, bringing long-awaited freshness after the daytime sun.

The climate of this region is distinguished by exceptional dryness, which is quite expected for a city located in the heart of the Sahara Desert. Tamanrasset sees practically no precipitation for most of the year. An arid climate reigns here, so rain is an extremely rare phenomenon, and even when it occurs, the volume of moisture remains minimal.

If a rainy season were to be identified, it falls in the second half of summer and early autumn, although this title is largely nominal. The "wettest" month is August, when statistics record about 4 rainy days. In June, July, September, and October, isolated instances of precipitation are also possible (1–2 days per month), which typically occur as brief showers and quickly evaporate under the hot sun.

The rest of the year, especially from November to May, is characterized by absolute drought. In the winter and spring months, the number of rainy days is usually zero. Travellers need not worry about umbrellas or raincoats: the weather here is stably dry, and the probability of getting caught in the rain during this period approaches zero.

When packing for Tamanrasset, remember that you are heading to a region with a pronounced desert climate. The sun is active here year-round, so the foundation of your luggage should be lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Prioritise light-coloured items with long sleeves and trousers — this is the best way to protect your skin from intense UV rays and avoid overheating, whilst also respecting local modesty norms. Essential accessories include a wide-brimmed hat and high-quality sunglasses.

Despite the daytime heat, the desert is characterised by significant diurnal temperature fluctuations. In winter (from December to February), nights can be truly cold, with temperatures around +6°C, so the principle of layering your clothing is simply essential. Be sure to bring a warm fleece jacket, windbreaker, or jumper, which will come in handy after sunset even during the spring and autumn periods. Precipitation in this region falls extremely rarely, so you are unlikely to need an umbrella or raincoat.

To explore the rocky landscapes of the Ahaggar Highlands, you will require comfortable and sturdy footwear, such as trekking boots or trainers with good ankle support. It is better to leave sandals for relaxing at the hotel. Given the extremely low humidity, do not forget to pack moisturising cream and lip balm in your toiletries bag. A light scarf or cheche (local headscarf) will also be useful to protect your face from dust and sand during windy weather.