Algiers in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Algiers
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature for exploring - cool enough at 18°C (64°F) highs for comfortable all-day walking without the summer heat exhaustion that affects tourists May-September
- Minimal crowds at major sites like Casbah and this destination - December sees 60% fewer tourists than peak season, meaning authentic interactions with locals and unobstructed photo opportunities
- Citrus season peaks - December brings the finest mandarin and orange harvests, with street vendors selling the sweetest fruit at 50-100 DZD per kg, plus traditional orange blossom preparations in local pastries
- Clear Mediterranean views - cooler air and winter winds create exceptional visibility from Martyrs' Memorial and coastal viewpoints, with the Atlas Mountains clearly visible on clear days at distances up to 80 km (50 miles)
Considerations
- Rain disrupts outdoor plans - with 10 rainy days averaging 8.6 mm (0.34 inches) each, expect at least 2-3 significant downpours that can flood Casbah's narrow streets and make limestone steps dangerously slippery
- Limited daylight for sightseeing - sun sets by 5:30 PM in December, reducing effective touring time to 8 hours daily and forcing early starts to maximize outdoor activities
- Coastal winds intensify - December brings stronger northwestern winds averaging 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) that make waterfront dining uncomfortable and can cancel boat trips to offshore areas
Best Activities in December
Casbah Walking Tours with Local Historians
December's cool temperatures make the steep, narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Casbah manageable for extended exploration. Morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) are ideal for climbing the stone staircases without overheating. Rain creates dramatic lighting through the covered passages, and fewer tourists mean genuine conversations with artisans in their workshops. The cooler weather also reduces odors in the dense urban environment, making the sensory experience more pleasant.
Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences
December's cooler, damper weather makes traditional hammam treatments especially appealing. The contrast between cool outdoor air and warm, steamy bath houses creates the perfect therapeutic experience. Local women's hammams operate traditional schedules, and cooler weather means the intense heat and steam feel rejuvenating rather than overwhelming. December also coincides with seasonal olive oil production, when the finest local oils are used in traditional massage treatments.
Mediterranean Coastal Fort Exploration
Cool December weather transforms coastal fort visits into comfortable adventures. The 18°C (64°F) highs are perfect for exploring Fort l'Empereur and Bordj el Kiffan without summer's punishing heat. Clearer winter air provides exceptional views across the Bay of Algiers extending 25-30 km (15-19 miles) to the horizon. Strong coastal winds add drama but require windproof clothing. Rain creates impressive atmospheric conditions for photography, especially during brief clearing periods.
Traditional Market and Culinary Tours
December brings peak season for traditional winter foods - harira soup, fresh citrus, and seasonal pastries with orange blossom. Cooler temperatures make market exploration comfortable, and vendors are more willing to engage when not dealing with intense summer heat. December's citrus harvest means exceptional quality at Marché de la Lyre and covered souks. Traditional bread ovens work overtime for winter specialties, creating authentic culinary experiences impossible in other seasons.
Museum and Cultural Center Circuit
December's unpredictable weather makes museum days essential backup plans. The National Museum of Fine Arts and Bardo Museum are perfectly climate-controlled escapes during the 10 rainy days. Cool weather also makes transitioning between multiple cultural sites comfortable - you can easily walk the 800 m (0.5 miles) between major museums without overheating. December exhibitions often feature year-end cultural programming not available other seasons.
Atlas Mountains Day Trips
December brings snow-capped peaks clearly visible from Algiers, making mountain day trips spectacular. Cool coastal temperatures of 18°C (64°F) transition to crisp mountain air around 5-10°C (41-50°F) at higher elevations near Chréa National Park, 90 km (56 miles) from the city. Clear winter air provides exceptional photography conditions, and decreased rainfall at higher elevations often means sunny conditions in the mountains while coastal areas experience clouds.
December Events & Festivals
Yennayer Preparation Festivities
Late December marks intensive preparation for Amazigh New Year (January 12th). Traditional markets overflow with special foods, handcrafted items, and cultural preparations. Local families begin traditional cooking demonstrations and craft workshops. Cultural centers host preview events featuring Berber music, traditional weaving displays, and storytelling sessions in both Arabic and Berber languages.
Winter Citrus Festivals
December's peak citrus harvest triggers local celebrations in Algiers' agricultural districts. Small-scale festivals feature traditional orange and mandarin preparations, with local families demonstrating orange blossom water production and traditional preserving techniques. These intimate community events offer authentic cultural exchange rarely available to tourists other months.