Things to Do in Algiers in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Algiers
Long-run averages for December
64°F (18°C)
High Temp
44°F (7°C)
Low Temp
3.4 inches (86 mm)
Rainfall
78%
Humidity
8
Rainy Days
2
Sunny-Day UV
Making the most of December in Algiers? Browse tours and activities in Algiers on GetYourGuide.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is navigable without the oppressive summer heat or the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of spring, letting you appreciate the smell of damp cedarwood from ancient doors and the sound of your own footsteps on its steep, worn cobbles.
- + December light in Algiers is a photographer's secret weapon - a low, golden wash that makes the whitewashed facades of the French colonial buildings in the Quartier des Facultés glow, and sets the Mediterranean to a deep, metallic blue you won't see in the hazy summer.
- + This is the month for seasonal street food. The scent of roasting chestnuts and *mhajeb* (savory semolina pancakes) frying on griddles fills the air in places like the Place des Martyrs, and the oranges sold from carts on Rue Didouche Mourad are at their peak, bursting with a sweet-tart juice.
- + Hotel rates and flight prices tend to be at their most reasonable outside of the summer exodus and religious holidays, making a stay in a historic hotel near the waterfront a surprisingly affordable splurge.
Considerations
- − Rain is a genuine factor, with about eight days seeing measurable precipitation. A planned hike in the nearby Chréa National Park can be scuppered by low clouds and mud, and exploring the open-air ruins at Tipaza becomes a damp, windswept affair.
- − The sea is at its coldest, around 61°F (16°C), which effectively rules out swimming for all but the hardiest locals. The Corniche, usually a place for strolling, can feel brisk and empty when the winter *gharbi* wind blows in from the west.
- − Daylight is short, with the sun setting by 5:30 PM. This compresses sightseeing hours and means you'll need to plan indoor activities, like museum visits, for the latter part of the day.
Settled on December? Compare hotel prices in Algiers for your dates on Trip.com.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Algiers delivers a quiet, reflective atmosphere you won't find in summer. The air feels crisp. Average highs hover around 18 Celsius. Damp earth and pine scent the air after periodic rains that mark the month as one of the wetter periods of the year. Locals gather inside steamy cafes. You will hear espresso machines hiss against the cooler outside air. The city's white facades look brilliantly clean after a shower, gleaming under a softer winter sun. This month offers the city's rhythm at a more measured pace. You can hear the echoing call to prayer without the distraction of peak season crowds. The weather in Algiers in December stays mild enough for extensive walking. Pack a warm layer. Evening temperatures dip. That drop makes the glow from restaurant windows and the warmth of shared tagines all the more inviting. The question of safety in Algiers is often asked by travelers. The city presents a complex urban landscape like many major capitals. Exercising standard precautions in crowded areas and respecting local customs, in historic quarters, is advised. The culinary scene in Algiers is a central draw. You can taste smoky grilled merguez from a street vendor, or sample the complex, spiced flavors of a slow-cooked couscous, often served on Fridays. The beaches of Algiers are less frequented in December. The dramatic coastal views from the heights of the Casbah remain. The sound of waves crashing against the sea walls far below still fills the air. For accommodations, areas like the upscale Hydra district or near the city center offer a range of options. You can choose from established international hotels to smaller local guesthouses.
"Best of Algiers city" by Fancyellow
otherA guided experience giving a complete introduction to the capital. It moves from the French-era grandeur of the Place des Martyrs to the Ottoman relics in the lower Casbah, including the intricate tilework of the Ketchaoua Mosque and the contrast between wide European-style boulevards and narrow, shadowed alleys of the old city.
It efficiently connects the city's major landmarks, offering a narrative that ties together centuries of Phoenician, Ottoman, and French influence.
Insider tip: You'll need sturdy walking shoes with good grip, as the tour involves navigating a mix of smooth marble plazas and uneven, sometimes slippery, historic cobblestones.
This month: The cooler December temperatures make the extended outdoor walking more comfortable than in the summer heat.
Algiers Casbah Tour
guided_experienceA focused exploration of the UNESCO-listed Casbah examines the labyrinthine heart of old Algiers. You'll hear stories of pirates and deys and smell woodsmoke and baking bread from hidden courtyards, see artisans practicing centuries-old crafts, and feel the district's defensive design while navigating steep, interconnected stairways.
It provides essential context and access to parts of the Casbah a visitor might easily miss or find intimidating to explore alone.
Insider tip: Carry small denomination local currency to purchase handicrafts like pottery or embroidery from the craftspeople in their studios.
This month: December's rainfall can make the ancient stone pathways slick, so careful footing is necessary.
Best of Algiers Tour By Algeriatours16
guided_experienceA tour emphasizing panoramic vistas and monumental landmarks that define the city's skyline, including the striking modernist architecture of the Maqam Echahid monument. It includes views over the Bay of Algiers and a visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts to view its collection of Orientalist paintings.
It highlights the symbolic and visual anchors of Algiers, from ancient forts to contemporary memorials.
Insider tip: The tour often concludes in the El Biar or Ben Aknoun districts. These are excellent areas to later seek out a local restaurant for a taste of fresh seafood or a hearty chorba soup.
"Tipaza and Cherchell" Tour by Fancyellow
guided_experienceAn excursion travels west from Algiers to the archaeological sites of Tipaza and Cherchell, where Roman ruins meet the Mediterranean shore. You will see crumbling columns framed by eucalyptus trees, hear the wind whistle through ancient stone arches, and smell salt air mixing with coastal pines.
It has a profound sense of historical layers, where Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine remains are scattered beside the sea.
Insider tip: The coastal road can be breezy. You'll want a wind-resistant jacket even on relatively mild December days.
Discover Algiers and Tipaza on a 2 day private tour.
private_tourA two-day private tour combining the essential sights of Algiers with the Roman ruins of Tipaza without rush. It allows time to savor a long lunch of coastal fish in Tipaza, feel the textured stone of a Byzantine chapel, and discuss history at your own pace with a dedicated guide.
The extended timeline and private vehicle permit a deeper, more flexible exploration of both city and archaeological site.
Insider tip: Discuss with your guide adjusting the second day's itinerary based on your interests, perhaps spending more time in the Casbah or at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania.
The essential of Algiers by a local expert in a Private Day
otherA private day tour tailored by a local expert, adaptable to your curiosities, whether you focus on architecture, food, or everyday life in Algiers. You might taste sticky-sweet baklava in a century-old patisserie, hear the specific history behind an unmarked Ottoman palace door, or feel the busy atmosphere of a neighborhood market.
It delivers an authentic, adaptable perspective shaped by a resident's knowledge and access.
Insider tip: Be prepared to articulate your primary interests, be it political history, photography spots, or culinary specialties, to your guide at the start to maximize the day's focus.
Where to Stay in Algiers in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
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View Algiers Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals warm up with *harira* soup or a glass of *sahlab* (a hot, milky orchid-root drink) from street vendors in the late afternoon. Follow their lead at spots near the Grand Post Office.
The National Museum of Fine Arts has an impressive view from its upper floors. But its real December charm is the quiet, heated galleries full of Orientalist art - a perfect two-hour escape from a rainy day.
For a local experience, take the public ferry from the Port d'Alger to Sidi Fredj. The short trip offers bracing sea air and views of the city skyline, and the marina village on the other side has cafes that are cozy in winter.
Many smaller shops and cafes in the Casbah close early in December due to the short days and weather. Plan your exploration for late morning through mid-afternoon to ensure things are open.
Avoid These Mistakes
Do not underestimate the chill, after sunset. That lightweight jacket worked fine at noon. It will fail you on an evening walk along the Boulevard Zighout Youcef. Pack heavier.
Do not assume everything runs to schedule. Rain causes delays in public transport. Some tour operators adjust itineraries last minute. Build flexibility into your daily plans. Stay patient.
Do not pack only for city streets. A day trip to the Chréa region brings temperatures 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit colder. Frost happens. Snow happens at higher elevations. Layer up.
Short on time? See day trips around Algiers on GetYourGuide.
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