Last updated: January 18, 2025
Béjaïa, Algeria, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Csa, indicative of a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with a minimum temperature plummeting to -3°C (27°F) in January, while summer peaks can soar to maximums of 43°C (110°F) in August. The average annual temperature hovers around a comfortable 17°C (62°F), highlighting the distinctive seasonal contrasts that define Béjaïa's climate and influence its unique ecological and cultural landscape.
Béjaïa, Algeria, showcases a dynamic temperature pattern throughout the year, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. The winter months of January to March are marked by cooler temperatures, with minimums ranging from -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F) and averages slowly rising from 8°C (47°F) to 12°C (53°F). As spring transitions into summer, temperatures climb significantly; April sees averages of 14°C (58°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (83°F), while May introduces warmer days, averaging 18°C (65°F). The summer peak occurs in July and August, where maximum temperatures soar to 42°C (108°F) and 43°C (110°F), respectively, while the average remains steady at 27°C (80°F). Early autumn in September maintains warmth with averages of 23°C (73°F) and maximums up to 37°C (99°F), then gradually cools into October and November, where temperatures begin to dip, encapsulating the seasonal transition back into the milder winter months.
Bejaia experiences a diverse climate, with January temperatures dropping to a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and soaring to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July. This range highlights the region's significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, making it an interesting destination for those who appreciate varying seasonal conditions. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Bejaia.
Béjaïa, Algeria, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the winter months typically receiving the highest rainfall. January starts off the year with 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain over approximately 9 days, followed closely by 95 mm (3.7 in) in November, the rainiest month. March stands out with 88 mm (3.4 in), and April contributes notably with 78 mm (3.1 in). These wetter periods are crucial for the region's vegetation and agriculture, as they support growth during the milder months.
As the year progresses into the summer, precipitation decreases dramatically, with July being particularly dry at only 5 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall over a single day. June and August follow this trend, with 23 mm (0.9 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in), respectively. September marks a slight resurgence in rain with 56 mm (2.2 in) over 7 days, while the autumn months of October and December bring moderate precipitation, with 65 mm (2.6 in) and 81 mm (3.2 in), respectively. This seasonal variation in rainfall is characteristic of Béjaïa's Mediterranean climate, highlighting the region's reliance on winter rains and the stark contrast of its arid summer months.
Béjaïa, Algeria, exhibits a clear seasonal trend in sunshine duration, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. In the early months of the year, January and February see lower sunshine levels, with 216 hours and 272 hours, respectively. However, as spring approaches, March and April experience a notable upturn, culminating in 341 hours in April. May marks a significant transition towards summer, with sunshine peaking at 379 hours, and this upward trend continues into June and July, where the region basks in a robust 392 hours and 404 hours of sunlight, respectively. These peak summer months provide the longest days, illuminating Béjaïa's landscapes and enhancing outdoor activities.
As summer wanes, sunshine duration begins to decline gradually, with August witnessing a decrease to 376 hours. The descending pattern persists into September and October, where hours drop to 324 hours and 319 hours, respectively. By November, the reduction becomes more pronounced with only 269 hours of sunshine, and December continues this trend with a further decline to 268 hours. This seasonal ebb and flow in sunlight not only influences the local climate and agriculture but also plays a significant role in shaping the lifestyle and cultural practices in Béjaïa, where sunny days are cherished during the warm months and anticipated during the shorter winter days.
The UV Index in Béjaïa, Algeria, showcases a significant seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of sunlight and potential skin exposure risks. Starting in the winter months, January and December present a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes, indicating a relatively low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As winter transitions to spring, the index increases markedly; by March, it reaches 7 (high) with a shortened burn time of 25 minutes, and April escalates to 9 (very high), where precautions become crucial as the burn time drops to 15 minutes. This trend signals the approach of summer, where UV levels soar to extreme during the peak months.
The summer months of June and July exhibit an extreme UV Index of 11, emphasizing the urgency for protective measures as the safe burn time plummets to 10 minutes. As August concludes the summer season, the UV Index remains elevated at 10 (very high), before gradually decreasing in September to 9, and again in October to 7 (high) with longer safe exposure times of 25 minutes. By November and December, the index returns to a moderate level of 5 and 3, respectively, reinforcing the need for awareness regarding UV radiation, particularly during the higher risk summer months when exposure can lead to more severe skin damage in shorter time frames.
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In Béjaïa, Algeria, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, reflecting the changing position of the sun throughout the year. During the winter months of January and December, the region experiences the shortest days, with only 9 hours of daylight. As spring approaches, February and March see a gradual increase to 10 hours and 11 hours, respectively, marking the transition towards longer, brighter days. This trend accelerates in April, where daylight spans 13 hours, and peaks in May and June, both offering an impressive 14 hours of light, maximizing outdoor activities and enhancing the region's vibrant landscapes.
As summer progresses into July and August, daylight duration remains steady at 14 hours, providing ample time for daytime pursuits. However, with the arrival of autumn, daylight begins to taper off, dropping to 13 hours in August and continuing to decline to 12 hours in September. By October, daylight shortens further to 11 hours, reaching 10 hours in November before returning to its winter minimum of 9 hours in December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only influences the region’s climate but also plays a significant role in shaping the lifestyle and daily routines of the inhabitants of Béjaïa.
Bejaia, Algeria, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The city receives the most rainfall in November (101 mm) and the least in July (3 mm), with significant sunshine hours peaking in July at 406 hours. This climate pattern promotes a diverse ecosystem and makes Bejaia a unique destination. For more details, visit Bejaia climate.
In conclusion, Béjaïa, Algeria, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region's Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, fosters a unique ecological environment that thrives on the winter rains and abundant sunshine during the warmer months. As residents navigate the intense UV levels and varying daylight, they adapt their lifestyles and outdoor activities accordingly, making the most of the long summer days while remaining mindful of sun safety. This interplay of climatic factors not only enriches the natural beauty of Béjaïa but also shapes the cultural practices and daily rhythms of its community throughout the changing seasons.