Last updated: January 18, 2025
Biskra, Algeria, exhibits a BWh climate classification, characterized by its hot desert conditions. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with January recording a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F), while the scorching summer months, particularly July, see temperatures soar to a staggering maximum of 49°C (121°F). The annual average temperature hovers around a comfortable 23°C (74°F), underscoring the extreme climate variability that defines this unique desert environment.
Biskra, Algeria, showcases a distinct seasonal temperature pattern that reflects its desert climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, begin with cooler temperatures, featuring minimums around 0–1°C (32–35°F) and gradual increases in averages reaching 12–14°C (53–58°F). As spring arrives, temperatures rise significantly, with March reaching peak averages of 17°C (63°F) and maximums climbing to 33°C (91°F) by April. The transition into summer brings extreme heat, with July and August witnessing blistering high temperatures that peak at 49°C (121°F) and 48°C (118°F), respectively, while average temperatures soar to 36°C (97°F) and 35°C (95°F). In September, a slight reprieve is felt as averages dip to 30°C (86°F), allowing for a gradual cooling into fall, with temperatures stabilizing between 7°C (44°F) and 26°C (80°F) by October and December. This cyclical pattern underscores Biskra's striking climate contrasts, highlighting its journey from winter’s chill to the sweltering embrace of summer.
Oumache experiences a minimum temperature of 1°C (33°F) in January and can soar to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) in July, while Tolga has a slightly lower January minimum of 0°C (33°F) and matches Oumache's July maximum at 49°C (121°F). Biskra mirrors Oumache with a January minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a July maximum of 49°C (120°F). For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Oumache here, Tolga here, and Biskra here.
Biskra, Algeria, is characterized by an arid climate, revealing minimal precipitation throughout the year. The winter months of January and February are particularly dry, with each month receiving only 4 mm (0.2 in) and 4 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall, respectively. This pattern continues into early spring, where March sees a slight increase to 17 mm (0.7 in) and April follows with 20 mm (0.8 in), indicating a seasonal peak in precipitation during these months. However, rainfall remains sporadic, and the number of wet days often totals just 3 days each in both March and April.
As the year progresses into the hotter months, precipitation levels drastically decline. The summer period from June to August is marked by notably low rainfall, particularly in July, which records merely 1 mm (0.0 in), indicative of its dry conditions. Overall, the latter half of the year maintains a pattern of limited rainfall, with September and October seeing 12 mm (0.5 in) and 10 mm (0.4 in), respectively, while November and December contribute slightly more at 10 mm (0.4 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in). The cumulative effect of this minimal precipitation contributes to Biskra's classification as a desert climate, with water scarcity being a prominent characteristic of the region.
Biskra, Algeria, enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, with a clear seasonal trend of increasing sunlight from winter to summer. The year begins with 232 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 283 hours in February and continuing to climb as spring approaches. March and April witness a more pronounced increase, showcasing 332 hours and 350 hours respectively. By May, daylight hours peak as the region basks in 382 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the arrival of summer.
The summer months are the highlight of sunshine duration in Biskra, with July reaching its zenith at 393 hours. This abundance of sunlight slightly decreases in August to 377 hours, yet remains significantly high. Autumn sees a gradual decline, with September providing 334 hours, while October and November present lower totals of 320 hours and 282 hours. Despite the reduction in sunlight during the latter part of the year, Biskra consistently enjoys ample sunshine, making it an appealing destination for sun seekers and highlighting its desert climate's characteristics.
Biskra, Algeria, experiences a varied UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the region's strong sun exposure. During the winter months, January and February have moderate UV Index values of 4 and 5 respectively, with recommended sun exposure times of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, notable increases are observed, with March reaching a high UV Index of 7 (burn time of 25 minutes) and April escalating to a very high level of 9 (with only 15 minutes of safe exposure time). This trend of intensifying UV levels continues into May, where the UV Index peaks at 10, marking the transition into summer.
The summer months of June and July are particularly critical, as Biskra faces an extreme UV Index of 11, allowing for just 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. Even in August, the UV Index remains high at 10. As autumn arrives, the UV Index starts to decline; September records a very high value of 8, while October sees a reduction to 7 (high category). Entering the cooler months, November and December present moderate UV levels of 5 and 3, respectively, with burn times reverting back to 30 minutes. This seasonal variability in UV Index highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Biskra, Algeria, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, with noticeable variations as the year progresses. The year begins with relatively short days in January and February, each offering about 10 hours of daylight. As spring approaches, daylight gradually increases, reaching 11 hours in March and peaking at 13 hours in both April and May. The transition into summer further enhances daylight, with June and July boasting the longest days at 14 hours each, allowing residents and visitors ample time to enjoy outdoor activities amidst the warm temperatures.
As summer wanes, daylight duration begins to decline, with August still benefiting from 13 hours of light before tapering to 12 hours in September. The fall months witness a continued reduction, with October decreasing to 11 hours and November dropping back to 10 hours. By December, daylight reaches its lowest point at 9 hours, marking the onset of winter. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration reflects Biskra's geographic positioning and highlights the importance of adjusting daily activities according to seasonal changes in natural light.
Biskra, Algeria experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Summer months, particularly July and August, see maximum temperatures soaring to 49°C (120°F), while winter temperatures drop to a minimum of 1°C (33°F) in January. Precipitation is minimal, with the wettest months being March and April, receiving only around 20 mm (0.8 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking in July with 392 hours, which contributes to Biskra's arid conditions. For more details, visit Biskra climate.
Oumache, Algeria experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation throughout the year. The summer months of June to August see peak average temperatures reaching up to 36°C (97°F) to 38°C (100°F) and virtually no rainfall, while the cooler months of December to February have average temperatures ranging from 12°C (53°F) to 14°C (58°F) and slight precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, with over 350 hours in the months from April to August. This combination of heat and limited rainfall makes Oumache a region with distinct seasonal variations. For more detailed information, visit Oumache climate.
Sidi Okba, Algeria, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures, especially in the summer months, where averages can reach up to 36°C (97°F) in July. Winter temperatures are milder, with averages around 12°C (53°F) in January. The area receives very little precipitation, with June and July seeing almost no rainfall, while the wettest months are typically March and April. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, peaking in July with 393 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Sidi Okba climate.
Tolga, Algeria experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are mild, with January averaging 12°C (53°F) and minimal precipitation, while summers soar to scorching highs, peaking at 49°C (121°F) in July. Average monthly sunshine hours are abundant, reaching up to 392 in July, though precipitation remains sparse, particularly in the hot summer months. For more detailed information, visit Tolga climate.
Zeribet el Oued, Algeria, experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and December, show average temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 12°C (54°F), while summer peaks in July and August can reach up to 35°C (96°F) and 34°C (94°F) on average, respectively. Precipitation is minimal, with the wettest months being March and April, receiving up to 25 mm (1.0 in); however, June through August remain quite dry. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in summer, with July boasting around 395 hours of sun exposure, making it the sunniest month. For more details, visit Zeribet el Oued climate.
In conclusion, Biskra, Algeria, presents a fascinating interplay of climate characteristics, showcasing a stark desert environment defined by extreme temperatures, limited precipitation, and abundant sunshine. The seasonal variations in temperature highlight the transition from chilly winters to sweltering summers, while the UV Index underscores the importance of sun protection during peak months. Additionally, the gradual changes in daylight duration further accentuate the region’s climate patterns, influencing lifestyle and outdoor activities throughout the year. Collectively, these factors paint a comprehensive picture of Biskra's climate, highlighting its unique desert ecosystem and the adaptations required to thrive in such an environment.