Last updated: January 18, 2025
Oran, Algeria, exhibits a semi-arid climate, categorized under the Köppen-Geiger climate classes BSh and BSk. Characterized by a significant temperature range, winters can dip to a minimum of 1°C (34°F) in January, while summers reach sweltering highs of 39°C (102°F) in August. On average, the region maintains a moderate annual temperature of 19°C (67°F), reflecting the contrasting seasonal patterns that define the area's unique climatic dynamics.
The temperature patterns in Oran, Algeria, reveal a distinct progression through the seasons, with mild winters giving way to hot summers. January begins with a chilly minimum of 1°C (34°F), gradually rising to 23°C (74°F) on average by the month's end. As February transitions into March, temperatures steadily increase, reaching up to 29°C (84°F), and by May, the climate is firmly in the warm spring territory, with averages soaring to 20°C (68°F). The summer months of June through August showcase the region's peak heat, where average highs exceed 27°C (80°F) and maximums approach 39°C (102°F). As autumn arrives in September, temperatures begin to cool again, with averages settling around 25°C (77°F), and by December, the cycle concludes with a return to cooler temperatures, fluctuating between 1°C (35°F) and 15°C (59°F). Overall, Oran’s climate is characterized by a noticeable seasonal shift from mild winters to intensely hot summers, punctuated by a gradual transition throughout the spring and autumn months.
In Oran, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in August, showcasing a significant seasonal variation. For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures in Oran, you can visit monthly temperatures in Oran.
Precipitation in Oran, Algeria, displays a strong seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter and autumn months. January stands out as the wettest month, receiving 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain over an average of 7 days, while February follows with a significantly lower total of 20 mm (0.8 in). March and April continue this pattern, with 52 mm (2.0 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in) respectively, before May sees a sharp decline to just 18 mm (0.7 in). The summer months of June, July, and August experience negligible rainfall, indicating a dry spell typical of the region, with less than 4 mm (0.2 in) combined across these months.
As autumn approaches, the precipitation levels begin to rise again, starting with a return to 18 mm (0.7 in) in September and peaking in November with 56 mm (2.2 in) over 8 days of rain. October also contributes with 28 mm (1.1 in). The precipitation pattern is characterized by heavy but infrequent rainfall, primarily occurring during the cooler months, while the summer is dominated by dry conditions. This seasonal distribution underscores the semi-arid climate of Oran, contributing to the region's distinctive weather patterns and vegetation.
Sunshine duration in Oran, Algeria, showcases a noteworthy seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight progressively increasing from winter to summer. In January, the city receives 227 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises through February to 281 hours. This upward trajectory accelerates in March and April, reaching 329 hours and 346 hours, respectively. By May, the days grow significantly longer, resulting in 390 hours of sunshine. June continues this pattern, with sunshine peaking at 393 hours as summer approaches, reflecting the burgeoning warmth and bright days typical of the region.
The peak sunshine period occurs during the height of summer in July, with an impressive 400 hours of sunlight. Although August experiences a slight decline to 376 hours, it remains well above the winter levels. As autumn sets in, the trend begins to reverse, with September and October yielding 328 hours and 324 hours of sunshine, respectively. By November, the hours drop further to 280 hours, with December close behind at 276 hours. Overall, Oran's sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal rhythm, highlighting the vibrant, sun-soaked summers and the relatively shorter, mellow winter days, which significantly influence the region's climate and lifestyle.
The UV Index in Oran, Algeria, demonstrates a clear seasonal variation, reflecting the region's intense solar exposure, especially during the summer months. Beginning in January, the UV Index is measured at 3, categorized as moderate, allowing for up to 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a slight increase to 5 while maintaining the same burn time. However, by March, the index rises to 7, marking the onset of high exposure levels. April and May further elevate the UV Index, reaching 9 and 10, respectively, both classified as very high, with recommended burn times decreasing to 15 minutes.
The summer months present the most significant UV intensity, with the index peaking at 11 in both June and July, indicating extreme exposure with a recommended maximum burn time of just 10 minutes. August sees a slight decline to 10, but remains within the very high category. As autumn arrives, the UV Index decreases: 8 in September and 7 in October, returning to 5 by November, before concluding the year back at 3 in December. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the crucial need for sun protection during the peak months, particularly from late spring through summer, when the sun's rays are most potent and skin exposure should be carefully managed to avoid adverse health effects.
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Daylight duration in Oran, Algeria, exhibits a distinct seasonal cycle, reflecting the gradual shift from shorter to longer days throughout the year. In January and February, the city enjoys approximately 10 hours of daylight, providing a steady but relatively limited exposure to sunlight. As spring approaches in March, daylight begins to extend to 11 hours, signaling the onset of longer days. April sees a more pronounced increase to 13 hours, and by May, daylight reaches its peak at 14 hours, a duration that sustains through June and July. This period encourages outdoor activities and showcases the vibrant coastal lifestyle typical of the region.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, starting with 13 hours in August and tapering to 12 hours in September. October continues this downward trend with 11 hours, while November returns to 10 hours. The year concludes in December with only 9 hours of daylight, marking the shortest days of the year. This annual pattern illustrates the rhythm of sunlight in Oran, highlighting the prominent shift from the sunny, prolonged daylight of summer to the shorter, cooler days of winter, fundamentally shaping the daily life and cultural practices of its residents.
Oran, Algeria, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 19°C, while the summer months of July and August see highs of 30°C and 33°C, respectively. Precipitation is heaviest in winter, with 61 mm in January, tapering off to minimal amounts in summer. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in July, which boasts around 400 hours of sun. For more details, visit Oran climate.
In summary, Oran, Algeria, presents a diverse climate characterized by seasonal fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The hot, dry summers contrast sharply with mild and wetter winters, influencing both the landscape and lifestyle of the region's inhabitants. As sunlight peaks during the summer months, the associated high UV Index underscores the importance of sun protection for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the annual cycle of daylight duration highlights the diverse experiences available throughout the year, encouraging a vibrant outdoor culture during the longer days of summer while fostering a more introspective environment during the shorter winter months. Collectively, these climatic elements shape Oran into a unique locale that reflects the dynamic interplay between nature and human activities.