What climate does coastal Algeria have?

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Coastal Algeria, along with the country's northern mountains, experiences a typical Mediterranean climate. This climate is characterized by mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers.1

Key features of this coastal environment include:

  • Temperature: Seasonal temperatures are moderated by the Mediterranean Sea. For example, in Algiers, summer afternoon temperatures typically reach about 83 °F (28 °C), while winter daily temperatures generally range between 49 and 59 °F (9 and 15 °C).1
  • Precipitation: Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with approximately four-fifths of annual precipitation occurring between October and March. July and August are typically dry.1
  • Regional Variation: Total annual precipitation increases along the coast from west to east. The highest rainfall occurs in mountainous coastal regions, such as the Great and Little Kabylia, where it can reach about 40 inches (1,000 mm) annually.1
  • Environmental Factors: The region is subject to the sirocco, a hot, dry, and desiccating wind that blows seasonally from the Sahara.1