January is mid-winter along the northern Mediterranean coast with cool, often wet weather and occasional storms. Inland and in the high plateau temperatures are lower and nights can be cold, while the Sahara remains dry and much warmer by day.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Algeria in January.
Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa
Short, sharp winter storms often sweep the Algiers corniche in January, with daytime highs typically 12-16°C and damp Atlantic air making mornings feel chilly; pack a rainproof jacket and expect occasional rough seas that can spoil ferry crossings to the Balearics. Street drainage near the ports can back up after heavy Mediterranean downpours, and museums and cafés in the Kasbah offer a dry refuge.
Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa, Constantine
January in the Kabylie mountains is often cool and damp: low-lying towns like Béjaïa stay around 8-12°C, while higher villages near Tizi Ouzou see near-freezing nights and occasional snow above 800-1,000 m. The Atlas foothills become quieter - roads can be slippery so sturdy boots and warm layers are sensible, and museum visits and local markets provide dry alternatives.
Sétif, Batna, M’Sila
January nights bite hard in the High Plateaus: expect subzero temperatures after dark, frost and occasional snow on the roads around Sétif and Batna, while daytime highs may only reach 5-10°C. Rural tracks can be icy; warm layers, waterproof boots, and flexible plans are essential if you intend to explore Roman ruins or steppe villages.
Ghardaïa, Timimoun, El Oued, Touggourt
January days are mild and pleasantly warm in the oases - Ghardaïa and Timimounusually enjoy 18-22°C - but nights can be cool. This is prime time for walking palm groves, touring ksars and photographing ochre dunes under crisp blue skies; bring a fleece for chilly desert nights.
Tamanrasset, Djanet, Tassili n’Ajjer
January brings cold desert nights in the Hoggar massif - Tamanrasset’s days are often 12-18°C while high plateaus in Tassili can drop below freezing after dark. Clear skies make for spectacular astronomical visibility; daytime walks are pleasant but pack a warm sleeping bag and insulated layers for overnight camps.
Amazigh New Year (January 12) is officially recognized and observed in parts of Algeria with cultural events.
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.