North Africa in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Mediterranean Coast (northern Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia, coastal Libya, northern Egypt)

Damp, showery conditions continue into February on the western Mediterranean strip; Algiers and Casablanca often have several rainy days while Tunis and Tripoli are a touch drier. Temperatures are generally mild by day (10-16°C on the coast) but nights remain cool, so staging museum or café visits when storms hit works well. Ferry schedules and some outdoor archaeological sites can be affected, so allow flexibility in beach-town itineraries.

Atlas & Rif Highlands (Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia)

Late winter often keeps substantial snowpack on the highest Atlas peaks, and February remains good for skiing at Oukaïmeden or small resorts in Algeria; days can be deceptively sunny on clear mornings. Valley floors still feel cool - plan warm layers for evenings in Aït Benhaddou or colonial Ifrane. Mountain guides and local guesthouses operate but spring trekking services aren’t yet fully active.

Sahara Desert & Oases (Western Sahara, Mauritania, southern Morocco, southern Algeria, southern Libya, Egyptian Western Desert)

February continues to offer dry, sunny days and cold nights across the Sahara; southern Morocco and Mauritania are pleasantly warm by day, and dunes in the Erg Chebbi and Banc d’Arguin are firm underfoot. Spring warmth begins to build, especially in inland basins, so time outdoor activity for mornings and late afternoons. Sandstorms are still possible but less frequent than the spring khamsin season.

Nile Valley & Delta (Egypt - Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan)

February keeps the Nile region comfortably cool and dry; Cairo is ideal for long walking tours and Luxor already feels summery by midday with highs in the mid-20s°C. Visibility is usually excellent for Nile cruises and balloon flights over the Valley of the Kings, though mornings can be hazy near the delta. Travellers should bring sunscreen and sunglasses for lengthy daytime exposure to desert sun.

Red Sea Coast & Eastern Desert (Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, eastern Libya/Cyrenaica coast)

February stays mild and pleasantly warm on the Red Sea with near-ideal diving conditions; daytime highs are often in the low-to-mid 20s and water temperatures support comfortable wetsuit dives. Long, sunny days are common and wind is usually light, especially in sheltered gulfs like Aqaba (Jordan side) and around Sinai. Travelers should bring a light jacket for evening boat decks and enjoy near-empty dive sites outside holiday weekends.