·The Mediterranean Berber inhabitants of Oran developed maritime traditions using lunar observation for coordinating fishing seasons and timing long-distance trade voyages across the sea.
·From Oran's Mediterranean coast position, the full moon rises directly over the sea, creating classic moonrise photography opportunities with the city's historic fort and white-washed buildings silhouetted.
·At 35.7°N latitude, the full moon reaches a maximum altitude of 54° in the southern sky, while the Mediterranean humidity creates distinctive atmospheric halos around the lunar disk.
About Oran Weather
Oran, at 35.7° north in Algeria, has a hot desert climate characterised by extreme summer heat and very low annual rainfall — typically under 100 mm per year. Daytime temperatures between May and September regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), while the mild season (October – April) brings warm, pleasant days of 15–28°C (59–82°F) that attract the majority of visitors. The sky is clear for most of the year; when rain does fall, it tends to arrive as brief, intense events. Dust and sandstorms are a seasonal hazard, particularly in spring when wind patterns shift.
Climate zone: hot desert · Latitude: 35.69°N · Timezone: Africa/Algiers
Oran Weather by Season
Hot Season
May – September
35–48°C (95–118°F)
Extremely high temperatures with intense solar radiation. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning or after sunset.
Mild Season
October – April
15–28°C (59–82°F)
Warm, clear days and cool evenings. This is the prime visitor season; dust storms are possible in spring.
Data source: Live weather data is fetched from Open-Meteo — a free, open-source weather API that aggregates data from national meteorological services including NOAA (US), ECMWF (Europe), and DWD (Germany). Current conditions update every 15 minutes. Forecasts use the ECMWF IFS model. Seasonal descriptions are based on the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system derived from the latitude of Oran (35.69°N) and regional climate patterns.
Oran has some of the highest temperatures recorded on Earth in summer (May – September), regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F) and sometimes reaching 48°C (95. The desert climate at 35.7° latitude brings intense solar radiation, virtually no cloud cover, and very low humidity — conditions that allow ground temperatures to climb even higher than air temperature. Outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours is dangerous.
The mild season (October – April) is optimal for visitors, with pleasant daytime temperatures of 15–28°C (59–82°F) and clear skies. Evenings are cooler, often requiring a light jacket. This period coincides with the majority of outdoor events and festivals in Algeria. Summer visits are possible but require careful heat management — early morning outings, midday shelter, and constant hydration.
Oran receives very little annual rainfall — typically under 100 mm, compared to over 600 mm in temperate European or North American cities. When rain does occur (most likely November – February), it tends to be brief and intense. The near-total absence of cloud cover is both the cause of extreme summer heat and the reason for largely sunny, clear skies.
Yes — dust and sandstorms (haboobs) occur in Algeria, typically in spring and early summer when wind patterns shift and unstable air lifts desert sand into the atmosphere. Visibility can drop to near zero during severe events. Local meteorological services issue dust alerts, and residents typically keep N95 masks and eye protection available during storm season.
The UV index in Oran is extreme, particularly between April and October when it regularly reaches 10–12+ — the highest risk category. At 35.7° latitude with minimal atmospheric filtering (no cloud cover or humidity to scatter radiation), unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes around midday. SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective clothing are essential year-round for outdoor activity.
Oran is prone to dust storms, particularly during May – August. These events reduce visibility and air quality, occasionally causing disruptions to daily activities. Local forecasts and warnings should be monitored.
Oran receives minimal rainfall, averaging 50mm per year, often concentrated in a few months. Long dry spells are common, and water conservation is important for residents.
UV index in Oran is extremely high, especially in summer, often reaching 11+ (extreme level). High altitude and clear skies intensify UV exposure, making sunscreen SPF 50+ and protective clothing essential.
Yes, desert regions like Oran experience dramatic nighttime cooling, with temperature drops of 20°C or more. Diurnal temperature variations are a characteristic feature of arid climates.
Pack sun protection (SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), lightweight breathable clothing for daytime, and warmer layers for cool desert nights. Closed-toe hiking boots and plenty of water are essential for outdoor activities.