The climate of Béchar
The city of
Béchar, situated in
Algeria, is characterized by a BWh Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies a subtropical desert climate with little annual rainfall and warm temperatures throughout the year.
One of the striking features of Béchar's climate is the significant variation in temperature between the months. Precisely, high temperatures fluctuate from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in
January to a scorching 39.9°C (103.8°F) in
July, with the lower limit varying from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January to 29.2°C (84.6°F) in July. It reveals a noticeable contrast in thermal conditions between winter and summer, which is another typical characteristic of the desert climate.
Moving on, Béchar's atmosphere remains considerably dry for most of the year. This is evident from the relative humidity levels, which descend from 46% in January to 14% in July. Consequently, the air feels particularly arid during the summer months. Meanwhile, the rainfall scenario stays minimal with the highest precipitation of 12mm (0.47") occurring in
November and the least of 3mm (0.12") in
February.
A distinctive pattern in Béchar's climate is its relatively constant daylight hours, ranging from 10.1 hours in
December to 14.2 hours in
June, providing abundant sunshine for almost the entire year. The balance of sun and cloud varies slightly, with an annual cloud cover percentage fluctuating between 8 in June and 15 in July.
The best time to visit Béchar
Given the high temperatures and low rainfall, the optimal period to visit
Béchar would be during the cooler months, specifically from
November to
February. During this period, the temperatures range from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to 20°C (68°F), creating a comfortable environment for sightseeing and explorations. The UV index also dips to 3 in
December, reducing the risks associated with sun exposure. Moreover, with 10.1 to 10.6 daylight hours, these months offer ample time to soak in the sights of Béchar.
The worst time to visit Béchar
The least advisable time for a visit to
Béchar is from
June to
August. June presents the peak of heat with an average high temperature of 35.7°C (96.3°F) and a low of 25.1°C (77.2°F). By this time, relative humidity falls to an annual low of 18%, making it difficult for visitors not accustomed to such arid conditions. Despite the low cloud coverage in June (8%) and longest daylight hours (14 to 14.2 hours), the strong UV index of 8 and 9 in these months necessitates excess sun protection.
Spring weather in Béchar
During the spring months of
March,
April, and
May,
Béchar experiences a gradual increase in temperature. In March, the temperature ranges from 11.1°C (52°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F) and, by May, it rises from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). Relative humidity also drops progressively from 31% in March to 22% in May. Spring season witnesses moderate rainfall with March receiving 8mm (0.31"), followed by 7mm (0.28") in May. With sunshine hours steadily increasing from 12 in March to 13.8 in May, spring lays out a reasonably good time for visiting Béchar.
Summer weather in Béchar
Summers in
Béchar are intensely hot and dry.
June witnesses the highest temperature of the year with average highs of 35.7°C (96.3°F) and lows around 25.1°C (77.2°F). This heat wave intensifies in
July as the mercury soars up to 39.9°C (103.8°F). The relative humidity levels drop to the lowest percentage (14% in July) during these months, with a minimal cloud percentage of 8% in June. Despite being the warmest months of the year, rainfall totals are minimal and mostly restricted to 4mm (0.16") per month.
Autumn weather in Béchar
Autumn, encompassing the months of
September,
October, and
November, exhibits a temperature tapering from highs of 32.8°C (91°F) in September to 20°C (68°F) in November. Over the same period, the low temperatures cool down from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F), providing a comfortable atmosphere approaching winter. Rainfall remains at the higher end compared to the entire year, recording 10mm (0.39") in September to the annual peak of 12mm (0.47") in November.
Winter weather in Béchar
Winter arrives in
Béchar with colder temperatures; however, when compared to typically frigid winters of temperate regions, Béchar's winter is relatively placid.
December and
January maintain average high temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and 15.3°C (59.5°F), respectively. The corresponding low temperatures remained well above the freezing point at 7.1°C (44.8°F) and 5.8°C (42.4°F). Rainfall mildly increases in comparison to summer, with 5mm (0.2") in December. Meanwhile, cloud percentage and relative humidity reach their annual peaks. For those who prefer cooler temperatures, winter provides a pleasant break from Béchar's typically hot climate.
Weather in January
Weather in February
On stepping into
February,
Béchar greets the sun a bit longer than in
January as daylight hours increase. The transition towards warmer days and cooler nights becomes evident. February records a wind speed that peaks at 13.1km/h (8.1mph), offering wind enthusiasts an opportunity to indulge in their favorite activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings promise of spring in
Béchar, characterized by warmer daytime temperatures than
February and a decline in atmospheric pressure. It is during this month that the rainfall volume increases to 8mm (0.31"), a feature that is consistent through the next month,
April.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The warmth of
April paints a vibrant picture of
Béchar's weather narrative. Compared to
March, it becomes perceptibly hotter during the daytime and maintains the same rainfall volume, continuing the spring rains. The city experiences an average temperature high of 26.3°C (79.3°F), which is a prelude to the increasing heat in the ensuing months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May, often seen as the door to summer, manifests a notable surge in temperature from
April and even more so in contrast to
June. The city experiences a peak in heat with average highs reaching 31.1°C (88°F), a sneak peek at the scorching summer heat that looms ahead.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The summer solstice blesses
Béchar with the longest daylight hours in
June, overriding the shorter days of
May and subsequent reduced hours of
July. While the heat continues to intensify, the cityís weather remains arid with a marked decrease in humidity levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Kicking off with a heatwave,
July ascends to the throne of
Béchar's hottest month, surpassing
June and preceding
August. The city experiences its highest average temperatures reaching a torrid 39.9°C (103.8°F). The dehydrating effects of such intensifying heat necessitate carrying bottled water during outings.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August arrives,
Béchar treads the course of a simmering summer with persistently high temperatures, echoing the heat of
July. A prominent feature of this month is the increased rainfall, reaching a volume of 10mm (0.39"), a contrast to the usually dry summer months.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Béchar experiences a temperature dip from the preceding month,
August, and a decrease in rainfall volume, both indicative of the impending autumns. The noteworthy thing about this month is the steady increase in relative humidity, reaching a level of 25%.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The cool breeze of
October whispers a welcome change for
Béchar, with a substantial drop in temperature from
September but still warmer than
November. This month experiences a rainfall volume of 7mm (0.28"), a slight decline from September and an echo of
February before the monsoons set in.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signals the close of fall in
Béchar, with a notable decrease in temperature from the previous month,
October and a stark contrast to the upcoming
December. This month observes an increase in rainfall volume to 12mm (0.47"), the maximum for the year preceding the relatively dry December.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees the arrival of winter in
Béchar, introducing cooler temperatures and reduced daylight hours compared to
November. The city is at its coolest with temperatures dipping as low as 7.1°C (44.8°F), leaving a vaguely cold embrace as the year wraps up.
Weather in December »