At a Glance
- Atlas Mountains host cities with sub-zero winters and snowfall, rare in North Africa.
- Cold climates shape agriculture, tourism, and alpine-style architecture in regional highlands.
- Cities like Ifrane and Khenchela attract winter tourists and support local economies.
When most travelers picture North Africa, they imagine scorching deserts and sun-baked cities. Yet hidden in the Atlas Mountains and Mediterranean highlands are North Africa’s coldest cities, where winter frost, snow, and sub-zero temperatures are common.
Cities like Ifrane, Khenchela, and Sétif defy the region’s hot image, offering alpine-style architecture, ski resorts, and winter tourism.
From Morocco’s Middle Atlas to Algeria’s eastern highlands, these cities experience winters that regularly dip below 5°C, with snowfall common in peak months.
Some, like Ifrane, have recorded sub-zero temperatures rivaling parts of Southern Europe.
Beyond weather, cold climates have influenced urban design, tourism, and local economies.
Alpine-style architecture, ski resorts, forestry, and winter tourism distinguish these cities from the rest of the region.
Several began as colonial retreats, later evolving into university towns, agricultural hubs, or mountain tourism centers.
As climate change reshapes weather patterns globally, these cooler cities are also gaining renewed attention, both as climate refuges and as tourism assets in an otherwise warming region.
Shore Africa has profiled North Africa’s 10 coldest cities, ranked not just by temperature, but by geography, lifestyle, and economic relevance.
1. Ifrane, Morocco
Often called Africa’s Switzerland, Ifrane sits 1,665 meters above sea level in the Middle Atlas. Winter temperatures regularly fall below 0°C, with heavy snowfall. Its alpine architecture and ski tourism make it a rare cold-weather destination in Africa.
2. Khenchela, Algeria
Located in the Aurès Mountains, Khenchela experiences long, cold winters with average lows near freezing. Snowfall is common, shaping agrarian lifestyles and mountain-adapted housing uncommon elsewhere in Algeria.
3. Sétif, Algeria
At over 1,000 meters elevation, Sétif is among Algeria’s coldest major cities. Winter lows often hover between 2–5°C. The climate supports cereal farming and has positioned the city as a strategic agricultural hub.
4. Azrou, Morocco
Nestled near cedar forests in the Middle Atlas, Azrou records winter lows close to 0°C. Its cold climate supports forestry, livestock farming, and eco-tourism, particularly around nearby national parks.
5. Batna, Algeria
Another Aurès highland city, Batna’s winters are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall. The climate influenced its development as a military and administrative center during the colonial era.
6. Chefchaouen, Morocco
While not freezing, Chefchaouen’s mountain setting keeps winter temperatures cool, often below 10°C. The chill adds to its appeal, complementing its iconic blue architecture and strong tourism economy.
7. Tizi Ouzou, Algeria
Situated in the Kabylie Mountains, Tizi Ouzou experiences cold, wet winters. The climate supports olive cultivation and mountainous agriculture distinct from Algeria’s southern regions.
8. Midelt, Morocco
Known as Morocco’s “apple capital,” Midelt’s high plateau location brings freezing winters and sharp temperature swings. Snowfall and frost play a key role in shaping its agricultural calendar.
9. Thala, Tunisia
One of Tunisia’s coldest cities, Thala sits near the Algerian border at high altitude. Winter temperatures can drop close to 0°C, a sharp contrast to the country’s coastal heat.
10. Souk Ahras, Algeria
Eastern Algeria’s Souk Ahras experiences cold continental winters, with lows often near freezing. Its climate supports grain farming and pastoral activity across surrounding highlands.
