Temperature in Algeria and Tunisia

Temperature in Algeria and Tunisia

Climate in Cook's Guide

Cook’s Guide plays into the construction of travel as an escape from health risks lurking in crowded European cities. While the Guide includes less description of Tunisia than Algeria, Tunisia's climate is promoted as “one of the healthiest” near the Mediterranean. Winter temperatures there are listed around 48º F with summer temperatures climbing above 120ºF (298). Hot springs in Tunisia were suggested as sites of healing for a myriad of diseases. In addition to hot springs, Cook lists health resorts in keeping with European tradition (81).  Many were located by the seaside, as sea air was considered particularly “healthy and bracing” (4). Cook compares the Algerian climate to that of European locales, noting that “April and May [in Algiers] resemble a fine English summer” with average temperatures “warmer…the Riviera towns… Italy” (3). Claims about the environment in Algeria are substantiated by two tables. The first table compares the climate of prominent tourist destinations (Rome, London, Paris, Constantinople) to that of Algeria; the second lists highs, lows, and averages for Algeria temperatures over 13 years (7,8)

Emma Novak