Climate and Weather in Tunisia

The General climate in Tunisia

In Tunisia, it is throughout the whole year warmer than in Europe, but this does not mean that it will also always feel like it is warmer.

The body accustoms to the sun in the day, and as soon as the sun settles, it will often feel quite cold, especially when one is wearing "daytime" clothes.

On the other hand, on the east coast (Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse, Monastir, Mahida, Djerba), there is most of the time a continuous breeze from the sea, which has a cooling effect even in the high summer, when the normal temperatures are around 35-40°C. And then, for example, 30°C will not appear to be as warm as 30°C in the continental regions of Europe.

Such misconception is, however, after a very short time, often after just one hour, rewarded with a strong sunburn - because in spite of the wind, the sun shines with a much greater force than in Western, Middle oder Northern Europe, even in winter!

Winter in Tunisia

Especially in winter (December, January, February), but also in spring (March, April and up to Mid-May) and autumn (October and November), are the contrasts between day (sun) and night temperatures considerably high.

During the day, one may wear just a shirt, especially when there is no breeze, but when the sun goes down, the temperature falls abruptly by 10 and more degrees, and then, as the wind comes usually from the sea, one can have the impression of temperatures near the freezing point, even when the thermometer still shows +10 degrees Celsius.

Summer in Tunisia

In summer, temperatures of about 40°C in the shade are almost common. At the coasts, higher temperatures are, however, rare. Usually there are only about 5 days per year with temperatures of 45°C and more. Normally, it is 35-40°C, which feels like 30°C in continental climate.
At night, the temperatures will then fall to 20-30°C.

Inland and in the south, however, high temperatures may go on for weeks (at night, on the other hand, it can be cool) - and one won't have the cooling effect of the wind that is experienced along the coasts.

Long trips and hikes in the months of June, July, August and September are definitely not recommended in Tunisia, inland even strongly discouraged. However, if one needs to travel, it should happen in an air-conditioned transportation (car, train, bus). 

Holiday Clothes in Tunisia

Breezy and thin clothes in summer (from mid-June to mid-September) is inevitable, primarily to protect the body from the sun.
Fair skinned Europeans and all children will always need sun protection, all around the year!

Just like the locals, Europeans also should avoid to be out in the full sun between 11:00-16:00 in the summer months!

In winter (mid-November, December, January, February until mid-March), one should never forget the thick sweater and jacket when planning to stay outside after sunset (about 17:00-18:00) or before sunrise in the early morning (09:00-10:00).

Travel Recommendations

The most pleasant months to visit Tunisia are March, April and May, although the water temperatures of 17-20°C will only lure very few people into the water (however - this is similar to the temperatures of the North Sea in summer...).
Daytime temperatures are then similar to those in June-July in Europa (with a few rainy days) - a very nice environment for golf holidays, for exploration and hiking trips in Tunisia, especially into the south.

If one wants predominantely to roast at the pool or on the beach and demands a maximum of sun and heat, then the summer months July, August and September are the right months to visit Tunisia. Very hot and very dry - these words describe it all.

From mid-September to mid-November, the days become considerably cooler, but the sea still has a pleasant 22-27°C, and rainy days are rare - so these months are recommended for tourists who hate the heat and mostly want to have fun in the water. It is also a nice weather for golf holidays.

The months of December, January and February are, in short, cold (usually 10-15°C in the day, overcast and often windy), especially at night (usually around 5-10°C), and are such similar to March in Western Europe.
This is the right time for people who hate frost, but still like colder temperatures, especially elderly tourists prefer this time because of the mild climate (and the few other tourists).

Rain and Snow in Tunisia

Rain falls, mostly in showers, from November to April, rarely in short, sometimes massive, thunderstorms in the summer, more to the north and in the mountains, less to the east and south and almost never in the very south.

Snow and freezing temperatures can be observed in the north and west mountain regions of Tunisia, but they are quite rare and only lasts a few days.

For wintersports, Tunisia is definitely the wrong place (in opposite to Algeria or Morocco).


Follow this link to see, for most regions of Tunisia, the average climate data for the year and weather forecast for the next 48 hours:

Climate data and weather forecast for Tunisia