Tunisia Weather, climate and geography

The areas of northern Tunisia that draw the most tourists have a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. Along with destinations like Egypt and Turkey, Tunisia has claimed a good slice of the Mediterranean summer holiday market, making June to August a popular time for coastal resorts.

Spring and autumn both offer their own enticements though, both in terms of an appealing climate and a lessening of tourist traffic. This is the best time to visit the desert regions of the south and central Tunisia, as in summer the temperatures can climb to stifling heights, whilst in winter the Sahara can be bitterly cold at night.

Winter is low season in Tunisia and hotel prices often drop during the months of December to February. There are still plenty of sun-filled days but temperatures drop substantially once the sun has set and you need to come prepared for rain.

If you’re visiting Tunis, December to March are the rainy season so pack an umbrella with you. May is a lovely time to visit as temperatures averaging 21C (70F). July and August are dry, but hot, averaging 28C (83F).

Sousse, located on the Gulf of Hammamet, has largely the same weather pattern as Tunis, though it is slightly cooler in comparison.