Tunisia is a destination for all 365 days of the year: summers are hot but not suffocating, winters are much milder than in Italy, and the transitional seasons are pleasant. Of course, this is a general statement, as the climate in Tunisia varies depending on the area: on the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean, similar to southern Italy, with hot summers and mainly winter rains, while inland has a desert climate, so average temperatures in summer will be very high during the day and very low at night, even below zero. Finally, the capital Tunis has its own microclimate, very humid in summer and quite mild in winter. So, let’s see when to go to Tunisia season by season, to enjoy the perfect holiday without the weather spoiling it.
In spring
Spring in Tunisia is one of the best times, as the climate is perfect for visiting Tunis and other cities, and at the same time, prices are still low. The rainy season is over, the days are getting longer, and temperatures are rising. There are virtually no downsides, except that sea temperatures are still quite cold, too cold for swimming. But you can enjoy Tunis with great weather and not too many tourists, go on desert excursions without risking heat strokes, and still relax on the beach or by the pool.
Minimum temperatures in spring range from 10 degrees in April to 17 in June, while maximum temperatures rise from 21 degrees in April to 29 in June.
In summer
You might be tempted to think that August in Tunisia is the best month of the year, if only because it is the month when you are most likely to have the opportunity to travel. But if possible, avoid it: being the peak season, you will find many tourists, lines at museums, higher prices, fewer rental cars available, and especially very high humidity in Tunis.
July is definitely a better month to visit the country, as well as the second half of June and the beginning of September, which, besides being more pleasant in terms of climate, are also months when the presence of tourists drops significantly. Summer represents the dry season in Tunisia, as the chance of rain is practically nil.
Expect minimum temperatures between 17 and 21 degrees, and maximum temperatures ranging from 29 degrees in June to 33 in August, the hottest month of the year in Tunisia. It is generally not recommended to visit the desert in summer, as the high temperatures make it dangerous to stay outdoors for more than a few hours. If you decide to venture anyway, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In autumn
Autumn, like spring, is also a great season to visit Tunisia. While the days are shorter, the sea reaches its maximum temperature, and swimming is really enjoyable, considering also that the beaches are certainly not as crowded as in summer. Tunis also becomes very pleasant to visit, once it has shed the humidity that clings to it during the summer; similarly, the desert is worth visiting as daytime temperatures decrease.
A special mention for the prices, which after the peak of the high season, become decidedly affordable and convenient. For this reason, autumn, especially the months of September and October when rainfall is very rare, proves to be the best season to visit Tunisia. Average minimum temperatures range between 19 and 11 degrees, while maximums drop from 30 degrees in September to 21 degrees at the end of November.
In winter
Going to Tunisia in December carries a double disadvantage: on one hand, prices rise due to Christmas and New Year’s holidays, on the other, December is the rainiest month of the year, although rainfall is still scarce compared to Italy. In mountainous areas, snowfall is not uncommon, while in the desert the temperature is pleasant, around 17 degrees: for this reason, winter remains the best season to visit this part of Tunisia. However, be careful with desert nights, as the temperature fluctuation is much greater, and the temperature drops sharply below zero.
Outside the Christmas holiday period, winter in Tunisia is definitely low season, so you will find the lowest prices of the year. Be aware of the downside, as you might find some accommodation facilities closed, as well as some restaurants or venues. To make the most of the daylight hours and the rising temperatures, it’s better to choose to visit Tunisia at the end of winter, namely in March.
On the coast, average minimum temperatures hover around 7 degrees, while maximums range between 16 and 18 degrees.
