Tunisia Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate in the north and along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainier winters. Further south, conditions become increasingly arid, with a desert climate in the Sahara.
Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit. Coastal and northern areas see daytime temperatures ranging from around 18–25°C (64–77°F) in March to 22–30°C (72–86°F) by May. Rainfall decreases as the season progresses, and the countryside is at its greenest, particularly in the north.
Summer (June to September): Summers are hot and dry, especially inland and in the south. Along the coast, average daytime temperatures are typically 28–35°C (82–95°F), though heatwaves can push temperatures higher. In southern desert regions, temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Rain is rare during these months.
Autumn (October to November): Autumn brings gradually cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, particularly in the north. In October, coastal daytime temperatures are usually around 25–30°C (77–86°F), dropping to 18–24°C (64–75°F) by November. Sea temperatures often remain warm enough for swimming into October.
Winter (December to February): Winters are mild along the coast, with daytime temperatures generally between 12–18°C (54–64°F). Northern and inland areas can be cooler, particularly at night. Rainfall is most common during this period, mainly in the north and northwest. In the far south, winter days are typically mild at around 18–22°C (64–72°F), with much cooler nights.
Overall, Tunisia enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round, with the most extreme heat occurring in high summer and the most rainfall in the northern regions during winter.
Clothing in Tunisia largely depends on the season and the region you are visiting. Summers (June to September) are hot, particularly inland and in the south, so lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are advisable. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun protection are essential, especially for desert trips or prolonged sightseeing.
During spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), light clothing is suitable during the day, but evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater is useful. In desert areas, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset year-round, making an extra layer necessary even after very warm days.
Winter (December to February) is generally mild along the coast, but northern and inland areas can be cool and damp. A medium-weight jacket, warmer layers and closed shoes are recommended, particularly for evenings. Rain is most common in winter, mainly in the north, so a waterproof jacket or light raincoat and umbrella are advisable.
Modest dress is recommended when visiting mosques or rural areas. Both men and women should avoid overly revealing clothing outside beach resorts. Women may wish to carry a light scarf to cover their shoulders or hair when entering religious sites.
Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring medinas, archaeological sites and uneven desert terrain. Sandals are fine in coastal areas, but sturdier footwear is advisable for trekking or desert excursions.
Geography
Tunisia lies in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. To the north and east, it faces the Mediterranean Sea, giving the country a long coastline that has shaped its history and economy.
Despite its relatively modest size, Tunisia's landscapes vary markedly. The north-west is characterised by rolling hills and forested mountains, while the central region consists of fertile plains known for olive cultivation. Along the eastern coast lie sandy beaches and low-lying coastal areas, where many of the country's main cities and resorts are located.
Further south, the terrain becomes increasingly arid, giving way to salt flats such as Chott el Djerid and eventually the northern reaches of the Sahara Desert. Here, dunes, rocky plateaus and oasis towns dominate the landscape.
Tunisia's highest point is Jebel ech Chambi at 1,544m (5,066ft), located near the Algerian border. The lowest point lies below sea level in parts of the Chott el Djerid salt depression.
The country's compact geography makes it possible to travel from the Mediterranean coast to the desert frontier within a single day – one of Tunisia's defining advantages for visitors.
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