Safety: areas advised against by the UK FCDO
- Advised against all travel (FCDO): the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila in the west, the militarized zone south of El Borma and Dhehiba, the town of Ben Guerdane and its immediate surroundings, and within 20 km (12 mi) of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
- Advised against all but essential travel (FCDO): areas north and west of Ghardimaou, within 20 km (12 mi) of the Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates (south of Jendouba), Kasserine Governorate including Sbeitla, within 10 km (6 mi) of the rest of the Algerian border south of Kasserine, and within 75 km (47 mi) of the Libyan border (including Remada and El Borma, excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and areas of Medenine Governorate north of the road)
- Elsewhere: a formal state of emergency has been in place across Tunisia since 2015 (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026)
- Maps and updates: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Tunisia (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026) and U.S. Department of State, Tunisia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated June 4, 2026)
The best time to visit Tunisia is spring (April to June) and early autumn (September–October): it is 22 to 30 °C (72 to 86 °F) in the afternoon on the coast, rain is rare and the beaches are less crowded than in midsummer. For the desert and the oases of the south-west (Tozeur, Douz), aim for October to April instead: summer there exceeds 40 °C (104 °F).
Tunisia is a small country, but its climate changes markedly between the north, wetter in winter, the Sahel and Djerba, which are drier, and the Saharan south, very hot in summer. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official climate normals of Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology (INM).
When to go to Tunisia at a glance
- Best times April to June and September–October
- Beach and swimming June to September; July–August are hot (34 °C in Tunis) and very busy
- Desert and oases (Tozeur, Douz) October to April; avoid June to August (40 °C average in Tozeur in July)
- Winter (December to February) mild but cool, 16–18 °C (61–64 °F) in the afternoon, rain mostly in the north
- Wettest month in Tunis December (68 mm (2.7 in)); Djerba receives only 1 to 41 mm (0.04 to 1.6 in) a month
- Best value May, June and October
- Good to know Ramadan, whose dates change every year, alters opening hours of restaurants and sites
When to go to Tunisia by priority
- Best weather: May, June, September and October on the coast; October to April for the desert and oases
- Cheapest: November to March, outside the year-end holidays and school holidays; May and October offer the best balance
- Fewest crowds: November to February; in season, May and September
- Events: Carthage International Festival usually in July–August, Sahara International Festival in Douz usually at the end of the year, Ramadan on variable dates
- Other destinations: see our ideas for where to go in May
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Tunisia: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Tunisia in April
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October
Tunisia weather month by month
The table below gives the normals for Tunis (Tunis-Carthage airport station), representative of the north of the country and the Gulf of Hammamet. The Sahel, Djerba and the south are detailed further down. For the resort itself, see when to go to Hammamet.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.4 °C (62 °F) | 8.2 °C (47 °F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool and sometimes rainy, good for the desert |
| February | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 8.1 °C (47 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool, ideal for the south |
| March | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 9.8 °C (50 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Mildness returns, cold sea |
| April | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 12.1 °C (54 °F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ✅ Pleasant spring, sightseeing |
| May | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 22 mm (0.87 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ One of the best months |
| June | 31.0 °C (88 °F) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 13 mm (0.51 in) | High | High | ✅ Hot and dry, start of swimming |
| July | 34.0 °C (93 °F) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 4 mm (0.16 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Heat and crowds on the beaches |
| August | 34.5 °C (94 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 15 mm (0.59 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ The hottest month |
| September | 30.5 °C (87 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Warm sea, fewer people |
| October | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 17.3 °C (63 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | Moderate (autumn holidays) | Moderate | ✅ Mild, good compromise between beach and desert |
| November | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 12.8 °C (55 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cooler, showers |
| December | 17.6 °C (64 °F) | 9.4 °C (49 °F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | Low (except holidays) | Low to moderate | ⚠️ The wettest month in Tunis |
The rain falls in a few episodes, often thundery in autumn. Even in winter there are many sunny days: Tunis has more than 150 hours of sunshine a month in midwinter, and more than 350 in July.
Seasons in Tunisia: pros and cons
The country has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, and a desert climate in the south. The further south you go, the hotter and drier it gets.
Spring (April to June): the most balanced season
Temperatures rise from 22 °C (72 °F) in April to 31 °C (88 °F) in June in Tunis, and rain becomes rare (less than 25 mm (1.0 in) in May). It is the best time to combine sightseeing (Carthage, medinas, Dougga, El Jem) with the first sea swims from June.
- Pros: bearable heat, countryside still green in April, quiet sites, moderate prices outside school holidays
- Cons: sea still cool in April–May, wind sometimes strong
- Who is it for? Cultural tours, hiking on Cap Bon, a first trip to Tunisia
Summer (July–August): the high beach season
This is the summer holiday period, in Europe as in Tunisia. Highs exceed 34 °C (93 °F) in Tunis and 33 °C (91 °F) in Djerba, with almost no rain. The south becomes very exhausting: an average of 40 °C (104 °F) in the afternoon in Tozeur in July.
- Pros: warm sea, guaranteed sun, entertainment in the beach resorts and summer festivals
- Cons: strong heat for sightseeing, prices at their highest, busy beaches and coastal roads
- Our tip: sightsee early in the morning and keep excursions to the south for another season
Autumn (September to November): warm sea and mildness
September keeps summer temperatures (30 °C in Tunis) with fewer people. October is often an excellent compromise: 27 °C (81 °F) in Tunis, 28 °C (82 °F) in Djerba, and temperatures that are bearable again in the desert. The first rainy episodes, sometimes thundery, arrive in September–October in the north and the Sahel.
- Pros: sea still warm in September–October, falling prices, return of the desert season
- Cons: possible thundery showers, shorter days in November
- Who is it for? Couples, retirees, travelers who want to combine beach and Sahara
Winter (December to March): the desert season
On the coast, winter is mild but not warm: 16 to 18 °C (61 to 64 °F) in the afternoon in Tunis, around 8 °C (46 °F) at night. The north is the wettest region. The south, on the other hand, enjoys sunny days around 17–23 °C (63–73 °F) in Tozeur, with cold nights in the desert. Tunis, Tozeur and Douz can be found on our map of Tunisia, from the wet north to the desert south.
- Pros: ideal conditions for the oases and the Sahara, medinas without the crowds, low prices
- Cons: swimming is difficult, some beach hotels close or run at a slower pace
- Warning: nights in a tent in the desert can be close to 0 °C (32 °F); pack warm clothes
When to go to Tunisia by region
The north (Tunis, Bizerte, Tabarka) receives most of the winter rain. The Sahel (Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia) and Djerba are drier. The south-west (Tozeur, Nefta, Douz) is desert. A comparison of the normals of four cities follows. On this north coast, our guide to visiting Bizerte presents the old port and the medina.
| Month | Tunis (north) | Monastir (Sahel) | Djerba (south-east) | Tozeur (desert) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.4 °C (62 °F) / 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16.9 °C (62 °F) / 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16.5 °C (62 °F) / 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) / 14 mm (0.55 in) |
| February | 16.8 °C (62 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17.8 °C (64 °F) / 14 mm (0.55 in) | 19.2 °C (67 °F) / 7 mm (0.28 in) |
| March | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19.5 °C (67 °F) / 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) / 16 mm (0.63 in) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 11 mm (0.43 in) |
| April | 22.3 °C (72 °F) / 38 mm (1.5 in) | 21.8 °C (71 °F) / 22 mm (0.87 in) | 23.1 °C (74 °F) / 12 mm (0.47 in) | 27.4 °C (81 °F) / 13 mm (0.51 in) |
| May | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 22 mm (0.87 in) | 25.5 °C (78 °F) / 20 mm (0.79 in) | 26.6 °C (80 °F) / 5 mm (0.20 in) | 32.3 °C (90 °F) / 4 mm (0.16 in) |
| June | 31.0 °C (88 °F) / 13 mm (0.51 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 6 mm (0.24 in) | 30.0 °C (86 °F) / 1 mm (0.04 in) | 37.1 °C (99 °F) / 4 mm (0.16 in) |
| July | 34.0 °C (93 °F) / 4 mm (0.16 in) | 32.5 °C (91 °F) / 3 mm (0.12 in) | 32.9 °C (91 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 40.0 °C (104 °F) / 1 mm (0.04 in) |
| August | 34.5 °C (94 °F) / 15 mm (0.59 in) | 33.1 °C (92 °F) / 15 mm (0.59 in) | 33.5 °C (92 °F) / 1 mm (0.04 in) | 39.6 °C (103 °F) / 2 mm (0.08 in) |
| September | 30.5 °C (87 °F) / 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29.8 °C (86 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 30.9 °C (88 °F) / 20 mm (0.79 in) | 34.9 °C (95 °F) / 10 mm (0.39 in) |
| October | 26.7 °C (80 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27.6 °C (82 °F) / 36 mm (1.4 in) | 29.6 °C (85 °F) / 10 mm (0.39 in) |
| November | 21.5 °C (71 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21.9 °C (71 °F) / 38 mm (1.5 in) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) / 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22.6 °C (73 °F) / 11 mm (0.43 in) |
| December | 17.6 °C (64 °F) / 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18.1 °C (65 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17.8 °C (64 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) / 9 mm (0.35 in) |
Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and the north
This is the most contrasted region. April to June and September–October are the best windows for sightseeing. Winter is mild but rainy, especially around Tabarka and Kroumirie, the wettest region of the country (more than 140 mm (5.5 in) a month from November to January in Tabarka according to the normals published by NOAA). Note: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026), the areas within 20 km (12 mi) of the Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates (south of Jendouba) are advised against for all but essential travel.
Cap Bon, Hammamet and the Sahel (Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia)
The heart of beach tourism. The beach season runs from June to September, with highs of 29 to 33 °C (84 to 91 °F) in Monastir. May and October are good months to enjoy the coast without the heat or the crowds of August. September is the wettest month in Monastir (65 mm (2.6 in)), often in a few thunderstorms.
Djerba and the south-east
Djerba is the driest coastal region: less than 20 mm (0.79 in) of rain a month from February to September. It is pleasant to walk around from October to May, and to swim from June to October. Winter stays mild (about 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon). Ben Guerdane, on the mainland toward Libya, is in an area where the UK FCDO advises against all travel (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026). Walks from October to May, swimming from June to October: the best time to visit Djerba depends mostly on your priorities.
Tozeur, Nefta, Douz and the Sahara
The desert is visited from October to April. In winter it is 17 to 23 °C (63 to 73 °F) in the afternoon in Tozeur, but nights are cool (about 7–8 °C (45–46 °F)). From June to August the heat exceeds 37 °C (99 °F) on average. For excursions in the far south, check the UK FCDO’s regional advice (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026): it advises against all travel to the militarized zone south of El Borma and Dhehiba, and against all but essential travel within 75 km (47 mi) of the Libyan border.
Region-by-region summary: the right month depending on the part of the country you are heading for. Check the FCDO’s regional advice before any excursion in the south.
| Month | Tunis and the north | Hammamet and the Sahel (beach) | Djerba | Desert (Tozeur, Douz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ⚠️ Cool, rain | ❌ No swimming | ⚠️ Mild, no swimming | ✅ Cold nights |
| February | ⚠️ Cool | ❌ No swimming | ⚠️ Mild, no swimming | ✅ Pleasant |
| March | ⚠️ Mildness, cold sea | ❌ Cold sea | ✅ Walks | ✅ Pleasant |
| April | ✅ Pleasant spring | ⚠️ Cool sea | ✅ Walks | ✅ Pleasant |
| May | ✅ One of the best months | ⚠️ Swimming at the end of the month | ✅ Walks | ⚠️ Hot (32 °C) |
| June | ✅ Hot and dry | ✅ Beach season | ✅ Swimming | ❌ Very hot (37 °C) |
| July | ⚠️ Heat, crowds | ✅ Beach, crowds | ✅ Hot, crowds | ❌ 40 °C (104 °F) on average |
| August | ⚠️ The hottest | ✅ Beach, crowds | ✅ The busiest | ❌ Close to 40 °C (104 °F) |
| September | ✅ Warm sea | ✅ Warm sea, thunderstorms possible | ✅ Swimming | ⚠️ Hot (35 °C) |
| October | ✅ Mildness | ✅ Good compromise | ✅ Swimming and walks | ✅ Season returns |
| November | ⚠️ Cooler, showers | ⚠️ Cooler | ✅ Mild and sunny | ✅ Pleasant |
| December | ⚠️ The wettest | ❌ No swimming | ⚠️ Mild, no swimming | ✅ Cold nights |
✅ favorable conditions, ⚠️ possible with reservations, ❌ to avoid. Summary based on the normals cited on this page and the regional advice above.
When to go to Tunisia by type of trip
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (medinas, Carthage, beach) | May, June, September, October | Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, Hammamet, Sousse |
| Beach and swimming | June to September | Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Djerba |
| Desert and oases | October to April | Tozeur, Nefta, Douz, Chott el Djerid |
| Ancient sites | March to May, October–November | Carthage, Dougga, El Jem, Kairouan |
| Small budget | November to March (outside festive periods), May | Tunis, Sousse, Djerba |
| Family trip | Easter holidays, June, autumn holidays | Djerba, Hammamet, Monastir |
| Thalassotherapy and quiet stays | October to April | Hammamet, Djerba, Monastir |
Major events to build into your trip
| Period | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Variable (lunar calendar), around February–March in 2027 | Ramadan: reduced hours, lively evenings | Nationwide |
| End of Ramadan (lunar calendar) | Eid al-Fitr, a family celebration | Nationwide |
| Summer, usually July–August | Carthage International Festival (concerts, theater) | Roman theater of Carthage |
| Summer | Hammamet International Festival | Hammamet |
| Usually at the end of the year | Sahara International Festival | Douz |
Tunisia weather month by month
Tunisia in January: Cool on the coast (16 °C in the afternoon in Tunis), rain possible in the north. A good month for the desert, with cold nights. Low prices. For a neighbor’s desert in January, our comparison to choose between Morocco and Tunisia puts the seasons side by side.
Tunisia in February: Close to January. The south is pleasant (19 °C in Tozeur). Few tourists on the coast, quiet medinas.
Tunisia in March: Mildness returns, but the sea stays cold. A good time for ancient sites and a last trip into the Sahara.
Tunisia in April: Pleasant spring (22 °C in Tunis), green countryside. Crowds at Easter. Ideal for a cultural tour.
Tunisia in May: One of the best months: 26–27 °C (79–81 °F) on the coast, very little rain, prices still reasonable. Swimming possible for the less cold-sensitive at the end of the month.
Tunisia in June: Hot and dry, the beach season starts. The desert gets very hot (37 °C in Tozeur).
Tunisia in July: Midsummer: 33–34 °C (91–93 °F) on the coast, almost no rain, crowds and high prices. Avoid the south.
Tunisia in August: The hottest and busiest month, especially in Djerba, Hammamet and Sousse. Book early.
Tunisia in September: Warm sea and fewer people once school resumes. First thunderstorms possible at the end of the month in the north and the Sahel.
Tunisia in October: Excellent compromise: 27–28 °C (81–82 °F) on the coast, sea still good, return of the desert season. Crowds during the autumn holidays.
Tunisia in November: Cooler and wetter in the north. Djerba and the south stay mild and sunny. Low prices.
Tunisia in December: The wettest month in Tunis. Desert season, with New Year’s Eve in the oases. Higher prices over the holidays.
When to book your trip to Tunisia
For July–August, Easter and the autumn holidays, book flights and hotels 2 to 4 months ahead, especially for Djerba and seafront hotels. Outside school holidays, a few weeks’ notice is often enough. Our guide to traveling to Djerba helps you organize a first trip between beaches and Houmt Souk.
The cheapest period runs from November to March, outside the year-end holidays and school holidays: beach hotels cut their prices, but the sea is too cool for swimming. May and October offer the best balance between weather and budget.
Planning your trip to Tunisia
- Entry requirements: see the entry requirements for Tunisia in our country guide: the rules can change, so check them before departure.
- Time difference: Tunisia is on UTC+1 all year and does not change its clocks: the same time as London in summer and 1 hour ahead in winter; 6 hours ahead of New York in winter and 5 in summer.
- Currency: the Tunisian dinar (TND). According to GOV.UK (updated 24 July 2026), Tunisia has strict currency controls: check the rules on declaring foreign currency on arrival, keep official exchange receipts, and note that you cannot take Tunisian dinars out of the country. Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: check recommended vaccinations with a doctor or travel clinic before departure, and take precautions against the heat and sun.
- Heat: in summer, stay hydrated and avoid the hottest hours, especially in the south. According to GOV.UK (updated 24 July 2026), summer heatwaves can strain the electricity grid and cause temporary power cuts, including in some hotels, which can affect air conditioning and mobile networks.
To go further, see our complete Tunisia travel guide. Hesitating with a nearby destination? Also read when to go to Morocco and when to go to Egypt, or browse our destinations in Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Tunisia?
May and October are the best compromises: 26 to 28 °C (79 to 82 °F) on the coast, very little rain, a pleasant sea in October and moderate prices. June and September are also very good for the beach.
When is the best time to go to Tunisia for the beach?
From June to September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months; June and September offer a warm sea with fewer people.
When should you go to the Tunisian desert?
From October to April. In summer, highs exceed 37 °C (99 °F) in Tozeur from June to August. In winter, days are mild but nights are cool. Check the FCDO’s regional advice (GOV.UK) before any excursion to the far south.
Is Tunisia warm in winter?
Mild rather than warm: about 16–18 °C (61–64 °F) in the afternoon in Tunis and Djerba in December–January, 8–9 °C (46–48 °F) at night. Swimming is not pleasant at this time of year.
What is the wettest month in Tunisia?
In Tunis, December (68 mm (2.7 in) on average). The north-west (Tabarka) is much wetter, while Djerba and the south stay very dry all year.
What is the hottest month in Tunisia?
August, with an average high of 34.5 °C (94 °F) in Tunis and 33.5 °C (92 °F) in Djerba according to the INM normals. July is almost as hot; in the desert, Tozeur reaches an average of 40 °C (104 °F) in the afternoon in July.
What is the rainy season in Tunisia?
The rains fall mostly from September to March in the north: 46 to 68 mm (1.8 to 2.7 in) a month in Tunis over that period, peaking in December. Summer is almost dry, and Djerba and the south receive little rain all year.
What is the cheapest time to visit Tunisia?
November to March, outside the year-end holidays and school holidays. It is the low season on the coast, ideal for medinas and the desert, but not for swimming.
Is Tunisia safe for tourists?
Check the latest official advice before booking. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026) advises against all travel to Ben Guerdane, the Chaambi Mountains National Park and other areas near the Libyan and Algerian borders, and notes that a formal state of emergency has been in place since 2015. Check the regional-risks page before departure.
When should you go to Tunisia to avoid the crowds?
In May, September and October outside the autumn holidays: crowds are moderate and the weather excellent (26 to 31 °C (79 to 88 °F) in the afternoon in Tunis). January, February and November are the quietest and cheapest months, but too cool for the beach. Avoid July and August, when attendance is at its peak.
Our sources
- Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology (INM): 1991–2020 normals for the Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Tozeur stations, 1981–2010 normals for Djerba
- NOAA, World Meteorological Organization 1991–2020 normals: Tabarka station
- Entry, currency, heat and safety information retrieved on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Tunisia (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Tunisia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated June 4, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
