There are three distinct climates within the relatively small nation of Tunisia. The north coast enjoys the same mild winters and hot summers as the southern European countries on the Mediterranean Sea’s opposite end. The months between October and May are also the rainiest months in northern Tunisia, especially in the Kroumirie Mountains.
Central Tunisia’s climate is semi-arid with far less rainfall and more dramatic temperature fluctuations, especially during summer. In April, warm and dry Sirocco winds make southern Tunisia’s Sahara Desert temperatures even more torrid. Average summer temperatures in Tunisia soar well over 90°F in the country’s inland desert regions, but hover around 70°F along the Mediterranean Sea coast. Even during Tunisia’s coldest winter month of January, temperatures rarely fall below 45°F on the north coast and can be as high as 64°F in inland desert areas.
Best Time to Visit Tunisia
Tunisia’s more moderate seasons of spring, which lasts between March and June, and autumn, in September and October, are often considered the best times to visit the country. Spring and autumn temperatures remain comfortably warm and never get as unbearably hot as they can get in the summer. Springtime is also Tunisia’s wildflower season.
Tunisia has become a popular summer getaway for visitors seeking a cheaper and less crowded alternative to the beaches of Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern France. Summer remains Tunisia’s busiest tourism season, however, despite hot temperatures and ever-growing crowds. Winter, Tunisia’s coolest and rainiest season, is when hotel and airfare prices drop dramatically.