Swim at night in Tunisia. It's rainy season in Tunisia. Low season in Tunisia
Resorts in Tunisia are not as popular as vacations in Egypt or Turkey, but this stunning Arab country has no less rich history, gorgeous beaches and one of the most the best centers thalassotherapy in the world. The unique charm of the East is read here in every corner, shimmering with bright colors of the golden desert and spicy spices, emerald tropics and the azure coast.
The borders of Tunisia lie from the snow-white beaches mediterranean sea deep into the sultry Sahara, forming two climatic zones. A tropical Mediterranean climate prevails in the north and northeast, while a desert climate prevails in the south. Mountain peaks in the west of the country winter period covered with snow. In the summer months, a more moderate temperature regime prevails there than in the northern regions of Tunisia.
Winter
In December, holidays in Tunisia are focused on recovery and relaxation. in thalassotherapy centers and balneological procedures. Most spa hotels have indoor swimming pools and water parks, where you can combine swimming and entertainment with healing rituals of beauty and youth. The weather in Tunisia during this period is not conducive to a beach holiday, as the air temperature varies at around 16-18 degrees.
To climb the mountains, you need to be prepared for sub-zero temperatures, as well as strong winds and cold nights in the desert, when the thermometer reaches only 8 degrees. Therefore, the excursion part of the holiday in Tunisia may not be available until spring.
In the north of the country, due to the abundance of precipitation, all the streets are covered with lush greenery of citrus and almonds, and the harvest of olives ripens. At the beginning of winter, international festivals dedicated to ancient customs and culture are held in Duza and Tozeur local population. Despite the abundance of storms, in winter in Tunisia you can find closed beaches and get a great tan.
Spring
Starting from March excursion tours to Tunisia. The temperature at the resort does not drop below 20 degrees, so trips to attractions and daytime desert safaris will take place in comfortable conditions. By the end of spring, many brave travelers discover bathing season, as the water warms up to 19 degrees, and the air temperature reaches 26 degrees.
For connoisseurs of everything ancient, in April you can visit the archaeological festival in Tataouine, dedicated to culture and art southern regions country. In May, a holiday in Tunisia with children is considered the most optimal in terms of budget and weather conditions. On the beaches become available water sports sports, including yachting and fishing.
Summer
Despite the fact that the air at the beginning of summer warms up to 30 degrees, the water remains at around 21 degrees. Holidays in Tunisia in June are suitable for the elderly, children and those who do not tolerate the heat, as the winds in the seas cool and refresh the air. Thanks to the 10 hour daylight hours you can devote more time to excursions in the desert and historical regions of the country. In addition to the attractions of Tunisia, tourists can visit the famous horse races in Sidi Thabet and Meknessi, as well as enjoy jazz compositions at the music festival in Tabarka.
Holidays in Tunisia in July can only be overshadowed by the season, which will last until September and winds. The air temperature can warm up to 33 degrees, and the water in the sea rises to a comfortable 26 degrees. July-August in the desert may be as uncomfortable as during the day when outside unbearable stuffiness and at night, when the temperature approaches zero. In the resorts of Tunisia, El-Jem and Hammamet, music and theater festivals are held during this period.
In August, beach holidays in Tunisia reach their peak. Water does not fall below 28 degrees, and the air can warm up to 35 degrees. Tourists at the end of summer are better off choosing northern resorts countries and more to be in the shadows. No less popular during this period are the spa resorts of thalassotherapy, where you can not only freshen up, but also relax. In desert increased risk of strong sandstorms , so exotic safaris may not be safe. All music lovers can spend the calendar summer in Tunisia with the music festival in Tabarka.
Autumn
Tunisia in September pleases travelers with long-awaited freshness and comfortable temperatures for excursion trips. All amateur photographers can demonstrate their talent at the underwater photography competition in Tabarka at the beginning of autumn. Therefore, a holiday in Tunisia in September attracts many creative people from all over the world.
In October, Tunisia is suitable for beach holiday, because the temperature of water and air is kept at around 25 degrees. Evenings can be chilly due to wind and occasional rainfall, so it's best to bring appropriate clothing. For connoisseurs of cinema in Korfagen, an international festival of creativity opens, and extreme lovers will appreciate the Shott's Steps marathon, which takes place right in the desert.
The weather in Tunisia in October is suitable for families with children. At the end of autumn, the resorts of the country are closed beach season and offer indoor water activities in hotels. The air warms up to 20 degrees, and it often rains, but during this period you can buy profitable last-minute tours to Tunisia and great savings on wellness holidays.
Most tourists believe that since Tunisia is Africa, it means that it is always hot there and you can go on vacation at any time of the year, such as Egypt. However, with Tunisia the situation is somewhat different. It really belongs to Africa, but you can not swim and sunbathe at any time, the reason is geographical location and Mediterranean climate. I'll tell you what happens in Tunisia with the weather every month. But my personal opinion is that this country in terms of beach tourism is best suited in the summer, at any other time of the year, you can seriously miscalculate the weather and at least be upset for a spoiled vacation.
Map of Tunisia.
Weather in Tunisia in January.
At this time it is very cold here, the daytime air temperature is only about +14 degrees, about the same in the sea. The nights are cold +8. If you decide to come to Tunisia at this time, be sure to take warm clothes with you, sweaters, jackets, there can be no question of any tan. However, January can be used as a thalassotherapy and excursions, at this time the prices for hotels and services drop quite a lot and you can save a lot on what tourists will pay many times more for in summer. I would like to note that on new year holidays hotels are not very impudent in comparison with other countries.
Weather in Tunisia in February.
February is the rainiest month in Tunisia, besides, strong winds begin here and the humidity level reaches 76%. During the day, although it is warmer, about +16 degrees, you will definitely not be drawn to the beach. At this time, the most favorable weather can only be in Djerba, there is less rain and the sun warms up to +18. You can go there, again for thalassotherapy in order to save money.
Weather in Tunisia in March.
In March, rains and strong winds end, but the air temperature does not noticeably warm up much, about +17 degrees. The nights are also cold. For a tan, it makes sense to go to Djerba, where the air is already around +20 during the day. At the same time, despite the fact that this weather is far from hot, you can easily get burned, the sun after the winter is very evil. Therefore, even at such a seemingly not high temperature, it is necessary to take sun cream with you.
Weather in Tunisia in April.
In April, the first tourists are already starting to arrive, but there are very few of them. The weather is not yet quite suitable for a beach holiday, the sea is cold, as well as the nights too. During the day the air temperature is about +21 degrees. Another trouble at this time can be the hot wind that forms in the desert of North Africa, which is not very pleasant. Going out into the street at its very rush hour, you will first need to protect your eyes, hair and nose from the sand that will fly in the air everywhere. Usually at this time it is recommended to stay indoors.
Weather in Tunisia in May.
May pretty warm month, but not very stable, the air temperature can vary greatly. Usually during the day the air warms up to +25 degrees, at night about +16. Of course, you can swim in the sea, if you are not afraid of its coolness - about +19 degrees. The biggest mistake of tourists is that they think that it is already warm and good in Tunisia, and they do not take warm clothes with them, but in vain! Sometimes, there are strong weather changes that during the day the air temperature does not warm up above +20. Therefore, sweaters and jackets must be taken with you. But do not forget about sunscreen, including hats.
Weather in Tunisia in June.
June is the beginning of the season, at this time it begins to arrive already a large number of tourists. During the day the air temperature is about +26 degrees. But here the sea is somewhat cool +21. At this time, it can be a little stormy and sometimes a strong wind can blow. It is worth coming here with children closer to mid-June, by which time real summer comes to Tunisia, without all sorts of unpleasant weather surprises.
Weather in Tunisia in July.
In July, dry and hot weather sets in. The largest influx of tourists falls at this time. Ticket prices are skyrocketing. The daily temperature this month is about +30 degrees. The nights are very comfortable +23. The sea warms up to +24. An ideal time for holidays with children and all those who love comfortable summer temperatures.
Weather in Tunisia in August.
Most hot month. During the day, about +33 degrees, the sea is very warm +26. At this time, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to get burned, especially for vacationers with children. In August, an unpleasant thing for tourists falls on Tunisia - jellyfish, especially there are noticeably more of them at the end of the month. Most often they are found off the coast of Monastir and Sousse. Be careful!
Weather in Tunisia in September.
In September, the heat begins to gradually subside. During the day the air temperature is about +29 degrees, at night +23. The water in the sea is warm, the jellyfish are disappearing. However, it is better to plan your vacation for the first half of the month. After September 15, the weather may change somewhat, it will become noticeably cooler, short-term rains and strong winds may begin. Even sightseeing visits can be uncomfortable.
Weather in Tunisia in October.
At this time, tourists often come here who want to save on a ticket in the hope that the weather will still be comfortable. In general, at this time you can swim and sunbathe, but here everything will depend on how lucky you are. average temperature during the day it will be +25 degrees, the nights are already colder than +19. But the sea has not yet cooled down from the hot summer at about +23. But storms and strong winds are often possible. You won't be able to swim every day.
Weather in Tunisia in November.
This time is suitable for tourists who wish to attend excursions and undergo thalassotherapy. The sea has already cooled down after the summer and its temperature will not be higher than +16 degrees, the nights are also already cool, but during the day the air temperature is about +21. The only unpleasant moment will be strong cold winds, so even in daytime you will have to wear warm clothes. Because of this contrast, there is a high probability of catching a cold.
Weather in Tunisia in December.
December is the beginning of winter for Tunisia. This is certainly not our Russian winter, since during the day the air temperature will warm up to +16 degrees. Nights are cooler around +8. At this time, the biggest discounts, you can get into one of the best hotels on the coast for very small cash, take a course of thalassotherapy. Take a dip in the indoor pool. At this time, it is advised to take an excursion to the Sahara, as the heat goes away and you can see how they live there locals(Bedouins), who during the summer months hid from the heat and a large number tourists in their homes.
Having lived in Tunisia for a year, I discovered all the delights of both the Tunisian winter and the Tunisian summer. In fact, there are two periods in Tunisia - season and off-season, and spring quickly flows into summer. There is actually no winter here, it is more like late autumn in Russia. The season runs from May to the end of September. It is at this time that the heat is on the street, sometimes very strong, and the sea is warm and gentle. In the off-season, rains, strong winds and cold begin.
The Tunisian winter, of course, is nothing compared to the Russian one. Its biggest minus is not even in the rain and certainly not in the temperature. Some +5 or even 0 degrees seem like normal weather after 30-degree frosts in Karelia, my native region. The problem is that there is no central heating here. And that means it's cold in the house. Save only heaters. For me, who is not used to this, it is the hardest thing to endure.
The summer is unbearably hot. In the morning or afternoon, it is even impossible to go outside. That is why everyone is trying to leave the house less at this time. Unless they're going to the beach. My friends and acquaintances wondered why the photographs of cities are so deserted during the day. I gave them the same reason that I tell you about here. But in the evening, along the embankments of cities, everyone goes out for a walk with whole families. There is literally nowhere for an apple to fall. People are trying to enjoy the cool air, as the terrible heat will come again during the day.
Season
As I wrote above, the season in Tunisia lasts from May to September. During this period, numerous hotels of Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet are filled and almost the whole country is preparing for tourist season. Somewhere from the beginning of May to the beginning of June, the season begins, and by the end of September/beginning of October, it gradually fades away. 
June, July, August are the peak months when both Russian and German can be heard on the beaches of Tunisia, and tourist buses only scurry between airports and resorts in Tunisia.
May–beginning of June/September–beginning of October
In my humble opinion, this is the most best period for a trip to Tunisia. There is not yet that strong heat of +35 degrees, but in the south of the country it reaches +40. The temperature stays at +20, +25 and gradually rises. The water temperature in early May is still cool, but then, by the middle of the month, it warms up and rises to +25.
There are not so many tourists yet, which means you can safely relax in a hotel or go on an excursion. If, like me, you don't like big crowds and huge cluster people in one place, then this is the perfect time for you.
The ticket price starts from 500 EUR. You can compare prices for tours from different agencies. Otherwise, prices for accommodation or souvenirs remain the same throughout the season. 
True, sometimes it can rain, but after it you even feel some kind of freshness, it at least a little washes away the dirt on the streets. I already wear summer clothes at this time, but I always take a sweater or light jacket with me in case of rain or wind.
In early September, the weather is still hot, but by the end of the month it gradually drops to +25. Tourist groups are starting to leave the country, and the beaches are emptying. You can swim at this time safely, as the water temperature is +25. Sunbathe too, and the chances of getting burned are sharply reduced.
Things to do
At this time, it is good to travel around the country and see the main attractions of Tunisia:
- Ruins of Carthage. They are located in the suburbs of the capital - the city, about half an hour away from it. Entrance costs 5 EUR (10 dinars), not including the entrance fee to the Saint Louis Cathedral, which is part of the complex of buildings. To visit all objects on the territory of this museum under open sky you actually need a whole day. At this time there will not be many people, which means you can see everything without interference.
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- City of Sidi Bou Said. It is also located in the suburbs of the capital, a little further than the ruins of Carthage. It is interesting in that it is completely preserved in its original form. There you can see how Arab cities used to look in North Africa. White houses with blue doors and windows, as well as small cafes and restaurants with a magnificent view of the harbor, enchant the traveler at first sight.
- Bardo Museum in Tunis. This is a real treasury of all those sculptures and frescoes that remained from Carthage and the period when it was a province of the Roman Empire. The museum is located in the former palace of the beys, so the halls themselves have historical meaning. Entrance fee - 5.5 EUR (11 dinars).
- Ishkel National Park near. This is a unique natural vault where you can enjoy the beauty of these places as you climb higher and higher along the mountain path. There are hot springs on the territory of the shower, where you can lie down and relax. Entry there is free.
It is best to rent a car (you can find the best options for the price) and go to the El Jem amphitheater (I wrote in detail about it, as well as about the city in which it is located) or Dugga (these are also the ruins of an ancient Roman city, which are located closer to the border with Algeria.Almost 6 hours by car from Tunisia.Entry 2.5 EUR). I also advise you to go to the south of the country, on an excursion to the Sahara desert (they are different, designed for 2, 5 or 7 days. The price is from 45 EUR for 2 days). During this period, it will just subside heatwave but it will still be warm enough to see the scenery.” star wars”, on the border with the Sahara and next to Lake Chott El Jerid, or touch wonderful world deserts of the Sahara.
peak season
It falls during the summer months. From June to August, planes regularly land and take off over Enfidha, Monastir, Carthage or Djerba. And crowds of tourists fill the El Jema Coliseum or Port El Kantaoui near Sousse.
The temperature rises to +35, and closer to the south to +40, for example, in the same Kairouan. Closer to the Sahara, it already rises to +45.
The first thing I realized for myself when I first arrived in Tunisia in August 2013 was that the African heat is not at all the same as the fleeting Russian one. The sun literally burns mercilessly, so be sure to wear a hat or somehow cover your head when you go somewhere on an excursion. Receive sunstroke you can do it in a jiffy, so do not neglect this advice. Sunscreen be sure to apply not only going to the beach, but just going for a walk around the city.
The peak of the heat during the day falls on 12:00-16:00. It is better to be in a hotel during this period or by the pool, in a hotel, as you can quickly get burned on the beach.
In the evening the heat subsides a little, but still very stuffy. I like to go for a walk by the sea to get a little fresh air.
Things to do
Prices do not rise much at this time. But the variety of various excursions offered (to Carthage, El Jem, sightseeing tours of Sousse or Monastir, prices - from 30-40 EUR) and other entertainment (camel rides from 5 EUR, diving - from 50 EUR; boat trips on boats - from 50-100 EUR) increases sharply. I would not advise at this time to travel somewhere to the south of Tunisia or to individual attractions, such as the Bardo Museum or the Archaeological Museum in the city of Sousse. It is very difficult to be outside in such heat, and museums and other historical sights are just open until 17:00-18:00.
This best time in order to calmly bask on the beach and swim in the sea. You can also go diving.
Another important detail! In the month of July ( exact dates I can’t name it, because depending on the lunar cycle, this period may change or even shift to August) the holy month for Muslims - Ramadan begins. During all this time, all enterprises and organizations work on a shortened schedule - half an hour / hour less. In addition, Tunisians become irritated and nervous, as they do not eat or drink until 19:00, when the whole family sits down at the table. Do not be surprised if you are rude or react in some strange way to the simplest question. The reason here is the heat combined with fasting.
Not a season
The season ends at the beginning of October. The temperature drops to +20, +15, and then to +10. By December, it may not be higher than this mark. Nevertheless, there are also warm days when you can safely take off your coat and walk down the street in a light sweater.
Autumn
The problem with autumn is rain. Sometimes a simple, mincing rain may fall. And sometimes it pours very heavy rain solid wall. For example, in the fall of 2016, in Sousse and Monastir, it rained so heavily that the sewage system simply could not cope with such an amount of water. But this is not always the case.
If going strong rain, then it is better to stay in your hotel, as the water brings with it both dirt and sewage accumulated on the streets.
The temperature drops to +20 and +15, but you can still safely go out in a T-shirt, throwing on a jacket.
In autumn, almost all tourists leave the country, as it is no longer possible to swim and sunbathe too. There are not so many people who want to see the country itself. Therefore, many hotels either close completely or significantly reduce prices. Even four-star hotels offer standard rooms for only 50 EUR. As for excursions, they are almost never carried out. Only independent visit is possible.
Things to do
At this time, we again traveled around the country, as there are many sights in Tunisia that, I assure you, are worth visiting. Here you have the Ancient with Ancient Rome, and the heritage of the Turks with the Spaniards, and of course, the subtle beauty of the East.
- For example, in the North-West there is a beautiful mountain park, near the town of Zaguan. Against the background of the mountains there is water temple built by the Romans. Bypassing it, you can go to the park itself. Climbing higher into the mountains, you can see stunning views all around. The visit is free.
- On the way back we stopped at a small town Takruna, which is on the old road on the way to . There, on the mountain, there are small houses with magical views of the surrounding landscapes. I just fell in love with this place.
- I also recommend visiting the city. Kairouan which is very interesting from a historical point of view. I wrote about him Unique city where the culture of the East is presented in all its glory.
Winter
From December, the Tunisian winter comes into its own. Snow falls only in the region of the city and in some others, and in winter the temperature here is +10, +5 degrees. There are rains, and in the cities near the sea a very strong, piercing wind blows. Usually I go at this time in a warm coat with a thick scarf and autumn boots. 
In winter, tourists can be found only under New Year, but there are very, very few of them. Most of them are Europeans. Prices in hotels from 50-75 EUR. I wrote in more detail about housing in Tunisia. As for other entertainment, there are almost no excursions at this time. You can go to independent travel.
Spring
This weather persists until the end of March, and from April it becomes warmer and warmer. Throughout the winter can be issued warm days when the sun is shining brightly and there is no wind. The temperature rises to +25, and it rains less and less. Of course, a strong wind can still blow, but the generally warm weather compensates for this.
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Summarizing all of the above, depending on your purpose of travel to, you can arrive both at the peak of the season, and at its beginning or end, or during the off season.
Most hotels begin to receive guests only in mid-May. Consider this fact when choosing a month for a trip to Tunisian beaches.
Can rain ruin your holiday?
Tunisia is a dry country and most of this rare precipitation falls in winter, when tourists hardly come to the country. The level of precipitation is approximately the same in all Tunisian resorts. See the comparison table below for average figures.
For comparison, the norm of precipitation in Moscow is 700 millimeters per year, in the resorts of Tunisia, the figures are on average half as much.
During the summer months in Moscow and other cities middle lane Russia receives about 80 millimeters of precipitation, in Tunisian cities no more than 20. Rain will not overshadow the rest in June, July and August. It is unlikely that you will find it raining at all during these months.
At the end of April, May and October, the chances of getting caught in the rain are quite significant. But rains happen late in the evening and at night, during the day on the beach the chances of getting caught in the rain are almost zero.
In Tunisia, there are no torrential downpours lasting all day. It is raining 5-10 minutes, then quickly subsides. In the photo on the left, the effects of rain in, the photo was taken at the very beginning of May 2016. As you can see, it's okay, there are no puddles on the pavement at all.
However, the rains in Tunisia have an unpleasant feature, they are always accompanied by strong wind- up to 10 m / s, rarely up to 15 m / s. Being on the street at such a moment is extremely unpleasant. Moisture or puddles on the pavement dry up quickly, and tourists do not even suspect that it rained at night.
Air temperature - maximum during the day
The summer months will delight warm weather afternoon. Fortunately, Tunisia does not experience extremely high temperatures like in Egypt, although there are days when the thermometer rises to 40 degrees and above.
For example, the temperature record in Sousse is +48 degrees, in Hammamet +47 degrees. On the island of Djerba, +48 degrees was recorded on July 29, 1982.
The hottest major Tunisian city is Tauzar, where on June 12, 1979 a temperature of +53 degrees was recorded. And in the vilayet (province) of Kebili in some areas, the thermometer rises to +55 degrees. We hope that none of the readers will find such temperatures.
See the table below for average maximum daily temperatures. Keep in mind that these are average values.
From mid-May, the air and the sea are already comfortable for swimming along the entire coast. The end of May is a favorable time for families with children, when there are still no high temperatures during the day.
Note: the streets of many cities are paved with stones, so comfortable shoes are needed for sightseeing trips and walks.
In spring, you can taste fragrant strawberries, almonds, mulberries, medlars of the new crop.
Tunisia in summer
Refreshing sea breeze helps to comfortably endure the daily heat that is growing every day, when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees. The gentle sea, sandy beaches, warm evenings, an abundance of entertainment and festivals await vacationers at any resort.
Important to know: in individual years in August, the current brings jellyfish to the shores of Tunisia, which creates inconvenience when swimming.
Summer counters are full of apricots, peaches, melons, watermelons. In August, eyes run wide from the abundance of grapes of various varieties.
Tunisia in autumn
September is still quite summer month with dry hot days and gentle sea at all resorts. October - the Velvet season, African "Indian summer", when the sun softens its ardor. great time for those who don't like or can't stand high temperatures, and for families with children. In November, the air and sea gradually cool down, more cloudy and cloudy days, rains and winds.
In the Sahara in autumn there is no longer a burning heat, and trips along the sand dunes will not tire you, just like excursions to historical cities in the central part of the country.
Note: to travel through the desert, you must have a wide-brimmed hat, Sunglasses and cream.
How to get there
What to eat
In resort restaurants and cafes you can always find popular dishes of European cuisine, mainly French and Italian. Certainly, National dishes are also on the menu and must be tasted. The names of Tunisian dishes are found in the cuisines of other Arab countries, but in this country they are prepared in their own way.
The peculiarity of Tunisian dishes is that they are prepared on olive oil using vegetables and aromatic spices.
For meat dishes use lamb, beef, chicken, pork (especially for tourists). Lots of seafood and fish dishes, mostly tuna.
Popular national dishes:
- couscous: cooked in a special makful steamer, where meat or fish with vegetables and nuts are stewed in the lower part, and a side dish of cereals is steamed in the upper, resembling a colander;
- shakshuka: scrambled eggs cooked with tomato sauce, bell pepper, onions and spices;
- merguez: sausage in a natural casing with minced beef and lamb with spices, grilled or fried in a pan;
- makrud - puff diamond-shaped semolina cookies with chopped fruits and almonds, cooked in honey syrup;
- shamia: sesame halva.
Coffee is the most common drink, and it is prepared different ways. Unusual taste and aroma of coffee, in which rose, jasmine or orange water is added. No less popular is green mint tea, the preparation of which is a multi-stage ritual.
Attractions
Different eras, peoples, cultures have left their mark on the land of Tunisia, causing admiration, surprise, reverence.
The most important architectural monuments must-see countries:
Carthage
Ruin ancient city, by which you can imagine the beauty of the destroyed structures, is the main attraction of Tunisia.
Amphitheater in El Jem
The third largest surviving in the world, designed for 60 thousand spectators, is the only amphitheater that was not destroyed by time or conquerors: it was simply not completed in the third century.
Dougga
From the once prosperous ancient city founded by the Romans, the ruins of the amphitheater, the capitol, temples, baths, and amazing floor mosaics have come down to us.
Sidi bou said
A snow-white city-museum, tinted with blue doors, shutters, gratings and other decor.
This is interesting: in the city it is forbidden to build and paint houses in a different color scheme.
Bardo Museum
Located in the suburbs of the capital and has priceless exhibits found during excavations in