Although Tunisia is only about the same size as England, it has a vastly varied topography which gives it a range of climates. In the north it has a narrow coastal strip, divided from the interior by the Medjerda Mountains which stretch from Kroumirie to Bizerte. This area has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild showery winters. The central and westerly regions are known as “The Tell” and are on a mountain plateau with a semi-arid climate. The low lying region in Southern Tunisia is on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, with a steppe landscape and a desert climate.
Coastal Climate in Tunisia
Tunisia’s Mediterranean climate around its north and eastern coastline enjoy mild, sunny winters with daily highs averaging 16C in January. Temperatures quickly rise through the spring to reach 34C in the hot dry summer months, moderated by the coastal breezes. Tunisia enjoys 7-8 hours of sunshine in the winter and up to 12 hours per day in the summer.
Tunisia’s Mediterranean climate around its north and eastern coastline enjoy mild, sunny winters with daily highs averaging 16C in January. Temperatures quickly rise through the spring to reach 34C in the hot dry summer months, moderated by the coastal breezes. Tunisia enjoys 7-8 hours of sunshine in the winter and up to 12 hours per day in the summer.
The coastal regions have moderate rainfall in the winter, and occasional short but heavy showers in the early summer and autumn. Most rainfall is from October to May and reaches 600mm per year.
Tunisia’s Inland Climate
The green hills further inland give testament to their increased rainfall which ranges from 600mm-900mm per year in the Kroumirie Mountains. Inland temperatures in winter are lower with occasional frost. On the highest peaks snow may occasionally be seen for about 10 days.
The green hills further inland give testament to their increased rainfall which ranges from 600mm-900mm per year in the Kroumirie Mountains. Inland temperatures in winter are lower with occasional frost. On the highest peaks snow may occasionally be seen for about 10 days.
Towards the Algerian border and on the southern hills, rainfall is much lower with a more typical semi-arid landscape. During the summer, inland temperatures are considerably higher than on the coast.
Climate in South Tunisia
Tunisia’s climate becomes steadily drier the further south you travel, where it has a virtual Sahara climate. Rainfall is rare, totaling just 100-150mm per year, although some areas go for years without rain, producing drought conditions. Rain is usually limited to a short but heavy shower in spring and autumn which sets the desert blooming.
Climate in South Tunisia
Tunisia’s climate becomes steadily drier the further south you travel, where it has a virtual Sahara climate. Rainfall is rare, totaling just 100-150mm per year, although some areas go for years without rain, producing drought conditions. Rain is usually limited to a short but heavy shower in spring and autumn which sets the desert blooming.
The Sahara produces hot, dry, dusty winds which affect the southern areas of Tunisia. When a depression moves into the Gulf of Gabes, it produces southerly winds known locally as the “chili” on its eastern flank which are accompanied by blistering heat. Temperatures can rise to 50C (122F) with a high risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, but such occurrences are rare. With low humidity normal temperatures are tolerable.
As with all desert climates, nights become cold as the desert quickly loses its heat at any time of year. In January, the desert reaches an average high of 18C in the day and a minimum 6C at night. In August it reaches an average 38C and 23C at night.
Best Times to Visit Tunisia
Tunisia’s northeast coast offers pleasant temperatures at almost any time of year, but the most pleasant months are between March and June when the countryside has a splendid show of wild flowers. September and October are also very pleasant when the midsummer heat has dispelled. Autumn in Tunisia runs from October to December, when there is still plenty of golden sunshine to warm the sea.
Tunisia’s northeast coast offers pleasant temperatures at almost any time of year, but the most pleasant months are between March and June when the countryside has a splendid show of wild flowers. September and October are also very pleasant when the midsummer heat has dispelled. Autumn in Tunisia runs from October to December, when there is still plenty of golden sunshine to warm the sea.
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