Planning a summer trip to Sousse? Get ready for hot, sunny days along Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast.
Daytime highs usually land somewhere between the mid-80s and low-90s Fahrenheit (about 29–33°C), and evenings rarely dip below the low 70s (21–23°C). It’s a dream for beach lovers, fans of outdoor dining, or anyone itching to explore the city’s old streets.
Humidity tends to rise in July and August, so the heat can feel more intense during those months. Still, coastal breezes often sweep in and make things more bearable than what you’d find inland.
Rain hardly ever interrupts summer plans, so you’ll get plenty of clear, dry days. Sunshine is basically a given.
Long daylight hours and warm sea temperatures mean Sousse feels like a classic Mediterranean summer spot. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, wandering the Medina, or checking out the nightlife, the weather’s got your back.
Overview of Summer Weather in Sousse
You’ll notice hot days, warm nights, and long stretches of sunshine through the summer. Rain barely makes an appearance, but humidity and rising sea temperatures give the coastal air a heavier feel as the season goes on.
Location and Climate Type
Sousse hugs Tunisia’s eastern coast right on the Mediterranean Sea.
This spot gives it a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and milder, wetter winters.
The city sits near 36°N latitude, so it enjoys a subtropical vibe with plenty of sunshine most of the year. The sea keeps the worst of the heat at bay, though humidity can sneak up on you.
Annual averages hover around 19–20°C (66–68°F), but summer highs shoot well above that. Rain barely shows up in these hotter months, which keeps things dry and skies mostly clear.
So, you get the classic North African coastal feel: long, sunny summers, hardly any rain, and a bit of relief from sea breezes.
Summer Weather Patterns
You’ll usually see daily highs ranging from 80°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C), with the odd day pushing up near 91°F (33°C). Nights stay pretty warm too, averaging between 65°F and 74°F (18°C to 23°C).
Clouds almost disappear as summer goes on. By late July, you’ll look up to clear or mostly clear skies almost every day.
Rain chances stay low, starting around 8% in June and only reaching about 12% by early September.
Humidity ramps up quickly. Early summer feels alright, but by August, muggy days become common, especially when dew points hit 70°F (21°C) or more.
The Mediterranean Sea warms up, too, from about 68°F (20°C) in June to around 80°F (27°C) by late August. That’s perfect for swimming.
Winds tend to be light or moderate, mostly blowing in from the north.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Summer feels totally different from winter in Sousse. January brings daytime highs of just 61°F (16°C), and nights can cool down to 47°F (8°C).
Clouds and rain show up more often in winter, with plenty of wet days.
Spring and autumn bridge the gap. Spring warms up but still has some rain, and autumn slowly brings back wetter weather after the dry summer.
Unlike the short winter days, summer gives you over 14 hours of daylight in June. By late August, days get a bit shorter but still stay warm.
This means summer is the driest, sunniest stretch of the year in Sousse.
Typical Summer Temperatures
Sousse summers bring long, warm days and mild nights. Temperatures climb as the season goes on, with July and August usually the hottest, while June and September hang back a little.
Average Highs and Lows
Daily highs in summer usually sit between 80°F (27°C) in June and 88–91°F (31–33°C) in August. You won’t often see highs below 74°F (23°C) or above 98°F (37°C).
Nighttime lows stay warm but comfortable. June nights average around 65°F (18°C), and by August, they’re up to 74–75°F (23–24°C).
Because Sousse hugs the Mediterranean, the sea keeps nights from getting too cool and stops daytime heat from spiking too high.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Temperatures climb steadily from early June until early August.
June feels warm, with average highs near 27°C (80°F).
July heats up to 29–30°C (84–86°F), and August often peaks at 31–32°C (88–90°F).
By late August and into September, things start to cool off. Highs slip back to about 28°C (82°F), and nights cool slightly to 20–22°C (68–72°F).
The difference between day and night isn’t huge—usually about 10–12°F (5–6°C). So, lighter clothes work well, and you probably won’t need a jacket for evenings.
Heatwaves and Record Temperatures
Most summers in Sousse follow a pretty steady pattern, but every now and then, heatwaves roll in.
Hot inland winds can push daytime highs above 95°F (35°C). These spells don’t last long, but they can feel rough, especially with humidity rising.
The hottest days usually land in early August, when highs might reach 91–95°F (33–35°C). Nights during these spells can stay above 75°F (24°C), so don’t expect much relief.
Record highs above 98°F (37°C) don’t happen often, but they’re possible. If you’re visiting during peak heat, it’s smart to look for shade, drink water, and take breaks from the sun.
That coastal breeze helps, but humidity can make it feel even hotter than the thermometer says.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Sousse summers mean warm temps, moderate humidity, and steady breezes off the coast. These conditions shape how the weather feels and what you’ll want to do outside, especially near the Mediterranean.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Sousse during summer stays moderate compared to lots of other coastal spots.
Relative humidity usually falls between 60% and 70%, peaking in the early mornings and dipping a bit in the afternoons.
You’ll notice the air doesn’t feel as heavy as it does in tropical places. The Mediterranean climate keeps things balanced, so even hot days don’t usually get oppressively muggy.
During July and August, when daytime highs hit 30–31°C (86–88°F), humidity can make it feel even warmer, especially if you’re not right by the water.
Nights offer a bit of relief, with lower temperatures and slightly higher humidity that cools the air.
If you’re traveling, expect warm but manageable conditions. Early mornings and evenings tend to feel best, while midday can get a bit sticky in shaded or enclosed spots.
Prevailing Winds in Summer
Sousse’s spot on the coast means steady breezes from the Mediterranean are pretty common.
Northerly and northwesterly winds dominate in summer, blowing cooler air from the sea onto land. These breezes help take the edge off the heat, especially during the hottest afternoons.
Wind speeds usually range from 10 to 20 km/h (6–12 mph), but sometimes stronger gusts pick up, mainly in open areas by the water.
Breezes also cut down on how humid it feels, even if the actual humidity is high.
Sailors and beachgoers love these winds—they make for great sailing, windsurfing, and water sports. Inland areas with less breeze can feel warmer and a bit stuffy.
You’ll find the breezes are most reliable in the late afternoon and early evening, which is a nice bonus after the day’s peak heat.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rain barely shows up during Sousse summers. Most precipitation falls in autumn and winter.
You’ll get long stretches of dry, sunny days, but sometimes short, passing showers pop up, especially at the edges of the season.
Average Rainfall by Month
Sousse gets about 339 mm (13.3 in) of rain annually, which is pretty low compared to other Mediterranean cities.
Summer hardly adds to this total.
- June: ~6 mm, usually 1–2 days of light showers
- July: ~1–2 mm, maybe just one quick rainy day
- August: ~5 mm, typically 1–2 rainy days
October is the wettest month, with around 47 mm over 6 days.
So, in summer, you’ll rarely need an umbrella, but autumn visitors should be ready for more unpredictable weather.
Chance of Wet Days
The odds of getting a wet day in summer are tiny.
In July, the chance of measurable rain is often below 5% on any given day. June and August are just a touch higher, but still under 10%.
This means you can count on summer for outdoor plans, beach days, and sightseeing. If rain does fall, it’s usually a brief shower, not a long storm.
If you visit in late autumn or winter, though, the odds of a wet day can jump above 20%.
Storms and Unusual Weather Events
Thunderstorms don’t happen often in Sousse during summer, but you might get one, usually in late August when humidity peaks.
Bigger storms tend to form in autumn, when the sea is still warm and the atmosphere is just right for heavier rain. These can bring short, intense downpours and sometimes lead to local flooding in low-lying spots.
In summer, you’re more likely to see dust from the Sahara than rainstorms. These dusty spells can cut visibility and leave a fine layer of sand everywhere, but they rarely mess up travel plans for long.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Sousse basks in long, bright days during summer—plenty of sunlight and generous daylight hours.
Clear skies dominate, so it’s easy to plan outdoor adventures and beach trips.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Sousse averages 11 to 14 hours of sunshine per day.
June clocks in with the most, around 14 hours of sunlight. July and August aren’t far behind, with about 12 to 13 hours most days.
The UV index runs high, often hitting 9–10 in midsummer. So, sun protection isn’t optional—think hats, sunscreen, and light clothing if you’re out for long stretches.
Rainfall stays very low in July and August, sometimes just a few millimeters. With so little cloud cover, you get those long, sunny days.
For most travelers, this makes Sousse a summer paradise for swimming, sailing, or just soaking up the Mediterranean vibe.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | UV Index Peak |
|---|---|---|
| June | 14 hrs | 9–10 |
| July | 12–13 hrs | 10 |
| August | 12–13 hrs | 9–10 |
Day Length Changes Through Summer
Day length in Sousse shifts as summer moves along.
In June, you get the longest days—about 14.5 hours of daylight near the solstice. July drops slightly to around 14 hours.
By August, days shorten a bit more, averaging 13.5 hours by month’s end.
Even with less daylight as summer winds down, there’s still plenty of time for outdoor plans compared to spring or autumn.
June offers those long, lingering evenings, but July and August still give you broad daylight windows for sightseeing, beach time, or late dinners outside.
Sousse’s Mediterranean setting means twilight lasts, so you get extra natural light even after sunset.
Average Sea Temperature and Beach Conditions
Sea temperatures in Sousse climb all summer, turning the Mediterranean into a warm, inviting spot for long swims.
Calm waters and mostly dry weather make for reliable beach days, with barely any rain to spoil the fun.
Monthly Sea Temperature Averages
The sea warms up fast from late spring into summer. By June, the average sea temperature hits about 22.9°C (73°F). It feels cool, but honestly, most swimmers find it comfortable enough.
July rolls in with warmer water, averaging around 26.3°C (79°F). This is when the sea really invites you in for longer swims.
By August, the temperature peaks at about 27.5°C (82°F). That’s as warm as it gets all year, and it feels fantastic if you love the heat.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 22.9 | 73.2 |
| July | 26.3 | 79.3 |
| August | 27.5 | 81.5 |
These numbers show how steady and inviting the sea stays in summer. You can pretty much count on consistent warmth during these months.
Best Months for Swimming
If you like your water on the cooler side, June is a solid pick. The sea feels fresh without being too chilly.
The air’s a bit milder in June too, which plenty of people prefer before the real summer heat arrives.
July and August are, hands down, the busiest months for swimming. The water warms up enough for kids and casual swimmers to enjoy, and those long sunny days just seem endless.
Rain barely shows up, with maybe 0 to 1 rainy day in these months.
August brings the warmest water, but you’ll notice the humidity ramp up as well. If hot water is your thing, August is perfect.
If you want warm water but less heat on land, July tends to hit that sweet spot.
Water Clarity and Safety
The Mediterranean around Sousse usually stays calm in summer, with barely any waves. Families with kids find it safe for swimming.
You won’t find strong currents along the main beaches, which really helps with safety.
Water clarity stays high, especially in July and August. The lack of rain means sediments don’t get stirred up, so you’ll see clearly in the shallows.
If you’re into snorkeling, you’ll appreciate those clear views.
Lifeguards watch over the main tourist beaches most days. Still, you should check for posted flags about swimming conditions. Sometimes, a sudden wind can kick up bigger waves.
For the most part, the sea stays predictable and safe all summer.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sousse in Summer
Sousse in summer means hot, dry days, warm sea temperatures, and lots of sunshine. To get the most from your trip, prepare for the heat, plan your arrival with care, and pick activities that match the season.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime highs often climb into the upper 80s to low 90s °F (30–33°C). Nights stay warm, usually in the 70s °F (21–24°C).
August gets a bit stickier, with humidity making the heat feel even stronger.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing—cotton or linen is best. You’ll want a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunscreen.
Comfortable sandals or walking shoes come in handy for wandering the Medina or checking out archaeological sites.
Bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated. A light jacket or shawl might be nice for cooler evenings by the sea or in chilly air-conditioned spots.
Don’t forget your swimwear, since the Mediterranean water gets up to around 80°F (27°C) by late August.
Getting to Sousse: Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport
You’ll find the nearest airport, Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR), about 12 miles (20 km) south of Sousse. It mainly handles European charter and seasonal flights, so it’s pretty convenient for summer travelers.
From the airport, you can hop in a taxi, book a private transfer, or catch the train to Sousse. Taxis line up outside the terminal, but it’s smart to agree on a fare before you go if they’re not using the meter.
The train from Monastir to Sousse is cheap and takes about 30 minutes.
If you want more flight choices, Tunis-Carthage International Airport sits about 90 miles (145 km) away. That trip usually takes around 2 hours by car or train, depending on traffic and the schedule.
Outdoor Activities and Seasonal Recommendations
Honestly, summer just feels like the perfect time for beach activities. The water warms up, and you won’t have to worry much about rain. You can swim, snorkel, or try out water sports all along Sousse’s coastline.
If you’re planning to go sightseeing, aim for the early morning or maybe late afternoon. That way, you’ll dodge the worst of the heat. The Medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels a lot more walkable outside those blazing midday hours.
Think about taking a day trip to places like El Jem’s Roman amphitheater. Just don’t forget your sun protection since there’s barely any shade out there.
Evenings get pretty pleasant, making it a great time to eat outside by the marina. You might even catch a cultural event or two, since summer brings them out in full swing.