Winter in Sousse, Tunisia brings a cooler but still comfortable break from those hot, dry summers. You can expect mild daytime temperatures around 15–17°C (59–63°F) and nighttime lows near 7–8°C (44–46°F), making it one of the gentler winter climates along the Mediterranean. Rain becomes more common, but it usually just shows up in short bursts, not those long, soaking storms.
Daylight hours get shorter in winter. You might notice less sunshine than in summer, though the skies often stay clear enough for outdoor activities. The sea cools down to around 16°C (61°F) in December, which feels brisk for swimming, but honestly, it’s still great for coastal walks and breathing in that fresh sea air.
The city feels quieter during winter. There are fewer crowds, and everything moves at a slower pace, which honestly pairs nicely with the mild weather. If you like cooler conditions, cultural wandering, and a more relaxed vibe, winter offers a comfortable window to see the city without the summer heat.
Overview of Sousse’s Winter Climate
Sousse’s winter brings mild temperatures, limited rainfall, and steady sunshine compared to what you’ll find further north. The Mediterranean shapes the season, creating moderate conditions that really set it apart from Tunisia’s inland and desert regions.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Sousse sits on Tunisia’s central coast, and the Mediterranean Sea really shapes its winter weather. Daytime highs usually hit 16–18°C (60–64°F), while nighttime lows hover around 8–10°C (46–50°F). These mild numbers make outdoor activities totally doable, even in the coldest months.
Rainfall stays modest, though you’ll see it more often than in summer. December through February brings 30–50 mm of rain per month, usually spread over just a few days. Heavy storms don’t really happen here, but quick showers can pass by.
Humidity stays moderate, and the sea keeps the temperatures from dropping too sharply. Sunshine is pretty reliable, with 5–6 hours of daylight sun per day—that’s actually more than a lot of European spots in winter.
Comparison With Other Regions in Tunisia
Compared to northern cities like Tunis or Bizerte, Sousse gets slightly warmer winters and fewer rainy days. The coast keeps temperature swings smaller, while up north, you’ll run into cooler nights and heavier rainfall.
If you head inland to Kairouan or further south, the differences jump out. Inland spots often record colder nights, sometimes dropping close to 5°C (41°F). Down in the southern desert, it stays drier but can feel a lot cooler after sunset, since there’s no sea to keep things steady.
| Region | Avg Winter High | Avg Winter Low | Rainfall (mm/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sousse | 16–18°C | 8–10°C | 30–50 |
| Tunis (North) | 14–16°C | 7–9°C | 50–70 |
| Kairouan (Inland) | 15–17°C | 5–7°C | 20–30 |
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter in Sousse usually starts with mild, slightly wetter weather in December. January feels coolest, with average highs near 16°C and lows around 9°C. Frost is basically unheard of.
February starts to warm up a bit. Rainfall drops off slightly, and the days get longer. By late February, you’ll spot the first hints of spring—more sunshine and daytime temps edging up to 18°C.
Winds from the Mediterranean sometimes bring cooler, damp air, but strong winter storms rarely show up. Most of the time, you get a mix of calm sunny days and short, light rain that leaves the air feeling fresh.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Sousse
Winter in Sousse means mild days and cooler nights, especially compared to most European spots. You’ll get temperatures that make outdoor activities easy, though evenings might call for a light jacket.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime highs in Sousse usually land between 15°C and 18°C (59°F–64°F). That’s plenty pleasant for sightseeing, walking the coast, or grabbing coffee outside. Snow and frost don’t really happen here.
At night, temps drop to 7°C–9°C (45°F–48°F). Not freezing, but the evenings feel crisp, especially near the water. A light sweater or jacket should do the trick.
Mild days and cooler nights balance each other out. You can enjoy time outside during the day and then settle in for cozy evenings indoors.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Sousse rarely sees extreme cold, thanks to its subtropical steppe climate and coastal spot. The Mediterranean keeps temperatures steady, so it’s rare for them to dip below 5°C (41°F), even on the coldest nights.
Sometimes, daytime highs reach 20°C (68°F) in winter, especially when it’s sunny. Those warmer days happen now and then and can feel downright spring-like if you’re visiting from somewhere colder.
Historical records show Sousse doesn’t get harsh winter extremes. Snow and ice just don’t happen, and freezing temps are almost unheard of. The steady climate makes winter travel here pretty predictable.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Winter in Sousse runs from December through February, with slow, gentle changes in temperature.
- December: Daytime highs average around 16°C (61°F), with lows near 8°C (46°F).
- January: The coldest month, with highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows about 7°C (45°F).
- February: Things warm up a bit, with highs near 16°C (61°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
You won’t run into big swings in temperature. Sousse’s climate stays steady, so you can plan your activities without too much worry. Even at its coldest, winter here feels mild compared to so many other places.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Sousse is mild and pretty dry, especially when you compare it to other Mediterranean coastal cities. Rainfall stays limited and humidity is low, which keeps the season comfortable for outdoor activities and travel.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rain in Sousse during winter falls lightly and steadily, not in heavy or frequent bursts. On average, the city gets about 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain over any 31‑day stretch in the season.
The highest daily total rarely goes above 3.7 inches (94 mm), showing that big downpours are rare. Most showers are short and spaced out.
Compared to autumn, winter rainfall is lower and more consistent. Sousse’s climate keeps the risk of long, wet periods very low, so you’ll see plenty of dry days even in the coldest months.
Humidity Patterns
Humidity in Sousse stays low all winter. Muggy or oppressive days just don’t happen, with the chance basically 0% the whole season.
The air feels dry and comfortable, since dew points stay low. That makes it easier to spend time outside without that sticky summer feeling.
Daytime hours feel crisp, and evenings are cool, but you won’t feel damp. This dryness is a big part of what makes Sousse’s winter different from other Mediterranean spots.
Number of Rainy Days
You won’t see many rainy days in Sousse during winter. The odds of a day with measurable rain sit at about 11%, so out of 90 winter days, only about 10 days might see rain.
Even when it does rain, it’s usually light and doesn’t last all day. You’ll get long stretches of sunny or partly cloudy weather.
This low number of rainy days, plus those mild temps, gives you reliable conditions for sightseeing, walking the coast, or exploring the old medina without much hassle.
Winter Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Sousse brings shorter days and fewer hours of sunshine. You’ll see more cloud cover than in summer, but most days still offer several hours of sun. Daylight is limited, and skies are often partly cloudy.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, Sousse gets about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. January has the least, averaging 7.1 hours daily. By February, the number creeps up as spring approaches.
Sunshine drops compared to summer, when daily averages go well over 12 hours. Still, winter levels are good enough for outdoor activities, especially around midday when the sun is strongest.
Shorter daylight hours limit how long you can enjoy the sun, so it’s smart to plan activities earlier in the day.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Sousse changes slowly over winter. In December, the shortest days last about 9 hours and 45 minutes. By late February, you get almost 11 hours.
The sun rises after 7:00 a.m. in mid-winter and sets around 5:15 p.m. By February, sunrise moves closer to 7:00 a.m., and sunset shifts to about 6:00 p.m.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours | Sunrise (approx.) | Sunset (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 9.8 h | 07:20 | 17:05 |
| January | 10.1 h | 07:25 | 17:30 |
| February | 10.9 h | 07:00 | 18:00 |
This steady increase in daylight makes late winter feel a bit brighter and longer than early December.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover shows up more often in Sousse’s winter than in summer. On average, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 30–35% of the time. October and November are even cloudier, but December through February still bring their share of gray days.
February usually brings the clearest winter skies, with more sunny breaks. January tends to be a bit cloudier, though the sky can shift from partly cloudy to clear in the same day.
Full overcast days aren’t common, so you’ll still see the sun regularly. This mix of clouds and clear skies gives winter days a softer, less harsh light compared to the bright, cloudless summer.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The Mediterranean coast around Sousse changes noticeably in winter. Sea temperatures drop from December to February, and coastal winds affect how comfortable it feels outside and on the beach. Rain stays limited, but cloudy days and cool evenings shape how you enjoy the shoreline.
Average Winter Sea Temperatures
The sea near Sousse stays pretty cool in winter. In December, the average water temperature hits about 18.3°C, which is actually a bit warmer than the nighttime air. By January, it drops to around 16.0°C, and by February it bottoms out at 14.9°C.
That’s too chilly for most people to swim comfortably. Still, the air stays mild, with daytime highs around 16–17°C. The sea feels colder than the air, especially if the wind picks up.
For reference, the annual mean water temperature in Sousse is about 20.4°C, so the winter drop is pretty noticeable.
Swimming and Beach Activities
Swimming in winter is possible, but only if you’re ready for cold water. At 15–18°C, most visitors find it uncomfortable unless they wear a wetsuit. Some locals and hardy swimmers still take quick dips, but most folks skip long swims.
Beach activities stay popular even when the sea is cold. Walking along the coast, soaking up sun on milder days, or hanging out at seaside cafés are all common. You’ll get 16–18 sunny days per month in winter, so there’s still plenty of time to be outside.
The beaches clear out in winter, making it easy to enjoy the coastline quietly. You won’t get the lively summer crowds, but that’s part of the charm if you’re after a peaceful experience.
Wind and Coastal Weather
Winds along the coast really shape how winter feels in Sousse. Breezes off the Mediterranean often make the air feel chillier, especially after sunset.
You might see average daytime highs around 16–17°C, but when the wind picks up, it honestly feels a bit colder.
Rain barely makes an appearance, with just 1–2 rainy days per month in winter. Precipitation usually totals about 15–26 mm, so you probably won’t have to deal with heavy storms.
On some days, thicker clouds roll in and cut down on sunshine hours.
Wind stirs up the sea, too. Even if the water temperature stays steady, breezy days can whip up small waves and choppier conditions.
This might put a damper on water activities, but it gives the shoreline a fresh, lively vibe during winter.
Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit Sousse in Winter
Winter in Sousse means mild weather, fewer crowds, and a slower, more relaxed pace. You get to explore the city’s history, culture, and seaside atmosphere without sweating through the summer heat or bumping elbows with tourists.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime winter temperatures usually land between 15°C and 19°C (59°F to 66°F). Nights can dip to 8°C to 11°C (46°F to 52°F).
You’ll want to pack layers so you can add or shed clothing as needed. A light jacket or sweater works for daytime, but you’ll be glad to have a warmer coat after dark.
Good walking shoes are a must, since the Medina and ancient sites have uneven, cobbled paths.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but it happens, so tossing in a compact umbrella or light raincoat makes sense.
Bring clothes that are comfy but also modest, especially if you’re planning to visit mosques or older neighborhoods.
A scarf or shawl comes in handy—keeps you warm and doubles as respectful attire when necessary.
Winter Events and Activities
Winter is actually a great time to wander Sousse’s UNESCO-listed Medina. The cooler weather makes those narrow streets way more pleasant.
You can check out the Ribat of Sousse and the Archaeological Museum without fighting the summer crowds.
The coastal promenade stays nice for walks, though honestly, most people skip swimming since the sea gets chilly.
Cafés along the Corniche stick around, so you can still relax with a view of the Mediterranean.
You might catch local festivals, small concerts, or art exhibitions—and it’s a lot easier to enjoy them without the summer rush.
Day trips to places like Monastir or Kairouan are more comfortable with winter weather, since you won’t be slowed down by the heat.
Advantages of Visiting in Winter
One big perk of visiting Sousse in winter? You’ll notice a lower number of tourists. Hotels and guesthouses usually drop their rates, so it’s a lot easier on your wallet.
The weather stays pretty mild, especially if you compare it to most of Europe during winter. You can walk around and sightsee without bundling up in heavy coats.
Markets and shops stick around all year, which is honestly great. In winter, you get more chances to chat with locals since you’re not fighting through crowds.
That means you can actually soak up the city’s coastal vibe and get a more genuine travel experience.