Winter in Djerba feels pretty mild compared to most of Europe or North America. It’s a comfortable escape when colder weather takes over elsewhere.
You can expect daytime temperatures to stay around 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 65°F), and nights cool to about 13°C (55°F). The climate stays gentle enough for outdoor walks or sightseeing, and you might even enjoy some quiet moments by the sea.
Rain shows up more during winter, but it rarely ruins travel plans. Showers are usually short, and the sky often clears up fast.
Sunshine averages about 7 hours a day. That’s plenty of light for exploring the island’s markets, villages, and coastal scenery.
The Mediterranean really shapes winter here. Sea temperatures hover around 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F), which feels cool but not too harsh.
With light winds and a calmer pace on the island, you get a balanced mix of mild weather and fewer crowds. You can really soak in Djerba at a slower rhythm.
Overview of Winter in Djerba
Winter in Djerba brings mild temperatures, limited rainfall, and more sunshine than many other Mediterranean spots. Evenings are cooler, but daytime conditions usually stay comfortable for outdoor activities.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Djerba sits off Tunisia’s southern coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Its location gives it a coastal climate with a strong maritime influence.
Winters aren’t harsh here, and temperatures stay moderate compared to inland Tunisia.
The island is closer to North Africa’s desert regions than to northern Mediterranean countries. Because of that, you get warmer winters than in Europe, and cold fronts are pretty rare.
Djerba’s climate is Mediterranean semi-arid. Most rain falls in autumn and early winter, but by January and February, precipitation drops and skies usually clear.
Humidity stays moderate thanks to the sea, but the air almost never feels damp. Winds from the Mediterranean can bring cooler evenings, though frost and snow basically never happen.
This mix of mild air, sunshine, and low rainfall makes Djerba appealing for winter visitors who want a comfortable climate without extremes.
What Defines Winter Months in Djerba
Winter in Djerba usually runs from December through February. During this stretch, average daytime highs hit 17°C to 19°C (63°F–66°F), and nighttime lows settle at 12°C to 14°C (54°F–57°F).
January is the coolest month, but temperatures stay mild compared to a lot of places. You might need a light jacket in the evening, but daytime hours often feel almost spring-like.
Rainfall is pretty limited. December gets a bit more rain, while January and February are drier. Rain comes in quick bursts, not long storms.
Daylight lasts about 10 hours in mid-winter, so there’s enough time for sightseeing or outdoor fun. Sunshine hours stay fairly high, usually between 6 and 7 per day.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Djerba
Winter in Djerba stays mild compared to most other spots in the region. You’ll get comfortable days and cooler nights, with only small changes from month to month.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime highs in Djerba usually hit 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 64°F). That makes outdoor activities pleasant, even in the middle of the season.
At night, the air cools down to about 9°C to 11°C (48°F to 52°F). It’s not freezing, but you’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater, especially for evening walks.
Sometimes, cold nights can dip to 4°C (39°F), but that’s pretty uncommon. Warm spells happen too, with daytime temperatures climbing to 22–25°C (72–77°F) if southern winds blow in from the Sahara.
Monthly Temperature Variations
January is the coldest month, with an average of 13°C (55°F) overall. Daytime highs reach about 17°C, and nights average around 9°C.
In February, it’s just a touch warmer. Daytime highs rise to 18°C, and nighttime lows hang near 10°C.
By March, the island warms up more, with averages climbing to 16–17°C at night and 21°C during the day. Sometimes, March temperatures even jump above 29°C (84°F), so spring comes on fast.
You’ll notice a steady shift from cool winter conditions in January to more spring-like weather by late March.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter temperatures in Djerba feel mild compared to the intense summer heat. In July and August, highs often reach 33–34°C (91–93°F), and heat waves can push things above 40°C (104°F). That’s a lot more demanding than winter’s gentle climate.
Spring and autumn sit somewhere in between. In May, highs average around 27°C, and in October they reach about 28°C. Both are warmer than winter but not as hot as summer.
If you prefer cooler, steadier weather, winter is a pretty comfortable time to visit.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Djerba has a dry climate with limited rainfall. Winter brings the highest chance of measurable rain, but it falls in short, scattered bursts, and the totals stay modest compared to lots of Mediterranean destinations.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Winter months see the most rain in Djerba, though the totals are still low. December usually gets the most, with about 25 mm of precipitation.
January and February see a bit less, averaging between 15–20 mm.
In summer, rain is almost nonexistent. Over the year, Djerba averages just 166 mm of precipitation, which is very low for a coastal island.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~25 mm |
| January | ~18 mm |
| February | ~16 mm |
Even in winter, you’ll find dry conditions overall.
Rainy Days and Frequency
Rain in Djerba falls on only a handful of days in winter. December averages about 4 rainy days, while January and February usually bring 3–4 rainy days each.
Showers are brief, and you’ll often get long stretches of dry weather between them.
Unlike northern Tunisia, where winter storms can show up often, Djerba’s island location keeps rainfall pretty limited. You might get a passing shower in the morning, then clear skies in the afternoon.
You’ll probably only have a few interruptions from rain during a typical winter stay.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity in Djerba during winter is moderate, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. Average relative humidity ranges from 65% to 75%, which you’ll notice but it’s not too much.
Cooler daytime temperatures, usually around 15–19°C, make the humidity feel comfortable. Nights get a bit more humid, but the climate stays mild, so you won’t get that damp feeling common in wetter places.
Since rainfall is light and doesn’t last long, you won’t run into long spells of high humidity. The air often feels fresh, especially when coastal breezes pick up.
This balance makes winter a pleasant time to enjoy being outside without heavy moisture in the air.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
In Djerba, winter brings shorter days and fewer hours of sunshine compared to summer, but you still get a fair bit of bright, clear weather. The island’s spot in the Mediterranean ensures mild daylight conditions that balance sun and cloud throughout the season.
Average Daily Sunshine in Winter
During winter, you typically get between 7 and 7.5 hours of sunshine per day in Djerba. December averages about 7 hours, January around 7 hours 20 minutes, and February close to 7.5 hours.
Even in the coolest months, the sun shows up regularly.
The percentage of daylight that’s sunny ranges from about 69% to 74% in winter. That means most days still offer long stretches of clear skies, though clouds are a bit more common than in summer.
Compared to northern Europe, where sunshine can be almost a rumor in winter, Djerba feels a lot brighter. Outdoor activities, sightseeing, and casual walks all become more enjoyable when you can count on steady sunlight.
Length of Days During Winter Months
Daylight in Djerba is shorter during winter, but it’s not extreme. In December, the shortest month, the average day lasts about 9 hours 57 minutes.
By January, you get roughly 10 hours 10 minutes, and in February, it’s nearly 10 hours 55 minutes.
The difference between the shortest and longest winter days is just about an hour. Mornings and evenings are darker, but midday offers a solid block of usable daylight.
That’s enough for sightseeing, outdoor markets, or exploring beaches without feeling rushed. For comparison, lots of northern destinations only get 7–8 hours of daylight in midwinter, so Djerba gives you more time outside even in its darkest months.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In winter, Djerba gets steady winds and stable pressure patterns that shape the island’s weather. You’ll notice moderate breezes and consistent atmospheric conditions that influence comfort, visibility, and daily outdoor plans.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
During winter, average wind speeds in Djerba hover around 5 mph, but stronger gusts happen on some days. These winds aren’t extreme, but they can add a chill to the mild winter temperatures.
The island’s spot in the Mediterranean means winds often shift between northwest and northeast. These flows bring in cooler maritime air, which helps keep the climate mild compared to inland Tunisia.
Wind strength varies by month. January is often the breeziest, with speeds sometimes reaching 13 mph. February and December tend to be calmer, with lighter breezes most days.
For travelers, these winds can feel refreshing, especially with daytime highs near 61–63°F (16–17°C). If you’re planning to be outdoors, a light jacket usually does the trick.
Atmospheric Pressure Trends
Winter in Djerba brings stable atmospheric pressure, usually near 763 mmHg. This steady pattern means sudden weather changes are rare, and forecasts stay pretty reliable.
High-pressure systems dominate much of the winter. They limit heavy rainfall and keep skies clearer than in autumn, when things can get unsettled.
Sometimes, low-pressure events pop up, but they’re brief and usually bring only light rain. The island sees just a few rainy days each winter month, with much lower totals than coastal areas farther north.
This stability means you can plan outdoor activities with confidence. Pressure changes happen gradually, so you can anticipate shifts in weather and enjoy predictable, comfortable conditions during your stay.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Weather
Winter on Djerba brings cooler air and shorter days, but the coastal environment still feels steady. Sea temperatures drop compared to summer, yet they stay milder than in many other Mediterranean destinations.
Rainfall increases a bit, and daylight hours shrink, which shapes how you might use the island’s beaches this season.
Average Sea Temperature in Winter
From December to February, the sea around Djerba cools down to 16°C–18°C (60–64°F). That’s quite a change from the warm summer waters, which often climb above 26°C (79°F).
You’ll notice the biggest drop in February. The water hits its coldest point then, averaging about 16°C (60.8°F). December and January stay a bit warmer, closer to 17°C–18°C (62–64°F).
For a quick breakdown:
- December: ~18°C (64°F)
- January: ~17°C (62°F)
- February: ~16°C (61°F)
These temperatures feel pretty chilly for swimming, especially if you’re not wearing a wetsuit. Most locals tend to avoid the water in winter. Still, you might spot a few visitors braving the sea, especially when the sun’s out and air temperatures hit 16–18°C (61–64°F).
Beach and Water Activities Feasibility
In winter, the beaches stay calm and way less crowded. You can take long walks, snap photos, or just relax by the coast. Sunshine averages about 6–7 hours per day, which leaves a decent window for outdoor activities.
Swimming isn’t really practical with the cooler sea. Most people who want to get in the water use wetsuits for extra comfort. Water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing work out better, since winter brings moderate winds and fewer storms to mess things up.
Rainfall goes up compared to summer but stays pretty limited, usually 24–34 mm per month. You might run into a quick shower, but those rarely last long. The cooler air and sea temperatures make winter more about coastal walks, light outdoor activities, and soaking up the scenery instead of swimming for hours.
Travel Tips for Visiting Djerba in Winter
Winter in Djerba feels mild compared to most of Tunisia. Daytime temperatures often sit around 16–18 °C, while nights drop closer to 10 °C. Rain happens sometimes, but it’s usually just light and brief. Sunshine is still pretty common. You’ll want to be ready for warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Pack light layers so you can adjust as the weather shifts. A light jacket or sweater really helps in the mornings and evenings when it gets close to 10 °C. Most days, you’ll feel fine in long-sleeved shirts or light trousers.
Bring a windbreaker because breezes from the Gulf of Gabès can make things feel colder. Toss in a small umbrella or rain jacket too, since short showers sometimes pop up, especially in December and January.
For shoes, go with comfortable walking shoes that can handle both dry and damp conditions. Sandals might still work on sunny afternoons, but once evening comes, you’ll want closed shoes.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Even in winter, Djerba gets plenty of sunshine and UV levels aren’t exactly low. A scarf or shawl can come in handy for those cooler nights or breezy days.
Popular Winter Activities and Attractions
Winter feels like a pleasant time to explore, especially without the intense summer heat. You can wander around Houmt Souk, the island’s main town, and check out markets packed with crafts, spices, and textiles. The cooler weather makes it so much easier to stroll through the old streets.
You’ll find historical sites like the El Ghriba Synagogue and Borj El Kebir fortress much easier to tour in mild weather. Smaller crowds mean you can actually take your time and look around.
Outdoor activities don’t stop just because it’s winter. Maybe you’ll want to try horseback riding along the coast or cycle through olive groves. The sea cools down to about 16–19 °C, so swimming isn’t as popular, but honestly, beach walks feel pretty refreshing.
Many hotels and resorts keep their doors open all year. They often offer spa treatments or indoor pools, which sounds like a nice way to unwind. If you’re after a quieter, more relaxed vibe but still want to experience Djerba’s culture and nature, winter really delivers.