If you’re planning a trip to Djerba in the fall, you’ll get a nice mix of warm days, cooler evenings, and the island’s most noticeable shift in weather. Daytime temperatures usually range from the low 80s °F (around 28°C) in September down to the low 70s °F (around 21°C) by November, and nights turn comfortably mild. This gradual change makes autumn a really versatile season, whether you want to explore the beaches or wander through the inland areas.
Rain starts showing up more often compared to summer, especially in October and November when showers peak. Still, rainfall amounts stay pretty modest, and you’ll often get plenty of dry, sunny hours between showers. The sea remains warm enough for swimming through much of October, so you can easily enjoy the coast while also exploring Djerba’s cultural sites without the intense summer heat.
Humidity, sunshine, and wind all shift as fall moves in, giving you a better sense of what daily life feels like on the island during autumn. With the right timing, you’ll catch pleasant outdoor conditions while dodging the extremes of summer heat or winter chill.
Overview of Djerba’s Fall Climate
In fall, Djerba transitions from the hot, dry summer into a cooler, wetter season. Temperatures stay mild compared to much of Tunisia, but rain becomes more frequent, especially in October and November.
Sunshine hours gradually shorten, and the sea begins to cool, though it often stays warm enough for swimming well into the season.
Geographical Location and Climate Zone
Djerba sits off southeastern Tunisia in the Gulf of Gabès. The Mediterranean surrounds the island and shapes its weather, moderating both heat and cold.
Unlike inland areas, the sea keeps temperature swings in check and makes the climate more stable.
The island falls within the BSh classification, which is the subtropical steppe zone. You’ll notice semi-arid conditions, with limited rainfall but more moisture than a true desert. Fall is when this balance stands out, as the dry summer gives way to short, scattered rain events.
Because Djerba hugs the coast, it gets higher humidity than central Tunisia. Sea breezes also shape daily conditions, softening the heat in September and making things feel chillier by late November.
These factors combine to create a fall season that feels more temperate than what you’d get in the continental parts of the country.
Subtropical Steppe Characteristics
A subtropical steppe climate brings long, dry summers and short, wetter winters. In Djerba, fall marks the transition between these two phases.
September still feels warm and dry, but October brings more rain, averaging about 34 mm, which is the highest of the year.
November stays relatively wet, even as temperatures continue to cool.
Daytime highs in fall usually hit 28°C (82°F) in September and drop to about 21°C (70°F) in November. Nights get noticeably cooler, often dipping into the mid-teens Celsius.
Sunshine hours also drop from more than 10 hours in early fall to about 7 by late November.
Sea temperatures follow a similar trend. Water hovers near 27–28°C (81–82°F) in September, then falls to around 21°C (70°F) by November.
Early fall is perfect for swimming, while later months feel better for sightseeing and cultural stuff.
Comparison to Other Tunisian Regions
Compared to inland Tunisia, Djerba’s fall climate feels milder and more humid. Cities like Tozeur or Kairouan, which sit away from the coast, get sharper nighttime temperature drops and less rain.
Djerba benefits from the Mediterranean, which keeps the air more stable.
Northern Tunisia, including Tunis and Bizerte, sees higher rainfall totals in fall than Djerba. These areas also cool down earlier in the season because of their latitude and exposure to stronger Mediterranean storms.
Since Djerba sits farther south, it holds onto warmth longer into the year.
If you compare Djerba to the Sahara-adjacent areas in southern Tunisia, the difference is even more dramatic. Inland desert towns stay extremely dry in fall, with big swings between day and night temperatures.
On Djerba, you get steadier temperatures, softer breezes, and more reliable chances for outdoor activities well into November.
Average Fall Temperatures in Djerba
During fall, Djerba’s weather shifts from hot summer conditions to much cooler days. Temperatures gradually fall, sunshine hours shrink, and rain becomes more frequent.
September Temperature Trends
In September, you still get warm conditions that feel a lot like late summer. Average daytime highs reach about 28°C (82°F), and nighttime lows settle around 23°C (73°F).
Swimming and outdoor activities are still a go, as the sea sits at a cozy 27°C (81°F).
Rainfall starts to pick up compared to summer. On average, 10 mm (0.39 in) falls during the month, usually in short bursts.
Sunshine hours stay high, close to 10–11 hours daily, so most days feel bright and clear.
If you like warmth without the extreme heat, September strikes a nice balance. The air feels less dry than in July or August, and evenings are still warm enough for outdoor dining or a stroll.
October Temperature Patterns
October brings a more noticeable change in Djerba’s weather. Average highs drop to about 26°C (79°F), and lows dip closer to 20°C (68°F).
You’ll notice cooler evenings, so a light jacket comes in handy, especially near the coast.
This is the rainiest month of the year, with about 34 mm (1.34 in) spread over almost 9 rainy days. Showers can be brief but happen more often, sometimes with cloudy skies.
Sunshine hours decrease to about 8–9 per day, so days feel a bit shorter.
Sea temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), still good for swimming, though the weather feels less predictable.
October usually marks the end of prime beach season, but it’s still warm enough for sightseeing without the summer heat.
November Temperature Changes
By November, Djerba cools down even more. Daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), and nighttime lows hover near 15°C (59°F).
This range brings a more autumn-like vibe, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
Rainfall sticks around at a relatively high level, with about 32 mm (1.26 in) and around 8 rainy days. Sunshine hours drop to about 7 per day, giving you shorter days and longer nights.
The sea cools to about 21°C (70°F), which can feel brisk for swimming.
If you visit in November, you’ll find milder weather that’s perfect for walking tours, cultural visits, and exploring markets rather than long beach days. The air feels fresher, and the climate leans closer to winter, but it’s still milder than inland Tunisia.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
In Djerba, fall rainfall stays light and scattered. You’ll get short, passing showers more often in October and November, while September remains mostly dry.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall levels shift from very low in September to more noticeable amounts in October and November.
September usually brings less than 10 mm of precipitation, making it one of the driest months.
By October, totals climb to about 30–35 mm, the wettest month of fall. November follows with 20–25 mm on average, a bit less than October.
December gets more rain, but that’s outside the autumn window.
All together, you’ll see around 50–60 mm of precipitation across the three fall months. For a Mediterranean island, that’s pretty low, reflecting Djerba’s semi-arid climate.
Rain usually arrives in short bursts rather than steady drizzle.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~5–10 mm |
| October | ~30–35 mm |
| November | ~20–25 mm |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days stay pretty limited in Djerba during fall. September often passes with 0–1 rainy day on average.
By October, you might see 4–5 days with measurable rain, which is the peak for the season.
November usually brings 3–4 rainy days, a little less than October.
Even when it rains, showers are usually brief and clear out fast.
You can expect fewer than 10 rainy days total across the entire fall season. Most of your trip will be dry and sunny, with just the occasional rain interruption.
Impact of Rainfall on Local Activities
Rainfall in Djerba rarely ruins your plans, though it can affect outdoor plans if you get caught in a shower. Short bursts of rain might briefly interrupt beach visits or boat trips, especially in October.
Roads can get slippery after sudden rain, so drive carefully if you’re behind the wheel. Still, the small number of rainy days means cancellations are rare.
For travelers, the light rainfall actually makes things more comfortable compared to the hot, dry summer.
You can explore markets and cultural sites with barely any interruption. Rain usually clears quickly, so you won’t be stuck indoors for long.
Sea Temperature and Beach Conditions in Fall
During fall, the sea around Djerba stays warm enough for swimming while the beaches quiet down compared to summer. Water temperatures cool slowly as the months pass, and the weather brings more breezes and the occasional rain.
Average Sea Temperatures by Month
In September, the sea feels very warm, averaging about 27°C (81°F). Swimming conditions are still excellent, much like midsummer.
By October, the water cools to about 25°C (77°F), still pleasant for most swimmers. Air temperatures start to drop, and you might notice shorter days and a bit more humidity.
In November, the sea averages 22°C (72°F). That’s still swimmable for many, though the water can feel brisk, especially in the mornings or on windy days.
At this point, fewer visitors choose to swim regularly.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 27 | 81 |
| October | 25 | 77 |
| November | 22 | 72 |
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim throughout the fall, but conditions change each month. September brings the warmest water and calmest seas, making it the best time for long swims and snorkeling.
In October, the water stays inviting, but stronger breezes might kick up light waves. That’s a good time for windsurfing or sailing, while swimming is still comfortable.
By November, swimming becomes less common, though it’s still possible on warmer days. Many people shift to beach walks or boat trips instead of long swims.
If you actually like cooler water, November could be your month.
Changes in Beach Weather
Beach weather shifts steadily through fall. In September, you’ll get long sunny days and high air temperatures, which make the sand hot and the sea refreshing.
October brings more variety. Some days are sunny, others cloudy, and you might get a quick rain shower. The beaches thin out, so you’ll have more space and a quieter vibe.
By November, Djerba’s weather feels mild but less predictable. You’ll notice cooler air, shorter daylight hours, and a higher chance of wind.
Beaches are better for strolls, relaxing, or taking photos than for long sunbathing sessions.
Sunshine, Humidity, and Wind During Fall
In Djerba’s fall, you’ll spot shorter daylight hours, more frequent clouds, and a bump in rainfall compared to summer.
The air gets a bit more humid, and steady Mediterranean breezes make the season feel comfortable outdoors.
Sunlight Hours and UV Index
In September, you still get long days with about 10 to 11 hours of sunshine. By November, daylight drops to around 7 hours.
Evenings show up earlier as the season shifts toward cooler weather.
The UV index drops through fall. In September, it often climbs to a high level (around 6–7), so sun protection still matters.
By November, the index falls to about 4–5, which most consider moderate.
You won’t get the same intense solar radiation as in summer, but the sun still packs enough punch for tanning or outdoor fun.
If you’re planning to be outside for a while, lightweight clothes and sunscreen are still a good idea.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Djerba usually stays between 60% and 70% during fall. You might notice the air feels heavier than in the dry summer months.
This uptick happens as rainfall picks up, especially in October and November.
Mornings tend to feel more humid, but afternoons often bring drier air when temperatures rise.
Warm air mixed with more moisture can make the weather feel a bit warmer than what the thermometer says.
Travelers should expect some sticky days, especially in October when rainfall hits its yearly peak of about 34 mm.
Still, the humidity rarely gets extreme, so you can manage sightseeing and outdoor plans pretty easily.
Typical Wind Patterns
Winds in Djerba during fall mostly blow from the north and northwest, bringing in cooler air from the Mediterranean. Average wind speeds land between 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph), giving you a steady breeze that’s not too much.
Sometimes, southern winds from inland Tunisia sweep in and push temperatures up for a bit. These winds feel drier and a little warmer, but they don’t show up as much in fall as they do in spring.
If you’re heading to the beach, the breezes help offset the higher humidity and keep things feeling fresh.
Fans of sailing or water sports will find these moderate winds pretty ideal, since the seas stay calm.
Best Time to Visit Djerba in Autumn
Autumn in Djerba shifts away from the hot, dry summer and brings in cooler days with more rain. Temperatures stay comfortable for sightseeing, and the sea stays warm for swimming until late in the season.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
September usually feels like the best pick if you want warm weather and fewer crowds. Daytime highs average around 28°C (82°F), and the sea sits close to 26°C (79°F), so it’s perfect for the beach.
Rain stays low compared to later months.
By October, average highs drop to about 25°C (78°F), and rainfall jumps to the year’s peak of around 34 mm.
This month works better for cultural outings, markets, and wandering through Djerba’s historic spots, since the heat lets up.
November cools off more with highs near 21°C (70°F) and rain becomes more common.
Sunshine hours dip, but the weather still feels mild compared to lots of other Mediterranean places.
You might find it’s a nice time for walking tours, checking out museums, or enjoying quieter beaches.
| Month | Avg. High Temp | Rainfall | Sea Temp | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 28°C / 82°F | Low | 26°C | Swimming, beaches |
| October | 25°C / 78°F | High | 23°C | Sightseeing, culture |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | Moderate | 20°C | Walks, quiet travel |
Travel Tips for Fall Visitors
Pack light clothes if you’re coming in September. Throw in a light jacket or sweater for those chillier October and November evenings.
Rain showers tend to show up more later in the season, so it makes sense to carry a compact umbrella or a waterproof layer.
Want to swim? Try to do it in September or early October, since the sea stays warm then. By November, the water drops to about 20°C (68°F)—honestly, that feels a bit too cool for long swims.
Autumn gives you a great chance to check out inland villages and cultural spots, without the oppressive summer heat. Roads and markets clear out, and you’ll usually find better deals on places to stay after the rush dies down.
Daylight hours shrink as fall moves along, so it’s smart to plan your activities around that. In September, you get about 10 hours of daylight. By November, it drops to 7 hours, which can really change how you schedule outdoor plans.