When you’re planning a summer trip to Monastir, Tunisia, knowing what kind of weather to expect really makes a difference. Summers here feel hot, mostly dry, and packed with sunshine. Daytime highs usually range from the upper 70s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit (25–31°C).
Nights stay warm, and the Mediterranean Sea adds comfort and a bit of humidity to the air.
You get long daylight hours at the start of summer, although by late August, the days start to shorten. Rain hardly ever shows up, but when it does, it usually passes quickly in a short shower.
The sea warms up fast as summer goes on, so swimming and coastal activities become especially tempting.
If you understand how heat, humidity, and sea breezes work together, you can prepare for both relaxing days and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re stretched out on the beach or wandering through historic sites, the summer climate in Monastir really shapes your time outdoors.
Overview of Monastir’s Summer Climate
Monastir sits on Tunisia’s eastern coast, and its hot, dry summers come from its spot on the Mediterranean Sea and its closeness to the Sahara Desert.
You’ll find long, sunny days, almost no rainfall, and sea temperatures that make swimming comfortable most of the season.
Geographic Location and Climate Classification
Monastir sits right on the Gulf of Hammamet, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Its climate falls under the Mediterranean category, but the desert influence from the Sahara makes it hotter and drier than northern Tunisia’s coast.
The city’s low elevation, about 27 meters above sea level, lets warm inland air move easily toward the coast. Dry winds often blow in and push temperatures up during summer.
The mix of sea and desert influences means Monastir’s summers usually feel less humid than other Mediterranean cities. Rain barely makes an appearance, with July getting only about 2 mm of precipitation.
Sunshine really dominates, with 10 to 11 hours per day in midsummer.
Summer Months in Monastir
Summer in Monastir runs from June through September. July and August bring the hottest weather.
Average highs go from about 29.5°C in June to 33°C in August. Heat waves sometimes push temperatures over 40°C.
At night, it stays warm, often above 20°C. You probably won’t need more than light clothes in the evening.
The sea gets warmer too, climbing from about 22°C in June to 27°C in August. Swimming and water activities get really popular.
July and August almost never see rain, while September has the highest chance of a summer shower, averaging 70 mm.
Winds stay steady but rarely get strong, averaging 15–17 kph, which gives some relief from the heat.
Comparison to Other African Coastal Cities
When you look at Monastir compared to other African coastal cities, the differences stand out.
For example, Casablanca, Morocco, has cooler summers thanks to strong Atlantic currents. Highs there are closer to 26°C in August.
Alexandria, Egypt, sits on the Mediterranean too, but tends to be more humid. Summer highs hover around 31°C, with higher humidity at night.
Monastir is drier than Dakar, Senegal, which sits on the Atlantic and gets much heavier summer rains.
These comparisons show how Monastir mixes hot, dry air with warm seas. You get a unique Mediterranean summer with a clear desert twist.
Average Summer Temperatures
In Monastir, Tunisia, summer temperatures climb steadily, bringing warm afternoons, mild nights, and a bit more humidity as the season goes on.
The coastal location keeps the heat from getting extreme, but it can feel muggy, especially at night.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During summer, daytime highs usually start at 78°F (25°C) in early June and reach about 87°F (31°C) by late August. The hottest afternoons can get close to 89°F (32°C) in early August.
At night, it stays mild. Temperatures start near 66°F (19°C) in June and rise to about 75°F (24°C) by August.
Nights rarely drop below 61°F (16°C), so evenings often feel warm enough for outdoor plans.
The gap between day and night temperatures is pretty small, averaging 10–12°F (5–7°C). That’s normal for coastal Mediterranean spots, where the sea helps even things out.
Temperature Trends by Month
In June, you get the mildest summer weather. Highs hover around 78–82°F (25–28°C), with lows near 66°F (19°C).
Humidity is lower in June, which makes things more comfortable.
By July, the heat picks up. Highs reach 84–87°F (29–31°C), and lows climb to about 72°F (22°C).
You’ll notice more clear, sunny days, and sea breezes bring some relief.
August stands out as the warmest month. Highs average 87–89°F (31–32°C), and lows stay close to 75–76°F (24°C).
Humidity also peaks, so even moderate temperatures can feel hotter. Evenings are more likely to feel muggy.
Record Highs and Lows
Monastir’s summer weather usually stays pretty stable, but sometimes you get extremes.
The highest recorded summer temperature is close to 97°F (36°C), though that’s rare. Most years, highs stay below that.
On the cooler end, lowest summer nighttime values rarely drop under 61°F (16°C). Even when unusual weather rolls in, the coast keeps temperatures from falling too much.
Compared to inland Tunisian cities, Monastir’s records are pretty moderate. The sea keeps the climate balanced, so you’re less likely to see wild heat waves or chilly nights.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
During summer in Monastir, Tunisia, you’ll see very little rainfall and mostly dry conditions.
Humidity hangs around, especially by the coast, but the lack of rain keeps the air from feeling as heavy as it does in wetter seasons.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain barely makes an appearance in Monastir during summer.
June averages about 8 mm, July drops to just 3 mm, and August rises a bit to around 6 mm.
These numbers are tiny compared to fall and winter, when rainfall can go over 40 mm.
This dry pattern means you almost never have to worry about summer storms or heavy showers.
Clear skies stick around, which is why summer is the top season for beach activities.
When rain does fall, it’s usually light and doesn’t last long.
Here’s a quick look at summer rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | 8 mm |
| July | 3 mm |
| August | 6 mm |
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days barely show up in Monastir during summer.
In June, you might get 2–3 days with a little rain. July often passes with 1 day or none at all, making it the driest month.
August usually brings just 1–2 days of light showers.
Because rain is so rare, you can plan to be outside without much worry.
Unlike spring or fall, you won’t need to change your plans for the weather.
The few rainy days that do happen usually move through fast and don’t mess up travel or sightseeing.
This fits with the region’s subtropical steppe climate, where summers are hot and dry, and rain comes later in the year.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Even with barely any rain, humidity in Monastir stays moderate to high in summer because it’s right by the sea.
Daytime relative humidity often sits between 60% and 75%, and you’ll notice it most in the mornings and evenings.
When temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F) in July and August, the air can feel heavier.
Still, the sea breeze along the Mediterranean helps a bit, especially if you hang out near the water.
Humidity rarely gets so high that it feels unbearable, but you should expect some warm, sticky afternoons.
Drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade can make exploring or relaxing on the beach much easier.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Summer in Monastir brings you long, bright days with loads of sunshine.
Clear skies stick around for most of the season, so outdoor activities and beach time are almost always good bets.
Average Daily Sunshine
In summer, you usually get 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day.
July stands out as the sunniest month, with the highest daily sunshine hours.
With all this sun, you should plan for strong UV levels. Midday can get intense, so sunscreen, hats, and finding some shade matter if you’re outside.
In winter, sunshine drops to about 7 hours a day, so summer feels much brighter and longer. That’s a big reason why more people visit in summer.
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| June | ~10 hours |
| July | ~11 hours |
| August | ~10 hours |
The steady run of clear skies in Monastir makes it easy to plan outdoor trips without worrying about surprise weather changes.
Length of Daylight in Summer
Daylight during summer in Monastir stretches well into the evening.
In June, the longest days give you about 14.5 hours of daylight. By August, you still get over 13 hours.
This long daylight lets you enjoy both daytime and evening activities, from swimming to sightseeing.
You can start early and still have enough light for a late dinner by the water.
From June to August, daylight shortens slowly, so you won’t notice a sudden change.
For travelers, that means you can count on long days through the whole summer.
The mix of long daylight and high sunshine hours really helps Monastir stand out as a summer spot in Tunisia.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The Mediterranean along Monastir’s coast stays warm all summer, making the sea a big part of daily life.
You’ll find clear water, long stretches of sunshine, and hardly any rain to interrupt your plans.
Average Sea Temperature by Month
Sea temperatures in Monastir climb steadily from early summer into late August.
In June, water averages around 23°C (73°F), which feels refreshing but still comfortable for swimming.
By July, the sea warms up to about 26°C (79°F).
August is the warmest month, with average sea temperatures near 27–28°C (81–82°F).
These numbers are high for the Mediterranean, so Monastir is one of the best swimming spots in North Africa.
Even at night, the water stays warm, so late evening swims are pretty comfortable.
If you like cooler water, early summer is your best bet. By late summer, the sea reaches its warmest, perfect for those who want long swims.
Swimming and Beach Weather
Beach conditions in Monastir stay really reliable all summer.
You’ll usually get 27–30 sunny days per month and almost no rain, so the coast stays dry and bright.
Winds tend to be light, which keeps the sea calm and safe for swimming.
The warm sea, paired with daytime highs above 30°C (86°F) in July and August, creates great conditions for swimming and water sports.
Families often pick July and August since the shallow coastal waters stay warm.
If you want quieter beaches, early June gives you slightly cooler water and fewer crowds.
By late summer, the sea is at its warmest, so it’s the most popular time for visitors who want long, comfortable swims along Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
Summer in Monastir often brings steady breezes, high sun exposure, and sometimes dust from inland areas.
These conditions can affect how comfortable you feel, your outdoor plans, and even your health, so it’s good to know what to expect as you head into the season.
Typical Summer Wind Speeds
Winds along the Monastir coast usually blow in from the north and east, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. In summer, you’ll notice average speeds around 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), but some afternoons bring stronger gusts.
These breezes take the edge off the intense heat, especially in July and August. They also make it a good spot for water sports like sailing and windsurfing.
Sometimes, hot dry winds sweep in from inland Tunisia and push temperatures up. When that happens, you’ll probably feel the humidity drop and the air get a bit uncomfortable, especially if you’re outside for hours.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Monastir climbs to very high levels in summer, often between 8 and 10 at midday. If you’re not careful, unprotected skin can burn in under 20 minutes.
Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as harsh. The hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. really pack the strongest rays.
A few practical steps help a lot:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Light, long-sleeved clothing
- Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
Shade is pretty limited on many beaches, so bringing a sun umbrella or renting one comes in handy.
Air Quality Considerations
Monastir usually has pretty good air quality in summer, thanks to the sea breezes that sweep away most pollutants. Sometimes, though, you might spot reduced visibility when Saharan dust drifts up from the south.
That dust can settle everywhere, leaving a thin layer on cars and windows, and it might bother your eyes or lungs if you’re sensitive.
Humidity sticks around at moderate to high levels near the coast. This can make the air feel a bit heavy, especially during those hotter days.
If you have any respiratory conditions, you might actually feel better in the evenings when things cool down and the wind picks up a bit.
Monastir doesn’t really deal with heavy smog or the kind of traffic pollution you’d find in bigger cities. Most visitors end up describing the air as clean and comfortable for most of the season.