Thinking about a summer trip to Tunis? Get ready for hot, dry days and lots of sunshine. Daytime highs usually hit around 87–93°F (30–34°C), and evenings stay warm, rarely dipping below the upper 60s°F (20°C). That kind of weather makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the city, or just relax along the Mediterranean coast.
Rain almost never interrupts summer plans. Skies stay mostly clear, and while humidity creeps up in late summer, sea breezes usually help take the edge off. With daylight stretching over 14 hours in June and July, you get plenty of time to soak up the city and the beaches.
The Mediterranean Sea feels warm and inviting all summer, perfect for swimming. Whether you want to dive into history or just lounge by the coast, Tunis in summer offers a nice mix of culture and leisure.
Overview of Summer Climate in Tunis
Tunis sits in a hot Mediterranean climate zone, influenced by both the sea and desert winds. Summers bring long, sunny days, barely any rain, and the occasional heat wave that can really crank up the temperature.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
The city follows the Mediterranean pattern: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. In the summer, rain is scarce—often less than 5 mm in July—making July one of the driest months.
You get long daylight hours, with 10–11.5 hours of sunshine each day. That’s great for being outside, though the midday sun can be brutal.
Humidity depends on the wind direction. When the breeze comes off the sea, the air feels humid but a bit cooler. When desert winds blow in, the air dries out and temperatures can shoot up, sometimes past 40 °C (104 °F).
The sea temperature climbs as well. By July and August, it reaches 24–26 °C, which is more than comfortable for swimming.
Summer Weather Patterns
Summer days in Tunis usually hit highs of 31–35 °C (88–95 °F), and nights cool down to about 22–23 °C (72–73 °F). Heat waves happen pretty often, and sometimes the mercury soars above 45 °C (113 °F).
Rain almost never shows up. July often passes without a single drop. If a shower does happen, it’s quick and isolated.
Most days, the sky stays clear. Cloud cover drops to about 15–20% in July and August, so you can count on a lot of sun.
Winds make a big difference in how the heat feels. A sea breeze can cool things off a bit, but when the sirocco—a hot desert wind—blows in, it brings heat and sometimes dust that lowers visibility.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Summer in Tunis feels much drier and hotter than winter. In January, highs average around 16 °C (61 °F), and it rains a lot more. By July, you see 34 °C (93 °F) and barely any rain.
Spring and autumn act as the middle ground. May brings highs around 26 °C (79 °F), and October averages 27 °C (81 °F). These months are warmer than winter but not as intense as summer.
Daylight shifts a lot too. Summer days give you over 14 hours of daylight, while winter days barely reach 10 hours. June through August offer the most reliable clear skies and the strongest sunshine.
The sea changes with the seasons as well. In winter, the water drops to about 15 °C (59 °F)—way too chilly for most people. By August, it warms up to 26 °C (79 °F), making summer the best time for swimming and beach fun.
Typical Summer Temperatures
Tunis summers bring hot days, mild nights, and hardly any rain. You’ll notice steady warmth throughout, with temperatures peaking in July and August before things ease up in September.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In summer, the average high temperature in Tunis runs from about 83°F (28°C) in June up to 91°F (33°C) in August. July and August are definitely the hottest, often climbing into the upper 80s or low 90s.
Nights feel more comfortable. The average low temperature sits between 66°F (19°C) and 72°F (22°C), which makes evenings much more pleasant than the daytime heat.
Humidity stays moderate, and the air feels drier compared to some other Mediterranean cities. With all the sunshine, the midday warmth can get intense. If you’re planning to be outside, aim for early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Summer in Tunis runs from June through September. Here’s how the months stack up:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 66°F / 19°C | Warm start to the season |
| July | 89°F / 32°C | 70°F / 21°C | Hot and dry |
| August | 91°F / 33°C | 72°F / 22°C | Peak heat of the year |
| Sept. | 86°F / 30°C | 69°F / 20°C | Gradual cooling |
By late June, the heat ramps up fast. July and August stay consistently hot, with barely a hint of rain. September cools down a bit, especially at night.
This steady pattern makes it easy to plan travel or outdoor activities without too many surprises.
Record Highs and Lows
Averages tell most of the story, but record extremes show what’s possible. Tunis has seen summer highs just over 100°F (38–39°C) during rare heatwaves. These don’t happen often, but July or August can bring them.
Some summer nights have dipped to around 60°F (16°C), but that’s rare—most nights stay much warmer.
Heatwaves can feel even harsher in the city, thanks to the direct sun and limited shade. If you’re visiting in peak summer, drink plenty of water, wear light clothes, and try to avoid being outside too long in the afternoon.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Summer in Tunis brings very dry weather and almost no rain. Humidity changes depending on how close you are to the Mediterranean. Expect long stretches of clear skies and air that usually feels drier than in spring or autumn.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in summer is almost nonexistent. June averages about 10 mm, July just 3 mm, and August around 7 mm. Most of that falls in only a few days, with July the driest month of all.
That’s typical for a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and rain saved for the cooler months. For travelers, you almost never have to worry about rain messing up your plans.
Humidity stays moderate near the coast because of the sea. Inland, it feels much drier. The lack of rain also means the landscape starts to look more arid by late July and August.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | 10 mm |
| July | 3 mm |
| August | 7 mm |
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
Rainy days in summer are a rarity. June might bring 2 days of light rain, while July often goes with just 1. August picks up a little but still averages no more than 2 rainy days.
These long dry spells mean you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about showers. Expect weeks of sunshine in a row, sometimes without a single drop of rain.
Humidity can feel higher in the evenings near the sea, but days stay mostly dry. This makes summer in Tunis great for the beach and sightseeing, though you’ll want to prepare for the heat instead of rain.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Tunis enjoys long, bright summer days with loads of sunshine. You get extended daylight and high daily sun exposure, which really shapes how people spend their time outside.
Daily Sunshine Duration
In summer, Tunis gets some of the longest sunshine durations of the year. July tops the list, with about 11–12 hours of direct sunshine every day. June and August aren’t far behind, each offering 10–11 hours.
That’s actually more sun than you’d get in cities like Barcelona or Rome. The clear skies and low rainfall in July and August mean you can count on steady sunlight with barely any clouds.
All that sun can make afternoons scorchingly hot. Midday often climbs above 30°C, so it’s smart to plan outdoor fun for earlier or later in the day. If you’re visiting, don’t forget light clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Daylight Variations Across Summer
Daylight in Tunis stretches well into the evening. In June, the longest days reach about 14.5 hours of daylight, and July and August stay close with 14–13.5 hours.
This slow change means you get long evenings all summer. It’s perfect for sightseeing, outdoor dinners, or walks along the coast after the sun’s gone down a bit.
Compared to winter, when days can drop below 10 hours of daylight, summer feels much longer. These daylight hours, plus all that sun, let you make the most of your time outside without feeling rushed.
Sea Temperatures and Swimming Conditions
The sea near Tunis warms up steadily as summer goes on. Early June feels cool, but by August and September, the water’s really inviting. You can expect swimming conditions to stay comfortable for several months, especially during the peak tourist season.
Average Sea Temperatures
In early summer, the sea sits at about 21–22°C (69–72°F) in June. That’s refreshing, maybe even a little brisk for some. By July, the water climbs to 25°C (77°F) and feels much better for swimming.
August is the warmest month, with sea temperatures of 26–27°C (78–80°F). At that point, the water feels warm and comfortable, even for kids or anyone sensitive to cold. September stays nearly as warm, averaging 25–26°C (77–79°F), before things cool off in October.
Here’s a quick reference for summer months in Tunis:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp | Swimming Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| June | 21–22°C | Cool to mild |
| July | 25°C | Comfortable |
| August | 26–27°C | Very warm |
| September | 25–26°C | Comfortable |
The sea is definitely at its best from mid-summer onward.
Best Months for Swimming
You’ll find the sea most enjoyable from July to September, when temperatures stay above 25°C (77°F). During these months, most people can swim without feeling chilly.
June works if you like cooler water, but a lot of folks find it brisk. August is the warmest and probably the most popular for swimming in Tunis.
September is a great option too. The sea stays warm, and the beaches aren’t as crowded as in the heart of summer. That combination of comfort and space makes early autumn pretty appealing if you’re after a swim.
If you’re planning your visit around the sea, stick to July through September for the best and most consistent swimming conditions.
Other Summer Weather Factors
Summer in Tunis isn’t just about the heat and dry air. Local wind patterns and cloud cover also shape what you feel day to day. These factors influence comfort, air quality, and how you experience the city outdoors.
Wind Patterns and Breezes
In Tunis during summer, winds usually blow in from the north and northeast. They bring cooler air off the Mediterranean, which is a real relief during hot afternoons.
Sea breezes make coastal areas feel a lot more comfortable than the city center. If you’re near the water, you’ll probably notice the difference right away.
Sometimes, hot and dry winds from the Sahara sweep through the region. People call these sirocco winds, and they push temperatures up while drying out the air. When they hit, you might notice dust in the air and nights that feel much warmer than usual.
Summer wind speeds mostly stay in the moderate range, about 7–12 mph (11–19 km/h). That’s enough to keep the air moving so it doesn’t feel stuffy, but it won’t mess up your plans.
If you’re headed to the coast, expect breezes to pick up later in the afternoon. Those winds make the beaches more pleasant, though they can kick up some light waves, so swimming might feel a bit different.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
In Tunis, summer skies usually stay clear. Cloud cover drops from around 32% in early summer to just 16% by late summer. You’ll probably notice stretches of blue sky that seem to go on forever, which makes this season perfect for outdoor adventures or snapping some great photos.
Clear skies really boost visibility, often letting you see more than 10 miles (16 km) out. You can take in sweeping views of the city, the coastline, and those nearby hills without much haze getting in the way. If you’re thinking about day trips or want to check out the scenery from higher up, you’re in luck.
Rain almost never shows up in summer. July, for example, usually gets only about 3 mm (0.12 inches) of rain. Streets stay dry, so you won’t have to worry about weather messing up your plans outside.
But here’s the thing, the sunlight can get pretty intense. Even with all that clear sky, midday hours can feel harsh. It’s a good idea to stick with light clothes, a hat, and sunscreen—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.