Winter in Tunis feels mild and comfortable, especially when you compare it to colder spots in Europe or North America. Daytime highs usually hover around 60°F (16°C), while nights cool off to about 46°F (8°C), so it’s honestly one of the more pleasant winter getaways in North Africa.
You’ll notice some rain, but storms tend to pass quickly, and skies often clear up soon after.
Cloud cover happens pretty often, but you won’t see long, dreary stretches of gray. Rain chances go up a bit as winter goes on, yet the total rainfall stays moderate.
From December into February, you get more sunshine and longer days, which means extra daylight for exploring the city and nearby spots.
This mix of cool but not harsh temps, moderate rain, and growing daylight makes winter in Tunis feel calm and pretty manageable. If you’re planning outdoor sightseeing or just curious about the local climate, knowing these patterns definitely helps you pack and plan with confidence.
Winter Climate Overview in Tunis
Winter brings mild temperatures, moderate rain, and shorter days compared to the rest of the year. Expect cooler evenings, a steady chance of rain, and gradual changes in daylight as the season moves along.
Typical Winter Temperatures
In winter, daily high temperatures in Tunis stick around 60–63°F (15–17°C). Highs rarely dip below 54°F (12°C) or climb above 72°F (22°C).
Nights cool down, with average lows near 46–48°F (8–9°C), so evenings feel chilly but not freezing.
January usually brings the coldest weather. On the coldest days, you might see 46°F (8°C) at night and about 60°F (16°C) during the day.
Tunis stays noticeably milder than many European cities at the same latitude.
Humidity levels stay comfortable, and you won’t really run into muggy air this time of year. Rain happens, but it’s usually light to moderate, not heavy storms.
Length of the Winter Season
Winter in Tunis generally lasts from December through February, though cooler weather sometimes stretches into late November or early March.
Shorter days mark the season, but daylight gradually grows as spring nears.
In December, daylight sticks around for about 9 hours and 40 minutes, with the sun rising after 7:20 AM and setting near 5:05 PM.
By late February, you get more than 11 hours of daylight, with earlier sunrises and later sunsets.
Rainfall stays steady, averaging about 1.3 inches (33 mm) per month, spread across a handful of rainy days. You’ll probably get a few showers during your visit, but nothing too dramatic.
Comparisons to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, winter in Tunis feels cooler, wetter, and a bit cloudier. Summer highs easily hit 90–94°F (32–34°C), with long dry spells and endless sunshine.
Winter highs stay in the low 60s, and rain is more common.
Spring and autumn act as transitions. Spring warms up quickly, with more daylight and less rain than winter.
Autumn starts out mild but turns wetter by late October.
If you can’t stand extreme heat, winter really offers the most comfortable weather for walking, sightseeing, and exploring the city.
Temperature Patterns and Monthly Averages
Winter in Tunis brings cooler but generally mild conditions compared to much of Europe or North America. Daytime temperatures stay pleasant, while nights drop to cooler levels that might have you reaching for a light jacket.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
From December through February, average highs in Tunis fall between 16°C and 18°C (61–64°F). Lows usually land between 8°C and 11°C (46–52°F).
December tends to be a bit warmer than January, with average highs near 18°C. January is the coldest month, with highs closer to 16–17°C and lows around 9°C.
By February, things warm up slightly, and highs return to about 17°C.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 18°C (64°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| January | 16–17°C (61–63°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| February | 17°C (63°F) | 9–10°C (49°F) |
These numbers come from long-term data at Tunis-Carthage Airport, which keeps the most reliable local records.
Coldest and Mildest Winter Days
You’ll find the coldest days in January, when temperatures can drop close to 5°C (41°F) at night, though it doesn’t usually fall below 4°C.
Daytime highs then may stick around 15°C, which still feels gentle compared to harsher winters elsewhere.
The mildest days often show up in December and February, with highs reaching 19–20°C (66–68°F) during sunny stretches.
These warmer spells aren’t rare, thanks to Tunisia’s Mediterranean climate, which brings plenty of clear skies even in winter.
Rain is more likely in December, but showers usually don’t last long. This combo of mild highs and short rain showers makes winter weather pretty comfortable for outdoor activities, though evenings stay cool.
Hourly Temperature Variations
Winter days in Tunis follow a steady pattern. Before sunrise, temperatures usually start near 8–10°C (46–50°F).
By midday, things warm up to the daily high of 16–18°C, with the warmest hours between 12:00 and 15:00.
After sunset, temperatures drop quickly. By late evening, you’re looking at 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Nights get cooler but rarely severe, and frost almost never happens.
This daily rhythm means you’ll want a jacket in the morning and evening, but lighter clothes often work fine at midday. The consistency of these shifts makes it easier to plan outdoor activities, especially if you prefer the warmest part of the day.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
During winter in Tunis, skies drift between cloudy and clear, with a pretty steady balance. Expect a mix of partly cloudy days, some overcast spells, and stretches of clearer skies as winter rolls on.
Frequency of Partly Cloudy Skies
Partly cloudy skies show up a lot in Tunis during the winter months. On average, you’ll see these conditions about a third of the time.
You’ll often spot breaks in the clouds where sunlight peeks through, but it’s not a guarantee all day.
These days are most common in mid to late winter when cloud cover starts to thin out.
Travelers tend to appreciate these days because the sun-cloud mix keeps things mild.
For outdoor plans, partly cloudy weather means good visibility and comfortable light. You can count on stable conditions then, with less risk of heavy rain than on overcast days.
Overcast and Clear Days
Overcast skies show up regularly in Tunis during winter, covering the sky about 35–40% of the time.
These days usually bring cooler temps and a higher chance of light rain. The gray can hang around for hours, especially in December and January.
Clear days are less common but do happen, especially by February. When skies clear, you get more sunshine and warmer afternoons.
The difference between overcast and clear weather matters if you’re planning sightseeing. Overcast days might limit views, while clear skies are perfect for exploring the city and coast.
Seasonal Changes in Cloudiness
Cloud patterns in Tunis shift as winter goes from December into February. Early winter tends to be cloudier, with more overcast days and fewer sunny breaks.
By mid-February, skies clear up, and you get more sunny or partly cloudy days.
This change happens as winter storms around the Mediterranean weaken. As those systems fade, cloud cover drops and daylight hours go up.
For visitors, late winter usually brings better weather. You’ll find clearer skies, longer days, and less chance of heavy clouds compared to early in the season.
Precipitation and Humidity in Winter
During winter in Tunis, you’ll notice wetter weather than in the dry summer. Rain becomes more frequent, and humidity rises, shaping a cooler and damper climate that really defines this time of year.
Rainfall Amounts and Wet Days
Winter brings the most rain all year. December usually gets about 67 mm (2.6 inches) of precipitation, making it the wettest month.
January and February bring slightly less rain but still stay much wetter than the rest of the year.
Rain usually falls on 6 to 8 days per month, often as short, moderate showers instead of long storms.
Heavy, all-day downpours are rare, but the ground can stay damp from repeated showers.
Compared to the nearly rainless summer, the difference is obvious. If you plan outdoor activities, keep in mind you might need to adjust around rainfall.
Humidity Levels
Humidity climbs in winter as cooler air hangs onto more moisture. Average daytime relative humidity often sits between 70% and 80%, making the air feel damp even when it’s not raining.
Nights can feel chillier because of the dampness and lower temps.
You might spot condensation on windows and surfaces, especially in older buildings without good insulation. That can make heating less efficient and add to the cool indoor feeling.
For travelers, higher humidity changes comfort levels. While summer heat feels dry, winter air in Tunis feels heavier, and you’ll probably want warmer clothes to beat the damp chill.
Monthly Precipitation Trends
Rainfall patterns shift slowly over winter. In December, rain peaks with the highest totals and most frequent wet days.
By January, rainfall drops a bit but still happens regularly, around 50–60 mm.
In February, rain continues but tapers off, with totals closer to 40–50 mm, hinting that spring’s on the way.
You’ll find the wettest weather early in winter, with things drying out a bit as the season ends. The shift is gradual, so you should expect occasional rain throughout.
Daylight, Sun, and Wind Patterns
Winter in Tunis brings shorter days, softer sunlight, and moderate breezes. You’ll notice clear changes in daylight length, shifting sunrise and sunset times, and winds that can make the season feel cooler.
Daylight Hours and Twilight
During winter, Tunis averages 9 to 10 hours of daylight, which is several hours less than summer.
The shortest days come in late December with about 9 hours 40 minutes of light, while February already gets close to 10 hours 50 minutes.
Twilight adds a bit of extra usable light at both ends of the day. Morning twilight starts about 30 minutes before sunrise, and evening twilight lingers another 30 minutes after sunset.
You get a little more time outdoors, even with the sun below the horizon.
Shorter daylight affects daily routines, especially if you want to sightsee or visit outdoor markets. Cultural sites often stick to fixed hours, so knowing sunset times helps you plan ahead.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In December, you’ll see the sun rise around 7:20 AM and set close to 5:00 PM in Tunis. By January, sunrise shifts a bit later, landing at about 7:30 AM, and sunset stretches to nearly 5:20 PM.
February brings earlier mornings, with sunrise at 7:00 AM and sunset sliding toward 5:50 PM.
You pick up almost one extra hour of daylight between December and February. If you’re staying near Tunis-Carthage, mornings stay cool and dim for a while, but evenings brighten up sooner as winter moves on.
For photography or just a walk outside, the low winter sun creates long shadows and softer, gentler light. Many travelers love that.
The sun never really feels harsh here, even around noon.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winter winds in Tunis usually stay mild to moderate, averaging 5 to 10 mph. Some days are calmer, others get a little gustier.
Winds often blow in from the northwest and north, bringing cooler air across the area, especially near Tunis-Carthage.
In January and February, those breezes feel stronger near the coast, particularly in open spots. Inland, winds lighten up, but you’ll still notice them.
These winds make winter feel chillier, even when you see temperatures in the upper 50s °F.
Weather systems can shift wind direction, so you might get a still, mild day or a breezy one that feels colder. If you’re planning to be outside, a light jacket or windbreaker really helps.
Geography and Environmental Influences
Tunis sits where the Mediterranean Sea, coastal plains, and nearby hills meet. These features shape winter rain, temperature swings, and how the wind moves around the city.
Local land cover and city growth also change how winter weather feels from day to day.
Impact of Geography on Winter Weather
Tunis sits on Tunisia’s northern coast, looking right out at the Mediterranean Sea. This spot gives you milder winters compared to inland towns, since the sea helps keep temperatures steady.
The water releases stored heat during the cooler months, so cold spells don’t hit as hard here.
Just south of the city, the Tunisian hills act as a barrier, splitting the coastal climate from the hotter, drier inland zones. In winter, you get more rain than areas farther south.
The hills also shape wind flow, sometimes funneling moist air right into the city.
Tunis barely rises above sea level—less than 1 meter, according to Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data. This flat land means temperatures don’t swing wildly, but coastal winds have more room to move.
Rain falls most often from November through February, when Mediterranean storms roll in.
Nearby Land Cover and Urban Effects
Around Tunis, you’ll find coastal plains, city neighborhoods, and patches of greenery. Global land cover share data shows most of the area is urban or agricultural, with not much forest.
This mix changes how heat and moisture move through the city and the countryside nearby.
In the city, all that dense construction and pavement creates an urban heat island effect. Nights stay a little warmer in winter than they do outside the city.
Concrete and asphalt soak up warmth during the day and slowly let it out after sunset.
Parks and farmland help cool things off and add humidity, balancing out the city’s warmth a bit. Still, as Tunis grows, natural cooling drops off.
So, winter rainfall still depends on big weather systems, but inside the city center, it often feels warmer and less damp.
Travel Tips for Winter in Tunis
Winter in Tunis feels pretty mild compared to a lot of European cities, but you’ll still get cool nights, some rain, and shorter days. Planning ahead makes your visit smoother and more comfortable.
What to Pack for the Season
Daytime temperatures usually reach 15–17 °C (59–63 °F). Nights can drop to 8–10 °C (46–50 °F). Pack layers so you can adapt as the weather changes.
A light sweater or fleece works for the day, but you’ll want a warmer jacket at night.
Since rain is more common in winter, bring a compact umbrella or a water-resistant jacket. Streets get slippery after showers, so shoes with good grip are a must.
If you’re heading to the coast or Carthage, a scarf and windbreaker come in handy—sea breezes feel cooler than inland air.
For indoor visits to mosques or cultural sites, wear modest clothes like long sleeves and trousers.
Transportation and Weather Considerations
Rain showers can slow traffic around Tunis, especially downtown and on the way to Tunis-Carthage International Airport. Give yourself extra time if you’re catching a flight or train.
Public transport—light rail and buses—runs all year, but heavy rain can throw off schedules. Taxis are easy to find, but it’s smart to agree on a fare or check that the meter’s running.
You can drive yourself, but winter rain cuts visibility and makes roads slick. If you rent a car, check the tires and wipers first.
Parking in central Tunis is tight, so plan ahead if you’re heading to busy spots.
Best Activities During Winter
Winter feels like a great time for sightseeing without extreme heat. Exploring the ruins of Carthage or wandering through the Medina of Tunis gets a lot more enjoyable when the weather’s mild.
I find the Bardo Museum way easier to appreciate without sweating through a crowd. When it rains, you can duck into museums, cozy up in traditional cafés, or browse covered markets.
Locals love Hammams (public baths) in the colder months, and honestly, who doesn’t want to warm up that way?
If you’re into day trips, winter makes it comfortable to visit Sidi Bou Said or other coastal towns.
Sure, the sea’s too chilly for a dip, but the views look crisp and clear, and you won’t have to deal with summer crowds.