When you plan a trip to Djerba, picking the right season really matters if you want to enjoy its beaches, markets, and historic sites without sweating through uncomfortable weather. Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit Djerba, with mild temperatures between 19°C and 27°C, mostly clear skies, and just a little rain. These months bring warm days for exploring and cooler evenings, perfect for relaxing.
Summer hits hard with long, sunny days and very high heat. If you’re not used to hot, dry conditions, sightseeing can feel like a challenge. Winter stays pleasant compared to much of Europe, but you’ll notice shorter days and more humidity, which can limit what you do outside.
If you get a sense of how Djerba’s climate shifts throughout the year, you can match your trip to the experience you want. Maybe you’re after warm water for swimming, quiet strolls through medinas, or exploring cultural sites without crowds.
Understanding Djerba’s Climate
Djerba’s weather mixes the desert influence of the Sahara with the Mediterranean Sea’s moderating touch. You’ll see hot, dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall stays low, and sunshine rules for most of the year.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Djerba sits off Tunisia’s southern coast, where both the sea and desert shape the climate. The island feels Mediterranean, but with drier, hotter extremes.
The sea keeps winters from getting too cold. Still, the nearby Sahara can send sudden heat waves your way, even outside summer. These hot winds bring dust and sand, drying out the air and making things a bit hazy.
Northern Tunisia gets more rain, but Djerba stays arid most of the year. That’s why you’ll see so many sunny days, no matter the season.
Seasonal Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Djerba shift with the seasons, but it rarely gets truly cold. In winter, daytime highs usually sit between 16–18 °C (61–64 °F), and nights average around 10 °C (50 °F). Frost almost never happens, but it’s possible on the coldest nights.
Spring heats up fast. By May, daytime highs often reach 27 °C (81 °F), and sometimes desert winds push it above 35 °C (95 °F).
Summer stretches from June through September. Average highs hit 30–34 °C (86–93 °F), but when the southern winds pick up, you’ll see temps spike above 40 °C (104 °F).
Autumn comes and goes quickly. October and November bring milder days, usually between 23–28 °C (73–82 °F). You might still get a hot spell early on, but cooler nights creep in.
Rainfall and Sunshine Hours
Rain barely shows up in Djerba, with just 200 mm (8 in) per year on average. Most rain falls between October and February. Summer is almost bone-dry, and July usually records no measurable rain at all.
The sea keeps humidity moderate, so even with little rain, hot days can sometimes feel a bit sticky, especially if the wind dies down.
Sunshine is Djerba’s trademark. You get about 3,200 hours of sun per year, or nearly 9 hours a day on average. In July, expect up to 12 hours daily. Even in December, you still see around 6.5 hours of sunshine.
With so little rain and so much sun, Djerba is a solid bet for dry, bright weather almost any time of year.
Best Months to Visit Djerba for Ideal Weather
Djerba’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Some months are better for outdoor fun, while others are more about beach days.
Summer: June to September
Summer in Djerba gets really hot, with daytime highs often reaching 30–34°C (86–93°F), especially in July and August. Nights don’t cool down much, staying around 24–27°C. Rain basically disappears, with July and August almost always dry.
You’ll find the warmest sea temperatures in August, peaking near 28°C, which is perfect for swimming and water sports. Sunshine is everywhere, with up to 12.5 hours of daylight each day.
The heat can feel overwhelming if you’re outside for long. Try to schedule sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and use sun protection.
If you’re all about long beach days, lively resorts, and almost no rain, summer delivers the most reliable weather.
Spring and Autumn: April to May, October
Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, usually 20–28°C (68–82°F) during the day. Nights cool off to 14–20°C. You might see a bit more rain than in summer, but it’s still light, around 10–30 mm per month.
These months are awesome for outdoor stuff like cycling, wandering Houmt Souk, or checking out Djerba’s historical sites. The weather’s warm enough for the beach but not so hot that walking around feels like a chore.
The sea feels good, especially late spring and early autumn, with water temps around 22–26°C. You’ll also dodge the big crowds you get in peak summer, so things feel more relaxed.
This period hits a sweet spot—comfortable, sunny, and not too hot—so it’s a favorite for travelers who want more than just a beach trip.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Djerba feels pretty mild, especially compared to Europe. Daytime highs hover around 16–19°C (61–66°F), and nights drop to 10–12°C. Rain picks up, with December and January the wettest, averaging 20–35 mm.
Even with more rain, you still get plenty of sunny days. Expect 6–7 hours of daylight daily, which is shorter than summer but still pretty decent for outdoor plans.
The sea cools to 15–17°C, not really ideal for swimming. But winter works well for exploring cultural sites, markets, and local villages without the summer crowds or heat.
If you like peace and quiet, lower hotel prices, and mild weather, winter is a calm and comfortable time to visit Djerba.
Monthly Weather Overview in Djerba
Djerba’s dry, sunny climate comes from its spot in the Gulf of Gabès and how close it sits to the Sahara. Winters are mild with a bit of rain. Summers bring long stretches of heat and clear skies. The sea warms up for swimming in the hotter months, and sunshine sticks around all year.
Temperature and Rainfall by Month
Temperatures shift gradually throughout the year. January averages 9–17 °C (48–63 °F), while August tops out at 25–34 °C (77–93 °F). Nights rarely fall below 5 °C in winter, and summer nights often stay above 23 °C.
Rainfall stays low, with about 200 mm (8 in) per year. October and November are the wettest, each with around 35 mm. July is usually bone-dry. Rain, when it comes, falls in quick bursts, not long storms.
Most days are sunny, but sometimes desert winds can crank up the heat, especially in spring and summer. Those hot winds can push things above 40 °C (104 °F).
Sea Temperatures and Swimming Conditions
The sea around Djerba follows the seasons. In winter, water drops to about 15–16 °C (59–61 °F)—a bit chilly for most. By May, it reaches 20 °C (68 °F), which is manageable for a quick swim.
July through September are the best months for swimming, with sea temps averaging 26–28.5 °C (79–83 °F). Even in October, the water stays warm at about 26 °C (79 °F), so you can keep swimming into autumn.
The Gulf of Gabès is shallow, so the sea heats up fast in summer and cools off quickly in winter. Late summer is your safest bet for comfy swimming.
Sunshine Duration Throughout the Year
Djerba gets a ton of sun—about 3,225 hours per year. Even in December and January, you get 6–6.5 hours per day, which is a lot compared to other Mediterranean spots.
From May to August, expect 10 to 12 hours of sunshine daily. July shines the brightest, with 12 hours per day. That means long days for outdoor adventures and beach time.
In autumn, sunshine dips a bit but still sits at 8–9 hours per day. Cloudy days don’t show up often, and even in the wetter months, you’ll see more sun than rain. This steady light is one of Djerba’s big draws.
Weather Considerations for Activities and Sightseeing
Djerba’s dry, sunny weather shapes how you experience its beaches, cultural sites, and family attractions. Changes in temperature, rain, and sea conditions affect when it’s most comfortable to swim, explore markets, or just hang outside.
Beach Holidays and Water Sports
You’ll find the sea warm enough for swimming from July through October, with average water temps between 26–28 °C (79–82 °F). June can work too, but the water might feel a bit cool.
Saharan winds can push air temps above 40 °C (104 °F) in midsummer. These hot spells might cut your beach time short, but they’re great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Summer rain is rare, so your plans probably won’t get interrupted. If you prefer milder sunbathing weather, late May and early October bring warm air with fewer extreme heat days.
| Month | Avg Sea Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 23 | 1 | 10.5 |
| July | 26.5 | 0 | 12 |
| August | 28.5 | 1 | 11.5 |
| Sept | 28 | 15 | 9 |
Exploring Houmt Souk and Local Culture
You’ll get the most out of Houmt Souk, Djerba’s main town, in spring and autumn. Daytime highs usually stay between 22–28 °C (72–82 °F). Walking the markets and winding streets feels much nicer without the peak summer heat.
Winter works for sightseeing too, with mild temperatures around 16–18 °C (61–64 °F). You might get some rain, but showers don’t last long.
If you want to check out mosques, handicraft shops, or the fish market, cooler months let you linger outside without hunting for shade. Bring a light jacket in December or January, since evenings can drop close to 10 °C (50 °F).
Visiting Djerba Explore and Other Attractions
Places like Djerba Explore Park—with its crocodile farm and heritage museum—take a few hours to see. Spring and autumn are the best times, with warm but manageable weather.
Summer afternoons can feel brutal, especially when desert winds push temps above 35 °C (95 °F). If you visit then, go early or wait for late afternoon.
Winter visits are pleasant, but shorter daylight means you should start your day earlier. Rain might show up in November or December, but heavy storms don’t happen often. Comfortable shoes and sun protection make sense any time, since Djerba racks up over 3,200 hours of sunshine a year.
Regional Influences on Djerba’s Weather
Djerba’s weather comes from both its coastal spot and its closeness to the desert. The Gulf of Gabès brings cooling sea breezes, while desert winds from inland Tunisia can crank up the heat and cause sudden changes in comfort.
Impact of the Gulf of Gabès
The Gulf of Gabès shapes Djerba’s climate in a big way. Warm Mediterranean waters surround the island, so steady sea breezes often take the edge off the summer heat.
These breezes help keep winter temperatures milder than what you’d find inland. It’s a subtle difference, but you’ll notice it if you’ve spent time elsewhere in Tunisia.
Humidity usually stays pretty low, even though Djerba sits right on the coast. That’s why the heat feels more manageable than in other places along the Mediterranean.
The Gulf affects rainfall too. Most of the rain falls from October to December, yet dry, sunny days still make up most of the year.
The sea brings its own kind of magic. Water temperatures hover around 16°C in winter and climb to nearly 27°C in late summer. You can swim for a good chunk of the year.
If you’re thinking about beach time, the Gulf helps guarantee long stretches of sunny, calm weather. Interruptions are rare.
Desert Winds and Temperature Extremes
The Gulf helps, but sometimes desert winds from the Sahara sweep in and crank up Djerba’s temperatures. Locals call these winds the chergui or sirocco. They usually show up in late spring or summer.
When these winds blow, daytime highs can shoot past 35°C, even if averages look milder on paper.
These winds bring fine dust along for the ride, making the sky hazy and visibility a bit tricky. Travelers might notice how quickly things can shift from pleasant coastal weather to a hot, dry blast.
At night, the sea keeps things stable. Temperatures don’t drop sharply like they do inland.
Tunisia’s interior cools off fast after sunset, but Djerba’s coast feels much gentler. The difference stands out if you travel between the two.
Travel Tips for Visiting Djerba Based on Weather
Djerba’s weather swings from mild winters to scorching summers. What you pack and how you plan should really match the season. Sun protection, staying hydrated, and picking the right clothes matter. Timing your outings to dodge the midday heat is a smart move.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Spring and autumn feel pretty comfortable, with temperatures usually between 20°C and 26°C. Bring light clothing, but toss in a light jacket for those cooler evenings. You’ll want comfortable shoes for wandering around Houmt Souk or the island’s quieter corners.
Summer gets hot—expect highs over 30°C. You’ll need breathable fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, and high SPF sunscreen. Sunglasses and a reusable water bottle make life easier.
If you’re swimming, sea temperatures hit 24–29°C, so definitely pack swimwear.
Winter days stay mild, but nights can get chilly. Bring long sleeves, a sweater, and maybe a rain jacket since light showers show up more often from late October to December.
It’s wise to pack insect repellent during the warmer months, especially if you’ll be out in the evenings.
Health and Safety in Different Seasons
Summer in Tunisia brings intense sunshine, and those UV levels can get pretty high. If you can, try not to be outside too long between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—that’s when the sun really beats down.
Drink plenty of water. Maybe duck into a museum or another indoor spot during the hottest part of the day.
Spring and autumn feel a lot more comfortable for exploring outside. Still, I always carry water and slap on some sunscreen.
These seasons work great for cycling or walking tours. The humidity drops, and temperatures usually stay pretty reasonable.
Winter doesn’t get extremely cold. But the damp air and those occasional rainy evenings can feel a bit uncomfortable.
I usually throw on a waterproof jacket and wear closed shoes to keep dry.
If heat or sun tends to bother your skin or health, summer probably isn’t your best bet. The cooler months make outdoor plans a lot easier.