The climate of Sfax
Sfax, the second-largest city in
Tunisia, finds itself in the Köppen Subtropical Steppe climate zone. This classification, indicated as BSh, influences the weather conditions in the city. A subtle distinction sets the stage for mild winters and hot, dry summers typical of the Subtropical Steppe climate.
Significant changes occur in the temperature throughout the year, with the coldest month being
January at 5.8°C (42.4°F) and the warmest month presenting itself in
August with an average of 32.2°C (90°F). Rainfall, however, it follows a different pattern, with the wettest month being
October, recording an average rainfall of 56mm (2.2"). The driest month,
July, records a meagre 2mm (0.08") of rainfall.
A distinct pattern is also present in the sea temperature, which ranges from a cooler 14.5°C (58.1°F) in
February to a warm 27.7°C (81.9°F) in August. The annual daylight and sunshine hours reveal a decreasing trend from January to
December, with the longest day recorded in
June with 14.5 hours and the most sunshine hours unfold in July, with 12.2 hours.
The best time to visit Sfax
The pleasant weather of
Sfax best manifests itself in the months of
April and
May, with average high temperatures hovering around 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F). These months also experience fewer rainfall days, making it an excellent time to explore the city's rich history and cultural landmarks unhindered by weather setbacks.
Furthermore, the sea temperatures during these months range between 17.2°C (63°F) and 20°C (68°F), presenting favourable conditions for water-based activities. The level of humidity is also manageable, presenting an average of 62% and 63% for April and May respectively.
The worst time to visit Sfax
The month of
July might not be favourable for tourists due to the extreme weather conditions. The average high temperature peaks at 32°C (89.6°F), coupled with a minimum amount of rainfall, resulting in a hot and dry climate. The sea temperature does rise to 26.5°C (79.7°F) but may not serve as equal reward for braving the heat in July.
Another month of harsh weather condition in
Sfax is
October where the average rainfall significantly increases to 56mm (2.2") over a period of 4 days, marking it as the wettest month. This may result in unfavorable outdoor conditions and interrupt travel plans.
Spring weather in Sfax
Sfax experiences Spring from
March to
May. The high temperatures during this period start from 19.5°C (67.1°F) in March and rise to 25.4°C (77.7°F) in May. On the other hand, low temperatures climb from 8.4°C (47.1°F) in March to 14.4°C (57.9°F) in May. It indicates a slow but steady increase in the warmness of the weather.
Rainfall during the spring months decreases from 23mm (0.91") in March to just 9mm (0.35") in May, spread over three to two days respectively. Sea temperatures also follow an ascending trend from 15.2°C (59.4°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May.
Summer weather in Sfax
Summers in
Sfax, spanning from
June to
August, bring higher temperatures and reduced rainfall. June records average high temperatures of 28.9°C (84°F), progressing to 32.2°C (90°F) in August. The low temperatures rise too, from 17.8°C (64°F) in June to 21.1°C (70°F) in August.
The rainfall reduces considerably during this period, with an absolute minimum in
July and marginally more rain in August, around 6mm (0.24"). The rise in sea temperature complements the rising temperatures on the mainland, with the sea reaching up to 27.7°C (81.9°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Sfax
Autumn, from
September to
November in
Sfax, is marked by a gradual decrease in temperatures. High temperatures drop from 29.8°C (85.6°F) in September to 21.4°C (70.5°F) in November, while low temperatures follow suit, reducing from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F).
Despite the falling temperatures, rainfall remarkably increases, from 24mm (0.94") in September to 23mm (0.91") in November. The sea temperature also slowly retreats from the height of the summer, cooling from 27°C (80.6°F) in September to 22.3°C (72.1°F) in November.
Winter weather in Sfax
Winter in
Sfax lasts from
December to
February and is characteristic of milder temperatures. High temperatures during these months take a downslide from 17.6°C (63.7°F) in December to 16.7°C (62.1°F) in February. Contrastingly, low temperatures show a quick drop in December to 6.7°C (44.1°F) and then, a slow rise back to 6.5°C (43.7°F) in February.
Rainfall fluctuates between the months but maintains an overall increased pattern with 29mm (1.14") in December and 19mm (0.75") in February. Although sea temperatures fall during the winter, recorded at 18.4°C (65.1°F) in December reducing to 14.5°C (58.1°F) in February, it appears warmer compared to winter sea temperatures in many other places.
Weather in January
January is the time of year when the city of
Sfax,
Tunisia, experiences cooler temperatures. The month starts with cold nights as the mercury drops to 5.8°C (42.4°F), and warmth peaks modestly at 16.7°C (62.1°F) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The winter season in
Sfax continues into
February with a slight increase in temperature when compared to
January. The temperatures fluctuate from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall reduces to 19mm (0.75"), continuing to keep February relatively dry.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the onset of spring in
Sfax. A notable temperature bounce is observed with lows and highs varying between 8.4°C (47.1°F) and 19.5°C (67.1°F). The rainfall remains almost similar to
February with 23mm (0.91") spread across four days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The city basks in the full swing of spring during
April, with temperatures and daylight gradually increasing. In this month, temperatures surge from 11°C (51.8°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The weather remains predominantly dry, with rainfall slashing further down to 18mm (0.71") merely over three days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Sfax starts feeling the heat of the approaching summer season. With temperatures soaring from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), the air becomes noticeably warmer. Also, rainfall dips significantly to an average of 9mm (0.35") over two days, leading to drier conditions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
With the arrival of
June,
Sfax firmly steps into its summer season. The temperature range increases from 17.8°C (64°F) to 28.9°C (84°F), marking one of the warmest months of the year. Rainfall almost becomes a rarity with a mere 4mm (0.16") drizzle across one day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Sfax enjoys the zenith of summer in
July, with the highest maximum temperature of 32°C (89.6°F) and a warm minimum of 19.9°C (67.8°F). The city continues to experience its ongoing dry spell with almost no rainfall, resulting in a total of 2mm (0.08") throughout the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Sfax continues to sizzle under the summer heat. The temperature gradient elevates a bit further from 21.1°C (70°F) to 32.2°C (90°F). An insignificant increase in rainfall to 6mm (0.24") does not sufficiently alter the persisting dry weather conditions.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September arrives,
Sfax starts transitioning from summer heat to a more comfortable phase. Interestingly, the temperatures drop from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F). September also marks the return of rain with 24mm (0.94") falling across two days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October observes a significant shift in weather in
Sfax, with temperatures cooling from 16.1°C (61°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Rainfall also escalates to its yearly peak in October, with the city receiving 56mm (2.2") throughout the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Sfax continues to cool down further. The month's temperature varies from 10.6°C (51.1°F) in the chilly mornings and evenings to 21.4°C (70.5°F) in the sunny afternoons. November sees reduced rainfall to 23mm (0.91") over three days, slightly easing the city from
October’s heavy downpours.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter in
Sfax, with temperatures dipping from 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 17.6°C (63.7°F). Rainfall swells slightly to 29mm (1.14"), distributed over four days, contributing to the damp chill in the air.
Weather in December » [Resources]