The climate of Tataouine
Tataouine,
Tunisia, is characterized as a Subtropical desert, following the Köppen climate classification, also known as BWh. The town's geographical position in the heart of Tunisia has gifted it a climate that consists of high temperatures and scarce rainfall. Cumulative data shows a significant variance in the temperature spectrum from throughout the year. The highest prevailing temperatures go up to 35°C (95°F), observed typically in
August, while the mercury drops to a low of 7°C (44.6°F) in the coldest month,
January.
Regarding precipitation, Tataouine residents experience a fairly dry climate with a maximum rainfall of 34mm (1.34") in
October, dropping to nonexistent levels - 0mm (0") in
July. The number of wet days in a month is relatively low as well, floating from one in July - a testament to the dominant dry conditions, to four during the start and end of the year, as well as in
March.
Intense sunshine hours, a trademark of desert climates, peak at 12 hours daily around July before gradually decreasing to 7 hours by
December. Daytime length also showcases a similar trend, reaching a peak of 14.3 hours during the summer months and retreating to just over 10 hours during the winter. The UV index mirrors this pattern, rising to 11 during the sunniest, clearest days of the year.
The best time to visit Tataouine
The most favourable time for tourists to visit
Tataouine is primarily between
April to
June. During these months, temperatures range from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), allowing travellers to explore the historic town and its surrounding desert landscape without feeling overwhelmingly warm. Rainfall is at its minimal, with average monthly figures between 8mm (0.31") and 3mm (0.12"). An ample 10-11 hours of sunshine each day enhances the visitor experience, making the period inviting for outdoor expeditions.
The worst time to visit Tataouine
Visiting
Tataouine during the peak summer months from
July to
August is deemed least desirable due to exceedingly high temperatures, soaring to between 34°C (93.2°F) and 35°C (95°F). Coupled with the potent UV index of 11, daily outdoor activities may prove uncomfortable for many. Simultaneously, the absence of rainfall during this period also emphasizes the aridity of the desert climate, which may not suit everyone's preference.
Spring weather in Tataouine
The spring months usher in milder weather conditions in
Tataouine.
March to
May sees temperatures gradually rise from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Rainfall follows a similar ascending order, with precipitation measures increasing from 24mm (0.94") in March to 21mm (0.83") in
April, then falling to a meagre 8mm (0.31") in May. Sunshine extends from 8 to 10 hours daily, providing ample daylight for exploration.
Summer weather in Tataouine
Summer in
Tataouine can be extremely hot with average temperatures from
June to
August ranging between 32°C (89.6°F) to 35°C (95°F). The town remains dry, with rainfall decreasing to its lowest during the year, from 3mm (0.12") in June, no rainfall in
July, to just 1mm (0.04") in August. The high UV index of around 10 to 11 during these months necessitates precautions against sun exposure.
Autumn weather in Tataouine
As autumn rolls in, temperatures start to drop between
September to
November, with averages fluctuating from 32°C (89.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). With the onset of this season in September, there is a slight increase in rainfall to 16mm (0.63").
October witnesses the highest precipitation for the year at 34mm (1.34"), before it descends to 16mm (0.63") in November. Sunshine hours decline during this period as well, with the average ranging from 9 hours in September to 8 hours by November.
Winter weather in Tataouine
Winter months, from
December to
February, in
Tataouine are noticeably cooler. Temperatures during this period range from a mild high of 17°C (62.6°F) in December to lows of 7°C (44.6°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). December and
January receive a good amount of rainfall, measuring 20mm (0.79") and 16mm (0.63") respectively, while February experiences a slight decrease to 15mm (0.59"). Daylight hovers around 10 hours daily, while the UV index drops down to a less intense 3 to 4.
Weather in January
Tataouine greets the New Year with cooler temperatures and substantial rainfall.
January is colder than subsequent months, with temperatures fluctuating between 7°C (44.6°F) and 16°C (60.8°F). Skies during this time are mostly cloudy, with less sunlight streaming through compared to what locals anticipate in
February.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Tataouine,
Tunisia,
February brings subtle changes in the weather conditions compared to
January. There is a slight enhancement in temperature and overall sunlight exposure which signals the slow approach of Spring. Rainfall persists, although not as heavily as the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Escalating temperatures set
March apart from
February in
Tataouine. As winter fades, residents embrace the warmer, longer daylight hours that the changing season brings. With temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), the city basks in more sun throughout the day while rainfall eases significantly, leading to drier weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a notably dry month in
Tataouine as the city transitions into the hot season, experiencing less rainfall than seen in
March. The city sees its temperature rise considerably, simultaneously welcoming longer hours of daylight.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the true commencement of the hot season in
Tataouine with temperatures escalating rapidly, although these are not the peak temperatures of the year. Rainfall is infrequent, characterizing the month with dry and arid conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Tataouine city in
June, enters its peak summer phase, experiencing the year's longest days, and witnessing soaring temperatures. The weather of this month mirrors
May’s conditions but with more intensity. There is practically no rainfall, reinforcing the aridity of the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Tataouine is marked by a surge in temperatures, reaching up to 35°C (95°F), this month is the hottest month of the year. Besides scorching days, July also provides the extended daylight this city is known for during summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the
July high-temperature trend, making it one of the warmest months in
Tataouine, albeit slightly less hot. The month retains the lengthy daylight characteristic of summer months but with decreased intensity. Any chance of rainfall is measly, rendering the region true to its desert-like environment.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a noticeable change in
Tataouine's climate as temperatures take a turn after the hot summer months. With the drop in temperatures from 32°C (89.6°F) to a cooler 21°C (69.8°F), this time of the year marks the onset of cooler weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Tataouine signs the definitive arrival of cooler weather with falling temperatures and a surge in rainfall. The descent in temperature from
September is indicative of the retreat of summer. Along with this retreat, daylight hours also reduce substantively, shortening days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November carries forth the cooling trend of
October in
Tataouine, displaying further reduction in temperature. The daylight hours decrease considerably in comparison to the preceding month. With temperatures ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), the climate exhibits the impending arrival of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is a month of significantly cooler climate in
Tataouine as temperatures continue their downward trend, plummeting to a low of 8°C (46.4°F). This month brings with it shorter days and reduced daylight hours, characteristics of winter in the city.
Weather in December » [Resources]