The climate of Sousse
Situated in the Northern Hemisphere on the eastern seaboard of
Tunisia,
Sousse enjoys a BSh Köppen climate classification, also referred to as a Subtropical Steppe climate. By virtue of this classification, the city experiences mild winters, hot summers and a moderately dry environment all through the year, fostering fairly predictable weather patterns. An analysis of climatological data indicates a significant range of temperatures in Sousse, between 7°C (44.6°F) in the colder months to a high of 31.5°C (88.7°F) in the peak of summer.
High temperatures fluctuate from a moderate 15.8°C (60.4°F) in the winter months reaching 31.5°C (88.7°F) at the height of summer. In contrast, the climatological low temperatures show a similar trend, starting from 7°C (44.6°F) in the colder months and peaking at 20.9°C (69.6°F) during summer months. Rainfall, on the other hand, bears a pattern of seasonal variation with the least precipitation recorded in
July at 2mm (0.08"), while the heaviest rainfall burdens Sousse in
December with 53mm (2.09") of precipitation in average.
Unique weather patterns are also visible in terms of sunlight hours and UV Index ratings in Sousse. Maximum sunshine hours coincide with the summer season, reaching 14 hours in
June accompanied by a UV Index rating of 10. Conversely, darker days of winter offer limited daylight hours, bottoming out at 9.8 hours in December.
The best time to visit Sousse
Depending on individual tolerances to heat and precipitation, the best time to visit
Sousse is during the late spring months of
April and
May or early autumn during
October. During these transitional seasons, Sousse offers milder weather conditions with temperature averages lying between 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 25.6°C (78.1°F). Rainfall is also reduced during these periods to 28mm (1.1") in April, 15mm (0.59") in May, and 44mm (1.73") in October, making it ideal for sightseeing and indulging in outdoor activities. In addition to cooler and drier weather, the sea temperature, ranging from 16.2°C (61.2°F) in April to 23.7°C (74.7°F) in October, also supplements the season's pleasant climate and enables water activities such as swimming and sailing.
The worst time to visit Sousse
Travelers with a dislike for extreme heat or those particularly sensitive to strong sunlight should consider avoiding
Sousse during the hotter months of
July and
August. Temperature highs during these months peak at 30.7°C (87.3°F) and 31.5°C (88.7°F) respectively, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. With eleven to twelve hours of direct sunlight and the heightened UV Index, outdoor activities become challenging especially for those unaccustomed to high heat conditions. Precipitation is also at its lowest, with rainfall measured at a mere 2mm (0.08") to 7mm (0.28"), which does little to mitigate the intense heat.
Spring weather in Sousse
During Spring,
Sousse experiences gradual warming. Temperatures in
March are at their lowest of the season, ranging from 8.9°C (48°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). These temperatures rise steadily through
April and
May reaching 11°C (51.8°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 14.1°C (57.4°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F) respectively. With an average rainfall of 28mm (1.1") to 35mm (1.38") and an increase in daylight hours from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May, this season is ideal for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.
Summer weather in Sousse
Summer is unquestionably the hottest season in
Sousse, with temperatures soaring from an average low of 17.8°C (64°F) in
June to a peak of 20.9°C (69.6°F) in
August. Correspondingly, high temperatures witness an increase from 27.1°C (80.8°F) in June to 31.5°C (88.7°F) in August. Rainfall is scarce during this period, dipping to a meager 2mm (0.08") in
July. With extended daylight hours from 14.6 hours in June to 13.5 hours in August, this season is perfect for those who revel in the heat.
Autumn weather in Sousse
Temperatures in the fall months gradually retreat from its summer highs, averaging between 19.9°C (67.8°F) in
September and 16.3°C (61.3°F) in
November. Average highs dips from 30.2°C (86.4°F) in September to a more pleasant 20.8°C (69.4°F) by November. Rainfall sees a considerable rise in this season, jumping from 35mm (1.38") in September to 44mm (1.73") in November. With diminishing daylight hours from 12.4 in September to 10.3 hours in November, the autumn season offers a wonderful blend of mild climate and scenic beauty.
Winter weather in Sousse
In Winter,
Sousse enjoys milder weather conditions. Temperatures average from a low of 8.1°C (46.6°F) in
December to 7°C (44.6°F) in
February with corresponding highs fluctuating between 16.7°C (62.1°F) and 15.8°C (60.4°F). Rainfall during this period peaks with an average of 53mm (2.09") in December, making it the wettest month of the year. Daylight hours during the winter period shrink to a yearly low of 9.8 hours in December, making this an ideal season for those who prefer a cooler climate and enjoy indoor activities and cozy evenings.
Weather in January
January in
Sousse,
Tunisia, marks the start of a new year with a blend of mildly cold and damp weather. Known for its above-average rainfall of 43mm (1.69") over 7 days, it's an ideal time for those who love the soft pitter-patter of raindrops.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Sousse steps into
February, the weather sees an incremental shift. With a gentle rise in both the maximum and minimum temperatures, reaching 16.3°C (61.3°F) and 7.2°C (45°F) respectively, it continues the rainy theme from
January, collecting 48mm (1.89") of rain over 6 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March rings in spring by bringing a noticeable change in the weather conditions of
Sousse,
Tunisia. With the temperature spectrum extending from 8.9°C (48°F) to 17.8°C (64°F), the weather turns warmer yet remains comfortable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Slowly yet steadily, the city of
Sousse progresses into
April, bidding adieu to spring showers. The rain gauge measures mere 28mm (1.1") over 6 days, marking a significant reduction. The weather steadily warms up, pushing the mercury to oscillate between 11°C (51.8°F) and 20.2°C (68.4°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the advent of summer as
Sousse basks in the warmth of the weather. With the temperature inching towards 23.4°C (74.1°F) on the higher side and 14.1°C (57.4°F) on the lower end, the heat isn't sweltering yet. The month stands out with the least rainfall of just 15mm (0.59") in 5 days, presenting a relatively dry scene.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings in the full-flourished summer in
Sousse with soaring temperatures that peak at 27.1°C (80.8°F). Loading the lowest rainfall of only 9mm (0.35") across 2 days, hot and dry conditions prevail throughout the month. The warming sea invites swimmers and coast-lovers, while the extended daylight allows long, leisurely days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Sousse,
Tunisia, with temperatures spiraling between 20.6°C (69.1°F) and 30.7°C (87.3°F). At the zenith of summer, heat and humidity rule, interspersed with a barely detectable 2mm (0.08") of rain over just one day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August stays on the hotter side, with the temperature just a notch lower than
July, ranging from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F). Precipitation levels remain maintained at a scarce 7mm (0.28") over 2 days. Even though it's one of the hottest months, the Mediterranean breeze provides some respite.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Sousse witnesses a slight retreat in temperatures, settling between 19.9°C (67.8°F) and 30.2°C (86.4°F). The city greets autumn with an increase in rainfall, measuring 35mm (1.38") across 4 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sousse moves further into autumn with cooler days and a discernible drop in temperature, from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F). Surprisingly, rainfall makes a comeback after hot, dry months, with 44mm (1.73") spread over 6 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers
Sousse,
Tunisia, into late autumn with its crisp air and nominal rainfall of 35mm (1.38") over 6 days. The sharp decline in temperature is apparent, with the thermometer dipping as low as 11.5°C (52.7°F) and rising to a comfortable 20.8°C (69.4°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
The final month of the calendar navigates
Sousse towards winter.
December fans out a cold gust with temperatures oscillating between 8.1°C (46.6°F) and 16.7°C (62.1°F). It brings along the highest rainfall of the year, registering 53mm (2.09") over 7 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]