Weather in Tunisia in December

December climate overview

Daytime highs across Tunisia in December run from 16.4°C (Hammamet) to 17.7°C (Sousse). Even in Sousse only 1% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 9.9°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Hammamet fall to 9°C or below.

Rainfall in December

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Port El Kantaoui the driest (5 days) and Hammamet the wettest (7 days). The wettest December at Sousse between 1991 and 2020 was 2016 with 91 mm; the driest was 2012 with 3 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 18.1°C around Tunisia in December - warmest at Port El Kantaoui (18.1°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.4 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 9.6 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

December against the rest of the year in Tunisia

December is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Tunisia. It is 3.7°C cooler than November and 1.1°C cooler in January. The hottest month here is August (33°C) and the coolest January (16°C).

Which part of Tunisia in December?

• Most sunshine: Port El Kantaoui, 5.6 h a day.
• Driest: Port El Kantaoui, about 5 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Port El Kantaoui, 18°C.
• Hottest: Sousse, 18°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Hammamet, 16°C.

What to pack for Tunisia in December

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 17°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 10°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 18°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in December

Within 1.5°C of Tunisia's December daytime average: La Palma (18°C, sea 21°C), Madeira (18°C, sea 20°C), Ayia Napa (17°C, sea 19°C), Limassol (17°C, sea 20°C), Paphos (17°C, sea 19°C). See the full ranking for December.

Where to stay for the warmer weather

Sousse and Port El Kantaoui are the better choices if daytime warmth matters most, both averaging 18°C. There is little to separate them on temperature: nights average 9°C and the sea is 18°C in each. Port El Kantaoui has a slight advantage for rain, with 5 rainy days compared with 6 in Sousse, but that is not a guarantee of a dry stay. Hammamet is cooler by day at 16°C, though its 11°C nights are milder. It also averages 7 rainy days. Choose the warmer pair for daytime outings, but keep an evening layer handy whichever destination you pick.

Plan for mild afternoons, cool evenings and some rain

Pack layers rather than relying on summer clothes. A light top may be enough during a mild spell, but a jumper, jacket and rain protection give you more flexibility as conditions change. Tunisia averages 5.4 hours of sunshine a day and 6 rainy days in December, so leave room to move outdoor plans around showers. Do not build the trip around hot afternoons: even in Sousse, the share of days above 25°C is just 1%. December therefore suits travellers who prefer being active in mild weather over sitting still on the sand. For evening outings, dress for the cooler night temperatures rather than the daytime average.