Weather in Tunisia in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across Tunisia in January run from 15.2°C (Hammamet) to 16.7°C (Sousse). Even in Sousse only 0% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 8.4°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Hammamet fall to 7°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Port El Kantaoui the driest (5 days) and Hammamet the wettest (7 days). The wettest January at Sousse between 1991 and 2020 was 1999 with 129 mm; the driest was 2007 with 3 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.8°C around Tunisia in January - warmest at Sousse (15.8°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.4 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 9.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in Tunisia

January is the 12th warmest month of the twelve in Tunisia. It is 1.1°C cooler than December and 0.5°C warmer in February. The hottest month here is August (33°C) and the coolest January (16°C).

Which part of Tunisia in January?

• Most sunshine: Sousse, 5.6 h a day.
• Driest: Port El Kantaoui, about 5 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sousse, 16°C.
• Hottest: Sousse, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Hammamet, 15°C.

What to pack for Tunisia in January

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 16°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 8°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of Tunisia's January daytime average: La Palma (17°C, sea 20°C), Madeira (17°C, sea 19°C), Albufeira (16°C, sea 16°C), Costa de la Luz (16°C, sea 16°C), Seville (15°C). See the full ranking for January.

Which part of Tunisia is best in January?

Among these destinations, Sousse has the clearest advantage for daytime warmth, averaging 17°C with 5 rainy days. Port El Kantaoui is close behind at 16°C and has the same number of rainy days, so there is little weather reason to favour it over Sousse. Both fall to 8°C at night, making a warm evening layer sensible. Hammamet is cooler by day at 15°C and wetter, with 7 rainy days, but its 10°C nights are milder. Choose Sousse if your priority is comfortable daytime walks; consider Hammamet if you value less chilly evenings and are happy to work around more wet days.

What to pack and how to plan your days

January calls for layers rather than a summer-only suitcase. A light top may suit a mild spell, but bring a jumper, a jacket and something waterproof for changing conditions. Across Tunisia, the average is 6 rainy days, so leave room to shift outdoor plans rather than assuming every day will stay dry. Average daily sunshine of 5.4 hours gives you a reason to plan time outside, without promising clear skies throughout your stay. Put longer walks around the warmer middle of the day and keep an extra layer handy after dark. The main catch is the contrast between mild daytime temperatures and distinctly cool nights.