Weather in Tunisia in May

May climate overview

Daytime highs across Tunisia in May run from 23.5°C (Hammamet) to 27.2°C (Sousse). In Sousse about 72% of May days reach 25°C. Nights average 15.4°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Hammamet fall to 13°C or below.

Rainfall in May

Expect around 4 rainy days (1 mm or more) in May, with Sousse the driest (3 days) and Hammamet the wettest (4 days). The wettest May at Sousse between 1991 and 2020 was 2011 with 41 mm; the driest was 1995 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 18.7°C around Tunisia in May - warmest at Sousse (18.8°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

May against the rest of the year in Tunisia

May is the 5th warmest month of the twelve in Tunisia. It is 3.9°C warmer than April and 4.2°C warmer in June. The hottest month here is August (33°C) and the coolest January (16°C).

Which part of Tunisia in May?

• Most sunshine: Sousse, 9.0 h a day.
• Driest: Sousse, about 3 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sousse, 19°C.
• Hottest: Sousse, 27°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Hammamet, 24°C.

What to pack for Tunisia in May

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light jumper for evenings (15°C at night); swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 19°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in May

Within 1.5°C of Tunisia's May daytime average: Flic en Flac (27°C, sea 27°C), Bahamas (27°C, sea 26°C), Seville (27°C), Agadir (26°C, sea 18°C), Limassol (26°C, sea 20°C). See the full ranking for May.

Which coastal destination suits you?

Sousse is the warmest choice here, with daytime temperatures averaging 27°C and 72% of days above 25°C. It suits travellers who want plenty of warmth for time outdoors, though taking a break from the midday heat is sensible. Port El Kantaoui is slightly cooler at 26°C, with the same 19°C sea temperature and 15°C nights, so the practical difference is modest. Hammamet offers milder days at 24°C and slightly warmer nights at 16°C, but its sea is cooler at 18°C. For swimming, that makes Hammamet the less appealing option if you feel the cold; for daytime comfort, it may be the better fit.

Expect bright days, but pack for cooler evenings

With an average of 8.9 hours of sunshine, May lends itself to spending time outside. Plan more active outings for the cooler parts of the day, and keep shade, sunscreen and a hat in mind around midday. Rain is a possible interruption rather than a reason to rule the month out: the country average is 4 rainy days, compared with 3 in Sousse. A light rain layer is useful, but warmth and sun protection deserve more space in your packing. Bring breathable daytime clothes and a jumper or light jacket for evenings, when temperatures feel noticeably cooler than they do in the afternoon.