Weather in Kairouan

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in Kairouan. In this section, you will find the latest weather reports, visual charts, and forecasts for the near future.

The climate in Kairouan can be described as hot and semi-arid, typical of Tunisia's inland regions located away from the moderating influence of the sea. The weather here is distinguished by its predictability and abundance of sunny days. Precipitation occurs extremely rarely and in insignificant amounts throughout the year, so you will hardly need an umbrella, even if you are planning a trip during the winter months.

The city experiences distinct seasonal temperature contrasts. Summer here is truly scorching and dry: in July and August, the thermometer often rises to 37-38°C, and rain is practically non-existent. This time is suitable for heat lovers, although conditions may be challenging for long open-air excursions.

Winter in Kairouan is mild and quite comfortable, without frost, with an average temperature of around 12-13°C. The most pleasant times to visit are considered to be spring and autumn, especially April, May, and October. During these months, warm weather sets in (from 18°C to 26°C), which is ideal for a leisurely exploration of the city's ancient architecture and culture.

The climate of Kairouan is characterised by pronounced seasonal contrasts, typical of Tunisia's interior regions. The hottest period of the year is July, when the average temperature reaches 30.9°C, and daily highs often exceed the 38°C mark. Conversely, the coolest month is considered to be January: at this time, average readings drop to 12.2°C, creating a completely different atmosphere for travel.

Summer here is truly sweltering and dry. From June to August, the air warms up during the day from 34°C to 38°C, so it is better to plan excursions for the morning or evening hours. However, spring and autumn offer a "golden mean": in May and October, the daytime temperature holds at a comfortable level of 27–28°C, which is ideal for exploring the city without exhausting heat.

Winter in Kairouan is mild, but travellers should take into account significant daily temperature fluctuations. While the air warms up to a pleasant 17–19°C on a winter day, the thermometer can drop to 6–8°C at night. This difference between daytime warmth and nocturnal coolness persists even in summer: even in the hottest month, July, night-time temperatures fall to 23°C, providing a drop of about 15 degrees and bringing welcome freshness.

The climate in Kairouan is notable for its aridity, so precipitation here is a fairly rare and not overly abundant phenomenon. Throughout the year, rains are generally short-lived, and tourists are unlikely to encounter prolonged downpours that could spoil holiday plans. Since winter temperatures remain above freezing, snow is practically impossible here, and all precipitation falls exclusively as rain.

The highest probability of catching rainy weather falls during the spring months and early autumn. The "wettest" month statistically is March, when about 6 days with precipitation are recorded. In April, May, and September, it rains on average 5 days a month. However, even during these periods, the volume of falling moisture remains minimal, often limited to a light drizzle.

Summer in Kairouan is the season of maximum dryness. In July, the chance of precipitation is reduced to a minimum: usually, only one rainy day is observed for the entire month. June is also extremely arid (about 2 days with precipitation). If you are planning a trip at the height of summer, you will hardly need an umbrella, as the sky almost always remains clear.

When packing for Kairouan, it is important to consider the seasonality of the local climate. Summer here is hot and dry: in July and August, the temperature often rises above +30°C, and sometimes reaches +38°C. For a trip at this time of year, choose light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, which are breathable. Be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream in your suitcase, as the sun in Tunisia is very active.

Winter and the off-season in Kairouan are mild but can be cool, especially in the evenings and at night when the thermometer drops to +6...+8°C. If your trip is planned for the period from November to March, use the layering principle: take T-shirts, a warm jumper, and a windbreaker or demi-season jacket. Although heavy downpours are rare here, the number of cloudy days increases slightly in spring, so a compact umbrella or raincoat would not be amiss.

Regardless of the time of year, you will need the most comfortable and stable footwear for walking along the ancient streets and visiting sights. In transitional months, such as April, May, and October, the weather is most comfortable for long excursions: it is warm during the day, but not hot (+18...+22°C). During this period, it is best to combine summer items with a light cape or cardigan in case of sudden wind or evening coolness.