Weather in Sfax

Planning your day in the city of Sfax? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on current weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and climate charts for your convenience.

Sfax welcomes travellers with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate typical of the Tunisia coast. The weather here is distinguished by enviable stability and an abundance of sunny days, making the city an attractive destination practically all year round. In general, the climate can be described as hot and dry in summer, transitioning to a very mild and comfortable winter.

The summer season here is pronounced: hot weather prevails from June to September, when the average daytime temperature often exceeds 30°C, and rainfall is almost completely absent. Winter in Sfax is warm and calm, without frosts; even in the coolest months, such as January, the temperature rarely drops below 9-10°C at night, allowing for comfortable walks and sightseeing.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even during periods considered relatively wet (late autumn and winter), rains are rare and, as a rule, do not last long. This makes Sfax an excellent choice for those seeking refuge from greyness and cold, guaranteeing tourists clear skies most of the time.

The climate in Sfax is characterised by mildness in the winter period and real heat in the summer, which is typical for the coast of Tunisia. The coolest time of the year is January, when the average temperature is about 13.1°C. Even on the coldest nights, the thermometer rarely drops below 9°C, and during the day the air usually warms up to a comfortable 17°C. Winter here is more reminiscent of a prolonged warm autumn, making this season suitable for long walks without exhausting heat.

Summer comes into its own confidently and quickly in the city. Already in June, average daily highs exceed 30°C, and the peak of the heat falls on July and August. During these months, the average temperature holds at around 29°C, while during the day the air heats up to 33.5°C. A characteristic feature of the summer season in Sfax is very warm nights: even after sunset, the temperature in July and August remains around 24–25°C, creating an atmosphere of sultry southern evenings.

The most pleasant times for travel are considered the transitional seasons — spring and autumn. In April and May, as well as in October, an ideal balance of warmth is established: average temperatures vary from 18°C to 23°C. It is worth noting that throughout the year there is a noticeable difference between day and night readings, averaging 7–9 degrees. This means that after a warm spring or autumn day, the evening may bring perceptible freshness, so a light jacket in your luggage will not be superfluous.

Sfax is characterised by a fairly arid climate, so precipitation here is a rare phenomenon and, as a rule, short-lived. Travellers need not worry about prolonged downpours: clear weather prevails over the city for most of the year. Even in those months when the probability of rain increases, the total amount of falling moisture remains minimal.

The driest period is summer. In June and July, statistics record a complete absence of rainy days, which guarantees cloudless skies and ideal conditions for relaxation. In August, rare exceptions are possible (on average about 2 days with precipitation), but they are episodic in nature and are unlikely to disrupt your plans.

The conditional "rainy season" is weakly expressed and falls on the autumn-winter period and the beginning of spring. The "wettest" month can be considered October, when about 5 rainy days are recorded. In November, February, and March, it rains on average 4 days a month. However, even at this time, precipitation usually takes the form of light rain rather than heavy downpours, so an umbrella may only be useful occasionally.

Packing for Sfax largely depends on the season, but considering the Mediterranean climate, the main principle of your wardrobe should be layering. In summer, from June to September, heat reigns here, and the thermometer often rises above 30°C. At this time of year, light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, will be indispensable. Be sure to take sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, and high SPF cream, as the sun in Tunisia is very active. Open shoes, like sandals, are perfect for daytime walks.

If your trip is planned for the winter months or the off-season (from November to March), it is worth preparing for cooler weather. During the day, the temperature remains comfortable, around 13–16°C, but nights can be quite fresh. During this period, you will need jeans, thick long-sleeved t-shirts, a warm sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or demi-season jacket. Although there is little precipitation in Sfax even in winter, a compact umbrella or raincoat will not be amiss in case of rare bad weather.

Regardless of the time of year, pay special attention to footwear: it should be as comfortable as possible, as you will be walking a lot. Light trainers or loafers will be a universal choice. Also consider that Sfax is a coastal city, and a cool wind may blow from the sea, so a light scarf or stole will be useful even on warm spring evenings. Such an accessory will not take up much space in your luggage but will add comfort during walks along the promenade.