Sea temperature in Tunisia
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 8 beaches on the Tunisia coast.
Best time to swim in Tunisia
The sea in Tunisia peaks in August, when the water averages around 27°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – November, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 7 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and December are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 15°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Tunisia sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Tunisia shows an annual mean sea temperature of 20°C, ranging from 15°C in winter to 27°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 12°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Tunisia, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Tunisia sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Tunisia?
August is the warmest month in Tunisia, when the sea averages about 27°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Tunisia?
The coldest month in Tunisia is typically February, when the water averages around 15°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Tunisia without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Tunisia runs from May – November — about 7 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Tunisia?
Outside peak summer the water in Tunisia drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Tunisia?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Tunisia is about 20°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Tunisia?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Tunisia, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Tunisia sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Tunisia for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| February | 15.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| March | 15.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| April | 17.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| May | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| June | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| July | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| August ⭐ | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| October | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| November | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| December | 17.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Tunisia right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammamet Yasmine | Nabeul | 26.5°C | Excellent |
| Djerba Sidi Mahares | Medenine | 26.3°C | Excellent |
| Tabarka Beach | Jendouba | 26.3°C | Excellent |
| Monastir Skanes | Monastir | 26.1°C | Excellent |
| Sousse Boujaffar | Sousse | 25.8°C | Excellent |
| Sidi Bou Said Beach | Tunis | 25.8°C | Excellent |
| Djerba Sidi Mahres | Medenine | 25.6°C | Excellent |
| Hammamet Beach | Nabeul | 25.6°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Tunisia — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Tunisia in September?
The sea off Tunisia averages about 26.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Tunisia?
Tunisia is warmest in August (around 27.0°C) and coldest in February (around 15.0°C). There are typically 5 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Tunisia?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Tunisia averages about 20.4°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Tunisia?
In peak season (around August, ~27.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 15.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.
