What's the Weather like in Skanes in July
July is the height of summer in Skanes, and the Sahel, and correspondingly, of course, peak tourism season. Temperatures are at their height. In fact, it's likely to be very hot indeed. There's also little to no rainfall, and maximum number sunshine hours at this time. While winter in the Sahel is much more like the north, with a Mediterranean climate, higher rainfall averages and cooler days, the summer bears far more resemblance to the arid, dry Saharan south. Expect very high temperatures, warm seas and refreshing sea breezes in coastal areas. Perfect beach weather!
July sees long, hot days with around 12 hours of sunshine, average temperatures of 27C and highs of 32C. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the area is 46C, which is quite unusual for the region; temperatures may regularly reach that high further south, closer to the Sahara, but further north it's usually more temperate. However, temperatures are likely to exceed 35C several days of the month and it's still very hot in Skanes in July. Sea temperatures peak in August, and are still very warm in July (around 24C). Humidity remains at a moderate 70%, which, along with refreshing sea breezes in coastal areas, help to make the high temperatures much more manageable. Even overnight, temperatures don't really fall significantly, only dropping to around 22C or 23C, so it should still feel quite warm.
The mountainous north of Tunisia has a more Mediterranean climate. Conditions are likely to similar to Skanes and other resorts in the Sahel, if slightly cooler. Though even in the north, inland, without sea breezes to moderate the temperature, it will be slightly hotter. Tunis, further north but inland, for example, has average temperatures in July of 27C, with highs of 33C. The further south, and closer to the Sahara, you travel, the hotter it will be. Djerba, an island off the south east coast of Tunisia, and slightly further south than Skanes, has similar conditions: average temperatures of 27C, with highs of 32C; sea breezes help lower the temperature. In comparison, El Borma, inland in the far south of the country, in the Sahara itself, sees highs of 41C and above; the temperature dropping significantly to less than 26C overnight.
It is not only hot in Skanes in July, but dry. Low rainfall averages of just 10mm over two days means showers are unlikely, and at any rate are likely to be light and short lived; usually just an hour or so of drizzle.
Skanes Hotels in July
The Hotel Caribbean World Monastir is situated right on the beach, and is a great mid-range choice. The funky rooms have a colourful, unique design with a modern flair. The hotel has two restaurants, serving a range of Tunisian and international cuisine, as well as a pool-side bar and specialist restaurant with a different international menu each night. The café also offers a range of choices for drinks and snacks. There are three pools, as well as access to a private section of the beach, and a range of sporting activities available, including tennis, mini golf and water polo. During the summer, there is also evening entertainment and a kids' club.
The five star Hotel Amir Palace is a luxury establishment, with indoor and outdoor pools and separate children's pool, as well as access to a private beach. During the summer there is a barbeque restaurant, but the main restaurant, café and pool-side bars are open year round. Three bars, a Moorish café, and summer disco mean there are also plenty of places to relax with a drink, and plenty of evening entertainment. The hotel also offers a range of activities, including tennis and beach volleyball if you prefer a more active holiday.
Skanes Beach for July
The recently developed resort of Tabarka has magnificent beaches, surrounded by golden sand dunes and the beautiful scenery of Northern Tunisia; rugged cliffs and caves, cork and mimosa trees. The beaches are smooth, clean, child-friendly and relatively quiet. Tabarka is also becoming a popular spot with divers, as there are some beautiful stretches of reef nearby. It is also one of few places in Tunisia where the beach faces south, which means you can sunbathe and face the sea simultaneously. Guides offer horseback and camel rides on the sand, as well as a variety of watersports, and with gentle tides and shelving sands, as well as plenty of cafes and bars to escape the heat at midday, the beach is quite family-friendly.
South of Tunisia, the Isle of Djerba is known as the 'Polynesia of the Mediterranean'. Over 10,000 palm trees rise from the sea like a mirage, ringed by miles of superb white-sand beaches. The best beaches are on the northeast coast, but most are privately owned by the resort hotels. There are a few public stretches, like the Plage des 5,000 Ans (Beach of 5,000 Years), 8km (5 miles) from Houmt Souk, and, further on, the Plage Municipale (Municipal Beach). The quieter beaches are between Aghir and el-Kantara. The Plage Municipale offers a variety of watersports, as well as camel and horseback rides on the sand. Watersports are very popular all over Djerba, thanks to perfect year-round surfing conditions. Some beaches are family-friendly, but strong currents in others make them less safe for children and swimming.
Bars and Restaurants
Most of the restaurants in Skanes are confined to the hotels. Happily, there are more than enough restaurants and bars in nearby Monastir to provide a little variety.
For something a bit different at lunch, La Reserve Street Food on Avenue 18 janvier 1952, serves a mixture of light deli sandwiches and heartier meals. The food is simple, but it's a great choice if you're just looking for a little fast food.
Bar 51, on a pirate ship on the Sahara Beach, serves a variety of fruity cocktails. The atmosphere can be quite lively at the weekends, and it's very highly recommended.
Things to do in Skanes in July
There are any number of boat trips that can be booked along the beach. If fishing is your thing, there are plenty of operators offering deep sea fishing excursions for both novice and experienced anglers.
The beach in the summer is a great place for watersports. If you're feeling adventurous, there are several operators offering jet skiing, banana boat rides and windsurfing. The dive schools also offer serious windsurfing instruction, if you're interested in the sport.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can book a paragliding lesson at any of the dive schools or through your hotel. It's a lot of fun, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
The 18-hole Palm Links Golf Club just outside of Skanes with 73 bunkers, 4 lakes and beach holes, should provide a challenge to even the most experienced golfer. You can rent equipment, and book lessons most days; or just show up and play the course. There's a bar and restaurant on site, if you want to make a day of it.
