What's the Weather like in Skanes in September
Temperature
September sees the end of the summer season in Skanes, and the Sahel. Visitors can look forward to quieter beaches and temperatures gradually beginning to cool as summer fades into winter. Still, although temperatures do fall by a few degrees, it is still very hot, there are long hours of sunshine, and comparatively little rainfall. Expect very high temperatures, warm seas and refreshing sea breezes in coastal areas. Without the hordes of tourists who descend on Skanes between June and August, September is the perfect time to explore the beaches and catch some late sun.
Average temperatures of 26C, with highs of 30C, mean that while September is not quite as warm as preceding months, it is still likely to be very hot. High temperatures are accompanied by high numbers of sunshine hours: around 7 on average per day. The highest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 41C, which is quite unusual for the region; temperatures are unlikely to exceed 35C at any point in September. Refreshing sea breezes go some way to mediating the high temperatures, as do moderate humidity levels of just 75%; though as the winter approaches, humidity has again marginally increased. Inland, to the north, while temperatures are much the same as in Skanes, the humidity is a little lower (around 70% in Tunis) and it will therefore feel much more pleasant.
In comparison, in the south of Tunisia closer to the Sahara desert, temperatures won't fall quite so significantly and it will be very much hotter. In Tataouine, for example, the average temperature in September is 28C, with highs of 34C. Even overnight, the average low is only 21C, so it will still be quite warm. This Saharan region of the country unsurprisingly also sees longer sunshine hours throughout the year; around 9, on average, in September.
Skanes receives around 30mm of rainfall over 5 days in September; an increase of 20mm compared to preceding months (June, July and August only have rainfall averages of 10mm). However, showers are likely to be short lived and light, lasting only a few hours at most. It's a similar story in the north of the country. Tunis is also likely to receive around 30mm of rainfall, though it will see showers over a longer period. In the south, the Saharan regions of course receive less precipitation on average than other areas of the country. In September, El Borma, for example, situated in the heart of the desert, only receives an average of 2mm and one day of rainfall.
Skanes Hotels in September
The three star Hotel Houda Golf and Beach Club is an excellent choice for families with young children, or as base to explore the area. The summer kids' club is excellent, but there are activities all year round for the whole family. The restaurant serves a range of international cuisine. There are two outdoor pools, one with waterslides, and an indoor pool for the off-season. The evening entertainment is lively, including a family disco in the summer..
The Dessole Garden Beach Club Hotel is a quieter, low cost choice, which caters primarily to families. The outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers, so you can soak up the sun during the summer, the restaurant serves a range of international cuisine, and the hotel is close to the beach and town centre. Evening entertainment consists of a bar and lounge area.
Skanes Beach for September
Located on the eastern coast of Tunisia, regular boat trips operate out to the Kerkennah Islands. Kerkennah is a little more remote, so the beaches should be quieter. The gently sloping shore also means that the sea remains shallow for yards out, so the beaches here are very child-friendly. The island is tranquil and unspoiled, and you won't find many beach amenities. The beach bars and vendors sell ice cream and snacks, and the larger hotel beaches offer banana boat rides and a selection of other watersports. Cycle around the two main islands (joined by a causeway) to seek out the most isolated, and spectacular, of the beaches.
A huge beach, considered one of the finest Tunisia has to offer, Kelibia (near Nabeul on the north east coast) offers plenty of watersports and is lined with cafes and bars, if you want to escape the midday heat. It is likely to be quite busy during the summer months, with several resorts nearby. Don't forget to take in the harbour, and if you get fed up of sunbathing, climb up to the (recently restored) fortress to take in the views of the port below.
Bars and Restaurants
Most of the restaurants in Skanes are confined to the hotels. The same is true of evening entertainment; it tends to be in-house. Happily, there are more than enough restaurants and bars in nearby Monastir to provide a little variety.
Ristoranto de Piero on Essouani Zone du Stade is a charming Italian restaurant, popular with both locals and tourists. The prices are generally very reasonable, and the food (if not of the highest quality) is very pleasant.
In Skanes, The Safari Centre, a shopping mall during the day, opens up a bar and nightclub in the evening. It can be very lively in the evenings and at the weekends, and it isn't the most salubrious establishment. However, if you're looking for a few cheap drinks, music and dancing, you will certainly find it here.
Things to do in Skanes in September
Skanes, with the warm Mediterranean Sea on your doorstep, is a wonderful place to dive. The Alyssa Diving School is run from the Kuriat Palace Hotel and offers PADI qualified instructors, a range of courses and two trips out to deeper waters each day.
Tunisia has some great surfing sports on the coast. While the beaches in Skanes don't boast tides big enough to tempt an experienced surfer, operators on the beach offer a range of tutorials for novices. If you're looking for more adventure, book a surfing trip at one of the dive schools (or through your hotel) and head up the coast to find bigger waves.
Monastir is right on your doorstep, if you fancy a little more culture and history. Take the train from the town centre, or book a taxi from your hotel. The Gallery Espressioni on Avenue Khalij Al Arbi holds some wonderful examples of local art. And when you're done with the paintings and sculptures, the café is also excellent.
