What's the weather like in Tunis in December
December is one of the coolest months of the year in Tunis. However, as Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, this means it is fairly warm all year round and especially mild in the winter months. As it is out of season, accommodation will be much cheaper than during the summer months, so this is an ideal time of year to visit for a relaxing holiday away from large crowds and to escape the interminable chill back home.
Temperature
The average day in Tunis sees a temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius. This average takes into account an estimate low temperature of 8 degrees, which would likely occur after nightfall, and a high of 17 degrees Celsius.
Average Sunshine Hours
There is an average of seven hours of sunshine each day so there is ample time to explore the beautiful region.
Rain
The precipitation remains at one of the highest yearly totals with 70 millimetres of rainfall throughout the month of December. If you travel during this time, around 15 days of the 31 days of the month will be impacted.
Tunis Hotels in December
For a top end hotel that is slightly more affordable, the Miramar Carthage Palace in La Marsa is an excellent choice. This large hotel has a variety of rooms including some that overlook the Mediterranean or the immense pool areas. Some of the features of this hotel are out of date, including air conditioning, but overall it offers all modern amenities that you would expect for a five star hotel. This hotel even has a private stretch of beach for guests to enjoy.
The Le Diplomat hotel is another middle of the road or reasonable hotel accommodation. It is located near the city centre of Tunis so it is a short walk to many attractions within the city. It may not be considered a budget hotel but this option will not break your budget.
One of the best top end hotels in Tunis is the Hotel le Consul. This downtown hotel has a large number of rooms so it will likely have vacancy when you are on holiday. There are a variety of room sizes but each room has free internet and access to a fitness centre, restaurant and private parking.
Located on the Lake of Tunis, the Grand Hotel du Lac is a popular hotel option. This large hotel is located outside of the city centre of Tunis, just a short drive from both the airport and downtown. By staying at a hotel outside of the medina area, you can expect to save money that can be put towards excursions and other activities on the ground.
The Caribbean World Dar Naouar is a boutique resort right on the beach. This hotel has a very small number of rooms and easy beach access. There is a restaurant and a pool for guests to enjoy.
Bars and Restaurants
Le Grand Café du Theatre is a favourite café for locals and tourists alike. The menu here is filled with Italian classics like pizzas, pastas and pressed sandwiches. The restaurant is set back a bit from the street so you may not get to people watch while you dine but some of the street noise will be minimized. The prices at this café are certainly fair and modest when compared to northern Europe but they are slightly higher than the average Tunisian eatery.
Located outside of the city of Tunis, the Restaurant Dar Zarrouk has spectacular views. Sitting on a hillside terrace that overlooks Tunis and the surrounding countryside, this restaurant is held in high regard for its location alone. The menu has local classics with some Mediterranean favourites thrown in to please a range of tastes. Prices are a bit inflated due to the view but it is worth it for the pictures and excellent food.
Things to do in Tunis in December
A stop into the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial is a moving stop for history buffs. This attraction is carefully manicured and maintained in memorial to the fallen American soldiers that fought in World War II to stop German troops from further invasion. There is a large marble map that outlines the battles' progression and path across the area.
The Tourbet El Bey may be hard to find but it houses a unique piece of Tunisia's cultural history. This mausoleum is located deep within the heart of Tunis' winding streets and houses some of the former governors that ruled over this area. These rulers are also known as Beys, which was their surname.
Located in the resort city of Hammamet, the Iberostar Solaria is a large hotel that has a very poplar and luxurious spa inside. The spa itself is an attraction that you can enjoy without booking a trip to this hotel. There are massages, Turkish baths, saunas, beauty services and thalassotherapy, which is the Greek method of seawater as therapy, available a la carte.
Boujaffar Beach is a large stretch of shoreline, roughly one and a half hour's drive from Tunis, that is extremely popular with families and singles alike. Much of the beach's shores have been claimed by hotels but there are public areas that you can visit as well. You can also get visitor passes from many hotels if you'd rather remove guess work. There are options for water sports but there is also room to relax on this beach.
Dates for the diary
Outside of Tunis, there are numerous cultural festivals that relate back to Tunisia's desert identity including the International Oasis Festival in Tozeur and the International Festival of Sahara in Douz. Both festivals celebrate the lifestyles that people developed by living in the desert including camel races, poetry, traditional dances and even Bedouin feasts.