Tunisia (Hammamet)

Tunisia (Hammamet) – What you should know

Hammamet is Tunisia's oldest resort and climatically a classic Mediterranean destination — with a summer drier than almost anywhere in southern Europe. July averages 3 mm across zero rain days, with more than twelve hours of sunshine daily. Highs of 33°C in July and August are at the edge of what is comfortable for a beach holiday.

The real advantage is the water. The Mediterranean reaches 28°C in August and stays at 24°C into October — considerably warmer than the Spanish or French coasts at the same time of year. The swimming season therefore runs dependably from June to October, with September the best month: 30°C air, 26°C water and less bustle than August.

In winter Tunisia shows its other side: 17°C in January and February, with 47 to 56 mm of rain per month. That is too cool for swimming but pleasant for excursions to Carthage, Tunis or the medina of Hammamet. Anyone heading further south into the Sahara will find that November to March offers the only sensible conditions anyway.