Mahdia is the quietest of Tunisia’s central coast towns, a Fatimid-era port on a narrow cape with long, uncrowded beaches. Its climate matches Sousse and Monastir closely but runs a degree or two cooler in summer because the cape is exposed to sea breezes on three sides. This guide gives approximate month-by-month weather for Mahdia so you can plan a beach stay or a day trip to El Jem.
Mahdia Weather by Month
Approximate monthly averages for Mahdia, compiled from long-term climate averages published by Weather2Travel (rounded to whole degrees and millimetres) and cross-checked against Tunisia’s national meteorological institute, the Institut National de la Météorologie. Individual years vary, so treat every figure as approximately typical rather than guaranteed. Sunshine is average hours per day; click a month for our full country guide.
| Month | High | Low | Sea | Rain days | Rainfall | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 8°C | 16°C | 7 | 34 mm | 6 h |
| February | 17°C | 9°C | 15°C | 6 | 29 mm | 6 h |
| March | 19°C | 10°C | 15°C | 6 | 28 mm | 7 h |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 16°C | 5 | 25 mm | 8 h |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 18°C | 4 | 13 mm | 10 h |
| June | 28°C | 19°C | 22°C | 2 | 5 mm | 11 h |
| July | 31°C | 22°C | 25°C | 1 | 2 mm | 12 h |
| August | 32°C | 23°C | 27°C | 1 | 7 mm | 11 h |
| September | 29°C | 21°C | 26°C | 3 | 31 mm | 9 h |
| October | 25°C | 18°C | 24°C | 6 | 55 mm | 7 h |
| November | 21°C | 13°C | 21°C | 6 | 35 mm | 6 h |
| December | 18°C | 10°C | 18°C | 7 | 44 mm | 6 h |
In short: August is the warmest month (about 32°C by day), January the coolest (about 16°C by day and 8°C at night at the coldest), October the wettest (about 55 mm) and July the driest (about 2 mm). The sea is warmest in August at approximately 27°C.
What to expect from Mahdia’s weather
Summers are hot, dry and bright. July highs reach about 31°C and August about 32°C, with warm nights of 22-23°C and 11-12 hours of sunshine. Winters are mild: January and February highs are 16-17°C with lows of 8-9°C. The peninsula setting means the breeze is rarely absent, which keeps the heat tolerable but can make the beach feel cool in spring even when the sun is out.
Sea temperature
Mahdia’s sea is approximately 15-16°C from January to April and 18°C in May. It reaches 22°C in June, 25°C in July and 27°C in August, which is among the warmest on the east coast. September is about 26°C and October 24°C. The best swimming window is June to October, with the warmest water in the late summer. Our Mahdia guide covers the beaches and the old harbour.
Rain and the wetter months
Annual rainfall is modest. October is the wettest month at about 55 mm, with November and December at 35-44 mm and the rest of winter at about 28-34 mm a month. From May to August very little rain falls, and sunshine hours climb from 6 a day in January to 12 in July. If you visit in October, expect at least a couple of short heavy showers, but the sun usually returns quickly.
Best Time to Visit Mahdia by Trip Type
- Beach holiday: June to September, especially September for the warmest sea and fewer people.
- Sightseeing and El Jem: April, May and October for comfortable walking and day trips.
- Quiet winter stay: December to February: mild days, dry spells and very few other visitors.
- Avoid if you dislike heat: Late July and August.
For the full picture across the country, see our best time to visit Tunisia guide.
What to Pack for Mahdia
Pack light summer clothing and a hat from May to September, and bring a windproof layer for evenings on the seafront. In winter a light waterproof and a fleece are enough.
Compare Mahdia With Nearby Places
Mahdia is about 60 km south of Sousse; the weather is nearly identical but the summer is a little milder than Sousse weather. See also Monastir weather, which sits between the two.
Plan Your Stay in Mahdia
Once you have picked your dates, read the Mahdia destination guide for neighbourhoods, sights and practical details, browse the where to stay in Mahdia for where to sleep, and see things to do in Mahdia for activities. Related reading: El Jem, Monastir, Sousse. Combine the coast with inland sights on a guided tour from Mahdia to El Jem and the surrounding area.