Monastir lies on the Sahel coast between Sousse and Mahdia, and it shares the dry, sunny and reliably warm climate of Tunisia’s central east coast. The weather suits a beach week from June to October and a quieter, cooler trip from March to May. This page gives approximate month-by-month figures for Monastir, including sea temperature, rain days and sunshine, so you can decide when to book.
Monastir Weather by Month
Approximate monthly averages for Monastir, 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 | 18°C | 8°C | 15°C | 6 | 30 mm | 6 h |
| March | 19°C | 10°C | 15°C | 7 | 31 mm | 7 h |
| April | 22°C | 12°C | 16°C | 6 | 27 mm | 8 h |
| May | 25°C | 15°C | 18°C | 4 | 15 mm | 10 h |
| June | 29°C | 19°C | 22°C | 2 | 7 mm | 11 h |
| July | 33°C | 22°C | 25°C | 1 | 3 mm | 12 h |
| August | 33°C | 22°C | 26°C | 2 | 9 mm | 11 h |
| September | 30°C | 21°C | 26°C | 3 | 34 mm | 9 h |
| October | 26°C | 17°C | 24°C | 6 | 54 mm | 7 h |
| November | 21°C | 12°C | 21°C | 7 | 35 mm | 7 h |
| December | 18°C | 9°C | 18°C | 7 | 44 mm | 6 h |
In short: July is the warmest month (about 33°C by day), January the coolest (about 16°C by day and 8°C at night at the coldest), October the wettest (about 54 mm) and July the driest (about 3 mm). The sea is warmest in August at approximately 26°C.
Climate overview
Monastir is a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. July and August bring highs of around 33°C and lows of 22°C, with practically no rain and about 11-12 hours of sunshine a day. January is the coolest month, at approximately 16°C by day and 8°C at night. Because Monastir is a headland with sea on several sides, the afternoon sea breeze often takes the edge off the heat, and nights are warm enough for dinner outdoors from May to October.
Sea temperature and swimming season
The water is approximately 15-16°C from January to April, warming to 18°C in May and 22°C in June. July is around 25°C, August and September about 26°C, and October still 24°C. The swimming season therefore runs from about June to mid-October. The beaches near the Skanes zone, covered in our Skanes guide, have the long sandy stretches; the marina and the Ribat are better for walks than swimming.
Rain and when it falls
Rain is limited and seasonal. October is the wettest month at about 54 mm, with November and December at 35-44 mm. Spring is much drier (27 mm in April and 15 mm in May), and the summer is almost completely dry apart from the odd short thunderstorm in September. Winter days are often bright, which makes Monastir a good low-cost option for a cool-weather city and history trip, with the Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum and the old medina all close together.
Best Time to Visit Monastir by Trip Type
- Beach holiday: June, September and early October for warm water and low rain risk.
- Sightseeing: March to May and October: highs of 19-26°C and easier walking weather.
- Budget winter break: November to February, when it is mild but too cool for the beach.
- Avoid if you dislike heat: July and August, with highs near 33°C.
For the full picture across the country, see our best time to visit Tunisia guide.
What to Pack for Monastir
Summer: lightweight clothes, hat, sun cream and sandals. Spring and autumn: a light jacket for evenings. Winter: a fleece and a waterproof for the occasional shower.
Compare Monastir With Nearby Places
Monastir’s weather is almost identical to Sousse weather, about 20 km north, so use either set of figures for a combined trip. Mahdia weather, to the south, is a degree or so cooler in summer. See Monastir vs Sousse for how the two towns compare.
Plan Your Stay in Monastir
Once you have picked your dates, read the Monastir destination guide for neighbourhoods, sights and practical details, browse the best hotels in Monastir for where to sleep, and see things to do in Monastir for activities. Related reading: Monastir vs Sousse, Djerba vs Monastir, Skanes. A guided Monastir tour combines the Ribat, the mausoleum and nearby coastal towns in one day.