Tunisia in
March

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Tunisia is a small and unique country in North Africa that is found right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is a prime destination for a luxurious beach holiday. There’s more than just glamourous resorts and long stretches of sand on offer however, as the country is also home to a fascinating range of historic sites and monuments as well that make it a prime location for sightseeing.

The weather in Tunisia in March is far nicer than what you’ll find in many places across the world at the start of spring, making it a brilliant spot if you’re longing for some sunshine. Tourism has been affected by some political unrest in the past decade, but Tunisia has sprung back from this and is continuing to see an increase in its visitors every year.

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Reasons to Visit Tunisia in March

March is not part of the peak tourist season for Tunisia, meaning that prices for flights and accommodation are much lower than in the summer
Tunisia sees very warm weather for the time of year thanks to its Mediterranean climate, which makes it an ideal holiday destination for those who are after some early sunshine
The humidity that gets very intense during many months of the year in Tunisia is quite low in March, particularly by the coast where there is frequently a breeze

Weather in Tunisia in March

March is the start of spring in Tunisia, which sees temperatures starting to rise and the sun coming out more consistently every day. You can expect very pleasant weather throughout the month, with a slight risk of rain but lots of sunshine and blue skies as well.

Temperature

The average high temperature in Tunisia in March is 19-20°C, which is wonderfully warm for the time of year and ideal weather for those coming to the country from the northern hemisphere. In the evenings the temperature drops down to around 10°C, which can feel quite cool and usually requires another layer of clothing.

Sea Temperature

The sea temperature in Tunisia in March is 15°C on average, which will feel quite cold to those who feel like braving a dip in the ocean. Swimming in the ocean on Tunisia’s coast in March is not advised for those who feel the cold, although the water may feel warmer when the sun is out.

Clouds and Rainfall

There are only 8 days of rain on average in Tunisia in March and the amount of rain that is predicted to fall across these days is very low, meaning that any showers are likely to be short-lived. Most days see clear skies with very few clouds, although there may be some days that are more overcast if rain is forecasted.

Sunshine Hours

There is an average of 12 hours of daylight each day in March in Tunisia, with between 6 and 9 hours of bright sunshine within this. The average time for sunrise is just before 7 am, getting earlier as the month progresses, and sunset is usually between 6.15 pm and 6.45 pm.

Where to Go in Tunisia in March

Sousse

The city of Sousse is found on the coast of Tunisia, and is an ideal location for a March holiday where you can enjoy relaxing on the beach and sightseeing in the warm weather. Not only is it full of beautiful architecture that provides hundreds of gorgeous photo opportunities, but there is a great mix of cultural and historic attractions as well that makes it one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The top attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘The Medina’, which is an ancient walled city in the centre of Sousse that dates back to 800 AD and is absolutely brimming with history and ancient architecture. There are plenty of brilliant shopping opportunities in the more modern areas of the city too, and the nightlife is renowned for being outstanding.

Tunis

The capital city of Tunisia is Tunis, which tends to get very busy during the summer but will not be overrun with tourists in March, making it the perfect time to visit. With the ocean on one side of the city and the desert on the other, all the best elements of North Africa are bound together in this vibrant city that makes it a brilliant place to visit.

Tunis has plenty of history lining its streets as well as modern developments, with one of the most famous sites being the El Djem Roman Amphitheater. Other sightseeing highlights include the Carthage ruins and Bulla Regia underground villas, which were originally built as a way for inhabitants to escape from the relentless heat that plagues Tunisia in the summer.

What to Do in Tunisia in March

Visit Ancienne Matmata

The village of Ancienne Matmata in the southern desert of Tunisia is home to some of the country’s most interesting architecture; ancient dwellings that are built down into the ground. This type of home is known as a ‘troglodyte’ and this village in particular was made famous after its appearance in one of the original ‘Star Wars’ films.

Explore the Holy City of Kairouan

Kairouan is the fourth most sacred city in the Muslim faith and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is full of brilliant ancient architecture. The highlight of the city is the Great Mosque, which is not open to non-muslims but is still a very impressive building that is surrounded by walls of the ancient city.

Journey Across the Sahara

When visiting Tunisia it’s a shame to miss out on visiting the Sahara desert, and one of the most famous parts of it is the Grand Erg Oriental. This huge field of sand dunes can be explored by camel, 4×4 vehicles or even quad bikes, and March is an ideal time to visit because the weather won’t be too hot.

Crowds & costs

March is outside of the peak tourist season in Tunisia, making it an excellent time to visit if you want to save money and avoid crowds of tourists in the country’s busiest areas. Spring is considered one of the most popular times to visit because of the pleasant weather, but because March is right at the start of the season you shouldn’t struggle to secure accommodation or flights.

March Festivals and Events

Festival of the Ksour

The Festival of Ksour is an annual Tunisian festival that celebrates Berber culture in the desert city of Tataouine. The city is known for the distinctively shaped ghortas (grain stores) which are scattered around the town, and the festival involves local dance and music performances as well as plenty of displays of traditional local dress.

Tataouine is best known for being the filming location for scenes from George Lucas’ original Star Wars films and also inspired the name of the fictional character Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine. Whether you’re a film fan or not, the festival is definitely worth experiencing.

Frequently asked questions about Tunisia in March

What is the best time to visit Tunisia?

What time of year is best to visit Tunisia will depend on what kind of temperatures you enjoy in your holidays. Those who don’t cope well with the heat should visit in the late spring or early autumn, whereas if you’re just after a lot of sunshine and high temperature the July and August are the best times of the year for you.

Is Tunisia hot all year round?

The weather in Tunisia is relatively warm all year round, but in the winter temperatures do drop to around 11°C on average which is mild, but not particularly hot. The hottest months of the year in Tunisia are July and August when the temperature can get over 30°C.

Summary

You shouldn’t be put off by the dangerous reputation that Tunisia held as a holiday destination for a number of years, as the country has been free from terrorist activity for some time now. If you want to travel somewhere more exotic that has a fantastic range of attractions ranging from luxury resorts to ancient archaeological sites, Tunisia has more than enough to fill your trip itinerary.

Want to find out more about the top destinations in Africa to visit in March? Read our guides to The Quirimbas and Morocco, or take a look at our rundown of Where to Go in March.