Today's weather for Port el kantaoui, Tunisia25th Nov 2009 16:30

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Weather Overview for Port el kantaoui

Port El Kantaoui is a purpose-built tourist resort on the northeast coast of Tunisia, in the northeast of Africa. It receives a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The summer in Port El Kantaoui lasts from April till September. Early summer, in April and May receives the most pleasant temperatures with day times averaging in the mid 20s, though the sea is still quite cold having not had enough time to warm up after winter. The nights cool down considerably to around 12ºC in April and 15ºC in May. Rain is possible during these months but not very likely. The height of the summer sees an average day time temperature of 30ºC and it can push up into the 40s. From June till September the heat can be unbearable, only escapable indoors in merciful air-conditioning. Some might think that hiding from the heat indoors is not their idea of a holiday. However, Port El Kantaoui is a luxury resort, built only for tourists; while it was constructed after the fashion of traditional Tunisia, it cannot be considered to contain a hint of real Tunisia, and anyone going to Port El Kantaoui is usually after total relaxation and ease of living. The sunshine of the early mornings and evenings can still be spent outdoors in relatively milder temperatures, and a retreat to the bedroom can be enjoyed in the middle of the day. Rain is highly unlikely during the peak season and the sun is usually out for eleven or twelve hours a day.

Winter lasts from October till March. In the fringes of the season in March, October and November temperatures still reach into the 20s. The average day time high temperature drops from 26ºC in October to 21ºC in November and 16ºC in January, then back up to 19ºC in March. Evenings can be chilly after October, often below 10ºC, with January receiving a night time average low of 7ºC. October and November temperatures may seem attractive but throughout the winter rain is frequent, often prolonged. While December and January’s average temperatures also appear bearable, without the sun the air can feel quite cold. The sun still comes out for around six hours a day but it is not to be relied upon. Few people visit Port El Kantaoui during this time of year, but if you do go some warm layers are a must.

Much of Tunisia is arid desert; the Sahara stretches well into the south side of the country. Dramatic temperature differences from day to night, long droughts interspersed with seasonal downpours, and a cruel, relentless sun are characteristic of the desert, which heavily influences the land around it. Much of Tunisia is arid and subject to the scorching Sirocco wind from the desert. Only eighteen percent of the country has arable land. The mountains of the north provide the south with shelter from the hottest weather, and the Mediterranean Sea cools the southern coast where Port El Kantaoui is situated.

Port El Kantaoui is great if you want to lounge by your pool or in the sea, play golf or show off your yacht. The golf courses are world-class and most of the usual water sport facilities such as windsurfing, jet skiing and para-sailing. There are long, white beaches but little else in terms of natural beauty. There is little to see underwater and reviews of diving in the resort conclude that those in search of good dive sites can give Port El Kantaoui a miss. The primary function of Port El Kantaoui is as a port which is large enough for 300 yachts; this is crammed full every year with the pristine white yachts of the super-rich. As this is a purpose-built resort there is little in the way of entertainment outside of the hotels, so anyone looking for some culture, some night time partying, or simply a nice authentic meal, will be disappointed. Families may find this suits them perfectly but those needing some independence may feel claustrophobic; that includes your teenage son/daughter who thought they might get to have some fun this year. Luxury resorts do have their down-sides; those mentioned above club together to make an extended stay only suited to dedicated beachbums with money to burn; as you might imagine, a port built for tourists comes with prices set for tourists. Sousse and Monastir, to the southeast of Port El Kantaoui, similarly receive package-holiday crowds but have more to offer in terms of real Tunisia.

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