What's the Weather Like in Port El Kantaoui in September
Temperature
September marks the first month where the peak summer weather starts to tail off towards the winter, dropping from August's blistering 28°C to a more comfortable average temperature of 26 °C. That said, September is still a great month to visit the Port with many tourists welcoming the small drop in temperature.
To give you a more detailed perspective, September starts off with a comfortable daily average temperature of 27.6°C, gently falling to 25.8°C midway through the month, before easing off to 24.2°C. So if you're looking to get the best of September's sun, it's best to visit early on in the month.
September's daytimes highs still push into the 30's, at 30°C flat, with evening averages taking minimum temperatures to a more comfortable 21°C. The highs of 30°C will keep even hardened sun-seekers happy and make September a great month to spend time at the beach.
In terms of record weather, the highest recent temperature in September reached 42°C on 2 September 1988, with a lowest recorded temperature of 15°C on 17 September 1988. As with all records, these are extreme examples and we wouldn't advise setting your hopes on 42°C temperatures just yet.
Rain
September slowly creeps up to 4 days of rainfall over the month, this gentle increase in rain continues all the way through until April. Over September, Port el Kantaoui receives an average of 35 mm (1.4 inches) of rainfall.
Average Sunshine Hours
September still fairs well in terms of average sunshine, with ten hours of sun, leaving you with a wealth of time to plan elaborate day trips outside of the port.
Humidity
September doesn't fair too well in terms of average relative humidity, coming it at 70%. This is only a slim improvement from January, which is the most humid month of the year at 74%. Unfortunately you are bound to feel a degree of discomfort at 70%, however air conditioning is a relative staple at the port, offering plenty of refuge from the humidity.
Wind
September racks up an average wind speed of 16 km/h, equivalent to about 10 mph, or 8 knots (classed as a 'gentle breeze' on the Beaufort wind force scale) this is fairly high by the ports timid standards, but nothing to write home about. Overall, the maximum sustained wind speed in recent years has reached 83 km/h, that's equivalent to roughly 52 mph, or 45 knots (classed as a storm or a 'strong gale' on the Beaufort wind force scale).
Average Sea Temperature
Although the air temperature drops slightly after the peak summer months, the sea temperature maintains an average of 28°C which is still a record annual average for the region.
Port El Kantaoui Hotels in September
El Mouradi Palma Marina Hotel has an outdoor pool and a children's pool set amid a large sun terrace. Further leisure facilities and activities available at the hotel include an indoor pool (including aqua aerobics), and Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, massage services, tennis courts, volleyball court, fitness centre, plus billiards (local charge), petanque, bridge, table tennis, mini golf and archery.
Hotel Vincci El Kantaoui Center benefits from an excellent location, 350 metres from the marina and 150 metres from the beach, this hotel is the ideal choice for a relaxing winter break. Complimented by friendly staff, this hotel is well-equipped.
Mediterranean Dreams Miramar Hotel is made up of a 3 star building and a more recent addition, built in 2003. Families may find the facilities for children a bit limited. The villa-like 'residence' is well designed with neat windows and small balconies, while the more plain main building is typical of its era and has larger balconies, many of which benefit from views over the golf course.
Port El Kantaoui Beach for September
September still offers genuine beach weather, with a consistent average temperature of 26°C and matching sea temperature.
Why not look beyond the Ports beach and head to nearby Hammamet' beach. Hammamet is well known for its range of water sports facilities, with catamarans, pedaloes, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling. All of these services are available for booking on the beach itself, so be prepared to haggle yourself a good deal.
You can take part in shore-based diving off the Tunisian coast. Highlights include the World War II wreck lying off the coast of Hammamet, the vibrantly colourful sea life in Hergla, the underwater archaeological sites in Mahdia, the hidden caves around Djerba, and the grouper fish near Port El Kantaoui. There is also a small diving centre at the Port, called Sdanek Club, which is situated by the dry dock at the entrance to the Marina.
Bars and Restaurants
Du Peuple, can be found at Sousse medina. Hearty meat and couscous dishes can be found in abundance, along with tea and watermelon that actually come free with desert. It's an airy and vibrant spot just inside the medina walls adjacent Hôtel de Paris.
The Dodo Resturant in Sousse is one of the more modern medina restaurants. Surrounded by bustling shops and tourists traps, the Dodo is welcome retreat. Slightly more expensive than the average it serves a mix of western and traditional Tunisian meat dishes.
La Marmite, is just cross from the Hôtel Residence Monia. It's a posh and somewhat pricey affair, serving up seafood and other Tunisian favourites. For a bit of random Tunisian knowledge, a 'marmite' in Tunisia is a big urn-shapely cooking pot.
Things to do in Port El Kantaoui in September
You'll find that you'll outgrow the confines of the port fairly quickly, so why not take a day trip south to Monastir. It is the birth place of Habib Bourguiba, who happens to be the first president of independent Tunisia. The Mausoleum of Habib Bourtguiba was built in 1963 and is easily distinguished by a huge ribbed golden dome and twin Minarets furnished with impressive Italian Limestone. Inside the tomb you'll find the cenotaphs of all the family members of Buorguiba. You can walk up the flight of stairs that lead to the upper section of the mausoleum to have a detailed view of the dome.
The ribat in Monastir is the first of many monastery-fortresses that still stand along the Mediterranean coast of Africa. Forts such as this were originally constructed to ward off Christian invasions; over the years these structures slowly lost their defensive role to become exclusively educational establishments. Notably Monastir, "one of the gates to Paradise" according to the Prophet, became one of the most prominent intellectual and religious centres in Tunisia.
Venture west to the walled city of Kairouan, one of Islam's most famed holy cities. Once there we recommend visiting the Bir Barouta, where you'll find a blinkered camel walking in circles, continually drawing water from a holy well said to be connected to Mecca. It seems somewhat bizarre, however the well represents a big part of the city's story, and is also a significant spiritual ritual for many who visit.
