The Tunisian island of Djerba is a large tropical island off the coast of North Africa and is located in the Gulf of Gabes. This area just off the tip of Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate throughout every month but does not suffer from the climactic extremes experienced in many other areas of the region. Therefore Djerba can enjoy long, hot, dry summer days throughout the summer months. Followed by mild, sometimes wetter, winter days that still offer plenty of sun.
Measuring approximately 20 kilometres square, Djerba is very close to the Libyan border and is most known for its white sandy beaches, distinctive white washed houses and quaint village life.
Djerba is 5km off the coast of Tunisia and was known in ancient times as Syrtis Minor. This historical heritage is still very much apparent in the incredible range of architecture visible across the island and in the culture of all who live there.
The island of Djerba is thought to have been the inspiration for Homer's Odyssey. And alongside Sousse and Hammamet, it is one of the most favourable tourist destinations for tourists in Tunisia. Its range of bustling markets, lively outdoor cafes and very friendly people ensure visitors always want to come back, no matter what time of year it is.
The island of Djerba boasts at least 300 days of warm sunshine per year and experiences extremely pleasant weather for the duration of the remaining days, making it an outstanding holiday destination all year round.
Ceramics Arts of Djerba, Tunisia.
Spring in Djerba
Spring is the ideal time to take pleasure in the beautiful beach holiday facilities that Djerba can offer, without the worry of the peak summer heat.
Even at the start of March, average high temperatures will reach 20°C. And by the time May comes to an end, peak daily temperatures of 25°C are far more commonplace.
Thanks to the consistency in the weather in this part of Tunisia, peak season starts as early as April in Djerba. Which means by the middle of spring the entire area is awash with visitors. And peak prices for flights and accommodation are likely to apply.
Spring also sees a time of incredible change in Djerba. While the start of the season will still be ensconced in the rainy period, which can see up to 30mm of rain fall in each month. By the time April and May come around, it is very likely that little or no rain will be seen during the day. The rain won't pick up again until October is well underway.
However, thanks to the moisture in the winter months, the many varieties of flower and plant life that are native to this region come out in bloom and create some breath-taking sights for all visitors to enjoy.
Summer in Djerba
Summer in Djebar is a time for long hot beautiful days, and wonderfully warm nights. Average high temperatures will range from 28°C at the start of the season up to a peak of 33°C. The warmest months of the year are usually July and August. But even though the area can get very hot, a cool sea breeze is usually present helping to increase comfort levels, especially at night time.
Even in the dead of night, temperatures are unlikely to fall below 20°C throughout the summer. But thanks to the cool breeze, air conditioning is not always essential in every type of accommodation.
Average sea temperatures range from 24°C to a glorious 29°C throughout the summer months and remains relatively warm throughout the year. This makes summer in Djerba the perfect time to hit the beach and enjoy the range of al fresco activities available across the region.
Djerba also experiences practically no rainfall throughout the summer months. This does bring a rather scorched look to some of the most exposed areas. But this high sun also keeps the sand looking beautifully white, making Djerba beaches some of the most magnificent in the world.
Autumn in Djerba
Once the peak summer season is over, Djerba offers the opportunity to enjoy warm seas and good weather in a much calmer environment. Though the majority of tourists will leave these Mediterranean shores by mid-September, conditions on the island remain very inviting.
Throughout September and the first part of October, the island stays very dry and free from rain. And with average high temperatures for the period over 28°C, it is a wonderful time to come and enjoy some late summer sun.
The second half of October and into November does see the start of the rainy season. But with only an average of 6 days each month seeing any precipitation, and average highs of between 21°C and 27°C see many people still enjoying a full beach holiday.
Sea temperatures also remain at a very inviting 26°C in October and only fall to 22°C in November. This creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy kayaking or windsurfing without the worry of bumping into the many swimmers that flood the shores in the peak months.
The calmer environment also make this a wonderful time to enjoy cycling in Djerba and take in the many souks and quaint villages across the island. Thanks to the flat nature of the entire island, even the most novice cyclist can enjoy the views.
Winter in Djerba
Though Djerba enjoys a Mediterranean climate which is typified by wetter winter days, it is very unlikely for the region to experience two uninterrupted days of rainfall. This means there is plenty of opportunity for the sun to shine through even on the coldest days of winter.
The island is not considered extremely hot when it comes to winter sun vacations. Daily temperatures will usually peak at 16°C in the coldest month of January and only reach 18°C in February, which is considered the warmest of the winter months. However Djerba can still boast high levels of sun. And with minimum temperatures never falling below an average of 9°C, there is practically no chance of ever seeing a frost.
Throughout the year this tropical island forecasts between 9 and 12 hours of average daily sunshine to ensure no day is ever too dull. And for tourists who want to enjoy outdoor leisure activities such as sightseeing, playing golf and generally just escaping the chilly temperatures of other European cities, you will find the conditions in Djerba very appealing.