Things to Do in Tunis in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Tunis
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Pleasant daytime temperatures around 15-17°C (59-63°F) make walking the medina comfortable without the summer heat exhaustion - you can actually explore Bab el Bhar to Zitouna Mosque without needing constant shade breaks
- December brings lower tourist numbers compared to spring shoulder season, meaning shorter queues at Bardo Museum and easier haggling in the souks - stallholders are more willing to negotiate when foot traffic drops
- Winter citrus season peaks in December, with blood oranges and clementines flooding markets at rock-bottom prices - typically 2-3 TND per kilo (0.60-0.90 USD) versus summer imports at triple the cost
- Clear winter light makes this ideal for photography, particularly the blue-and-white architecture of Sidi Bou Said which practically glows in December's crisp air - that famous azure-white contrast is sharpest now
Considerations
- Evening temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F) and most traditional riads lack central heating - you'll want layers for dinner and might find yourself huddling around a brazier in cafes after sunset
- Rain comes in unpredictable bursts across those 10 wet days, and the medina's uneven stone streets become slippery hazards - proper walking shoes with grip matter more than they do in summer
- Some coastal attractions around Carthage and La Marsa feel distinctly off-season with reduced hours or closed beach clubs - the Mediterranean vibe you might expect is muted in winter months
Best Activities in December
Medina Walking Tours and Souk Exploration
December's mild temperatures make this the perfect month for navigating Tunis medina's labyrinthine alleys without the summer heat that can make the covered souks feel oppressive. The cooler weather means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours wandering from the perfume souk to the textile markets without overheating. Morning light filtering through the souk roofs creates particularly good photography conditions, and vendors are generally more relaxed and willing to chat when tourist numbers are moderate rather than overwhelming.
Bardo Museum Extended Visits
December's cooler weather and thinner crowds make this the ideal time to properly explore the world's finest Roman mosaic collection without feeling rushed. The museum's marble halls stay comfortably cool, and you can actually stand in front of the Virgil mosaic or Ulysses panels without competing for space. Worth noting that natural light through the palace windows is particularly good in winter months for viewing the intricate tilework. Plan for 2-3 hours minimum if you're genuinely interested in Roman North Africa.
Carthage Archaeological Site Tours
December offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring Carthage's sprawling ruins - summer heat makes the exposed hilltop sites genuinely punishing, while December's 15-17°C (59-63°F) lets you walk between Antonine Baths, Byrsa Hill, and the Punic ports without wilting. The UV index of 8 still requires sun protection, but you won't be dealing with the brutal Mediterranean summer sun. Rain is the main variable - have a flexible schedule since wet conditions make the ancient stones treacherous and visibility drops.
Sidi Bou Said Day Trips
The famous blue-and-white cliffside village looks its absolute best in December's clear winter light - that iconic azure against whitewashed walls really pops when there's no summer haze. Cooler temperatures make the steep streets manageable, and the clifftop cafes are pleasant for lingering over mint tea without summer's oppressive heat. That said, some beachside venues close for winter, so this is purely about the village aesthetics and cafe culture rather than coastal activities. The 70 percent humidity can create morning mist that burns off by 10-11am.
Traditional Hammam Experiences
December's cool evenings make hammam visits particularly appealing - there's something perfect about emerging from steam heat into crisp night air. This is when locals increase their hammam frequency too, so you're experiencing an authentic winter ritual rather than a tourist-only activity. The traditional scrub-and-massage experience takes 60-90 minutes and provides welcome warmth when your unheated riad feels chilly. Best scheduled for late afternoon around 4-5pm so you finish as evening sets in.
Central Market and Food Tours
December is peak season for Tunisian citrus, winter vegetables, and seafood, making market tours particularly rewarding now. The central Marche Centrale near Avenue de France overflows with blood oranges, pomegranates, and fresh dates at their seasonal best. Morning tours around 8-9am catch the market at full energy before the midday slowdown. The cooler weather also means street food stays fresh longer - those brik pastries and grilled merguez don't sit in oppressive heat. Food tours typically include 6-8 tastings across 2-3 hours.
December Events & Festivals
Carthage Film Festival
The Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage typically runs in late November into early December on odd-numbered years, making 2025 a festival year but 2026 an off-year. If you're visiting early December 2026, the cultural energy from the previous year's festival still influences local cinema programming, with retrospectives and special screenings common at Cinéma Le Colisée and other venues. Worth checking current schedules as film culture stays active year-round in Tunis.
Olive Harvest Season
December marks peak olive harvest across Tunisia, and while this isn't a formal tourist event, it shapes the entire food scene. Markets overflow with fresh olives at their cheapest, new-press olive oil appears in restaurants, and rural areas around Tunis buzz with harvest activity. Some agricultural cooperatives offer informal visits if you arrange through local guides - you'll see traditional hand-picking methods still used in smaller groves. Fresh oil pressed in November-December has a distinctive peppery bite that mellows over subsequent months.