Things to Do in Tunis in December

December Weather in Tunis

17°C (63°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

69 mm (2.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for exploring - comfortable 17°C (63°F) highs mean you can walk the medina for hours without overheating, unlike scorching summer months
Citrus season peaks - local oranges, lemons, and tangerines flood markets at lowest prices (2-3 TND/kg vs 6-8 TND in summer), making December the best time for fresh juice culture
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks - luxury riads in Sidi Bou Said available for 120-180 TND vs 300+ TND in July-August
Cultural calendar comes alive - Carthage Film Festival runs mid-December, plus winter hammam season when locals frequent traditional baths more regularly

Considerations

Rain unpredictability - 10 rainy days means 1 in 3 days could disrupt outdoor plans, particularly problematic for archaeological site visits to Carthage
Short daylight hours - sunset around 5:15 PM limits afternoon activities and makes evening medina exploration feel rushed
Tourist infrastructure reduces - many beach clubs and coastal restaurants in Sidi Bou Said close or operate limited hours

Best Activities in December

Medina Walking Tours and Artisan Workshops

December's cool temperatures make navigating Tunis Medina's maze-like streets comfortable for extended periods. Local artisans are more active indoors during winter months, offering better opportunities to see carpet weaving, metalwork, and pottery in action. The 70% humidity actually helps preserve traditional crafts. Morning tours (9-11 AM) when temperatures are 12-14°C (54-57°F) are ideal.

Booking Tip: Book through certified cultural heritage guides 5-7 days ahead, typically 45-65 TND for 3-hour tours. Look for guides certified by the National Heritage Institute. Current tour options available through booking platforms.

Carthage Archaeological Site Exploration

December offers perfect conditions for extensive archaeological site visits - no brutal sun exposure (UV index 8 still requires protection but manageable), and cooler air makes the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking between ruins comfortable. Rain can make ancient stones slippery, so check weather before booking.

Booking Tip: Purchase combined Carthage Museum tickets (12 TND) covering 6 sites. Book guided archaeological tours 3-5 days ahead, typically 80-120 TND including transport. Rain cancellation policies essential - verify before booking.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

Winter is peak hammam season when locals use traditional baths more frequently. December's humidity and cool evenings make the contrast of hot steam rooms particularly therapeutic. Historic hammams like those near Zitouna Mosque operate traditional schedules with separate men's/women's hours more strictly observed in winter.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 8-15 TND for basic service, luxury spa versions 80-150 TND. No advance booking needed for traditional hammams, but reserve luxury spa treatments 2-3 days ahead. Afternoon sessions (2-5 PM) are less crowded.

Sidi Bou Said Blue and White Village Tours

December's soft light creates ideal photography conditions for the famous blue and white architecture. Cooler temperatures mean comfortable uphill walks through the village's steep 200m (656 ft) elevation changes. Many cafés reduce hours but Café des Nattes and similar institutions maintain winter schedules with cozy indoor seating.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically 55-85 TND including transport from Tunis. The TGM light rail (1.5 TND) runs regularly to Sidi Bou Said station. Book tours with indoor backup options for rainy days. Photography tours work best 10 AM-2 PM for optimal lighting.

Bardo Museum and Cultural Institution Visits

December is ideal for intensive museum exploration when outdoor activities might be limited by weather. The Bardo Museum's world-class Roman mosaic collection can be thoroughly explored without summer heat fatigue. Winter also brings special exhibitions and cultural programming that locals attend more frequently.

Booking Tip: Entry 11 TND, guided tours 35-50 TND for 2-hour sessions. Book private cultural tours 3-4 days ahead. Museum open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-4:30 PM. Combine with nearby cultural sites for full-day indoor itineraries during rainy periods.

Traditional Market and Culinary Experiences

December brings peak citrus season and winter specialties like assida (wheat porridge) and seasonal tagines. Central Market operates in comfortable temperatures, and vendors are more willing to engage with tourists during slower winter season. Traditional bakeries produce winter breads and pastries unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically 65-95 TND for 3-4 hour experiences including tastings. Book cooking classes 1 week ahead as winter scheduling is more limited. Market tours best 8-10 AM when produce is freshest and temperatures coolest.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Carthage Film Festival (JCC)

Biennial film festival showcasing African and Arab cinema, held in even-numbered years. Features screenings across multiple venues including historic sites. International filmmakers and industry professionals attend, creating vibrant cultural atmosphere throughout the capital.

Early to Mid December

Olive Harvest Celebrations

Traditional olive pressing ceremonies in surrounding regions, with many families opening their farms to visitors. Fresh olive oil tastings, traditional pressing demonstrations, and seasonal meals featuring new harvest products.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - ancient medina stones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3.1-5.0 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 9°C (48°F) mornings to 17°C (63°F) afternoons require adaptable wardrobe

Compact umbrella - sudden downpours can last 30-45 minutes with little warning, and medina coverage is limited

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 still requires protection, especially with reflection off white buildings in Sidi Bou Said

Lightweight wool or fleece - evenings can feel chilly at 70% humidity, particularly in coastal areas

Moisture-wicking undergarments - 70% humidity makes cotton underwear uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Portable phone charger - December's short daylight hours mean heavy camera and navigation use drains batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - winter brings fewer tourists so vendors have less change, carry 5 and 10 TND notes

Light scarf or shawl - essential for mosque visits and provides warmth during cool evenings

Waterproof bag for electronics - protect cameras and phones during unexpected rain showers

Insider Knowledge

Ramadan timing varies - if December overlaps with Ramadan, restaurant schedules change dramatically and tourist sites may have reduced hours, check Islamic calendar before booking

TGM light rail runs reduced winter schedules to coastal areas - verify departure times to Sidi Bou Said and Carthage as frequencies drop to every 30-45 minutes vs 15 minutes in summer

Locals shop for citrus in late afternoon markets - join them around 4 PM at Central Market for best selection and prices, vendors often offer samples of seasonal fruits

Hotel heating is inconsistent - even luxury properties may have unreliable heating systems, specifically request rooms with working heaters when booking riads and older hotels

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer beach activities are available - most coastal restaurants and beach clubs close or operate minimal hours, La Marsa and Gammarth feel deserted compared to summer months

Underestimating rain impact on clay soil - archaeological sites like Carthage become muddy and potentially dangerous, don't attempt hiking trails or extensive outdoor ruins exploration during wet weather

Booking only outdoor activities - December weather requires indoor backup plans, ensure at least 50% of your itinerary works regardless of weather conditions