Things to Do in Tunis in February

February Weather in Tunis

17°C (62°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking temperatures - daytime highs of 17°C (62°F) make exploring the medina comfortable without summer's oppressive heat that reaches 38°C (100°F)
Minimal tourist crowds at major sites like Bardo Museum and Carthage ruins - February sees 60% fewer visitors than peak season, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities
Affordable accommodation rates - hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to March-May peak season, with luxury riads in Sidi Bou Said available for €80-120 instead of €150-200
Prime citrus season - local oranges, mandarins, and lemons are at peak ripeness, making market visits and fresh juice experiences exceptional

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers - 10 rainy days with sudden downpours that can last 1-3 hours, often disrupting outdoor archaeological site visits
Evening chill requires layering - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) after sunset, making rooftop dining and evening medina strolls uncomfortable without proper clothing
Reduced daylight hours - sunset around 6:15 PM limits afternoon sightseeing time, especially problematic for photography at golden hour

Best Activities in February

Bardo Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites

February's cooler weather and frequent rain showers make this the perfect time for Tunisia's world-class museum visits. The Bardo Museum houses the world's finest Roman mosaic collection in climate-controlled galleries, ideal when outdoor temperatures are variable. With 60% fewer tourists, you can properly appreciate the Virgil mosaic and Odyssey scenes without crowds. Indoor sites like Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Popular Arts become essential rainy day activities.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for most museums. Entry typically costs 8-12 dinars for foreigners. Visit Tuesday-Sunday, avoid Mondays when most cultural sites close. Photography permits cost additional 1-2 dinars.

Medina Walking Tours and Covered Markets

February's moderate 17°C (62°F) daytime temperatures make navigating the narrow medina alleys comfortable, while covered souks provide shelter during sudden rain showers. The lower tourist numbers mean authentic interactions with artisans and better bargaining opportunities. Traditional hammams are particularly appealing when evening temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F), offering warm refuge and cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but guided tours typically cost 25-40 dinars for 3-4 hours. Book through licensed guides at tourist information centers. Avoid tours during Friday prayers (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM).

Sidi Bou Said Village Exploration

The iconic blue and white clifftop village is stunning in February's clear air, with fewer tourists crowding the photogenic streets. Cooler temperatures make the uphill walks comfortable, though afternoon rain showers can create dramatic Mediterranean views. Indoor café culture thrives - traditional tea houses become cozy refuges with panoramic sea views during variable weather.

Booking Tip: Accessible via TGM light rail from Tunis (1.5 dinars, 45 minutes). No formal tours needed - explore independently. Allow 4-6 hours including transport. Best visited morning to early afternoon before rain typically arrives.

Carthage Archaeological Sites

February offers ideal conditions for exploring Tunisia's Roman and Punic ruins without summer's brutal heat. The cooler 17°C (62°F) temperatures make walking the extensive Antonine Baths and Tophet sites comfortable. However, have indoor backup plans as sudden rain can make ancient stone surfaces slippery and unsafe.

Booking Tip: Combined Carthage Museum ticket covers multiple sites for 12 dinars. Sites close at 5 PM in February due to shorter daylight. Morning visits recommended before afternoon weather changes. Allow full day with transport.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

February's evening chill down to 8°C (46°F) makes traditional hammam experiences particularly luxurious and culturally authentic. The contrast between cool outdoor air and steamy hammam heat is most dramatic in winter months. Perfect rainy day activity when outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 15-30 dinars for basic service, 50-80 dinars at hotel spas. Book afternoon slots (2-6 PM) when weather typically turns. Women's and men's sessions are separate with specific hours.

Local Cooking Classes and Food Markets

February coincides with peak citrus harvest, making market visits exceptional for fresh ingredients. Cooking classes become perfect rainy day activities, and cooler weather makes standing over traditional clay ovens comfortable. Local specialties like harissa and preserved lemons are prepared for spring preservation during winter months.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost 45-70 dinars including market visit and meal. Book 3-5 days ahead through riads or cultural centers. Morning classes work best around market schedules and before afternoon weather changes.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Carthage Film Festival

Tunisia's premier cultural event showcasing Arab and African cinema at venues throughout Tunis and Carthage. Perfect February indoor activity during unpredictable weather, offering insight into contemporary North African culture through film screenings, director talks, and cultural exhibitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning starts at 8°C (46°F), reaches 17°C (62°F) by afternoon, then drops quickly after sunset

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - ancient stone streets in medina and Carthage become slippery when wet during 10 rainy days

Compact umbrella and light rain jacket - sudden showers last 1-3 hours and can interrupt outdoor activities

Warm evening jacket or fleece - temperatures drop 9°C (16°F) from day to night, essential for rooftop dining

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 5 even in winter, reflecting off white buildings in Sidi Bou Said

Comfortable walking boots - uneven medina stones and archaeological sites require ankle support over distances up to 3 km (1.9 miles)

Long pants and sleeve options - religious sites require modest dress, plus protection from cool morning temperatures

Scarf or light sweater - indoor spaces like museums can be cool, and needed for evening temperature drops

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during unexpected rain showers while exploring outdoor sites

Cash in small denominations - most medina vendors and traditional hammams don't accept cards, need 5-50 dinar notes

Insider Knowledge

Friday afternoon prayers (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) close most medina shops and create traffic delays - schedule museum visits or Sidi Bou Said trips during this time instead

February rain creates the year's best photography conditions at Carthage ruins - dramatic clouds and clear air after showers produce stunning Mediterranean backdrops that summer's haze eliminates

Local heating is minimal in traditional riads - even luxury accommodations may not heat rooms adequately for 8°C (46°F) nights, so pack warm sleepwear regardless of hotel rating

Citrus vendors offer free samples in February during peak harvest - try fresh mandarins, blood oranges, and bergamot varieties not available in tourist seasons, especially in Halfaouine market

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating evening cold - tourists pack for 17°C (62°F) days but suffer in 8°C (46°F) nights, especially on rooftops and coastal areas where wind chill drops temperatures further

No rain contingency planning - visitors schedule full outdoor itineraries without indoor alternatives, then waste entire days when 3-hour downpours hit archaeological sites

Wearing smooth-soled shoes - medina's ancient stones become treacherous when wet during February's 10 rainy days, causing falls and limiting exploration