Things to Do in Tunis in January

January Weather in Tunis

16°C (61°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Mild temperatures perfect for exploring the medina - comfortable 16°C (61°F) highs mean you can walk for hours without overheating
Fewest tourists of the year - major sites like Bardo Museum and Carthage ruins are 60-70% less crowded than peak season
Hotel rates drop 40-50% from December peaks - luxury riads average €80-120 vs €150-200 in summer
Citrus season brings incredible fresh orange juice (€0.50 per glass) and winter specialties like harissa-spiced lamb stews at every restaurant

Considerations

Rain disrupts outdoor plans 10 days of the month - sudden downpours can last 1-2 hours and flood narrow medina streets
Cool evenings at 8°C (46°F) limit rooftop dining and outdoor café culture that Tunis is famous for
Some coastal day trips to Sidi Bou Said become less appealing with gray skies and choppy Mediterranean conditions

Best Activities in January

Medina Heritage Walking Tours

January's cool weather makes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage medina comfortable for 3-4 hour walks. The 15°C (59°F) midday temperatures are perfect for navigating narrow alleys and climbing to rooftop viewpoints. Rain creates dramatic photo opportunities with wet stone reflecting traditional lanterns.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours for 40-60 TND through licensed cultural guides. Morning tours (9am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain. Look for guides certified by ONTT (Tunisian Tourism Office). See current options in booking section below.

Bardo Museum Extended Visits

January's rainy weather makes indoor cultural sites ideal. The world's finest Roman mosaic collection deserves 3-4 hours, and cool weather means comfortable travel to/from the museum 4 km (2.5 miles) from city center. January crowds are minimal.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 11 TND, guided tours add 20-30 TND. Book morning slots online to guarantee English-speaking guides. Photography permits cost extra 10 TND. Reserve through official museum booking system.

Traditional Hammam Experiences

Cool, damp January weather makes authentic steam baths particularly appealing. After walking rain-soaked streets, traditional hammams offer 2-3 hour relaxation experiences. Winter is peak season for locals using hammams, providing authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 15-25 TND for basic service, 40-60 TND with massage. Book afternoon sessions (2pm-6pm) when locals visit. Look for historic hammams in medina with separate gender facilities.

Carthage Archaeological Site Tours

January's mild 16°C (61°F) temperatures are perfect for exploring extensive ruins spanning 6 km (3.7 miles). Cool weather means comfortable walking between Antonine Baths, Tophet sanctuary, and Carthage Museum without summer heat exhaustion. Light crowds enhance the contemplative experience.

Booking Tip: Combined ticket for all sites costs 12 TND. Half-day tours typically 50-80 TND including transport from Tunis center. Book morning tours starting 9am before afternoon rain. Licensed archaeological guides essential for historical context.

Indoor Cooking Classes

January's frequent rain makes 4-5 hour cooking workshops ideal. Learn winter Tunisian specialties like chorba (hearty soup) and makroud date pastries. Cool weather means comfortable kitchen work, and seasonal ingredients like winter citrus are at peak flavor.

Booking Tip: Classes cost 80-120 TND including ingredients and meal. Book 3-4 days ahead through certified culinary schools. Look for classes including market visits (covered souks perfect for rainy weather). Morning classes 9am-2pm most popular.

Sidi Bou Said Day Trips

Despite potential gray skies, January's cool weather makes the 20 km (12.4 mile) trip to the famous blue-and-white hilltop village comfortable. Fewer crowds mean better photos of iconic doorways and café terraces. Indoor mint tea sessions replace outdoor dining.

Booking Tip: Train costs 1.5 TND each way, guided tours 60-90 TND including transport. Book indoor activities like traditional music performances at cultural centers. Avoid windy days when announced on local weather. Check booking options below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Festival International du Film Amateur de Kélibia

Tunisia's premier amateur film festival showcases North African cinema in coastal Kélibia, 1.5 hours from Tunis. Indoor screenings perfect for rainy January weather, with cultural discussions and filmmaker meetups.

Throughout January

Olive Oil Harvest Season

January marks peak olive harvest in surrounding regions. Many riads and cultural centers offer olive oil tasting sessions and workshops about traditional production methods. Winter specialty menus feature new harvest oils.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - medina streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven stone surfaces

Compact umbrella plus lightweight rain jacket - sudden 1-2 hour downpours happen without warning, and narrow medina streets offer little shelter

Layering clothing for 8°C-16°C (46°F-61°F) range - mornings start cool, midday warms up, then drops again by 5pm

Warm pajamas and slippers - traditional riads have tile floors and minimal heating, making evenings at 8°C (46°F) quite chilly

Waterproof phone case - essential for photos during light rain, plus protecting device from 70% humidity

Warm scarf and light gloves - January winds off the Mediterranean feel colder than actual temperature, especially on coastal trips

Moisturizer and lip balm - combination of 70% humidity and indoor heating creates skin dryness

Comfortable walking socks - multiple pairs since feet may get wet in rain, and you need dry backup pairs

Small daypack with waterproof liner - for carrying rain gear, purchases from covered souks, and staying hands-free while walking

Warm sweater or fleece - essential for evening dining and early morning sightseeing when temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F)

Insider Knowledge

January rain fills the Zaouïa of Sidi Mahrez courtyard with beautiful reflections - locals consider this good luck and visit specifically during rain

Hotel breakfast timing matters: most serve until 10am, but January's late sunrise (7:15am) means 9-10am is perfect for eating then starting sightseeing as light improves

Café culture shifts indoors in January - locals gather in traditional cafés from 2-5pm during afternoon rain, creating authentic cultural experiences tourists miss in summer

The 15-minute tram from Tunis Marine to Carthage costs only 0.8 TND but runs reduced January schedules - check weekend timetables as service drops to every 30 minutes

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton jeans in rain - they take hours to dry and make sightseeing miserable. Locals wear quick-dry synthetic pants in January

Planning only outdoor activities - January requires 2-3 indoor backup options daily since rain can start suddenly and last hours

Assuming all restaurants have heating - many traditional medina restaurants rely on body heat and braziers, so dress warmly for dinner