Things to Do in Tunis in July

July Weather in Tunis

34°C (93°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer heat means locals escape indoors - you'll have ancient medina alleyways practically to yourself between 11am-4pm when most tourists retreat
Ramadan won't overlap in July 2025 (ends early May), so all restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors operate normal hours with full menus available
Summer festival season brings nightly concerts at Roman ruins of Carthage (7pm starts when temperature drops to comfortable 28°C/82°F)
Sea breeze from Mediterranean kicks in reliably at 3pm daily, dropping the perceived temperature by 5-6°C (9-11°F) along coastal areas like Sidi Bou Said

Considerations

Midday heat reaches 38-40°C (100-104°F) in direct sun, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable between 11am-4pm without air conditioning breaks
Many Tunisians take summer vacation in July, so some traditional hammams and family-run restaurants in residential areas close for 2-3 weeks
Hotel rates peak at 40-60% higher than shoulder season, with beachfront properties in Sidi Bou Said commanding premium prices

Best Activities in July

Early Morning Medina Walking Tours

The UNESCO World Heritage medina is magical before 9am when temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) and vendors are setting up. You'll experience authentic daily life without the midday crush of tour groups who arrive after 10am when heat becomes oppressive.

Booking Tip: Join small group walking tours that start at 7:30am and end by 10:30am. Look for guides certified by the Tunisian National Tourist Office. Typically costs 45-65 TND per person. See current early morning options in the booking section below.

Carthage Archaeological Site Visits

Ancient Roman ruins are stunning in July's golden evening light from 5pm onwards when temperatures drop to 29°C (84°F). The Antonine Baths and Byrsa Hill offer Mediterranean breezes that make exploration comfortable. Fewer crowds than morning visits.

Booking Tip: Book combination tickets covering all Carthage sites for 12 TND. Audio guides available on-site for 8 TND. Private archaeological tours typically range 80-120 TND for half-day. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Sidi Bou Said Evening Sessions

This cliff-top village transforms at sunset when sea breezes make the 3km (1.9 mile) walk from Carthage TGM station pleasant. July offers the longest days with sunset at 7:45pm, perfect for extended cafe sessions overlooking the Mediterranean.

Booking Tip: Take TGM train from Tunis (1.5 TND) rather than tours to avoid midday heat. Evening photography walks with local guides cost 35-50 TND. Reserve seaside cafe tables by 5pm. See current photography tour options below.

National Bardo Museum Air-Conditioned Exploration

World's finest Roman mosaic collection provides perfect midday refuge when outdoor temperatures peak. The museum's excellent climate control and 2-3 hour visit duration fits perfectly into the 11am-2pm heat window that makes outdoor activities uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 11 TND for foreigners, 13 TND with photography permit. Audio guides 7 TND. Private museum guides typically charge 60-80 TND for 2-hour specialized tours. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon tour groups.

Hammamet Beach Day Trips

The 65km (40-mile) journey to Tunisia's premier beach resort offers relief from Tunis heat. July water temperatures reach 26°C (79°F) - perfect for swimming. Regular louage (shared taxi) service runs every 30 minutes from 6am-8pm.

Booking Tip: Louage transport costs 7 TND each way from Tunis Bab Saadoun station. Beach club day passes range 25-45 TND including lounger and umbrella. Private beach transfers with driver typically 80-120 TND roundtrip for up to 4 people.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

Authentic thermal baths provide cultural immersion and relief from July heat. Traditional hammams operate cooler morning sessions (7am-11am) and evening sessions (4pm-8pm) when the steam rooms are more comfortable in summer temperatures.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 15-25 TND for basic service, 40-60 TND with massage. Upscale hotel spas range 80-150 TND. Book evening slots when locals prefer to visit. Look for hammams with good ventilation during summer months.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Carthage International Festival

Tunisia's premier cultural event transforms Roman amphitheater ruins into concert venues. Features Arabic, African, and international musicians performing under stars with Mediterranean backdrop. Tickets range 30-100 TND depending on performer.

Throughout July

Sidi Bou Said Summer Arts Festival

Local and regional artists display work in the village's white-and-blue alleyways. Evening art walks coincide with cooler temperatures and golden hour lighting. Free admission with optional guided artist meet-and-greets for 25 TND.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight linen or cotton long pants - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity, essential for mosque visits which require covered legs

Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses - UV index reaches 8, and medina's narrow alleys create harsh shadow contrasts that strain eyes

Portable fan or cooling towel - temperatures feel like 40°C (104°F) in direct sun between stone walls of medina

Electrolyte tablets or powder - you'll lose significant salt in 34°C (93°F) heat while walking on uneven medina stones

Light cardigan for evening - coastal breezes can drop temperatures to 22°C (71°F) after sunset, especially in seaside restaurants

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - medina's 1000-year-old stone streets become slippery when wet from brief July showers

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and reapplication - intense North African sun reflects off white buildings in Sidi Bou Said

Quick-dry clothing - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, usually lasting 15-20 minutes

Modest clothing for religious sites - shoulders and knees must be covered at Zitouna Mosque and other religious locations

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in dry heat, and you can refill at most cafes and hotels

Insider Knowledge

Local families eat dinner after 8pm in July when temperatures drop - restaurants serve their freshest mezze and grilled fish during these cooler evening hours

Take the TGM coastal train during afternoon heat waves - it's air-conditioned, costs only 1.5 TND, and connects all major tourist sites from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said

Many medina artisan workshops close 12pm-3pm for siesta during July heat - plan craft shopping and pottery demonstrations for morning or late afternoon slots

Tunisians drink strong mint tea even in summer heat - it actually helps cool the body through perspiration and provides essential electrolytes lost in high temperatures

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor medina tours between 11am-4pm when temperatures peak at 38°C (100°F) and narrow stone passages trap heat like an oven

Wearing synthetic fabrics that don't breathe in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential for comfort in North African summer

Not carrying cash for small vendors and transport - many medina shops and louage drivers don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce in tourist areas