Things to Do in Tunis in May

May Weather in Tunis

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with 26°C (79°F) highs - ideal for walking the medina without summer's exhausting heat that reaches 38°C (100°F) in July-August
Jasmine blooms throughout the city create the famous 'Tunis perfume' - locals call this season 'khamaseen al-full' (jasmine fifties) when white flowers cover every courtyard
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on hotels compared to peak winter months, with luxury riads averaging 180-250 TND instead of 350+ TND
Extended daylight until 7:30pm allows full days exploring plus evening strolls along Avenue Habib Bourguiba when locals emerge for their daily 'corso'

Considerations

Occasional sandstorms from the Sahara create hazy skies 2-3 days per month - locals call these 'chergui' winds and they reduce visibility and coat everything in fine dust
Variable weather means packing for both 15°C (59°F) mornings and 26°C (79°F) afternoons - temperature swings of 11°C (20°F) daily require layered clothing
European cruise ship arrivals increase weekend crowds at Carthage ruins and Bardo Museum, though weekdays remain pleasantly quiet

Best Activities in May

Medina Walking Tours with Artisan Workshops

May's moderate temperatures make the narrow medina streets comfortable for 3-4 hour walking tours. Artisans work outdoors in their courtyards during this season, offering authentic glimpses of copper hammering, carpet weaving, and pottery throwing. The 70% humidity keeps dust down, making photography crystal clear. Morning tours (8-11am) catch the best light filtering through the covered souks.

Booking Tip: Book through certified guides registered with ONTT (National Tourism Office) - rates typically run 80-120 TND for half-day tours including workshop visits. Book 5-7 days ahead through your hotel or see current tour options in the booking widget below.

Carthage Archaeological Site Exploration

May offers perfect conditions for exploring Tunisia's premier historical sites without summer's brutal heat. The ancient Carthage ruins spread across 6 km (3.7 miles) require substantial walking, which is pleasant in 26°C (79°F) weather. Spring wildflowers bloom among the ruins, and the Mediterranean provides cooling breezes. The light is exceptional for photography at Antonine Baths.

Booking Tip: Purchase the 4-site Carthage ticket (12 TND) covering Antonine Baths, Tophet, Carthage Museum, and Roman Villas. Allow full day. Licensed guides charge 60-80 TND. See booking options below for combination tours with transportation.

Sidi Bou Said Blue and White Village Tours

The iconic cliffside village is magical in May when bougainvillea blooms against white walls and the Mediterranean sparkles below. Temperatures perfect for climbing the steep cobblestone streets without overheating. Café terraces offer stunning sunset views until 7:30pm. The famous Café des Nattes serves mint tea on traditional mats - a May evening ritual locals have practiced for centuries.

Booking Tip: Combine with Carthage for efficient day trips - sites are only 15 km (9.3 miles) apart. Half-day tours typically cost 100-150 TND including transportation from Tunis. TGM train (2 TND) is the local option. Check current tour combinations in booking section.

Sahara Desert Edge Day Trips

May offers the last comfortable month for desert excursions before summer heat makes them unbearable. Day trips to Douz or Tozeur (300 km/186 miles south) showcase spring desert blooms and migrating birds at Chott el Jerid salt lake. Temperatures in the desert reach comfortable 28-30°C (82-86°F) instead of summer's 45°C+ (113°F+).

Booking Tip: Full-day desert tours run 200-300 TND per person including 4WD transport, lunch, and camel rides. Book through licensed operators with insurance. Two-day options with overnight desert camps available. See current desert tour options below.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

May's moderate humidity makes traditional hammam sessions refreshing rather than overwhelming. Historic hammams in the medina operate at lower temperatures during spring, perfect for first-time visitors. The ritual of hot rooms, exfoliation with black soap, and cool-down periods provides relief from walking in 26°C (79°F) heat while experiencing authentic Tunisian wellness culture.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams charge 15-25 TND for basic service, 40-60 TND with massage. Women's days are typically Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Hotel spas cost 80-150 TND but offer mixed gender access. Book spa treatments 24-48 hours ahead.

Mediterranean Coastal Drives and Beach Towns

May marks the beginning of beach season with water temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F) - comfortable for swimming for locals. Coastal drives to Gammarth or La Marsa offer stunning Mediterranean views with spring wildflowers along clifftops. Beach clubs begin opening for the season, though crowds won't arrive until June.

Booking Tip: Car rentals run 60-100 TND per day in May. Coastal towns are 20-30 km (12-19 miles) from central Tunis. Beach club entry typically 20-40 TND including loungers. Public beaches are free. Check current coastal tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Festival International de Carthage (Carthage International Festival)

Tunisia's premier cultural festival features international music, theater, and dance performances in the stunning Roman amphitheater of Carthage. The outdoor venue overlooks the Mediterranean, and May's perfect evening temperatures make this one of the year's most spectacular cultural experiences.

Early to Mid May

Jasmine Harvest Season

Throughout May, jasmine flowers are harvested at dawn when their perfume is strongest. Many hotels and riads organize early morning jasmine picking experiences in nearby Nabeul, followed by traditional breakfast. The flowers are used for tea, perfume, and the famous Tunisian jasmine water.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers for 11°C (20°F) daily temperature swings - linen shirts for 26°C (79°F) afternoons, light sweater for 15°C (59°F) mornings

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and Mediterranean reflection intensifies exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for polished marble medina floors that become slippery when wet from brief showers

Light scarf or shawl for mosque visits and to protect from occasional dusty chergui desert winds

Small backpack for day tours - archaeological sites require carrying water and sun protection across large areas

Cash in small denominations - many medina artisans and traditional hammams don't accept cards, typical daily budget 100-150 TND

Portable phone charger for GPS navigation in the maze-like medina where many visitors get lost

Light rain jacket for brief May showers that last 20-30 minutes but can be sudden and heavy

Insider Knowledge

Visit the medina between 2-4pm when locals nap - you'll have the narrow streets and photogenic doorways largely to yourself, while most tour groups visit mornings

Take the historic TGM train (2 TND) to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said instead of expensive taxis - locals use this charming coastal railway daily and it offers sea views

Shop for handicrafts on weekday mornings when artisans quote local prices before tourist crowds arrive - prices can be 30-50% lower than afternoon tourist rates

Book hammam visits for late afternoon (4-6pm) when temperatures cool and the experience becomes refreshing rather than exhausting in May heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances in Carthage archaeological park - sites span 6 km (3.7 miles) and require 4-5 hours minimum with substantial uphill walking

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat during midday sun - locals wear white and light colors in May when temperatures begin climbing toward summer

Not carrying cash in small bills - medina vendors rarely have change for 50 TND notes, and haggling becomes impossible with large denominations