Last updated: January 18, 2025
Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, experiences a semi-arid climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh. This climate is characterized by a significant temperature range, with winter months witnessing a minimum of 2°C (35°F) in January, giving way to average annual temperatures around 20°C (69°F). The summer months can be scorching, reaching maximum temperatures of 47°C (117°F) in August. Such climatic conditions create a unique environment that influences local ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.
In Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, temperature patterns reveal distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, showcase cooler temperatures, with minimums around 2°C (35°F) and average highs reaching up to 29°C (84°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with averages climbing from 15°C (60°F) to 18°C (64°F), and maximums increasing to 31°C (88°F). The onset of summer brings significant heat, with July and August recording some of the highest temperatures, peaking at 47°C (117°F) in August, while average temperatures hover around 29°C (85°F). Early autumn sees a slight respite, with September's averages dropping to 27°C (80°F) before the cycle returns to cooler winter conditions in the latter months of the year, featuring lows of 4°C (39°F) in December. This fluctuation underscores Al Mahdīyah's semi-arid climate, marked by hot summers and mild winters.
In Mahdia, temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (40°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (115°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Mahdia. Similarly, El Jem experiences slightly cooler winter temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in January, while also reaching a maximum of 46°C (115°F) during the peak of summer, as shown in the monthly temperatures in El Jem.
Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, exhibits a distinct seasonal precipitation pattern that aligns with the Mediterranean climate, characterized by primarily winter rainfall. January and February mark the wettest months, receiving 12 mm (0.5 in) and 24 mm (1.0 in), respectively, typically spread over 2 to 3 rainy days. The precipitation peaks in March with 37 mm (1.5 in) over 6 days, while April sees a decline to 21 mm (0.8 in). This early spring rain supports local agriculture and replenishes water resources before the drier summer months.
As summer approaches, Al Mahdīyah's rainfall drastically decreases, culminating in July, which records no measurable precipitation. The period from May to August generally experiences minimal rainfall, with average amounts dwindling to just 6 mm (0.2 in) in June before slightly increasing in August to 13 mm (0.5 in). Autumn brings more consistent totals, notably in October with 39 mm (1.5 in), followed by November's 34 mm (1.3 in), marking a return to wetter conditions. Overall, this pattern illustrates a clear contrast between the region's dry summers and rainy winters, crucial for sustaining its semi-arid environment.
Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, experiences a notable increase in sunshine duration from winter to summer, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. January begins the year with 229 hours of sunshine, gradually rising in February to 277 hours. By the arrival of spring, March and April see a steady climb, reaching 336 hours and 349 hours, respectively. This upward trend continues into May, with a substantial jump to 390 hours, as the days lengthen and temperatures warm. June brings in 392 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the peak summer months.
The sunshine peak occurs in July, where residents bask in 408 hours of glorious sunlight, showcasing the region's warmest and brightest conditions. Even though August retains a high level of sunlight at 381 hours, the amount slightly decreases, indicating the gradual transition towards autumn. As the year progresses, September experiences a noticeable decline to 335 hours, which further diminishes in October (320 hours), leading into the winter months with November and December recording around 276 and 278 hours, respectively. This seasonal variation highlights not only the vibrant summer days that define Al Mahdīyah's climate but also underscores the significant fluctuations in daylight throughout the year.
The UV Index in Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, exhibits significant seasonal variation, reflecting changes in sun intensity throughout the year. Starting in January and February, the UV Index is at moderate levels of 4 and 5, respectively, with a burn time of 30 minutes indicating a lower risk for skin damage. As spring approaches, the index escalates sharply in March, reaching 7 (high), which reduces safe sun exposure time to 25 minutes. The trend continues into April and May, with values peaking at 9 and 10 (very high), where the burn time is reduced to just 15 minutes as sunlight becomes increasingly intense.
The summer months, particularly June and July, record the highest UV Index levels at 11, categorized as extreme, permitting only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. As August rolls in, the UV Index slightly declines to 10 but remains very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The UV Index then returns to very high levels in September (9) before tapering off in the fall, where October records a high level of 7. By November and December, the index drops back to moderate levels of 5 and 3, allowing for 30-minute exposure times again. This cyclical pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during certain months and highlights the extreme conditions experienced during peak summer in Al Mahdīyah.
UV Risk Categories
In Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, daylight duration showcases a clear seasonal trend influenced by the progression of the year. During the winter months of January and February, residents experience about 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases in March to 11 hours as spring begins. The most significant changes occur in April and May, when daylight extends to 13 and 14 hours, respectively, providing ample sunlight and warmth essential for growth and outdoor activities.
As summer reaches its peak, daylight remains steady at 14 hours from June through July, before beginning a gradual decline. In August, daylight duration decreases slightly to 13 hours, followed by a further reduction in September to 12 hours. As autumn sets in, daylight hours continue to dwindle, dropping to 11 hours in October, and eventually down to 10 hours in November and 9 hours in December. This cyclical variation in daylight duration underscores the characteristic Mediterranean climate, offering longer, sun-filled days in the summer while transitioning into shorter, more subdued winter days.
El Jem, Tunisia experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average temperatures range from 12°C (55°F) in January to 29°C (85°F) in July, with peak max temperatures reaching up to 46°C (115°F) in August. Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, especially in July, which records no rainfall, while March sees the highest monthly rainfall at 37 mm (1.4 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with July offering the most sun exposure at 407 hours. For more details, visit El Jem climate.
Mahdia, Tunisia, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (40°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (115°F) in August, while average monthly temperatures hover between 13°C (56°F) and 29°C (84°F). The area receives relatively low rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring in March (39 mm), and virtually none during the summer months of July. Mahdia enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 410 hours, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more detailed climate information, visit Mahdia climate.
In conclusion, Al Mahdīyah, Tunisia, presents a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region enjoys hot, sun-drenched summers with maximum temperatures soaring and extended daylight hours, while the winter months bring milder temperatures and reduced sunlight. Rainfall is primarily concentrated in the cooler months, providing essential moisture to the ecosystem. Coupled with an increase in UV radiation during the summer, the climatic conditions of Al Mahdīyah underscore the importance of seasonal awareness for both environmental management and public health. This intricate interplay of factors highlights the region's unique climate and the necessity for residents and visitors to adapt their activities according to the prevalent weather patterns throughout the year.