Best time to go to Qatar for a perfect weather and where to go?
Julie Parment and Tony Samson last update: 04/06/2024When is the best time to go to Qatar?
The best time to visit Qatar is from October to May, with a preference for the months of November to April, when the weather is pleasant without being too hot. During this period, you can fully enjoy the treasures that the country has to offer:
- The stunning beaches overlooking the Persian Gulf offer postcard-perfect landscapes with their golden sand and translucent waters. Our favorites include Fuwairit Beach, Sealine Beach, and Umm Bab Beach.
- The capital, Doha, looks futuristic with its ultra-modern skyscrapers. Don't miss a stroll along the Corniche that hugs the bay, a visit to the magnificent Museum of Islamic Art, admiring the grand mosque and the emir's palace, as well as a visit to the artificial island The Pearl. For local culture, the Katara Cultural Village is a must-visit, as well as the spice-scented Souq Waqif.
- The diving sites are world-renowned for the extraordinary protection they receive. Throughout the year, you can explore the underwater life and shipwrecks at various depths.
- The "inland sea" of Khor Al-Adaid is surrounded by the vast sand dunes of the Arabian desert. A photogenic natural wonder!
- Elsewhere in the country, you'll embark on a true journey through time with typical fishing villages, clay forts, camels here and there, and unforgettable scenes of daily life.
In summer, from June to September, temperatures easily exceed 40°C (104°F) and become unbearable. It is very difficult to go outside during this period, and Qataris tend to stay indoors with air conditioning. On the contrary, in winter (from December to February), the cool sensation can be a bit uncomfortable, and nights are particularly chilly.
When is the best time to visit Qatar? It is ideal to favor the shoulder seasons: March, April, or November. The climate is at its best during these months, guaranteeing an incredible vacation!
Annual weather in Qatar
For information about the climate and the weather city by city in Qatar for a specific month, click on the corresponding line below:
| Month | Our opinion | View Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | perfect weather | |||
| February | 65°F to 76°F | perfect weather | |||
| March | 70°F to 83°F | perfect weather | |||
| April | 77°F to 90°F | perfect weather | |||
| May | 86°F to 101°F | good weather* | |||
| June | 92°F to 106°F | tolerable weather* | |||
| July | 94°F to 108°F | bad weather* | |||
| August | 94°F to 108°F | bad weather | |||
| September | 90°F to 104°F | tolerable weather | |||
| October | 83°F to 97°F | good weather | |||
| November | 81°F | perfect weather | |||
| December | 74°F | perfect weather |
Best time to travel to Qatar by cities
Climate and Weather in Qatar
Unsurprisingly, Qatar's climate is desertic, hot, and dry. It is characterized by consistently high temperatures throughout the year, lack of rainfall, and maximum sunshine, regardless of the season.
Qatar is small and flat, so there are no significant differences between the north and the south in terms of climate. However, there is a slightly higher chance of showers in the north during the mild season from November to April. It may also be slightly cooler along the coast, and cities may be more humid than inland areas. Nevertheless, these differences are minimal, and you may not even notice them during your stay.
The weather in Qatar is characterized by short interseasons that blend into the country's two main seasons:
Climate during the hot season
As the name suggests, the hot season in Qatar displays scorching temperatures. It mainly occurs between May and October, with peak heat from June to September.
At the beginning of the season, the average temperature is 38°C (101°F) , while in summer it ranges between 40 and 42°C (108°F) . July and August are the hottest months of the year, and it is not uncommon for the mercury to reach around 50°C (122°F) at times. In October, the temperature drops to around 35°C (95°F) , and it is again possible to consider outdoor outings and activities. Even the sea water struggles to cool down, with temperatures ranging between 31 and 34°C (94°F) .
From June to August, a strong north wind blows, called the "Shamal," which, far from reducing the heat, regularly causes sandstorms.
Climate during the mild season
From November to April, the climate in Qatar becomes ideal again:
- During the interseasons, in November, March, and April, temperatures range between 29 and 35°C (95°F) .
- In winter, from December to February, maximum temperatures range between 23 and 25°C (77°F) , with January being the coldest month of the year. In February, the sea temperature is even a bit cool for swimming: around 21°C (70°F) .
- This period sees the most rainfall in Qatar. However, it remains relative, as there are at most 1 or 2 days per month with a chance of showers. It is worth noting that in spring, between March and April, a meteorological phenomenon can occur: the Al Sarayat. It is characterized by thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds that can bring torrential rains.
Temperatures and rainfall in Qatar
On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Qatar and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Doha, Al Jumaliyah, Al Khawr, Mesaieed and Al Rayyan, as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities.
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Qatar
Find out when Qatar has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Qatar
The months with low numbers of tourists are: February, April, May, June, July, August, October and November. The number of visitors to Qatar is high in: January, March, September and December.
- Very low season in Qatar: June and October.
- Low season in Qatar: February, April, May, July, August and November.
- High season in Qatar: January, March and September.
- Peak season in Qatar: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Qatar month by month
Average price for flights to Qatar
A return flight between London and Doha is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 554 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 399 more for your airline ticket to Doha if you go in august.
Where to go in Qatar?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
| Cities | jan. | feb. | mar. | apr. | may | jun. | jul. | aug. | sep. | oct. | nov. | dec. |
| Doha | 74°F | 76°F | 81°F | 88°F | 99°F | 104°F | 106°F | 106°F | 103°F | 95°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Al Jumaliyah | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Al Khawr | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Mesaieed | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 99°F | 106°F | 106°F | 106°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Al Rayyan | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Al Wakrah | 74°F | 76°F | 81°F | 88°F | 99°F | 104°F | 106°F | 106°F | 103°F | 95°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Dukhan | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Fuwayrit | 70°F | 70°F | 76°F | 81°F | 90°F | 95°F | 97°F | 99°F | 97°F | 90°F | 81°F | 74°F |
| Madinat ash Shamal | 70°F | 70°F | 76°F | 81°F | 90°F | 95°F | 97°F | 99°F | 97°F | 90°F | 81°F | 74°F |
| Simaisma | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
| Umm Salal | 74°F | 76°F | 83°F | 90°F | 101°F | 106°F | 108°F | 108°F | 104°F | 97°F | 86°F | 77°F |
Legend:
perfect weather
good weather
tolerable weather
bad weather
About Qatar
What can I do in Qatar?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Qatar reliable?
Climate data for Qatar has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Qatar allows us to determine the average for each month in Doha, Al Jumaliyah, Al Khawr, Mesaieed, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Dukhan, Fuwayrit, and 3 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.