Best time to visit · Doha · Qatar
The best time to visit Doha
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Doha is November to March, when daytime temperatures sit between about 22°C and 30°C and evenings are comfortable for the souq, the Corniche and desert trips. April and October are workable shoulder months. June to September is extremely hot and humid; it suits short stopovers built around museums and malls, when hotel rates are at their lowest.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–March
- Shoulder season
- April and October
- Warmest month
- June (avg high 42°C (108°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 22°C (72°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~2 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–August
Seasons
Doha has a hot desert climate. November to March brings warm, sunny days and mild evenings, while May to September is extremely hot, often above 40°C, with high humidity near the coast. Rain is rare and falls mainly in short winter showers.
December–February
Winter
Mild, sunny days in the low to mid-20s and cool evenings; National Day and the sports calendar make it the busiest season.
March–May
Spring
Warm March and April are good for beaches and the desert; by May the heat limits outdoor activity to mornings and evenings.
June–September
Summer
Highs of 40°C or more with heavy humidity. Indoor museums and malls take over, and hotel rates fall sharply.
October–November
Autumn
The heat breaks through October, the sea is warm and the outdoor season returns by November.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 14°C | 2 | 20°C | 10.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 23°C | 15°C | 2 | 19°C | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 27°C | 18°C | 2 | 21°C | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 33°C | 22°C | 1 | 24°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 39°C | 28°C | 0 | 28°C | 13.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 42°C | 30°C | 0 | 31°C | 13.7 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| July | 42°C | 32°C | 0 | 33°C | 13.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 41°C | 31°C | 0 | 33°C | 13 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 39°C | 29°C | 0 | 32°C | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 35°C | 26°C | 0 | 30°C | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 30°C | 21°C | 1 | 26°C | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 24°C | 16°C | 2 | 22°C | 10.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | National Sport Day — public holiday with free sports events across the city (second Tuesday of February); Qatar Open — men's and women's tennis tournaments (usually February) |
| March | MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit (usually in spring) |
| November | Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit (in recent years late November or early December) |
| December | Qatar National Day — celebrations, fireworks and heritage events (18 December); Darb Al Saai — National Day heritage festival with family activities (usually in the days before 18 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–August, and the sights are quietest in June–August. Many visitors avoid June–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Doha?
The best time to visit Doha is November to March, when daytime temperatures sit between about 22°C and 30°C and evenings are comfortable for the souq, the Corniche and desert trips. April and October are workable shoulder months. June to September is extremely hot and humid; it suits short stopovers built around museums and malls, when hotel rates are at their lowest.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Doha?
Usually in June–August. Extreme heat; most residents who can travel leave. Good hotel deals for stopover visitors who stay indoors.
+What is the rainiest month in Doha?
January, with about 2 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Doha get?
The warmest month, June, averages highs of 42°C (108°F) and lows of 30°C (86°F).