Month guide · Doha · Qatar
Doha in December
What December is really like in Doha: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: km2bp @ Mapillary.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Doha. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 10.6 hours of daylight. Mild, sunny and festive around National Day; the busiest and highest-priced month for hotels.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in Doha: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:12
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:47
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Autumn (October–November). The heat breaks through October, the sea is warm and the outdoor season returns by November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in 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)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Katara
Katara Cultural Village
A seafront cultural district between West Bay and The Pearl with a Greek-style amphitheatre, galleries, a mosque covered in blue and turquoise tiles, a gold-tiled mosque, traditional pigeon towers and restaurants.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Art
- Couples
- Photo spot
Waterfront · The Pearl
The Pearl and Qanat Quartier
Head to Qanat Quartier around golden hour, when the pastel façades photograph best.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Food
Museum · Msheireb Downtown
Msheireb Museums
Four restored heritage houses in Msheireb tell Qatar's modern story: Bin Jelmood House on the history of slavery in the Indian Ocean world, Company House on the first oil workers, Mohammed Bin Jassim House on the district's rebuilding and Radwani House on family life before oil.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Architecture · Education City
Qatar National Library
Combine it with a ride on the Education City tram and a visit to Mathaf nearby.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Photo spot
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Doha.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 16°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Doha?
One of the best months to visit Doha, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–March and November. Compare every month.
Doha in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Doha?
It is one of the best months to visit Doha. Mild, sunny and festive around National Day; the busiest and highest-priced month for hotels.
+How warm is Doha in December?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Doha in December?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.