The climate of Doha
Doha, the bustling capital city of
Qatar, nestles along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. This vibrant city is subjected to a subtropical desert climate, categorised as BWh under the Köppen climate classification. This climatic type presides over the region throughout the year, influencing the distinct hot and dry seasons.
Temperature variations during the year in Doha exhibit a clear demarcation of summer and winter due to its desert climatic conditions. The warmest month is
July, with temperatures peaking up to 41.5°C (106.7°F), while the coolest month is
January with temperatures dipping down to 12.8°C (55°F). Summers are incredibly hot, lasting from
May to
September, with temperatures often soaring above 38°C (100.4°F). Winters from
November to
February are relatively cooler and provide a pleasant respite from the blistering heat with minimum temperatures oscillating between 12.8°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Doha registers almost negligible rainfall throughout the year, with a peak of 17mm (0.67") in February. The months from
June to September are characteristically dry with no recorded rainfall. However, an increase can be noticed from
October onwards, reaching 12mm (0.47") by
December.
Relative humidity levels vary from 41% to 71% annually, culminating in the less humid summer months from June to September, and gradually rising during the winter months, thereby increasing the overall air moisture.
The best time to visit Doha
Taking into account the weather parameters such as the decrease in high temperatures and the relatively lower humidity levels, the period from
November to early
April is regarded as the optimal time to explore
Doha. The city’s attractive ambiance is further enhanced by the mild temperatures ranging from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), potentially offering tourists a comfortable setting for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Doha
The dutiful avoidance of the scorching summer months from
May to
September, characterized by soaring temperatures ranging between 38.2°C (100.8°F) to 41.5°C (106.7°F), is widely recommended by the travel experts. This period registers the highest temperatures along with the least amount of rainfall, making traveling under the blazing sun difficult for visitors.
Spring weather in Doha
Spring weather in
Doha unfolds from
March to
April, displaying an increase in temperatures. The average high spikes from 26.8°C (80.2°F) in March to 31.9°C (89.4°F) in April, while the night temperatures also rise progressively from 16.7°C (62.1°F) in March to 20.6°C (69.1°F) in April. The region also experiences a decrease in relative humidity from 63% to 52% during this period.
Summer weather in Doha
Summer in
Doha, extending from
May to
September, is marked by intensely hot days with temperatures hovering between 38.2°C (100.8°F) to 41.5°C (106.7°F). The nights are also swelteringly hot with minimum temperatures holding firm from 25°C (77°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F). During this time, the city records the lowest relative humidity levels of the year, with figures dropping down to a mere 41%.
Autumn weather in Doha
Autumn in
Doha, observed from
October to
November, witnesses a steady decline in temperature from 35.2°C (95.4°F) in October to 29.5°C (85.1°F) in November. The minimum temperatures similarly follow suit, tapering between 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 19.5°C (67.1°F). This period, although short, starts witnessing a slight increase in relative humidity levels, reaching up to 66% by November.
Winter weather in Doha
Winter in
Doha, spanning from
December to
February, offers a warm and mild climate with a considerable decrease in temperatures. The maximum temperature falls down to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in December and then gradually increases to 23°C (73.4°F) in February. The nights tend to be much cooler with temperatures varying from 15°C (59°F) in December to 13.7°C (56.7°F) in February. This period also reports a significant increase in relative humidity levels, touching 71% at the onset and end of the season.
Weather in January
January sees a major shift in the climate from the cool conditions from the previous
December, to slightly warmer ones.
Doha in January boasts relatively moderate weather, with temperatures ranging from 12.8°C (55°F) to 21.7°C (71.1°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Doha,
February forecasts a subtle progression from the relatively pleasant conditions of
January. The warming trend established by January intensifies, though the weather remains on the cooler side by
Qatar's standards. February's claim to fame is having the second-lowest UV index of the year, at 8 units, which promotes safer outdoor activity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March comes with a noticeable shift in
Doha's weather, severing the ties with the cooler conditions of
February. This month heralds the commencement of the warmer months, as the chill of winter recedes. Notably, March experiences a temperature range of 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), the most considerable of the year to date.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Doha signals the swift transition from moderate to sweltering conditions. The increasing temperatures mark the drop of the mild weather curtain, paving the way for the year's excessively hot period. The comfortable sea temperatures of around 23.7°C (74.7°F) render the city's coasts inviting for potential swimmers seeking solace from the increasing heat.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a radical change in
Doha's climate, thumbing its nose at the milder weather of
April. This month stands out as a prequel to summer, manifesting a steep uptick in temperatures, reaching up to a searing 38.2°C (100.8°F). With the UV index peaking at its annual zenith of 12 units, protective measures against sun exposure should be given priority.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June takes center stage with typically severe climatic conditions in
Doha, exceeding the heath thresholds of
May. The weather in this month is unquestionably harsh, with daily temperatures frequently reaching their absolute peak around 41.2°C (106.2°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands toe-to-toe with
June, continuing the trend of the year's most severe weather conditions in
Doha. The city witnesses negligible relief from the heat, with the mercury regularly soaring around the 40°C (104°F) mark. July breaks all records, with sea temperatures rising to a staggering 32.8°C (91°F), an all-time high for the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Doha maintains the trend of elevated temperatures extending from
July. The city remains in the grip of extreme heat, marking the last full month of roasting summer temperatures. Notably, the sea temperature continues to be at its annual peak, settling at 33.9°C (93°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September unfolds with a gentle goodbye wave to the scorching summer weather of
August. Mild weather conditions start to make a comeback, setting a refreshing contrast to the preceding months. Remarkably, the number of daylight hours decreases to approximately 12.3, leading to more manageable, cooler days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Doha brings about a significant shift from the lingering warmth of
September. As the city edges closer to winter, the decline in daytime temperatures results in remarkably pleasant weather conditions. Remarkably, the sea temperature gets to a more comfortable 31°C (87.8°F), a marked decrease from the stinging highs of the summer months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings forth an amplified shift towards cooler conditions, breaking away from the moderate climate of
October. The weather becomes increasingly enjoyable, prepping the city for the soothing winter season. Significantly, November usually sees temperatures drop from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to a cool 19.5°C (67.1°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Arriving at the end of the year,
December in
Doha showcases a dramatic weather transition from the mild conditions of
November. This month reigns as the coldest one in Doha with temperatures dipping down to 15°C (59°F). The increased rainfall of 12mm (0.47"), the highest for the year, signals a welcome reprieve from a lengthy dry spell.
Weather in December »