Guide to Qatar's Climate

There are mild winters and very hot, humid summers. The summer (which runs from May to September) typically brings intense heat, alternating between dryness and humidity. Temperatures are sometimes known to exceed 50°C, yes it’s true! The weather is much more agreeable from October to April and in fact ‘winter’ temperatures can fall to around 17° C, which after the summer can feel relatively cool.

Many of the local residents choose to travel in the hot summer months - the government has, however, initiated various attractions and activities encouraging people to stay during that hot period.

Rainfall is negligible, averaging approximately 100 millimetres per year, and is generally confined to the winter months (January and February). The rain, when it comes does tends to fall either in small brief showers lasting only minutes or heavy showers that can last the day. Qatar is not equipped to cope with these longer heavier showers and when they come flooding is common on the roads.

Sand storms also occur in Qatar causing low visibility and major disruption on the roads. These can last for a few days and descend within minutes covering everything in layers of sand and making spending any period of time outside uncomfortable.