Exploring Bahrain's Climate And Weather Conditions

Bahrain is a small country in the subtropics of the northern hemisphere, with a hot climate and more than 3500 hours of sunshine per year. The climate is arid, with little rainfall, which mostly occurs in winter. The temperature rarely falls below 52°F–58°F (11°C–14°C) and can exceed 100°F (37°C) in summer. The shallow seas surrounding the country heat up quickly in the summer, producing high humidity, especially at night. The best time to visit Bahrain is from November to March, avoiding the rainy season from November to April.

Bahrain's summers are long, hot and dry

The summer in Bahrain is arid, with very little rainfall. Rainfall is rare and irregular, and when it does occur, it is usually in winter. The wettest month is January, with an average of 17mm of rainfall. August, the driest month, sees no rainfall at all.

The longest day of the year in Bahrain is June 20th, with 13 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. June is also the sunniest month, with an average of 339 hours of sunshine. The summer months are also the clearest, with the clearest period of the year lasting from September 5th to November 20th. October, in particular, is clear 88% of the time.

The average temperature in Bahrain is 31.9°C per year, and the country gets over 3500 hours of sunshine. The climate is subtropical, with average temperatures exceeding 25°C for nine months of the year. The Central Governorate is the warmest and rainiest region, while Manama is the coldest.

Winters are comfortable and dry

Winters in Bahrain: Comfortable and Dry

Winters in Bahrain offer a pleasant respite from the sweltering summers, with comfortable temperatures and dry conditions. The winter season typically lasts from December to March, and during these months, the weather is a welcome change for those seeking a break from the heat.

December marks the beginning of the cool season, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C. This is a significant drop from the hot summer months, making it a perfect time to explore the country without the scorching sun. The days are still pleasant, with highs of around 24°C, while the nights can get a bit cooler, but rarely dipping below 17°C. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing without breaking a sweat.

January is the coldest month of the year in Bahrain, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 20°C. While it may not be as cold as other places in the world, for Bahrain, this is considered quite chilly. The nights can get a bit cooler, but the days usually warm up to comfortable levels. It is also the wettest month, with an average of 17mm of rainfall. However, even with this rainfall, the winter months in Bahrain are generally dry, and the rain provides a welcome break from the arid summers.

February continues the comfortable winter trend, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. The days are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. With the sea temperatures also being relatively mild, it is a great time to take advantage of the beaches and engage in water activities. The dry weather and gentle sea breeze make it an ideal time for outdoor exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the country.

March is the month when winter transitions into spring, and the temperatures start to rise gradually. The average temperatures during this month range from 20°C to 26°C, marking the end of the cool season. While it is not as cool as the previous months, March still offers comfortable weather, especially for those who prefer warmer temperatures. It is also the month with the most days of rain, averaging 2.0 days of rainfall. However, the rain usually falls in short spells, and the overall dryness of the winter season persists.

The winters in Bahrain are a great time for those seeking comfortable and dry weather. With mild temperatures and low humidity, it is an ideal season for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the country's natural beauty. The dry conditions and gentle sea breezes make it a pleasant break from the oppressive summers, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors alike.

The climate is subtropical

The climate in Bahrain is subtropical, with nine months of the year seeing average temperatures of over 25°C. The summer months are long, sweltering, oppressive, and arid, with temperatures reaching over 40°C. The seas around Bahrain heat up quickly during the summer, which produces high humidity, especially at night. The hot season lasts for approximately four and a half months, from mid-May to the end of September, with an average daily high temperature of more than 94°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 101°F (38°C) and a low of 89°F (32°C). The temperature has been known to reach as high as 47.4°C in July.

The winters in Bahrain are comfortable and dry, with temperatures rarely dipping below 53°F. The cool season typically lasts for around three months, from early December to the beginning of March, with an average daily high temperature below 74°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 59°F (15°C) and a high of 68°F (20°C). The temperature has dropped to as low as 7.8°C in January.

Rainfall in Bahrain is minimal and irregular, with precipitation mostly occurring in winter. The wettest month is January, with an average of 17 mm of rainfall, while August is the driest month, with no precipitation. The months of February, March, and December offer pleasant average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C.

Rainfall is minimal and irregular

Rainfall in Bahrain

Rainfall in Bahrain is minimal and irregular, with the amount of rainfall varying across the year. The country experiences a small amount of rainfall, with the month of January seeing the most precipitation. On average, January sees around 17 mm of rainfall, which is the highest monthly average across the year. This is followed by March, which sees an average of 4.5 mm of rainfall per day, according to the Galali weather station. This makes March the second wettest month, with an average of 2 days of rain.

The other months see even less rainfall, with April 2024 being the wettest April in 48 years, seeing only 1.50 litres of precipitation. The month of July typically sees no rainfall, with an average of 0 mm of precipitation.

The small amount of rainfall in Bahrain is due to the country's location in the subtropics of the northern hemisphere. The shallow seas surrounding the country also contribute to the low rainfall, as they heat up quickly in the summer, producing high humidity, particularly at night.

The best time to visit Bahrain to avoid rainfall is from February to March and December, when the weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C.

The best time to visit is from November to March

Bahrain's Climate and Weather

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Bahrain's climate is characterised by long, sweltering summers and comfortable, dry winters. With its subtropical location in the northern hemisphere, the island experiences high temperatures for most of the year, with an average yearly temperature of 31.9°C. The shallow seas surrounding the island heat up quickly during the summer, resulting in increased humidity, especially at night. Under the right conditions, summer temperatures can exceed 40°C.

However, from November to March, Bahrain experiences more pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C. These months offer a welcome respite from the intense summer heat, making it the ideal time to visit for those who prefer milder conditions. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity make outdoor activities and exploration more enjoyable.

During these months, you can expect clear skies and minimal rainfall. November, in particular, boasts an average of 339 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This period is also ideal for those seeking comfortable water temperatures, as the seas remain warm, reaching up to 32°C.

While February, March, and December are also considered favourable months to visit Bahrain, they may have slightly higher temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C. Nonetheless, these months offer a good balance between pleasant weather and the opportunity to experience the country's cultural offerings and attractions without the extreme heat of the summer months.

In summary, if you're planning a trip to Bahrain and want to avoid the scorching heat, the months from November to March present the best opportunity to enjoy the country's climate and explore its diverse attractions.

Frequently asked questions