Qatar in December: a detailed winter travel guide

In December, Qatar enters its mild winter: daytime is pleasantly warm, evenings are cooler and the sea is still comfortable for swimming. It is one of the peak months of the season, with events such as National Day on 18 December, excellent weather and high demand for flights and hotels.

December works well for a short stopover via Doha, a full city break in Doha, or a combined “city + beach + desert” itinerary.

Key takeaways

• In December, daytime temperatures are usually around 20–25 °C, with nights about 14–18 °C; sea temperatures near Doha stay around 22–24 °C.
• Rain is still rare, but December is among the more humid months, with occasional short showers.
• It is peak high season: hotel and flight prices are higher, especially around National Day and New Year.
• The best base is Doha; quieter seaside alternatives include Lusail, Al Wakrah and Al Khor.
• December is perfect for combining walks along Doha Corniche, visits to Souq Waqif and museums with desert safaris and nature trips to Al Thakira Mangroves.
• Expect to spend roughly 4–17 $ for a simple meal, about 0.6–1.4 $ per ride on public transport, with taxis remaining reasonably priced.
• For hassle-free connectivity, an eSIM from eSIM Qatar and a VPN from VPN for Qatar are very convenient.

Weather in Qatar in December

Air and sea temperature

In Doha, December daytime highs are typically around 22–25 °C, while nights drop to about 14–17 °C. It is comfortable for walking during the day, but evenings by the sea can feel cool and breezy, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is helpful.

Sea temperatures along the coast (Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor) average around 22–23 °C, usually ranging from 21 to 26 °C. Most visitors still find swimming pleasant, particularly in the first half of the month.

Rain, humidity and daylight

December is among the wetter months by Qatari standards, with roughly 10–15 mm of rain across 1–2 rainy days. Humidity is higher than in November but the air remains fresh and comfortable.

There are about 10.5 hours of daylight and around 7–8 hours of sunshine per day, making it easy to plan a full programme of outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When to go: pros and cons of December

Pros of December

• One of the most comfortable temperature ranges of the year – no extreme heat.
• Sea still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.
• Busy events calendar, including Qatar National Day celebrations on 18 December.
• Excellent conditions for desert trips and outdoor activities.

Cons of December

• Peak season: higher rates for hotels and flights compared to shoulder months and summer.
• Popular districts in Doha and Lusail can feel busy on weekends and holidays.
• For travellers who love very warm water, the sea may feel cooler than in autumn.

Who December is best for

• Travellers seeking a warm but not hot winter with the option to swim.
• Families with children, older travellers and anyone sensitive to heat.
• Those who enjoy event-focused trips, parades, festivals and sports events.
• Visitors planning active city walks, sightseeing and desert safaris.

Areas and where to stay

Doha

The main hub for most visitors:

• Easy access from Doha.
• Waterfront walks along Doha Corniche.
• Lively Souq Waqif and Msheireb Downtown.
• Major museums: Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.

For accommodation inspiration see Accommodation in Qatar and guides:

• Budget focus: Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying.
• Central and stylish stays: Rhythm of the City: Stylish Hotels in the Heart of Doha.
• Upmarket and resort-style: Top Luxury Hotels in Qatar, Qatar Resorts for Rest and Rejuvenation.
• With kids: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Qatar.
• Apartments: Apartments and Villas in Doha – A Great Alternative to Hotels.

Lusail

A modern city just north of Doha:

• Waterfront Lusail Marina Corniche.
• Large Place Vendôme Mall.
• Close to Lusail Stadium and major events.

A good choice if you like new developments, high-rises and contemporary urban design.

Al Wakrah

A quieter alternative south of Doha:

• Al Wakrah Beach, pleasant even in winter.
• Traditional-style Souq Al Wakrah with a seafront promenade and restaurants.

Convenient for a calmer base with easy taxi or car access to Doha.

Al Khor

A relaxed town to the north:

• Al Khor Corniche along the waterfront.
• Nature trips to Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island.

Ideal for a low-key weekend or a “Doha + nature” itinerary.

Things to do in December

City and culture

• Stroll along Doha Corniche, especially at sunset and in the evening.
• Explore Souq Waqif – traditional buildings, cafes and restaurants.
• Visit Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.
• Spend time at Katara Cultural Village with its exhibitions, performances and public beach.
• Discover Msheireb Downtown and The Pearl Island for modern architecture, cafes and marinas.

Desert and active experiences

• Evening and overnight desert safaris with dune bashing, BBQ and sandboarding.
• Excursions to the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid).
• Kayaking and SUP around Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island.

Organised tours can be booked via Tours in Qatar and operators Get Your Guide / Viator.

Sea, beaches and events

• Swimming and sunbathing at hotel beaches and beach clubs.
• Walks along Doha Corniche, Lusail Marina Corniche and the waterfront around The Pearl Island.
• Qatar National Day on 18 December – parades along Doha Corniche, fireworks and celebrations across the city.

Transport and getting there

Flights

Most international visitors arrive via Doha near Doha. In December flights are busy and fares often higher than in summer, particularly around National Day and New Year.

Getting around

• Public transport – Doha’s metro and bus network cover key districts and shopping malls.
• Taxis and ride-hailing – widely used and relatively affordable for urban trips.
• Car rental – makes sense if you plan regular trips to beaches, desert areas and towns like Al Wakrah or Al Khor; see Transport in Qatar and Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know, booking via Localrent or Economybookings.
• Private transfers – convenient for night-time arrivals/departures or when travelling with lots of luggage; see Transport in Qatar, providers Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups.

Connectivity, internet and VPN

• An eSIM from eSIM Qatar lets you get mobile data immediately on arrival, without searching for a local SIM. Available providers include Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel.
• For background information see What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work: A Simple Explanation, What Are the Advantages of eSIM Compared to a Regular SIM?, eSIM for Travel: How to Save on Roaming Charges, Why Use an eSIM in Qatar?.
• Some online services are restricted in Qatar, so a VPN from VPN for Qatar helps maintain privacy and access familiar platforms. Useful reading includes What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?, How to Choose a Reliable VPN Service: What to Look For, How to Use a VPN While Traveling: A Step-by-Step Guide, Why Do You Need a VPN in Qatar?.
• Reliable VPN providers: NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark.

Prices (Updated: November 2025)

All amounts below are approximate, in US dollars and Qatari riyals (QAR), based on typical national ranges.

Food and drinks

• Simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant: about 4–17 $ (15–65 QAR).
• Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (without alcohol): roughly 30–95 $ (120–390 QAR).
• Fast-food combo meal: around 6.5–9 $ (24–33 QAR).
• Cappuccino: approximately 3–8 $ (10–30 QAR).
• Bottled water 0.33 L: about 0.3–0.8 $ (1–3 QAR).

Transport

• Single metro/bus ride: around 0.6–1.4 $ (2–5 QAR).
• Monthly pass: about 25–50 $ (70–200 QAR) depending on options.
• Taxi start: 2–4 $ (7–15 QAR).
• Taxi per mile equivalent: roughly 3–6 $ (11–20 QAR), depending on operator and tariff.
• Petrol: about 0.6–0.7 $ per litre.

Accommodation (Doha and surroundings)

Prices vary strongly by date, especially around National Day and New Year.

• Budget hotels and basic apartments: roughly 40–70 $ per night with early booking.
• Mid-range (3–4*): typically 80–150 $ per night.
• Good 5* and resorts: usually from 180–250 $ per night and higher; on peak dates 300–400 $+ is possible.

For options and deals see Accommodation in Qatar and collections Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying, Qatar Resorts for Rest and Rejuvenation, Top Luxury Hotels in Qatar.

Activities

• Cinema ticket: around 10–16 $.
• Monthly gym membership: about 40–150 $, depending on the club.
• Group tours and desert safaris: often 50–150 $ per person.

Tips for travelling in December

• Book early – December is one of the busiest months; popular hotels and good airfares sell out quickly.
• Plan for cooler evenings – pack light layers for waterfront walks and desert evenings.
• Check holiday schedules – on Fridays and public holidays opening hours of malls and museums can differ.
• Sun protection – even in winter the sun is strong, so sunscreen and a hat are essential.
• Budget for peak season – expect higher hotel rates and possible minimum-stay requirements around key dates.
• Allow time for events – factor in traffic and crowds around 18 December and New Year celebrations.

FAQ

Is it warm enough to swim in Qatar in December?
Yes. Sea temperatures around 22–23 °C are usually comfortable for swimming, though they may feel cooler than in autumn.

Does it get windy in winter?
Some December days can be breezy, especially along the Corniche and other waterfronts, so a light windproof layer is useful.

Is Qatar very crowded in December?
December is a peak month, with more visitors and events. The busier periods are around Qatar National Day and New Year, but weekdays remain manageable.

Is December a good month for families?
Yes. The mild weather, warm sea and strong family-hotel infrastructure make December an excellent time for trips with children.

Do I need a car if I stay mainly in Doha?
For a short city-focused stay, metro and taxis should be enough. A car becomes useful if you want to explore multiple beaches, desert areas and towns such as Al Khor and Al Wakrah.

Are eSIM and VPN worth it for a short trip?
Even for a few days, an eSIM from eSIM Qatar and a VPN from VPN for Qatar make it easier to get online immediately and use your usual services without interruptions.

Recommended Services

Recommended Services

• eSIM & mobile internet → eSIM Qatar, Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel
• VPN & online security → VPN for Qatar, NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark
• Tours & excursions → Tours in Qatar, Get Your Guide, Viator
• Transfers with driver → Transport in Qatar, Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups
• Car rental → Transport in Qatar, Localrent, Economybookings
• Hotels & apartments → Accommodation in Qatar

Summary

December is one of the very best months to visit Qatar: the climate is mild, the sea is still warm and the event calendar is full. It is ideal for travellers who want to combine city life in Doha and Lusail with trips to the desert and the sea without facing extreme summer heat. The main trade-off is higher prices and busier dates, so planning and booking in advance are important.