Qatar in February: a detailed travel guide
February is mid-winter in Qatar and one of the most comfortable months of the year. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 22–24 °C, nights around 14–16 °C, and the sea is on the cool side but still swimmable for many visitors.
It remains high season, with great weather, plenty of events and strong demand for flights and hotels. February works well both for a short stopover via Doha and for a full city-and-desert holiday based in Doha with side trips along the coast.
Key takeaways
- Typical daytime temperatures in February are around 22–24 °C, with nights about 14–16 °C.
- Sea temperatures along the coast (Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor) are usually around 18–20 °C – fresh but swimmable around midday.
- Rainfall is low: roughly 10–15 mm a month, usually 1–2 short rainy days, with mainly sunny and dry weather.
- February falls within the high season, so hotels and flights are pricier than in summer, especially on popular dates and weekends.
- Best bases: Doha for urban stays, Lusail, Al Wakrah and Al Khor for quieter seaside settings.
- Ideal month for walks along Doha Corniche, visiting Souq Waqif and museums, and joining desert safaris.
- Expect to pay around 4–17 $ for a simple meal and about 0.6–1.4 $ per metro or bus ride.

Weather in Qatar in February
Air temperature
In Doha in February:
- daytime highs are usually around 21–24 °C;
- night-time lows around 13–16 °C.
It is comfortable in light clothing during the day, while mornings and evenings by the sea or in the desert call for a light jumper or jacket. Towards the end of the month, temperatures creep up slightly compared with January, but it is still firmly winter.
Sea temperature
February brings the coolest sea temperatures of the year:
- average water temperature is about 19–20 °C;
- typical range is around 17–20 °C.
For those used to very warm water, the sea will feel fresh, but in the midday sun with air temperatures around 23 °C many people still enjoy swimming, especially at sheltered hotel beaches.
Rain, wind and sunshine
- Rainfall is modest – roughly 10–15 mm over the month.
- You may get 1–2 short, sometimes intense showers, after which skies usually clear quickly.
- Coastal and desert areas can feel cooler when the wind picks up, especially in the evening.
- There are about 10.5–11 hours of daylight and roughly 7–8 hours of sunshine per day.
When to go: pros and cons of February
Pros
- One of the most pleasant temperature ranges of the year – you can comfortably be outdoors all day.
- Excellent conditions for sightseeing, walking and desert safaris.
- Gentle climate that suits children and older travellers.
- Plenty of events: sports tournaments, exhibitions and the tail end of the camel-racing season.
- Easy to combine city, desert and coast in one itinerary.
Cons
- The sea is noticeably cooler than in November–December.
- High-season pricing – hotels and tours are more expensive and popular categories sell out faster.
- Occasional windy and cool evenings.
Who February is best for
- Travellers looking for a warm, but not hot, winter escape.
- Families with children and anyone who struggles with high heat.
- Culture, food and architecture lovers who want to explore museums, souqs and waterfronts in comfort.
- Visitors planning an active, experience-focused trip rather than a purely beach holiday.

Areas and where to stay
Doha
The main hub for almost any trip:
- Easy access from Doha.
- Waterfront walks along Doha Corniche.
- Lively Souq Waqif and modern Msheireb Downtown.
- Major museums – Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.
For accommodation ideas, use internal guides such as:
- Budget stays – Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying.
- Central and stylish options – Rhythm of the City: Stylish Hotels in the Heart of Doha.
- Resorts and luxury – Top Luxury Hotels in Qatar, Qatar Resorts for Rest and Rejuvenation.
- Family hotels – Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Qatar.
- Apartments and villas – Apartments and Villas in Doha – A Great Alternative to Hotels.
Lusail
A new, modern city just north of Doha:
- Scenic Lusail Marina Corniche.
- Large Place Vendôme Mall.
- Proximity to Lusail Stadium and major events.
A good choice if you enjoy futuristic skylines, marinas and new developments.
Al Wakrah
A quieter seaside town south of Doha:
- Al Wakrah Beach – ideal for winter walks and daytime relaxation.
- Traditional-style Souq Al Wakrah with restaurants along the waterfront.
Great if you want a calmer seaside base with quick taxi or car access to Doha.
Al Khor
A relaxed town to the north:
- Pleasant Al Khor Corniche.
- Nature outings to Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island, especially enjoyable in winter.
Works well for a “quiet base + day trips to Doha” setup.
Things to do in February
City and culture
- Walk Doha Corniche during the day and at sunset.
- Explore Souq Waqif for spices, coffee, restaurants and souvenirs.
- Visit Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.
- Spend time at Katara Cultural Village with its galleries, performances and public beach.
- Discover Msheireb Downtown and The Pearl Island for modern architecture, cafes and marinas.
Desert and active experiences
- Desert safaris with dune bashing, sandboarding and BBQ dinners.
- Trips to the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid).
- Kayaking and stand-up paddling around Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island.
Organised tours are easy to book via Get Your Guide and Viator.
Sea, beaches and events
- Swimming in the sea on sunny days if you are comfortable with 18–20 °C water.
- Relaxing at hotel beaches and beach clubs around Doha and Lusail.
- Strolling along Lusail Marina Corniche and around The Pearl Island.
- Winter festivals, sports events and camel races – check local event calendars for exact dates.

Transport and getting there
Flights
Most international visitors arrive via Doha, close to Doha. February is part of the high season, so flights can be busier and fares higher than in the hot summer months.
Getting around
- Public transport – Doha’s metro and buses cover key districts and major malls.
- Taxis and ride-hailing – widely used and relatively affordable for city journeys.
- Car rental – useful if you plan regular trips along the coast and to towns like Al Wakrah and Al Khor; see Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know, and consider booking via Localrent or Economybookings.
- Private transfers – convenient for night-time arrivals, departures and family travel; providers include Kiwitaxi and Welcome Pickups.
Connectivity, internet and VPN
- An eSIM from eSIM Qatar lets you get online immediately after landing, without searching for a local SIM. Available providers include Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel.
- For more background on eSIMs, see What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work: A Simple Explanation, What Are the Advantages of eSIM Compared to a Regular SIM? and eSIM for Travel: How to Save on Roaming Charges.
- For Qatar specifically, Why Use an eSIM in Qatar? and eSIM Providers for Travel: Which One Offers the Best Value? are useful.
- Some online services and VoIP apps are restricted in Qatar, so a VPN improves privacy and access to your usual platforms. See 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 and Why Do You Need a VPN in Qatar?.
- Trusted VPN providers include NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark.

Prices (Updated: November 2025)
All values 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 $ (roughly 15–65 QAR).
- Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (without alcohol): around 30–95 $ (about 120–390 QAR).
- Fast-food combo meal: roughly 6.5–8.5 $ (25–33 QAR).
- Cappuccino: about 1.5–8 $ (10–30 QAR).
- Bottled water 0.33 L: around 0.3–0.6 $ (1–2 QAR).
Transport
- Single metro/bus ticket: about 0.6–1.4 $ (2–5 QAR).
- Monthly public transport pass: roughly 25–50 $.
- Taxi start: around 2–4 $ (7–15 QAR).
- Taxi per km: roughly 1.5–4 $ (5–15 QAR).
- Petrol: about 0.55–0.60 $ per litre.
Accommodation (Doha and surroundings)
Prices depend on dates and location, with February firmly in high season.
- Budget hotels and basic apartments: roughly 40–70 $ per night with early booking.
- Mid-range (3–4*): typically 80–150 $ per night.
- Good 5* hotels and resorts: usually from 180–250 $ per night, with 300–400 $+ possible on peak dates.
Leisure and activities
- Cinema ticket: about 10–16 $.
- Monthly gym membership: roughly 40–150 $, depending on the club.
- Group tours and desert safaris: commonly 50–150 $ per person.
Tips for travelling in February
- Pack layers – T-shirts for daytime and a light jumper or jacket for evenings by the water and in the desert.
- Book desert tours early – popular dates and reputable operators can sell out in high season.
- Watch the wind – waterfronts and desert camps can feel noticeably cooler than the city centre after sunset.
- Check opening hours – malls, museums and souqs may operate different schedules on Fridays and public holidays.
- Budget for high season – expect higher hotel and tour prices than in summer, with fewer deep discounts.
- Sort out connectivity – setting up eSIM and VPN before or right on arrival saves time and hassle.

FAQ
Is the sea warm enough for swimming in February?
It depends on your preferences. At around 18–20 °C, the water feels fresh, but many people still enjoy short swims, especially in the middle of the day.
How cool are evenings in February?
Evenings can drop to around 13–16 °C, and the breeze along Doha Corniche or in the desert can make it feel cooler, so a light jacket is recommended.
Does it rain much in February?
Not really. February can see 1–2 short showers, but overall it is a dry and sunny month.
Is February a good month for families?
Yes. Mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and strong family-hotel infrastructure make February an excellent time for trips with children.
Do I need a car if I mainly stay in Doha?
For a city-focused stay, metro and taxis are usually enough. A car becomes useful if you want to explore several coastal towns, beaches and desert areas on your own schedule.
Are eSIM and VPN worth it for a short trip?
Yes. Using eSIM Qatar for mobile data and a VPN from NordVPN, Proton VPN or Surfshark makes it easier to get online immediately and use your usual apps and services without interruptions.
Recommended Services
Recommended Services
- eSIM & mobile internet → eSIM Qatar, Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel
- VPN & online security → NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark, with guides What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?, Why Do You Need a VPN in Qatar?
- Tours & excursions → Get Your Guide, Viator
- Transfers with driver → Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups
- Car rental → Localrent, Economybookings, plus Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know
- Hotels & apartments → guides Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying, Qatar Resorts for Rest and Rejuvenation, Top Luxury Hotels in Qatar, Apartments and Villas in Doha – A Great Alternative to Hotels
Summary
February is one of the most comfortable months to visit Qatar, with mild winter temperatures, plenty of sunshine and generally fresh but swimmable sea conditions. It is ideal for combining city life in Doha and Lusail with desert adventures and coastal walks, without facing the extreme summer heat. The main trade-off is high-season pricing, so planning and advance booking are strongly recommended.
