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Qatar in May: weather, sea, prices and travel tips

Weather and sea in Qatar in May, best time to go, areas to stay, what to do and typical prices.

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Qatar in May: a detailed guide for a hot-season trip

May in Qatar marks the real start of summer. Days are very hot, evenings are warm and the sea feels almost bath-like. It is the beginning of the hot low season: fewer tourists and more hotel deals, but most of the day is only comfortable in air-conditioned spaces or by the water.

May is a good choice for travellers who enjoy heat and warm sea, plan a short stopover via Doha or a hotel-based stay in Doha / Lusail with a focus on pools, sea and indoor attractions.

Key takeaways

  • In May around Doha, daytime temperatures are typically about 37–40 °C, with nights around 25–28 °C – genuinely hot conditions.
  • Average sea temperature near Doha is about 28–29 °C, usually ranging between roughly 24 and 33 °C – water is very warm.
  • Rain is almost non-existent, while humidity and UV index are high; life shifts indoors for much of the day.
  • May is considered the start of the hot low season, with fewer visitors and more frequent hotel promotions.
  • Best bases are Doha for city and shopping, and Lusail, Al Wakrah, Al Khor for quieter seaside stays.
  • The best times for being outdoors are early morning and evening; midday is better spent at pools, in museums and malls.
  • Plan around 4–17 $ for a simple meal, 0.6–1.4 $ per metro/bus ride and about 2–4 $ as a starting taxi fare.
Sponsored Images iStock LIMITED DEAL: 20% off with PIXABAY20 couponView more Doha, City, Skyline image

Weather in Qatar in May

Air temperature

In Doha in May:

  • daytime highs are usually around 37–40 °C;
  • night-time lows around 25–28 °C.

Heat builds quickly from the morning and peaks around midday, especially later in the month. Long walks in direct sun can be tough even for those used to warm climates.

Hotels, malls and the metro are strongly air-conditioned, so moving from outside to indoors often means a big temperature contrast.

Sea temperature

Along the coast (Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor) in May:

  • average sea temperature is around 28–29 °C;
  • typical observed range is roughly 24–33 °C.

For warm-water lovers this is ideal – the sea feels like a large warm pool. On the hottest days it may feel less refreshing, so many people alternate between the sea and shaded pools.

Rain, sunshine and overall feel

  • Rainfall is close to zero – May usually passes without any meaningful rain.
  • The sun is very strong, with a high UV index, and sunburn is possible in 15–20 minutes without protection.
  • Sea breezes help a little along the waterfront, but overall it feels like a dry, intense summer.
  • Expect around 13–14 hours of daylight and almost all of it sunny.
Безмятежный пляжный закат с пустым стулом

When to go: pros and cons of May

Pros of May

  • Very warm sea – perfect for long swims and water activities.
  • Fewer tourists than in winter, so fewer crowds at key sights.
  • No chilly evenings – it is warm or hot all the time.
  • More frequent hotel deals compared with the winter high season.

Cons of May

  • Very hot during the day, especially later in the month.
  • Strong sun and high UV index – proper protection is essential.
  • City and desert exploration need to be timed for mornings and evenings.
  • Travellers sensitive to heat may find November–March more comfortable.

Who May is best for

  • Travellers who enjoy hot seaside climates and very warm water.
  • People looking for a hotel-based holiday built around pools, sea and indoor venues.
  • Visitors happy to stay indoors during the hottest hours and go out at sunrise and after sunset.
  • Those looking to save compared with peak winter rates.
Desert, Qatar, Inland sea image

Areas and where to stay

Doha

The main base for most trips:

For accommodation ideas see Accommodation in Qatar and round-ups:

Lusail

A modern city north of Doha:

Good if you like futuristic skylines, marinas and spending time between hotel, mall and waterfront.

Al Wakrah

A quieter coastal town south of the capital:

A solid choice if you want a beach base and quick taxi or car access to Doha.

Al Khor

A relaxed northern town:

Works well for a calm seaside stay with occasional trips to Doha and nearby nature areas.

Doha, Doha, Qatar

Things to do in May

City and culture

Desert and active experiences

In May, desert trips are best in the evening:

  • Desert safaris with dune bashing, sandboarding and BBQ dinners.
  • Excursions to the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid).
  • Night-time desert tours with stargazing and shows.

Use Tours in Qatar and operators Get Your Guide / Viator to find organised options.

Sea, beaches and shopping

Традиционная витрина сувенирного магазина в Катаре

Transport and getting there

Flights

Most international visitors arrive via Doha near Doha. May marks the start of the hot low season, so flight loads and fares vary by route – often cheaper than winter, but not always.

Getting around

Connectivity, internet and VPN

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Prices (Updated: November 2025)

All amounts below are approximate, in US dollars, reflecting typical ranges across Qatar.

Food and drinks

  • Simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant: roughly 4–17 $.
  • Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (without alcohol): about 27–96 $.
  • Fast-food combo meal: around 6.5–8.5 $.
  • Cappuccino: typically 1.7–8.2 $.
  • Soft drink 0.33 L: about 0.7–1.4 $.
  • Bottled water 0.33 L in a cafe: around 0.3–0.6 $.

Transport

  • Single metro/bus ticket: about 0.6–1.4 $.
  • Monthly public transport pass: roughly 25–50 $.
  • Taxi start (standard tariff): about 2–4 $.
  • Taxi 1 km: roughly 1.4–4.1 $.
  • Taxi 1 hour waiting: around 8–25 $.
  • Petrol (1 L): about 0.55–0.60 $.

Accommodation (Doha and surroundings)

In May, discounts are more common than in winter, but rates still depend heavily on location and brand.

  • 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 top properties significantly higher.

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 May

  • Plan around the heat – schedule outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening.
  • Use strong sun protection – SPF 30–50, hat, sunglasses and light but modest clothing.
  • Stay hydrated – always carry water, especially when walking outside.
  • Beware of air-conditioning – a light layer can help with strong indoor AC and temperature swings.
  • Build in indoor time – use museums, malls, cafes and hotel facilities for the hottest hours.
  • Choose a hotel with a good pool – in May this matters more than in winter.
Освещенные городские здания возле водоема

FAQ

Is May too hot to visit Qatar?
It is very hot during the day, with highs around 37–40 °C. If you are comfortable planning your outdoor time for mornings and evenings and spending midday indoors or by the pool, it can still work well.

Is the sea warm enough for swimming?
Yes. With average sea temperatures around 28–29 °C, the water is very warm and suitable for long swims, though it may feel less refreshing on extremely hot days.

Is May high or low season?
May is generally seen as the start of the hot low season: there is plenty of heat, fewer visitors and more hotel deals compared with winter.

Is May a good month for families?
It can be, if your focus is on a resort-style stay with pools, kids’ facilities and short, well-timed outings rather than long days of city sightseeing.

Do I need a car?
For a city-based stay, metro and taxis are normally enough. A car is useful if you want to explore multiple beaches, Al Wakrah, Al Khor and desert areas on your own schedule.

Are eSIM and VPN worth it for a short trip?
Yes. An eSIM from eSIM Qatar gives instant data on arrival, and a VPN from VPN for Qatar makes it easier to use your usual apps and services without interruptions.

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Summary

May in Qatar is effectively early summer: very hot days, warm nights and sea temperatures close to a warm bath, with almost guaranteed sunshine and no rain. It is a strong option for travellers who enjoy heat, want plenty of pool and beach time and prefer quieter hotels and malls, as long as they are ready to plan carefully around the midday heat. If you prefer cooler weather and long walks, the November–March period will feel more comfortable.

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