When is the Best Time to Visit Bahrain?
If you’re planning on taking a trip to this jewel of the Middle East, you might be wondering when the best time is to visit Bahrain.
While October to March has traditionally been seen as the perfect time to visit Bahrain, with balmy temperatures and welcoming archipelago breezes, you’ll never discover a time when you should avoid Bahrain altogether.
Read on to discover why Bahrain is a great year-round destination. Whenever you choose to book your escape, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
Why Bahrain is a Must-Visit Location
Known as the Island of Pearls, Bahrain is a Middle East destination that has something for everyone:
- Beach lovers will adore the azure blue waters and miles of powder white sands.
- Culture vultures won’t believe their eyes at the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bahrain Fort – just waiting to be discovered.
- Foodies will have a whale of a time sampling the delights of the Gulf’s finest cuisine, from subtly spiced seafood morsels to mouthwatering traditional sweets.
- Shoppers will love meandering through the old cobbled streets to find a bargain or two at Manama souk.
From deserts to skyscrapers and old markets to modern malls, Bahrain might be small in area but it sure does pack a mighty punch for holidaymakers. Keen to find out more? Check out these super-interesting facts about Bahrain.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Bahrain?
There’s a lot of debate around the best time to visit Bahrain. Many people base their holiday booking around the climate. Bahrain has distinct seasons, so it’s wise to choose the month that will suit your personal preferences.
When is the hottest time to visit Bahrain?
Bahrain is hottest in the summer months. From July to September, it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach a sweltering 40°. If you don’t mind the heat and yearn for a relaxing holiday, you can venture to Bahrain any time of the year.
But, if you want to shun the extreme heat, the winter months of December to March are the coolest time to visit Bahrain. But it’s by no means cold!
With 16° – 28° days, very little rain, and cooling ocean breezes, this comfortable climate of Bahrain is much more suited to those holidaymakers with a thirst for adventure or touring around the island’s sites.
Planning Your Trip to Bahrain: What is Bahrain Like for a Holiday?
While it might not be the best-known destination, Bahrain offers a surprisingly varied holiday experience. Oozing traditional charm and shimmering modernity in equal measure, the landscapes are as diverse as the experiences. With powder-white beaches, mind-blowing architectural gems, and even Arabian horse riding on offer, you can’t fail to succumb to the charms of this intriguing country.
So, why not explore the seasons and discover when the best time to visit Bahrain is for you?
Winter Wonders: December to February
Temperature: 16° – 28°
Average Rainfall: 8 mm
With milder temperatures, the winter months in Bahrain are ideal for getting out and about and exploring what the Island of Pearls has to offer. While you might catch a shower or two, the rain is short-lived and won’t prevent you from enjoying excursions.
Enjoy Bahrain Food Festival
A free event that lasts 17 days in the first quarter, the Bahrain Food Festival is the ideal opportunity to enjoy traditional Bahrain delicacies and Middle Eastern fusion food, and international cuisine. With additional music and entertainment, the festival is a must if you’re visiting in the winter months.
Visit Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Marvel at the architectural splendour of one of the largest mosques in the world and discover the rich heritage of Bahrain’s Islamic traditions on an English-speaking tour. With the largest fibreglass dome in the world, a grand marble interior, and teak wood imported from India, there’s a sight to wonder at around every corner.
Outdoor Explorations and Wildlife Watching
Plenty of hours of sun and a comfortable climate means you can fill your days with outdoor adventures. Hot-foot it to Al-Areen Wildlife Park and try to spot hyenas and gazelle. Or enjoy a leisurely mooch around Bahrain Fort and soak up 2,500 years of history.
And if you’re a night owl, you can experience an astronomical wonder and head to Harwar – a group of smaller islands in Bahrain’s archipelago for a night of stargazing.
Spring Blossoms: March to May
Temperature: 24° – 33°
Average Rainfall: 9 mm
Balmy sunshine and minimal rainfall make the spring months a great time to experience what there is to see in Bahrain. Your days could be a heady blend of excursions, tours, and some relaxing downtime at one of the many beaches on the island.
With the picture-perfect Al Jazayer beach just a 15-minute drive from Bahrain International Circuit, you can scratch that Formula 1 itch without forfeiting some much-needed R & R on the coast.
Experience the Thrill of Bahrain Grand Prix
Perhaps the most famous event on Bahrain’s calendar, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, sponsored by Gulf Air, takes place in March every year. While you might want to catch a glimpse of your favourite driver on the grid, you won’t miss out if you don’t manage to bag some tickets. The whole country catches Formula 1 fever and the country has a buzz that you can’t fail to become part of.
Visit a Ramadan Night Market
In March and April, Muslims across Bahrain partake in Ramadan and fast from sunrise to sunset. When the fast is broken, the night markets – a spectacle of food, music, and Bahraini hospitality – spring into life.
Stay in Bahrain during Ramadan and chances are your hotel will provide a traditional iftar meal (when the fast is broken after the sunset) for you to experience.
Al Dana Concerts
Experience a concert in a remarkable setting like no other. Built into the Sakhir desert landscape, you’ll get the chance to see classical maestros, pop superstars, and more local talent. The Al Dana amphitheatre is a magnificent sight to behold.
Summer Sun: June to August
Temperature: 35° – 38°
Average Rainfall: 0 mm
With the thermometers raging, the climate of Bahrain can become a little fierce in the middle of that day. You might be craving the odd indoor attraction or two to while away your time when staying out of the harshest heat. So, why not partake in a spot of retail therapy?
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Located in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, the City Centre mall is a shopper’s paradise. With over 13 million visitors every year, you’ll be spoilt for choice with 340 brands and 60 eateries to explore.
Alternatively, if you have a penchant for high-end fashion and accessories, the The Avenues Mall offers an exceptional shopping experience.
Visit the National Museum
If you fancy veering away from the shopping trail, head to the National Museum and immerse yourself in 6,000 years of Bahrain’s rich history. There are 20,000 square metres to cover.
Autumn Adventures: September to November
Temperature: 28° – 33°
Average Rainfall: 8mm
Autumn isn’t wildly different from spring in terms of temperatures but it can be more humid. Nevertheless, there’s plenty to see and do between September and November.
Go Pearl Diving
When the temperature begins to soar, why not cool off in the ocean? And what finer way to experience the turquoise waters than to go snorkelling in them on a pearl diving mission?
Northeast of Bahrain lies the Amwaj islands. A real Gulf paradise, organised tours congregate around this peninsula giving you the best chance of sourcing a pearl or two or three!
Head to the Desert
A great excursion for any time of year, but particularly in the clement climate of the Autumn, a morning desert tour is worlds away from the shiny slickness of Bahrain’s cities. Choose a traditional camel ride or a fully air-conditioned minibus tour and see the iconic Tree of Life and Riffa Fort as you soak up the Bahraini atmosphere.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
No doubt after reading about the excursions, events, and experiences that Bahrain has to offer, your travelling feet might be itching.
Sure, you’re clear about what time of year you want to go, but what about where you’ll stay?
Take a look at our stunning Bahrain resort hotels and discover your perfect getaway.
