Best Time to Visit Qatar – A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

You will be surprised to know that Qatar, despite being a small country, has one of the highest GDP per capita globally due to its rich natural gas and oil reserves. The country had hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022 and was the first Middle Eastern and Arab nation to ever do so.

If you are planning to visit this country, it is very important to know the right time, as the climate in summer in Qatar is very hot. But, remember, before you embark on your beautiful trip, buy an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance to protect yourself and your family from unforeseen incidents.

Understanding Qatar’s Geographical Architecture

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East. It is surrounded by sea on all sides with one land border with Saudi Arabia. It is a peninsula and the topography is such that there are no big mountains, hills, or rivers but the land is flat and covered by sand and small stones.

• West region: The western part has limestone ridges called Jebel Dukhan and underneath are Qatar’s oil fields.
• Southeast region: This is the desert area and is surrounded by sand dunes.
• Coastal area: Near the coast, there are flat salty crusts.
• Cities and modern development: Most of the people live near the capital city, Doha. In Doha you will find tall buildings, Arabic style houses as well as modern architecture. Old houses have thick walls, small windows, and wind towers to stay cool. Modern skyscrapers are made with glass and steel and are air-conditioned to keep the indoor climate cool.

Best Time to Visit Qatar

Qatar has a desert climate, so there are two main seasons: winter and summer.

Winter (November – March)

The best time to visit Qatar is during the winter time. The temperature during the daytime is 17°C to 25°C, while at night the temperature may drop to 12°C. So, during this period, daytime is pleasant and nights are cool.

This is the best time for outdoor fun. You can visit beaches, parks, and try desert safaris. You can also experience cultural festivals or simply camp under the stars. This can be a great time to spend evenings by the sea or in open-air restaurants.

Best places to visit:

• Doha Corniche: It is a beautiful walkway along the sea, where you can walk or relax and the city lights are reflected in the water at night time. This place is famous for its skyline and parks.
• Souq Waqif: It is a traditional marketplace in Doha, and is famous for selling spices, dates, clothes, and souvenirs. You can enjoy music, street performances, and art shops here.
• The Pearl-Qatar: The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island shaped like a pearl, where there are luxury shops, hotels, and fancy homes. You can do shopping and watch yachts here.
• Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea): It is a big saltwater lake surrounded by sand dunes. You can enjoy adventure trips here and may see birds and wildlife.

Spring (April - early May)

During this time, the temperature is higher as compared to winter (23°C to 35°C), but it is still comfortable to go out. You can visit museums during the daytime or visit the city market and mall. You can also enjoy at the beach early in the morning or late in the evening, and do water sports before the heat rises. As compared to winter, you will find that Qatar is less crowded in spring.

Best places to visit:

• Museum of Islamic Art: The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha is a famous museum that shows beautiful art from the Islamic world. The art collection is from countries like India, Egypt, Iran, and Spain. You can study about Islamic culture here.
• Al Zubarah Fort: Al Zubarah Fort is an old fort and is a quiet place to discover Qatar’s history.
• Aspire Park: Aspire Park is a large, green park in Doha, where you can rent bikes, paddle boats, or enjoy a picnic. It is a big green space in Doha and is visited by many tourists.

Summer (May - September)

The summer in Qatar is extremely hot. Temperature during the daytime is around 40°C to 45°C. There is a lot of humidity and dusty winds blow. Hence, it is better to stick to indoor activities like shopping, dining, and visiting museums and hotels. Hotels have cool pools, spas, and kids’ play areas. If you want to experience any outdoor adventure, the best time is early morning.

Best places to visit:

• Villaggio Mall/Vendome Mall: Villaggio Mall is a large, luxury shopping center in Doha that looks like a city in Italy. There are many shops, from expensive brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton to common stores like H&M. The roof is painted like a sky and during the hot months, it is a great place to spend time.
• Aqua Park: Aqua Park is a big water park in Doha, where you canspend a full day with your family swimming, sliding, and relaxing.
• Indoor play zones: Indoor play zones are built inside malls or entertainment centers for children. There are soft toys, climbing structures, slides, ball pits, and games for kids.

Autumn (October)

During the month of October, the climate is still warm but not as extreme as summer. The temperature is around 28°C to 35°C during this period. Though it can be hot to go out during the day, it is pleasant in the evening.

Evening time can be utilised to visit parks, beaches, and outdoor cafes. You can also experience outdoor sports after the heat reduces.

Best places to visit:

• Msheireb Downtown Doha: Msheireb Downtown Doha is a modern city area in Doha that mixes old Qatari culture and new design. There are museums and electric trams here.
• Qanat Quartier: Qanat Quartier is a colourful place that looks like a European town with bright buildings, bridges, and boats. There are restaurants that serve different kinds of food.
• Desert trip: You can go on sand dune safaris in the evening time when the heat drops. You can also stay overnight in a tent and see the stars.

Conclusion

For Indian travellers, the best time to visit Qatar is in the winter season, from November to March, when the climate is pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor adventure. Also, when you plan your travel, do not forget to purchase a travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance so that you can travel without worry.

FAQs

Is summer a good time to visit Qatar?

No, summer is very hot in Qatar to visit the city. But you can enjoy indoor activities like shopping, dining, and visiting museums during this time.

What clothes should I pack for Qatar?

Carry light cotton clothes for the day and a light jacket for cool evenings in winter.

Do Indian travellers need a visa to visit Qatar?

Yes, you can get a visa on arrival by presenting your valid passport and confirmed return ticket.

Can I do a desert safari in Qatar?

Yes, desert safaris are popular during winter and evening hours in other seasons. You can enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and overnight camping.

Is Qatar safe for Indian tourists?

Yes, Qatar is safe; the laws are strict and the crime rate is low.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.