Winter in Kuwait City feels like a completely different world compared to the relentless heat that dominates most of the year.
You’ll usually see mild daytime highs around 18–20°C (65–68°F), with cooler nights dipping to about 13–15°C (55–59°F), so it’s honestly the best time to enjoy being outdoors.
Summer’s intensity just disappears, and winter brings a pleasant climate that lets you explore the city without sweating buckets.
Rain doesn’t show up very often, but when it does, it’s usually just a quick burst, not a long storm.
Humidity climbs a little compared to summer, though the air still feels dry and crisp.
Winds stay moderate, and you might catch a breeze that makes being outside even nicer.
Days get shorter than in summer, but there’s still plenty of sunshine.
Winter creates a nice rhythm—cooler evenings, lots of sun, and more chances to get out and do things.
That’s why people love sightseeing, dining outdoors, and joining cultural events this time of year.
Overview of Winter Climate in Kuwait City
Winter brings the mildest weather Kuwait City gets all year.
You’ll notice cooler air, shorter days, and limited rainfall.
Temperatures reach their lowest annual averages, but the season still stays dry compared to many other places.
General Climate Classification
Kuwait City sits in the BWh category of the Köppen climate classification, so it’s got a hot desert climate.
That means you get blazing hot summers, short mild winters, and barely any rainfall each year.
During winter, the desert’s influence really stands out.
Rain is rare, skies usually stay clear, and humidity doesn’t get too high.
Average yearly precipitation is about 128 mm (5 inches), and most of it falls between November and February.
Unlike places with Mediterranean climates, Kuwait City’s winters don’t bring steady rain.
Instead, you’ll see short, infrequent bursts.
Don’t expect lush plants after a shower—the desert landscape keeps its hold, even when it’s cool.
Temperature Ranges During Winter
Winter runs from December through February, and that’s when you’ll find the lowest average temperatures of the year.
Daytime highs usually land between 18°C and 20°C (64°F–68°F), and nighttime lows dip to about 10°C–14°C (50°F–57°F).
January is the coldest month.
Highs average 18.4°C (65°F), and lows hover near 13.5°C (56°F).
These numbers make winter perfect for outdoor activities, especially compared to the intense heat of summer.
Humidity edges up to about 45–50%, so the air can feel cooler than you might expect.
Rain doesn’t happen often, with December and January getting less than 15 mm (0.6 inches) each.
Snow doesn’t fall here, and frost is almost unheard of.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Kuwait City stands in stark contrast to summer.
Summer highs regularly soar past 40°C (104°F), and nights don’t dip below 30°C (86°F).
Winter, on the other hand, offers mild days and cool evenings.
Spring heats up quickly—by May, highs are already above 30°C (86°F).
Autumn cools down slowly, with November averaging around 25°C (77°F) before winter really arrives.
Rain falls mostly in winter and late autumn.
From June through September, rain basically disappears, and humidity drops sharply.
Winds pick up in summer, sometimes whipping up dust storms, but winter winds feel lighter and much easier to handle.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Winter in Kuwait City feels mild, especially when you remember how brutal the summer can get.
You’ll get cool days, chilly nights, and not much change in temperature from December to February.
Daytime Highs and Lows
Daytime highs in winter usually sit between 18°C (65°F) and 20°C (68°F).
That’s just right for being outside, especially if you’re not a fan of scorching heat.
Nights drop to about 13°C (56°F) to 15°C (59°F).
It doesn’t get icy, but the evenings can feel brisk, especially when the wind picks up.
Humidity averages around 45–50%, which adds just a hint of chill.
A light jacket’s usually enough during the day, but you might want something warmer at night if you’re out for a while.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
- December: Highs average 20°C (68°F), lows near 15°C (59°F).
- January: Coldest month, with highs around 18°C (65°F) and lows at 13°C (56°F).
- February: Warms up a bit, highs near 20°C (68°F), lows around 15°C (59°F).
The shift from December to February happens gradually.
Rain stays rare, with less than 15 mm per month, so temperature is really what shapes winter here.
You’ll get about 10–11 hours of daylight, which is plenty of time to get out and see the city without sweating through your clothes.
Coldest and Warmest Winter Days
Every now and then, the coldest winter nights in Kuwait City can get close to 0°C (32°F).
Records even show rare lows around -4°C (25°F), but those are pretty unusual.
On the flip side, some winter days—especially in late February—can climb above 23°C (73°F).
You’ll get a little taste of spring before the temperatures shoot up in March and April.
Because of these swings, it’s smart to pack layers.
Most days, a light sweater is enough, but heavier clothes help when the rare cold snap hits.
That mix of mild days and crisp nights really sums up winter in Kuwait City.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Kuwait City has an arid climate, so rainfall is scarce and mostly shows up during the cooler months.
You’ll notice precipitation is light, doesn’t last long, and usually comes in short bursts.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall averages about 100–130 mm a year, depending on the source.
Most of that falls between November and March.
Winter months see rainfall totals of 10 to 30 mm, but it can swing a lot from year to year.
November tends to be the wettest, with around 30 mm.
January and February usually bring 15–20 mm each.
Rain doesn’t hang around—expect short, sharp showers or quick thunderstorms.
After a downpour, dry weather usually returns fast.
Frequency of Wet Days
You won’t see many rainy days in Kuwait City.
On average, there are only 15–20 days per year with measurable rain.
That works out to about 1–3 days per month in winter.
January averages about 4 rainy days.
November and December usually each get 2–3 days, and February falls somewhere in between.
From June through August, rain is almost unheard of.
When it rains, it’s often brief and can be very local.
You might see a shower in one neighborhood while it stays dry just a few blocks away.
Every rainy day feels like an event here, honestly.
Seasonal Variability
Rainfall in Kuwait City changes a lot across the year.
Winter is really the only time you’re likely to get any meaningful precipitation.
November usually ends up as the wettest month, while July and August are bone dry.
This pattern makes winter a great season for outdoor plans—you rarely need to worry about rain ruining your day.
Even in the rainiest months, you’ll still see plenty of sunshine.
The short rainy season explains the city’s dry look.
With so little rain, plants are sparse, and people rely more on desalinated and stored water than on anything that falls from the sky.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Winter in Kuwait City brings cooler air, higher humidity, and some noticeable wind.
You’ll probably feel the dampness and steady breezes that shape how winter feels, both inside and out.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity rises during winter.
In January and December, relative humidity can reach 65–70%, making these the most humid months.
By comparison, summer humidity drops to the low 40s, so winter air feels heavier and more saturated.
But higher humidity doesn’t mean more rain—Kuwait still gets very little precipitation.
The air can feel damp, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
Cooler temperatures, averaging around 18–19°C (64–66°F) for daytime highs, combine with the humidity to create a noticeable chill.
Even if it’s not raining, you can feel a damp coolness that’s nothing like the dry summer heat.
If you stay near the coast, you’ll likely notice even higher humidity thanks to the Persian Gulf.
Waterfront spots feel cooler and can get a bit uncomfortable at night.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winter winds in Kuwait City are steady and sometimes pretty strong.
Average speeds hit 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), and gusts can be even higher, especially when cold northwesterly winds sweep in.
Locals call these winds Shamal.
They bring clear skies but can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Wind direction matters.
Northerly and northwesterly winds bring cooler, drier air, while breezes from the Gulf carry more moisture.
That’s why some days feel crisp and dry, while others are damp and chilly.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect breezes to be part of the deal.
Winds tend to lighten up at night, but during the day, especially in open spaces, you’ll feel them more.
Impact on Comfort
Humidity and wind together really shape how winter feels in Kuwait City.
Even if it’s 18°C, the damp air can make it feel cooler, especially in the shade or near the water.
A 20 km/h breeze can drop the perceived temperature by a few degrees, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea—even when it seems mild.
Indoors, higher humidity can make unheated rooms feel a bit clammy.
You might notice condensation on windows during chilly mornings—that’s just the humid air hitting cold glass.
When steady winds meet high humidity, comfort really depends on what you’re wearing and where you are.
Coastal neighborhoods can feel more humid, while inland areas are drier but windier.
This mix gives winter in Kuwait City its unique feel.
Hours of Daylight and Sunshine
Winter in Kuwait City brings shorter days, lower sun angles, and fewer hours of sunshine compared to the long, blazing days of summer.
You’ll notice daylight gets shorter, sunrise and sunset times shift, and the percentage of sunny hours changes.
Day Length Changes in Winter
In winter, days in Kuwait City are at their shortest.
December gives you about 10 hours and 17 minutes of daylight.
In January, that creeps up to around 10 hours and 28 minutes.
By February, days stretch to about 11 hours and 6 minutes.
The shortest day of the year lands at the winter solstice in late December, just over 10 hours long.
By June, the longest day hits nearly 14 hours.
That’s a difference of more than 3 hours—pretty significant if you’re planning outings.
With shorter winter days, you’ll want to plan outdoor activities, sightseeing, and travel to make the most of the available daylight.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In Kuwait City, sunrise during winter usually happens between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. December mornings start later, closer to 7:00 AM. By February, you’ll notice the sun peeking up earlier, around 6:30 AM.
Sunset shifts too, moving from about 5:00 PM in December to almost 5:40 PM in February.
The Earth’s seasonal tilt and Kuwait’s spot in the northern hemisphere shape this pattern. With the sun setting early, winter evenings stretch out and feel cooler, especially when you compare them to those endless summer nights.
If you’re planning to head outside, keep in mind that daylight drops off fast after 5:00 PM in mid-winter. Most of the evening sits in darkness.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Duration
Kuwait City’s winter skies aren’t always clear. Even though the region gets plenty of sun, December and January bring more clouds.
On average, you’ll see about 7 to 8 hours of direct sunshine each day during these months. By February, the sun sticks around a bit longer, giving you about 9 hours daily.
The share of sunny daylight climbs from 69% in December to around 81% in February. So, most days stay bright, but sometimes you’ll run into overcast skies, haze, or softer sunlight.
If you’re visiting, this mix of sun and clouds actually makes winter more pleasant for exploring. It’s a relief compared to the relentless summer glare.
Best Time to Visit Kuwait City in Winter
Winter brings Kuwait City its most comfortable weather. Days feel mild, nights turn cool, and rain rarely interrupts your plans.
You get ideal conditions for sightseeing, soaking up culture, and wandering outdoors without battling the heavy summer heat.
Ideal Months for Travel
The best time to visit Kuwait City in winter sits between December and February. During these months, daytime highs usually land between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F). Nights cool off to about 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F).
January stands out as the coolest month, so it offers the biggest break from the desert’s usual heat. December and February feel a bit warmer but still let you walk, shop, or check out landmarks in comfort.
Rain doesn’t show up much, and most days stay dry. Humidity stays moderate, so the air feels crisp—nothing like those sticky summer months.
If you’re after mild temperatures and fewer crowds, January often gives travelers the best overall experience.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Winter weather opens up outdoor activities you’d struggle to enjoy in the heat. You can take your time exploring the Kuwait Towers, stroll the Corniche by the Arabian Gulf, or browse traditional souks without the sun beating down.
Cultural festivals liven up the season too. National Day and Liberation Day both happen in February, bringing fireworks, parades, and public celebrations that highlight local pride.
Cooler air makes desert adventures way more appealing. You can try dune driving, camel rides, or even overnight camping without worrying about the brutal summer sun.
If you like things quieter, winter evenings are great for eating outdoors or relaxing at seaside cafés. The mild weather just makes simple things—like a walk through city parks or along the waterfront—so much nicer.
Travel Tips for Winter Visitors
Pack light layers since daytime temperatures usually stay mild. Nights can get pretty chilly, especially if you’re out in the open desert.
A light jacket or sweater should do the trick for evenings. Sure, rain doesn’t happen often, but it’s not impossible—maybe toss a small umbrella or waterproof layer in your bag, just in case.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes, too, because a lot of the best spots mean spending time on your feet.
If you’re thinking about visiting in February, try to book your accommodations early. The national holidays bring in crowds of both locals and tourists, so hotels and public spaces tend to fill up fast.
Transportation works well all year, but you might notice more traffic near event venues in winter. Give yourself a little extra time to get around during major festivals.