Average Summer Weather in Manama, Bahrain: Key Facts & Insights

Summer in Manama brings some of the hottest conditions in the Gulf, and it really helps to know what you’re in for if you want to stay comfortable—or just safe, honestly. Average daytime highs shoot well above 95°F (35°C), with July often spiking near 102°F (39°C). Nights don’t offer much relief, either. Temperatures rarely dip below the upper 80s, so yeah, the heat sticks around all night.

Humidity piles onto the whole experience. The air feels heavy, and the heat index can make it seem even hotter than what the thermometer says. Rain basically doesn’t happen in summer. The skies stay mostly clear, so you get long stretches of sunshine and daylight.

You’ll probably want to plan your time outdoors around these patterns, whether you’re exploring the waterfront or just trying to avoid the hottest part of the day. The next sections break down temperatures, humidity, rainfall, sunshine, and wind, so you’ll know exactly what a summer day in Manama actually feels like.

Overview of Average Summer Weather in Manama

Manama’s summers bring very hot temperatures that barely change from June through August. Daily highs hover around 100°F (38°C to 40°C), and nighttime lows rarely drop below 87°F (31°C).

Humidity ramps up, especially in July and August. Muggy conditions go from being common in early summer to almost a daily thing by late August.

Cloud cover starts out low in June, but by mid-August, you might notice more hazy or cloudy days.

Rain? Basically not a thing during summer. Manama stays dry, with almost no measurable precipitation from June through September.

Winds blow in mostly from the north, usually light to moderate. June averages about 11 mph, but by late August, it drops to around 8 mph.

The Arabian Gulf waters warm up too. Surface temperatures rise from about 84°F (29°C) in early summer to about 92°F (33°C) by late August, making the coast feel even stickier.

Daylight hours slowly shorten as summer rolls on. June gives you nearly 14 hours of daylight, but by late August, it’s closer to 12.5 hours.

Here’s a quick look at typical summer conditions:

Typical Summer Temperatures

Manama’s summer heat hits hard both day and night. You won’t get much relief after sunset, and the warm conditions barely budge all season.

Daytime Highs

Daytime temperatures in Manama easily climb above 100°F (38°C) during summer. The hottest stretch usually lands in late July, with average highs around 102°F (39°C).

It’s rare for daytime highs to fall under 93°F (34°C), and on the most brutal days, you might see 107°F (42°C). That kind of heat makes outdoor activity tough unless you plan carefully.

Direct sunlight and high humidity make it feel even hotter. If you’re heading outside, shade, water, and light clothing are a must.

Nighttime Lows

Unlike places where evenings cool things off, Manama stays hot even after dark. Nighttime lows average around 87°F (31°C), and in early August, they can hit 89°F (32°C).

Temperatures almost never slip below 80°F (27°C) at night. So, expect warm air around the clock, which can definitely affect your comfort and how much you run the AC.

Because humidity stays high, nights feel muggy. Even after sunset, the air barely cools off. Most people rely on air conditioning to get through the night.

Monthly Temperature Trends

Summer in Manama runs from June through August, and each month brings relentless heat.

• June: Average highs hit 100°F (38°C), with lows near 85°F (29°C).
• July: This is usually the hottest month, with highs peaking at 102°F (39°C) and lows close to 88°F (31°C).
• August: Temperatures stay high, with highs around 101°F (38°C) and lows about 89°F (32°C).

The monthly differences are pretty minor, but July takes the crown for heat. By late August, things might cool down just a touch, though it’s still very hot.

You’ll notice very little day-to-day variation, so it’s easy to plan around the heat, but you really need to.

Humidity and Heat Index

Manama’s summer combines high temperatures with sticky humidity, making it feel even hotter than what the numbers say. Knowing about humidity and the heat index really helps if you want to spend time outside.

Average Humidity Levels

Despite the desert surroundings, Manama’s humidity stays high in summer. Relative humidity usually falls between 67% and 81% throughout the year, but in summer, it often sits in the mid to upper 70% range.

This much moisture in the air makes it harder for your body to cool off by sweating. Even at night, the humidity lingers, so you probably won’t feel much relief after sunset.

Warm sea water from the Persian Gulf and stagnant air make things stickier. July and August feel the muggiest, especially when highs go over 36°C (97°F).

If muggy weather isn’t your thing, you’ll want to stick to indoor activities in the afternoon. Early mornings usually feel the most comfortable.

Heat Index Impact

The heat index tells you how hot it really feels when you factor in humidity. In Manama’s summer, a reading of 36°C (97°F) with high humidity can feel like 42–45°C (108–113°F).

This extra heat increases health risks, especially if you’re outside for long stretches. Heat cramps, dehydration, and exhaustion become real concerns when the index climbs above 40°C (104°F).

You can make things easier by drinking lots of water, wearing light clothes, and avoiding direct sun when it’s hottest. Shade and AC are your best friends when the heat index gets extreme.

Travelers often overlook this, but knowing about the heat index will help you plan safer, more comfortable days in Manama.

Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns

Manama has a dry desert climate, so rain barely happens and mostly comes in the cooler months. Summer is almost always hot, dry, and cloudless.

Frequency of Rainfall

Rainfall in Manama stays rare year-round. The city usually gets just 12–13 rainy days annually, which is less than 4% of the year.

Most rain falls between December and March, when quick weather systems bring short showers. From June through October, rain is almost unheard of.

When rain does happen, it’s usually brief and light, more like isolated showers than big storms. Even in the wettest months, you won’t see back-to-back rainy days.

The dry climate makes outdoor plans pretty easy in summer, since you can almost guarantee dry weather. Because of this, water scarcity is a long-standing issue, and the city mostly relies on desalination, not rainfall.

Monthly Rainfall Totals

Rainfall totals stay low compared to most places. January and February bring the most rain, averaging 15–25 mm. You might see one or two short rain events in those months.

From June through October, it’s basically bone-dry, with 0 mm of rain on average. Even in March and April, totals rarely go above 10 mm.

Here’s a simple breakdown of average rainfall by season:

You should expect dry conditions all summer. Any rain that does fall is saved for the short winter season.

Sunshine and Daylight Hours

Manama gets long, bright summers with plenty of sunshine and extended daylight. Most days bring clear skies, and daylight length changes only a little as summer goes on.

Average Daily Sunshine

Summer brings the most sunshine of the year. In June, Manama averages about 11.3 hours of direct sun per day, making it the brightest month. By August, you still get lots of sun—about 10 to 10.5 hours daily.

Total monthly sunshine in June hits about 339 hours, while July and August each top 300 hours. That’s a lot—Manama ranks among the sunniest cities worldwide in summer.

All this sunlight can impact your plans and your comfort. Early mornings or late evenings are best for outdoor activities, so you can dodge the worst of the midday sun. If you’re visiting, keep in mind the UV index is high with all that sun.

Length of Daylight

Daylight hours in Manama don’t change much over summer. In June, the longest days give you about 13.8 hours of daylight. By August, it drops to around 12.8 hours.

The difference between the longest and shortest summer days is only about an hour, so your daily routine won’t shift much.

Here’s a quick look at daylight during summer:

With close to 13 hours of daylight, you’ve got plenty of time for both indoor and outdoor activities, though most people find midday heat easier to handle indoors or in the shade.

Wind and Air Quality Conditions

During summer in Manama, you’ll notice steady winds that sometimes bring relief from the heat, but they can also carry dust from the desert. Air quality really depends on wind strength and whether those winds kick up fine particles.

Prevailing Wind Patterns

Winds in Manama during summer usually come from the northwest, a flow locals call the Shamal. June and July bring these winds most often, and they can stick around for days.

Average speeds range from 3 to 5 meters per second, but gusts pick up during strong Shamal events. The breeze helps with the heat, but if it stirs up sand, being outside can get uncomfortable.

September brings calmer winds, with speeds dropping to the lower end. This makes late summer feel more humid, since lighter winds let moisture hang in the air. Travelers often notice June’s breezy days feel more comfortable than September’s still, sticky evenings.

Dust and Air Quality

Dust just comes with summer in Manama. The dry desert landscape, mixed with strong winds, kicks up haze or reduces visibility pretty often. When Shamal winds blow through, dust in the air can spike quickly, and people with allergies or breathing problems really feel it.

Air quality changes all the time. On calm days, dust settles and things improve. But when the wind picks up, fine particles just hang there, making the sky look pale or even a bit brown.

You’ll probably see the most dust storms in midsummer, especially July. It’s smart to carry protective eyewear and stay inside when things get really dusty. Most visitors can handle the air, but if you’re sensitive, planning ahead makes a difference.

How Summer Weather Affects Life in Manama

High heat and humidity really shape daily life in Manama during summer. The long, hot days affect how much time you spend outside, when you go out, and what you do to stay comfortable.

Outdoor Activities

Manama’s summer temperatures often climb to 100°F (38°C to 40°C) or even higher. Humidity just makes it feel worse. Because of that, most outdoor activities move to early mornings or late evenings when it’s not quite as brutal.

Waterfront spots like the Corniche or Amwaj Islands get busy with walkers, joggers, or people trying out some water sports. Still, the high dew points can make even light activity feel exhausting.

A lot of people just stick to shaded parks, quick strolls, or hanging out where the sea breeze offers a little relief.

Most folks turn to indoor options during the day. Shopping malls, cultural centers, and indoor sports places give everyone a break from the heat. Families often plan their outings around these cooler spots to avoid the harsh sun.

Tips for Staying Comfortable

You really have to plan ahead if you want to deal with summer heat. I always reach for light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen just feels better.

Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Even if you’re only outside for a quick errand, you’ll want that protection.

Staying hydrated is a must. Keep a water bottle on hand, and try to skip drinks packed with caffeine or sugar since they can actually make dehydration worse.

Most homes, hotels, and buses crank up the air conditioning, so I usually plan my day to duck into those cool spots when I can. If you have to be outside, find some shade or carry an umbrella—it makes a difference.

A lot of locals take breaks during the hottest part of the afternoon. Running errands or traveling when it’s cooler just feels smarter, doesn’t it?

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