If you’re planning a trip to Doha around Christmas, you’ll probably enjoy mild, comfortable weather that makes sightseeing and outdoor activities a breeze. Average daytime temperatures sit around 24–25°C (75–77°F), and evenings cool off to about 15–17°C (59–63°F), so you get pleasant conditions without the harshness of summer.
You’ll notice this mix of warmth by day and cooler nights creates one of the best times to explore the city.
Rainfall stays light, and you’ll only have a small chance of brief showers. You probably won’t need to worry much about your plans getting interrupted.
Humidity feels moderate, and with plenty of sunshine, the climate is great for walking the Corniche, visiting museums, or even heading out to the desert.
December brings shorter daylight hours than other months, but there’s still enough sun to enjoy your days. Sea temperatures stay comfortable, so you can relax by the water or join in Qatar National Day events just before Christmas.
Overview of December Weather in Doha
December brings cooler air, shorter days, and a small chance of rain to Doha. You’ll get mild afternoons and cooler nights, along with higher humidity than most of the year.
The climate feels way more comfortable than the long summer, but you should still plan for the difference between day and night.
Typical Temperature Range
During December, daytime temperatures usually reach the mid-20s °C (around 73–77°F). Afternoons feel warm but not hot—a big change from summer’s extreme heat.
At night, temperatures often drop to about 15°C (59°F). This difference can feel noticeable, so packing a light jacket or sweater for evenings is smart.
Sea temperature hovers around 23°C (73°F). Some people find it comfortable for swimming, though others might think it’s a bit chilly, especially in the evening.
The water stays calm, but air temperature and wind can affect how pleasant a swim feels.
Rainfall Patterns
Doha barely sees any rain most of the year, but December brings a slight chance of showers. On average, you might get about 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain over one or two days.
Rain usually comes in quick bursts, not long storms. Showers clear fast, so they rarely mess up travel or outdoor plans.
You probably won’t see heavy or frequent rain if you visit. Still, carrying an umbrella or light rain jacket isn’t a bad idea if you’ll be walking a lot.
Humidity Levels
Humidity goes up in December compared to the drier months. The average relative humidity sits around 71%, making it one of the more humid times of year in Doha.
This extra moisture can make mild temperatures feel a little warmer during the day. At night, the mix of cooler air and humidity can bring a mild chill, especially near the coast.
Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers have climate control, so you’ll feel comfortable indoors. Outside, the humidity isn’t extreme, and it usually doesn’t limit daily plans.
Temperature Details During Christmas Week
During Christmas week, you can expect mild weather with warm afternoons and cooler evenings. The difference between day and night temperatures stands out, so it’s worth planning for.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
In late December, daytime highs usually hit 25–30°C (77–86°F). That makes afternoons pleasant for walking tours, eating outside, or checking out cultural sites.
The sun stays strong, so light clothing works great during the day.
At night, temperatures often fall to 13–17°C (55–63°F). Cooler evenings can feel brisk, especially if you’re near the water or it’s windy. A light jacket or sweater is a good idea after sunset.
Temperature swings between day and night can be around 10–12°C (18–22°F). That’s pretty typical for Doha in December, thanks to the desert climate.
You’ll want to pack for both warm afternoons and cooler nights if you’re coming for Christmas week.
Temperature Variation Compared to Other Months
December stands out as one of the most comfortable months in Doha. Summer highs soar above 40°C (104°F), but the Christmas period offers a much gentler climate.
Compared to November, December is a bit cooler, with highs dropping a few degrees and nights getting crisper. January gets cooler still, with minimums around 11°C (52°F), but daytime highs stay close to December’s numbers.
If you visit in March or April, temperatures rise quickly. Highs can jump into the 30–38°C (86–100°F) range, which is way hotter than December. So, Christmas week is honestly one of the best times for outdoor activities in Doha.
Rainfall and Humidity in Late December
December in Doha brings limited rainfall, but it’s still the rainiest month compared to the rest of the year. Humidity stays noticeable, especially at night, though the drier winter air makes it feel more comfortable than summer.
Average Rainfall Amounts
You can expect only small amounts of rain in late December. Doha usually records 10–15 mm of precipitation for the whole month.
That’s less than half an inch, which is very light compared to many other places.
Rainfall comes in short bursts, not long storms. Showers pass quickly, and skies clear up soon after.
December is the “wettest” month of the year, but that’s still not much rain for a desert climate.
Humidity averages around 65–70% during this time. The cooler air makes it feel less sticky than in summer, even with those numbers.
You’ll probably notice higher humidity in the evenings or early mornings, especially near the coast.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t happen often in Doha during December. Usually, you’ll see about 1–2 rainy days the whole month.
Sometimes, you might not see any rain at all.
When rain does fall, it’s usually during isolated showers or brief thunderstorms. These events rarely last long, so your outdoor plans are usually safe.
Since rainfall is so limited, most visitors skip packing umbrellas or rain jackets. Focus on light clothes for day and a warmer layer for nights.
Rain is possible, but it’s not something you really need to worry about.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
December brings shorter days, less sunshine, and a lower UV index compared to Doha’s hot summer months. These changes affect how much natural light you get and how much sun protection you’ll need.
Hours of Sunshine
Doha averages about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in December. That’s the lowest of the year, and it feels like a big drop from summer, when sunshine often tops 11 hours.
Even so, skies stay mostly clear on many days. Cloud cover is limited, and rainfall is light, so you still get plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
If you’re spending time outside, you’ll enjoy a good balance of sun and mild temperatures. The softer winter light actually makes walking tours, outdoor markets, or waterfront strolls more pleasant than in the harsh summer glare.
Length of Daylight
December brings the shortest days of the year in Doha, with about 10 hours and 36 minutes of daylight.
Sunrise happens around 6:10 a.m., and sunset is close to 4:50 p.m.
Evenings come quickly, so plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Sightseeing or desert trips work best in the morning or early afternoon.
The shorter daylight gives the city a different rhythm. Outdoor dining, shopping, and evening walks start earlier than in summer, when the sun sticks around much later.
UV Index and Sun Safety
The UV index in December averages around 5, which is moderate. It’s the lowest level of the year in Doha, a big change from summer’s extreme UV.
Even with a moderate index, the midday sun can still cause skin damage if you’re outside for long. Using sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.—is still a smart move.
Surfaces like sand and water reflect sunlight, which can boost your exposure. If you’re heading to the Corniche, beaches, or desert, just take simple precautions and you’ll be fine.
Sea Temperature and Outdoor Activities
In December, the sea in Doha stays warm enough for swimming, while the air remains mild and comfortable. You can enjoy water activities and spend time outside without the punishing heat of summer.
Average Sea Temperature
Sea temperature in December usually sits between 21°C and 25°C (70°F–77°F). Early in the month, the water is closer to 25°C, but by late December, it cools to about 22°C.
This gradual drop means you’ll get slightly cooler water around Christmas than at the start of December. Still, the average of 23°C (73°F) keeps the Gulf comfortable for swimming and other water fun.
Compared to many coastal spots in winter, Doha’s waters feel pretty warm. You won’t need a wetsuit, but you might notice the chill if you swim early or late in the day.
Midday is usually the best time to get in the water.
Swimming and Beach Conditions
Doha’s beaches stay active in December because the cooler air makes it easy to spend more time outside. With daytime highs around 24°C (75°F) and light breezes, you can swim, sunbathe, or walk along the coast comfortably.
Rain is rare—about two days on average all month—so your plans probably won’t get interrupted. Water clarity is good, making snorkeling and casual diving possible.
Public and private beaches, like those near the Corniche or in resort areas, offer good facilities. Swimming is safe, but keep an eye on posted flags and lifeguard advice, especially if the wind picks up.
The mix of warm sea and mild outdoor weather makes December one of the best months for enjoying Doha’s waterfront.
How Doha’s Christmas Climate Compares to the Rest of Qatar
December in Doha brings mild days, cooler nights, and a bit higher humidity than summer. Other parts of Qatar show small but noticeable differences in temperature, wind, and coastal influence, and that can affect how comfortable you feel outside.
Weather Differences Across Major Cities
Doha sits right along the Arabian Gulf, so December feels a touch more humid than inland areas. Average daytime highs reach about 23–24°C (73–75°F), and nights drop to around 15°C (59°F). Rain is rare but possible, with light showers adding up to about 12 mm for the month.
Inland cities like Al Rayyan or Al Khor often get a bit cooler at night because they’re farther from the sea. Temperatures can dip closer to 12–13°C (54–55°F) after sunset.
Winds usually pick up in open desert areas, making evenings feel cooler than in Doha.
On the northern coast, towns like Al Ruwais get slightly lower humidity and cooler breezes from the sea. These differences are small but noticeable if you’re planning outdoor activities or late-night gatherings.
Ideal Destinations in Qatar for December Visits
If you’re after mild coastal weather, Doha and the nearby town of Al Wakrah feel pretty comfortable in December. The sea hangs around 22–23°C (72–73°F), so taking a walk by the water or heading out on a boat actually feels pleasant, not stifling like it does in summer.
Want cooler evenings? Head inland. Places like Dukhan or Al Rayyan give you drier air and clearer skies. That’s perfect for desert trips, honestly.
Lower humidity out there makes camping or even just stargazing way more enjoyable than in the capital.
Up north, towns like Al Ruwais strike a nice balance between cooler air and coastal views.
You’ll notice fresh breezes and nighttime temperatures that dip a bit lower, which gives the evenings a vibe you won’t really get in humid Doha.