Spending Christmas in Kuwait City feels like a different kind of holiday season. You won’t find snow or chilly winds here, but instead, you get mild desert weather that’s perfect for being outside or wandering the city. Around Christmas, daytime temperatures usually hang out between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F), so it’s honestly one of the nicest times to check out the sights.
Evenings turn cooler, but you won’t need anything heavy—just a few light layers. Rain might show up, but it’s pretty rare, and humidity doesn’t get out of hand like it does in summer.
This time of year brings more sunshine than you’d expect from a “winter” season. You get to stroll along the waterfront, hit up markets, and visit museums without sweating or dodging downpours.
Overview of Kuwait City’s Climate in December
December brings a noticeable shift—cooler air, a little rain, and plenty of sunny days. You’ll feel mild days, cooler nights, and some dry breezes.
Geographical Location and Climate Zone
Kuwait City sits right on the Persian Gulf coast in the Al Asimah Governorate. It’s up in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, smack in the middle of an arid desert climate zone.
Summers drag on, hot and dry, but winters are short and surprisingly gentle. Rain hardly ever makes an appearance, and clouds don’t stick around for long.
December lands in that sweet spot where things cool down, making it way easier to enjoy being outside. The city’s coastal spot means humidity runs higher than it does inland. The Gulf helps soften those big temperature jumps, especially after dark.
You’ll notice that December feels more comfortable than the harsher desert interior. The coast really takes the edge off.
Typical December Weather Patterns
December days in Kuwait City usually top out around 20–21°C (68–70°F). At night, it drops to about 11–12°C (52–54°F). You’ll want to bring something to layer, just in case.
Rain? It’s rare, but not impossible. You might see about 25 mm of precipitation over 5 to 6 days all month. Showers don’t last long and they’re not heavy.
There’s still plenty of sun—expect 6–7 hours per day. Winds blow gently, about 3 m/s most days, so you’ll feel a breeze but nothing wild. The Persian Gulf water hangs around 22°C (72°F), which is actually pretty nice for a swim if you don’t mind cooler water.
Humidity can reach 70%, but it doesn’t feel sticky thanks to the cooler air. Sometimes clouds drift in, but most days stay clear or at least partly sunny.
Comparison With Other Months
December really marks the heart of Kuwait’s mild winter. Compared to November, temps drop a bit, with highs sliding from the mid-20s °C to about 20°C. Rain shows up a little more often in December, but honestly, it’s still not much.
January cools down even more, with highs near 18°C and nights getting closer to 10°C. February starts to warm up again, but you’ll still feel winter’s touch.
If you compare December to the brutal heat of June through August, it’s like night and day. Summer temps often hit 45°C (113°F) or more, with blazing sun and almost zero rain. December skips all that, giving you weather that’s actually pleasant for walking, eating outside, and exploring.
March and April heat up fast, while October and November finally start to cool off. December lands right in the middle—mild, mostly clear, and great for outdoor plans.
Average Temperatures Around Christmas
Late December in Kuwait City brings some of the nicest weather you’ll get all year. The days feel cooler than the long, scorching summer, but you can still hang out outside without bundling up.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs in late December usually reach 20–22°C (68–72°F). That’s warm enough for short sleeves, but you might want a light jacket if you’re hanging out in the shade or if the wind picks up.
At night, it drops to 10–15°C (50–59°F). The evenings can feel crisp, especially by the water where the breeze is stronger. A sweater or light coat will keep you comfy after dark.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
| Time of Day | Average Temperature | Clothing Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 20–22°C (68–72°F) | Light shirts, casual wear |
| Nighttime | 10–15°C (50–59°F) | Sweater, light jacket |
Humidity sits in the middle, and rain is possible but usually just a sprinkle. This mix of mild days and cool nights makes December a great month for exploring Kuwait City.
Temperature Trends During Late December
As the month goes on, things cool off a bit more. Early December still hits highs near 22°C (72°F), but by the end, you’ll see daily highs closer to 19–20°C (66–68°F).
Nights get a bit chillier too, dipping lower as New Year’s approaches. Sometimes, though rarely, it can get down to 5°C (41°F) on a cold night.
Rain is more likely in December than most other months, but it’s still just a light sprinkle—about 20–30 mm total for the month. Showers don’t usually last long or mess up your plans.
If you’re visiting closer to New Year’s, pack for cooler evenings and a slight dip in daytime temps. Most days stay dry and sunny, so you can still get out and see the city without worrying about the heat.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Late December in Kuwait City is mostly dry, with moderate humidity. The air feels cooler and a lot more comfortable than most of the year, but you’ll only see the occasional light shower.
Precipitation Frequency and Amount
Rain barely makes a dent in December. The city averages about 7–11 mm of rain for the whole month, spread across just a couple days.
Most showers are quick and light, usually over in less than an hour. They don’t really interrupt travel or outdoor plans.
You won’t need to plan around storms like you would in wetter places. The driest stretch runs from June to September, with almost no rain at all. By December, a bit of rain returns, but it’s nothing major.
If you’re coming for Christmas, maybe toss a light rain jacket in your bag, but you’ll rarely need an umbrella. Rainy days are few and far between, and even when they happen, the sun comes back out quickly.
Humidity Levels During Christmas Period
Humidity moves around a bit during the year, peaking in the cooler months. In December, it usually ranges from 50% to 70%, so the air feels fresher compared to the bone-dry summer.
You might notice a little dampness in the mornings or evenings, especially by the sea. Still, it’s not enough to make you uncomfortable.
Cooler temps during the day keep things feeling pleasant. Walking around, sightseeing, or just hanging out outside is actually enjoyable.
Compared to summer, when humidity and heat combine to make things miserable, December feels way more manageable. The air isn’t too dry or too sticky, so Christmas is a comfy time for outdoor fun in Kuwait.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
December air in Kuwait City is way calmer than the hot, gusty summer months. You’ll feel lighter winds and clearer skies, which makes being outside—whether you’re shopping or sightseeing—a lot more enjoyable.
Prevailing Winds in December
Winds in December usually blow around 3 meters per second (about 11 km/h or 6–7 mph). You’ll notice a steady, gentle breeze most days. It’s just enough to move flags or rustle some palm leaves, but not enough to get in your way.
Summer winds can hit 5 m/s and make it tough to be outside, but December breezes are much milder. Dust storms aren’t really an issue now, unlike in spring when the shamal winds kick up.
Wind direction shifts between northwest and northeast, which can make evenings feel cooler. A light jacket will help if you’re out at night and the breeze picks up.
Visibility and Air Quality
Visibility is usually good in December. Skies stay clearer than during the dusty spring, and haze doesn’t show up much. You can see across the city without any trouble.
Air quality gets better too, especially compared to the dusty, hot summer. Lower wind speeds keep dust down, so walking along the waterfront or browsing outdoor markets feels nicer.
If you have asthma or any breathing issues, December is a much easier month to be in Kuwait. Less dust and lighter winds mean you can get around without much worry.
What to Pack for Christmas in Kuwait City
December in Kuwait City brings mild days and cooler nights. You’ll want clothes that feel good in the sun but can handle the temperature drop after sunset. A few smart accessories will help you deal with dry air, bright skies, and the occasional sprinkle.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temps hover around 20–21°C (68–70°F), so breathable fabrics really help. Pack cotton t-shirts, blouses, or polo shirts for city walks. Lightweight trousers or knee-length skirts work for most outings.
Shorts aren’t super common in public, so longer options are a safer bet. Evenings can dip to 12°C (54°F), so bring a light sweater, cardigan, or denim jacket for eating outside or strolling by the sea.
If you’re planning a desert trip, toss in an extra layer since it cools off fast after sunset.
For shoes, go with comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the city. Closed shoes are better for desert adventures or chilly nights.
If you’re thinking about swimming, pack swimwear—the Gulf water stays around 22°C (72°F), which is pretty nice if you don’t mind it a bit cool.
Weather-Appropriate Accessories
The sun still packs a punch in December, so don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. These will help with the bright skies and long sunny days.
A light scarf comes in handy for sun or wind protection. Rain doesn’t happen often, but a compact umbrella or thin rain jacket is enough for those rare showers.
Dry air can be tough on your skin, so bring lip balm and moisturizer. If you’re heading out for the day, a small daypack is great for water, snacks, and an extra layer.
For evenings, a neat casual outfit works well in restaurants or malls, where the air conditioning can make things feel cooler inside than outside.
Travel Tips and Local Activities During the Holiday Season
You’ll find mild weather makes it easy to get outside in Kuwait City during December. Exploring outdoor spaces and cultural sites is a lot more fun, and honestly, food and shopping become a big part of the experience during the holidays.
Popular Outdoor Attractions and Events
In late December, Kuwait City temperatures usually sit somewhere between the mid-50s and low 70s °F. That feels pretty comfortable for walking tours or just hanging around outdoors, honestly. You can wander along the Kuwait Corniche, which stretches out along the waterfront and gives you easy access to cafés, walking paths, and those wide-open views of the Arabian Gulf.
Families like to head over to Al Shaheed Park, which happens to be one of the biggest urban parks in Kuwait. You’ll find landscaped gardens, fountains, and a couple of museums that dig into Kuwait’s history. The cooler air really makes it easier to enjoy a longer stroll without feeling wiped out by the heat.
Shopping? Yeah, that’s a big thing here too. Malls like The Avenues put on seasonal sales and some pretty impressive light displays. Kuwait doesn’t treat Christmas as a public holiday, but you’ll still spot festive decorations in international hotels and shopping centers.
If you’re curious about local culture, you might want to stop by the Souq Al-Mubarakiya in the city center (postal code 13001). This historic market buzzes with energy, selling everything from traditional goods to spices and textiles. It usually stays lively well into the evening.
Dining and Festive Experiences
Food really stands out when you visit Kuwait City, especially once the weather cools down. You’ll find grilled seafood, shawarma, and machboos (that’s a spiced rice dish with meat or fish) at both laid-back spots and fancier restaurants.
International hotels often put on holiday buffets in December, which is great if you’re craving something familiar and festive. You’ll get to pick from both Western and Middle Eastern dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
Outdoor dining feels just right this time of year, and lots of restaurants set up terraces. The evenings are mild, honestly perfect for lingering over tea or coffee after dinner.
If you want something more local, try eating at traditional Kuwaiti restaurants near the old souqs. These spots usually serve up dishes inspired by the country’s maritime and desert roots.
Trying both the modern and traditional places really gives you a feel for the city’s food scene.