Winter in Manama feels mild compared to many parts of the world. You’ll usually see average daytime highs in the upper 60s to low 70s °F (about 20–23°C), with nights cooling off to the upper 50s °F (14–16°C).
This makes the season comfortable for being outdoors, without the intense heat that defines much of the year.
Rainfall stays limited, but short showers pop up more often in winter than in summer. January brings the most rain, though totals remain low—usually less than half an inch for the whole month.
Humidity drops compared to the muggy summer months. Breezes off the Gulf add a crispness, making walks through the city or along the water genuinely pleasant.
If you want to know what winter in Manama really feels like, it helps to look at the patterns of temperature, rainfall, and wind together.
These conditions shape daily life, travel plans, and even the vibe of the city during this cooler stretch.
Overview of Manama’s Winter Climate
Manama’s winters bring mild temperatures, low rainfall, and calmer weather compared to the rest of the year.
You can expect cooler nights, comfortable daytime highs, and short bursts of rain that break up the city’s usually dry desert climate.
Location and Climate Classification
Manama sits on Bahrain’s northeastern coast, facing the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.
Its low elevation—about 5 meters above sea level—and coastal position influence both temperature and humidity.
The city falls under the BWh Köppen climate classification, which marks it as a subtropical desert climate.
That means very hot summers, scarce rainfall, and mild winters.
Rainfall during the year barely reaches 70 mm, with most of it concentrated between December and February.
Even when it rains, showers are brief and light, often clearing up quickly.
Manama doesn’t experience extreme cold because of its desert climate.
Instead, winters bring steady sunshine, cooler breezes, and more comfortable outdoor conditions than the rest of the year.
Winter Months in Manama
Winter in Manama covers December, January, and February.
Daytime highs usually hit 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F), while nighttime lows drop to 14°C and 16°C (57°F to 61°F).
This season sees the highest rainfall of the year, but totals are still modest.
For example, February often gets up to 16 mm of rain, while other months average closer to 5–10 mm.
Rain usually comes in quick bursts, not long storms.
Daylight lasts about 10.5 to 11 hours, and you’ll get 7 to 8 hours of sunshine each day.
The lower sun angle and cooler breezes make it easier to spend time outdoors—whether you’re walking the Corniche or checking out cultural sites.
Humidity can climb a bit after rain, but it’s generally lower than in summer.
This makes winter more comfortable for locals and visitors alike.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to spring and autumn, winter feels cooler and just a bit wetter.
Spring (March–May) warms up fast, with highs above 30°C (86°F) by May, and rain becomes rare.
Autumn (September–November) still carries leftover heat from summer, especially in September.
Summer is a whole different story. From June through August, highs often soar past 38°C (100°F), and nights stay above 28°C (82°F).
Rainfall is almost nonexistent, and humidity from the Gulf makes everything feel hotter.
Winter stands out as the most comfortable season for being outside.
Unlike summer, you can explore markets, parks, and the waterfront during the day without dealing with brutal heat.
The shorter daylight hours are balanced by clear skies and steady sunshine.
Many travelers pick December to February for their visit, since conditions are mild and much more manageable.
Average Daytime Temperature in Winter
Winter in Manama brings mild, comfortable weather compared to the brutal summer heat.
Daytime conditions stay warm enough for outdoor activities, and evenings cool off without ever becoming harsh.
Typical Daily Highs and Lows
During winter, average daytime highs in Manama run between 67°F and 71°F (19°C–22°C).
These temperatures stay pretty steady through December, January, and February, rarely dropping below 61°F or rising above 81°F.
The average lows fall between 62°F and 66°F (17°C–19°C).
The coldest stretch hits in late January, when lows can dip near 58°F.
Even then, the weather stays far from freezing, so you can still sightsee comfortably or get in some light outdoor exercise.
For reference, the hottest summer highs top 100°F, making the winter difference really stand out.
You’ll probably find the cooler months much more pleasant for walking tours, waterfront visits, or outdoor dining.
Monthly Temperature Variations
December starts with daytime highs near 71°F (22°C) and nighttime lows around 66°F (19°C).
This month feels mild and marks the real start of the cooler season.
January is the coldest month, with highs around 67°F (19°C) and lows near 62°F (17°C).
By late January, temperatures reach their lowest, but conditions remain comfortable by most winter standards.
February brings a slight warming trend. Highs climb back toward 70°F (21°C), and lows average 63°F (17°C).
This gradual rise signals the shift toward spring.
These monthly shifts aren’t huge, but you’ll notice them.
If you’re planning a visit, January gives you the coolest weather, while February offers mild days and a bit more daylight.
Nighttime Temperatures
Nights in Manama during winter cool down but still feel mild.
Average overnight lows range between 58°F and 66°F (14°C–19°C).
The coldest nights show up in late January, when temperatures can briefly touch the upper 50s.
Humidity drops a lot in winter, so evenings feel crisp instead of damp.
That makes nighttime walks or outdoor dining pretty comfortable, and you won’t need heavy layers.
A light jacket is usually enough for cooler nights.
Unlike many places, Manama never sees frost or freezing temps, so you can count on mild evenings all season.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Winter
Winter is the only time Manama gets real rain.
While the amounts are small compared to many places, this short season delivers nearly all of the city’s yearly precipitation.
You’ll notice a predictable pattern—light showers scattered across a few days each month.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Manama during winter stays modest but measurable.
December usually brings about 10–12 mm of rain.
January often sees the highest total, averaging close to 15–16 mm.
February comes in with around 12–14 mm.
These numbers are small, but they stand out in a place where most months bring no rain at all.
Instead of heavy downpours, rain here is usually light and brief.
You’ll see short showers, not long storms.
When you plan outdoor activities in winter, you can expect mostly dry days with just occasional interruptions.
Carrying a light rain jacket is usually enough.
The totals aren’t high enough to disrupt travel or daily life, but the showers do make winter feel different from the dry summer months.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Even in the wettest part of the year, rainy days are rare.
In January, you might see about 3 to 5 days with some rain.
December and February usually bring 2 to 4 days each.
That means you’ll get over 20 dry days every month, even in peak winter.
Rain tends to fall in short bursts, sometimes lasting just an hour or two.
Long wet spells almost never happen.
Because the rain is so scattered, you rarely need to change your plans.
Locals keep up their outdoor routines, and visitors can explore the city without much worry.
The brief nature of these showers really makes winter the best time for sightseeing.
Annual Rainfall Contribution
Winter rain accounts for nearly all of Manama’s yearly total.
The city averages between 50 and 70 mm of precipitation each year, and almost all of it falls from December through February.
Other months, especially from June to October, get almost no measurable rain.
This sharp contrast shows just how much the region relies on the short winter wet season.
For perspective, the winter months alone provide more than 80% of the annual rainfall.
Without these showers, Manama would hardly see any rain at all.
If you visit during winter, you’re catching the rare period when rain actually shapes the city’s climate.
Relative Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity in Manama stays on the higher side during winter, but temperatures remain cooler and more comfortable than in summer.
You’ll notice seasonal shifts that affect how the air feels, how clear the skies look, and how your body reacts to outdoor activities.
Average Humidity Levels
During winter, relative humidity in Manama often sits between 70% and 80%.
December usually records the highest levels, reaching around 81%, while January and February stay just a little lower.
This level of moisture in the air can make cooler temperatures feel a bit damp, especially in the evenings.
Unlike summer, when high humidity combines with extreme heat, winter humidity is less oppressive but still noticeable.
Fog shows up more often in these months because of the mix of cooler air and high moisture.
That can create hazy mornings, especially near the coast.
If you’re out early, you might find reduced visibility until the sun climbs higher.
Humidity Trends by Month
Humidity doesn’t stay the same all season.
In December, it peaks, often above 80%.
By January, it eases a bit but remains high enough to affect comfort—usually in the mid to upper 70s.
In February, humidity starts to drop as spring approaches.
Levels average closer to 70%, so you get a drier feel compared to December.
The difference between day and night matters too.
Nights usually feel more humid because cooler air holds less moisture, while afternoons feel more balanced.
Keeping an eye on these shifts helps you plan outdoor time more comfortably.
Impact on Comfort and Visibility
High humidity in winter affects both how you feel and what you see.
You might notice the air feels heavier in the early mornings, especially when fog cuts visibility on roads and open areas.
This can slow down travel or make driving a bit trickier.
For comfort, cooler temperatures balance out the high humidity, so you won’t get that sticky heat you find in summer.
However, if you have breathing sensitivities, the damp air might still feel a bit uncomfortable.
Clear skies are common by midday, but haze can hang around near the coast.
If you’re into sightseeing or photography, late morning through afternoon usually offers the best visibility.
Weather Data Sources and Measurement
Reliable weather info in Manama comes from long-term monitoring at official sites and consistent data collection.
These records give you accurate details on temperature, rainfall, and wind, so you know what to expect during winter.
Role of Bahrain International Airport
Bahrain International Airport—about 5 miles from downtown—records most of Manama’s climate data.
Its coastal spot makes it a good place to observe both desert and marine effects on the local climate.
The airport station measures daily highs, lows, humidity, and precipitation using standard equipment.
Since the site has been active for decades, it provides a solid historical record.
This consistency lets you compare seasonal changes over many years.
Winter averages, like 14–21°C (57–70°F) for temperatures and modest rainfall around 10–16 mm, come from these long-term airport records.
Meteorologists, travel planners, and researchers rely on this data because it reflects the conditions most residents and travelers actually experience.
Weather Monitoring Practices
In Manama, people track the weather with a mix of surface instruments and automated systems. Thermometers, barometers, and rain gauges give daily readings. Digital sensors also record wind speed, visibility, and the UV index.
Staff collect data at regular intervals and store it in climate databases. This method keeps averages like monthly rainfall or daylight hours consistent and reliable.
You get the benefit of this system because the information stays comparable across years and is specific to Manama’s environment. For example, decades of measurements—not just quick snapshots—confirm the city’s dry winter pattern and mild temperatures.
Additional Winter Weather Factors
In the winter months in Manama, you’ll notice more than just cooler temperatures. Wind, daylight, and sea conditions all shape how comfortable the season feels and how you plan your days.
Wind and Breeze Patterns
In winter, Manama usually gets steady winds from the northwest, called the Shamal. These winds feel cool compared to the summer heat, especially after sunset.
Most days, the wind speed sits around 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph), but sometimes gusts get stronger during weather changes. The breeze takes the edge off humidity and makes being outside much nicer.
You might notice the wind adds a bit of chill on the coldest nights, when temperatures drop near 14°C (57°F). A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick.
Unlike summer, these winter winds aren’t dusty or overwhelming. So walking along the Corniche or hanging out outdoors feels a lot better. The steady airflow also helps clear the air and improve visibility, which is handy if you want to explore the city’s open spaces.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Winter days in Manama run shorter than in summer, with daylight lasting about 10.5 to 11 hours in December and January. By February, you get closer to 11.5 hours of daylight.
This shift means there’s a little less time for outdoor activities. Still, sunshine sticks around. On average, you’ll get 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day, even in the coolest months.
Clouds don’t show up much, and rain showers pass quickly when they happen.
With clear skies and mild temperatures, winter really feels like one of the best times to be outside. You can plan sightseeing, outdoor meals, or a walk by the waterfront without worrying about harsh sun or heat.
Sea Temperature in Winter
The waters around Manama cool off during winter, but honestly, they stay pretty mild compared to a lot of other places. Average sea temperatures sit somewhere between 20°C and 22°C (68°F to 72°F) from December to February.
You can swim in these temps if you’re up for a bit of a chill, but folks who love warmer seas might find it a little brisk. Still, plenty of visitors actually like winter for water sports like sailing or kayaking. The cooler air and calm water just make it all more comfortable.
The sea shapes the coastal climate, too. Even when nights get cooler, the water keeps temperatures steady, so you don’t get those sudden drops. This effect helps give Manama’s winter its mild, steady vibe.