Kuwait's desert climate influences the changes in temperature and precipitation, which in turn affects religious ceremonies and cultural events. Below is a summary of the main events and climate characteristics for each season.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Around 20°C in March, rising to nearly 35°C in May
- Precipitation: The rainy season of winter ends and the dry season begins
- Characteristics: Significant day-night temperature variation; cool in the mornings and evenings, but hot during the day
Main Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
March |
Mother's Day (3/21) |
Families gather and celebrate mothers in a mild climate close to the spring equinox |
April |
Eid al-Fitr |
A major festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrating the end of the fasting month, but facing challenges from the heat |
May |
Kuwait International Food Fair |
Indoor event; a popular spring festival before the onset of high temperatures |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Severe heat exceeding 45°C during the day
- Precipitation: Almost none; extremely dry
- Characteristics: Occurrence of sandstorms, high risk of heatstroke
Main Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
June |
Kuwait Summer Festival |
Events mainly held indoors at commercial facilities and hotels to avoid the heat |
July |
Eid al-Adha |
The sacrifice festival; outdoor prayers and processions take place in the cool hours of morning and evening |
August |
Islamic Religious Talk Month |
Gathering places in indoor mosques and meeting halls; air conditioning is essential |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Around 40°C in September, dropping to about 25°C in November
- Precipitation: Very little; mostly dry continues
- Characteristics: Intense heat begins to ease, making it more comfortable during the day
Main Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
September |
Date Harvest Festival |
The dry climate creates the perfect conditions for date harvesting; farmer-led markets are also held |
October |
Cultural Week |
Outdoor concerts and exhibitions take place in the evenings |
November |
Kuwait Design Week |
Mainly indoor exhibitions; many creative events capitalize on the autumn coolness |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Around 20°C during the day in December, with nighttime temperatures dropping below 10°C on some days
- Precipitation: Most of the few annual rainfalls are concentrated in this period
- Characteristics: Although it is dry, occasional rain falls, making it a comfortable season
Main Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
December |
Winter Illumination Festival |
Lighting displays in commercial facilities coincide with the Christmas season |
January |
Kuwait International Theater Festival |
Comfortable climate even during cold nights, allowing for enjoyable outdoor performances |
February |
National and Liberation Day (2/25-26) |
Parades and ceremonies are held under the mild winter climate |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
Spring |
Large day-night temperature variation, entrance into dry period |
Mother's Day, Eid al-Fitr, International Food Fair |
Summer |
Extreme heat and dryness, sandstorms |
Summer Festival, Eid al-Adha |
Autumn |
Easing of intense heat, continued dryness |
Date Harvest Festival, Cultural Week, Design Week |
Winter |
Comfortable temperatures, intermittent rain |
Illumination Festival, Theater Festival, National Day |
Additional Information
- Many seasonal events in Kuwait are based on the Islamic calendar, which shifts annually compared to the Gregorian calendar.
- During the summer, outdoor events are challenging, leading to a focus on indoor or nighttime events.
- The little rainfall in winter provides opportunities for plants to grow green and for outdoor sports events to take place.
- The unique sandstorms of the desert climate require careful consideration for transportation and event operations.
In Kuwait, the harshness of the climate is closely intertwined with religious and traditional events, forming distinctive seasonal events.