Best Times to Visit

Weather

Spring and late autumn are the most pleasant months to visit Bahrain. The summer and early autumn (June to October) is hot and humid (42°C/108°F), whilst winter (December through to March) can be quite cool (10-20°C/50-68°F). There is a little rain in winter, and the rest of the year is dominated by either a moist north-east wind (the Shamal) or the hot, sand-bearing Qaws from the south.

Visitors are advised to linen or lightweight clothing from spring to autumn, with warmer clothes for winter and cool evenings.

More information on the Bahraini weather may be found in Climate in Bahrain.

Festivals

The Islamic holidays of Eid Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (the end of the pilgrimage season) and Al-Hijrah (the Islamic New Year) are major holidays. Bahrain's large Shiite community celebrates the religious festival of Ashura, which marks the death of Emam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet, when processions, led by men expressing sorrow through self-flagellation, take place. Dates vary according to the Islamic calendar.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Bahrain: