Things to Do in Kuwait City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kuwait City
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect outdoor weather with daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) - cool enough for walking tours through Souq Al-Mubarakiya or exploring the Corniche without the brutal summer heat that makes midday activities genuinely uncomfortable
- National Day celebrations on February 25th and Liberation Day on February 26th create an electric atmosphere throughout the city - expect fireworks displays along Arabian Gulf Road, traditional performances in public squares, and Kuwaitis in full celebratory mode with car parades and street festivals
- Low rainfall means you can actually plan outdoor activities with confidence - those 10 rainy days listed in the data are typically brief winter showers that clear quickly, not the kind that ruin your plans
- Winter camping season is in full swing in the desert areas north of the city - locals head out to Kabd or Sulaibiya on weekends with elaborate tent setups, and you'll find this is when Kuwait's outdoor culture really comes alive
Considerations
- December evenings drop to 9°C (48°F), which catches first-timers off guard - you'll see locals in winter coats while you're thinking it's mild, but that desert cold after sunset is real and cuts through light clothing
- The weather data shows 70% humidity combined with variable conditions, which creates unpredictable fog situations - morning fog can roll in from the Gulf and delay flights or make driving visibility challenging, particularly in early December
- Those 10 rainy days mean occasional winter storms that, while brief, can flood streets quickly since Kuwait City's drainage wasn't built for heavy rain - expect traffic chaos and some outdoor attractions temporarily closing during downpours
Best Activities in December
Kuwait Towers and Corniche waterfront walks
December's cooler temperatures make the 5 km (3.1 mile) Corniche walk from Salmiya to Kuwait City actually enjoyable instead of the sweaty ordeal it becomes in summer. The iconic Kuwait Towers are best visited in December when you can comfortably walk around the viewing sphere at 123 m (404 ft) without feeling like you're in an oven. Morning hours around 8-10am offer the clearest Gulf views before any afternoon haze rolls in. The waterfront promenade fills with local families in the evening once temperatures drop, giving you a genuine slice of Kuwaiti life.
Desert camping experiences north of the city
December is prime desert camping season when Kuwaiti families escape to the open desert areas. The cooler nights make sleeping under stars comfortable rather than miserable, and you'll find temporary camps set up with traditional tents, barbecue setups, and genuine hospitality. This is when you see the side of Kuwait that mall-focused tourists completely miss. Areas like Kabd and the northern desert regions come alive on weekends with this uniquely Kuwaiti tradition.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya exploration and traditional coffee culture
The historic souq becomes bearable in December when you can actually wander the covered alleyways without overheating. This is when locals do their serious shopping, so you'll find the freshest dates, spices, and traditional goods. The outdoor sections and surrounding streets are comfortable for extended browsing. December also means winter produce is in - look for fresh pomegranates and citrus. The traditional coffee shops around the souq are full of locals in the cooler months, offering the best people-watching.
Failaka Island archaeological sites
December offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring this island 20 km (12.4 miles) offshore with its Greek-era ruins and abandoned village structures. Summer makes the exposed archaeological sites brutal to visit, but December temperatures let you actually spend time examining the Hellenistic temples and walking through the eerie abandoned town. The boat crossing is typically smoother in winter months, though check conditions on those 10 rainy days mentioned in the forecast.
Grand Mosque tours and Islamic architecture
The Grand Mosque offers free guided tours that are far more comfortable in December's weather. The massive structure covers 46,000 square meters and includes beautiful Islamic calligraphy and design elements worth studying. December timing means you can walk the exterior grounds and courtyards without rushing to escape the heat. Tours run multiple times daily except Fridays and give genuine insight into Islamic architecture and Kuwaiti religious culture.
Avenues Mall and modern Kuwait shopping experience
While shopping malls might not scream adventure, The Avenues represents modern Kuwaiti culture and provides essential air-conditioned backup for those rainy days or if you need a break. December brings winter sales and the mall becomes a social hub. The 1.5 km (0.9 mile) indoor complex includes everything from high-end boutiques to local brands, plus the best food court variety in the city. This is where you'll see how contemporary Kuwaitis actually spend leisure time.
December Events & Festivals
Hala February Festival preparation period
While the main Hala February Festival kicks off in February, December sees the city preparing with decorations going up and promotional activities starting. You'll notice the build-up particularly along Gulf Road and in major shopping districts. Some early festival-related events and concerts may start in late December, though the main celebrations wait until February.
National and Liberation Day preparations
December marks the lead-up to Kuwait's biggest national celebrations in late February. You'll see patriotic decorations appearing throughout the city, particularly green, red, white, and black Kuwaiti flag colors on buildings and streets. While the actual celebrations happen in February, the anticipatory atmosphere starts building in December with shops stocking celebration supplies and public spaces being prepared.