Things to Do in Kuwait City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Kuwait City
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
70°F (21°C)
High Temp
48°F (9°C)
Low Temp
1.0 inches (25 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Sudden cloudbursts flood underpasses within minutes avoid driving during rain alerts and never enter standing water in underpasses. Water hides depth. Turn around. Live.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + December is Kuwait City's outdoor season - humidity drops just enough that walking the corniche doesn't feel like breathing through a wet towel, and evening shisha on the Gulf feels pleasant rather than suffocating
- + Hotel rates are still recovering from summer's oil-business spike, so you'll find rooms in Salmiya and downtown for noticeably less than January's peak - book two weeks out and you'll likely snag upgrades
- + The city's legendary Friday livestock market at Souq al-Juma happens in full swing before winter rains thin the crowds - arrive by 6 AM to see camels changing hands in the dust while the call to prayer echoes from nearby mosques
- + December 16-18 typically sees the National Day light installations go up along Gulf Road - a month early, yes, but the LED camels and laser shows are crowd-free rehearsals for February's chaos
Considerations
- − UV index hits 8 even in December - the desert sun reflects off the Gulf and will fry unprotected skin in 20 minutes, making midday beach time uncomfortable
- − Rain, when it comes, arrives in sudden 15-minute cloudbursts that flood underpasses and turn roundabouts into lakes - traffic snarls for hours and Uber increase pricing kicks in hard
- − Most outdoor cafés still haven't switched to winter menus, so that rooftop mint lemonade you crave will be served lukewarm and overpriced while staff insist 'it's cold season'
Year-Round Climate
How December compares to the rest of the year
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19°C | 7°C | 1.2 inches (30 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C | 9°C | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C | 13°C | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 32°C | 19°C | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| May | 39°C | 24°C | 0.0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jun | 45°C | 28°C | 0.0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 46°C | 30°C | 0.0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 46°C | 29°C | 0.0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 43°C | 26°C | 0.0 inches (0 mm) |
| Oct | 36°C | 20°C | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C | 14°C | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C | 9°C | 1.0 inches (25 mm) |
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Kuwait City in December is cool and dry. The searing summer heat is gone. A crisp breeze comes off the Gulf, a welcome change from the oppressive humidity. The whole city moves outdoors. Locals fill the corniche in the evenings. The scent of roasting nuts and charcoal smoke drifts from carts. Chatter from sidewalk cafes echoes under clear, starry skies. You will see two distinct traditions. Visit the Friday camel market for its controlled chaos. The earthy smell of livestock and diesel generators hangs thick in the morning air. Or find quiet, crowd-free access to the spectacular light and drone show rehearsals for National Day along the waterfront. You can stand alone before illuminated sculptures floating on the dark water.
Half Day licensed Tours in Kuwait City & Desert PickUp & DropOff
guided_experienceStep out. Feel the crunch of gravel underfoot. The horizon breaks only for a Bedouin tent or a herd of camels against the golden dunes. This is an efficient escape. It contrasts the urban pulse with the profound quiet just beyond the city.
It delivers a dramatic shift from metropolitan bustle to desert serenity in one compact excursion.
Insider tip: Request a late afternoon departure for sunset. The low sun casts long, deep shadows across the dunes as the temperature drops.
Full Day licensed Tours in Kuwait City & Desert PickUp & DropOff
day_tripIt pairs Kuwait City's modern landmarks with a complete exploration of the surrounding desert. You might hear the call to prayer in the morning. Hours later, you will hear only wind across a vast *sabkha* salt flat. Your footsteps leave temporary marks on the cracked white earth.
It provides the best overview of Kuwait's environmental and cultural contrasts in one easy journey.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, closed shoes. They must work on polished city marble and on uneven desert terrain with sharp gravel and soft sand.
Kuwait City Heritage Souq & Modern Shopping Malls Tour
culturalGo from the aromatic alleyways of the old souqs to the gleaming atriums of modern malls. In the heritage markets, smell dried lemons and pungent spices. Feel the textured weave of Persian carpets. Hear rapid-fire negotiation in Arabic. It is a world away from the hushed, marble-floored luxury of the city's retail palaces.
It frames the nation's economic story through the direct experience of its marketplaces.
Insider tip: Focus your bargaining in the old souqs. Bring small bills for spontaneous purchases of dates, saffron, or traditional *oud* perfume.
This month: The comfortable December weather makes walking between the closely-packed market stalls far more pleasant than in the summer heat.
Full Day Kuwait City Tour by Kuwaiti Licensed Guide
day_tripGo from the historic foundations of the Kuwait National Museum to the contemporary statement of the Al Hamra Tower. The insight turns sights into stories. You can taste the difference between Iranian and Iraqi dates. You will understand the architectural symbolism behind the Grand Mosque's tilework.
The guide's access and knowledge provide context that independent exploration cannot match.
Insider tip: Use your guide to find a local spot for lunch of *machboos*, a fragrant rice dish. Avoid the tourist-oriented places.
Where to Stay in Kuwait City in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid December
National Day Light Rehearsals
Week-long LED installations and drone shows along Gulf Road test February's full display - December crowds are 90% smaller and you can walk right up to the floating camel sculptures in the Gulf without security shooing you away.
Every Friday in December
Friday Camel Market at Souq al-Juma
Before winter rains thin herds, December Fridays see up to 300 camels traded - the dust, diesel generators, and cardamom tea create a sensory overload that disappears once weather turns. Get there before 7 AM when serious bidding starts.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Kuwait City Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Hotel pools stay heated year-round but December mornings they're pleasant - swim before 10 AM before UV peaks and Kuwaiti families claim the deck chairs
The city's best machboos isn't in restaurants - it's served at 2 PM daily from the women's cooperative kitchen behind Souq Al-Mubarakiya's fish market, sold by weight until it runs out
Taxi drivers will quote in dinars then switch to 'half' meaning half-dinar - clarify currency before you get in, during December rain chaos when demand spikes
Al Shaheed Park's underground parking offers free EV charging that works December's milder temps mean your rental won't overheat while topping up. Plug in. Walk the gardens. Return to a full battery. No fee. No sweat.
Friday morning is when Kuwaitis hit the corniche for power walks join the flow heading south from Kuwait Towers around 8 AM and you'll blend in rather than stand out as tourists. Locals rule the path. Keep pace. Nod. Smile. You're in.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming December means 'cool' and booking outdoor brunches at noon UV is still brutal and most rooftop venues lack adequate shade until 3 PM. Shade arrives late. Skin fries fast. Book late lunch instead.
Wearing shorts into government buildings or malls security will turn you away even if temperatures hit 21°C (70°F); pack lightweight trousers. Guards care little about mercury. Cover your knees. Keep moving.
Trying to visit Failaka Island on weekdays December ferry schedule switches to weekend-only, leaving tourists stranded at Ras Salmiya port. Weekday plans sink. Go Saturday. Return Sunday. Simple.
Planning beach time during 11 AM to 3 PM window even December sun reflects off Gulf water and will burn faster than most European summers. Reflection doubles strength. Lather SPF. Reapply. Seek shade.
Explore More Activities in Kuwait City
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Kuwait City.
See All Kuwait City Tours on Viator