Things to Do in Kuwait City in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Kuwait City
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is January Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Outdoor souks such as Souq Al-Mubarakiya hit their sweet spot only in January, when the air finally cools below 18°C (64°F) by late afternoon and you can browse without feeling roasted.
- + Hotel rates across Kuwait City drop 25-35% from December peaks, and the saving is most obvious along Gulf Road where waterfront properties treat January as off-season.
- + January's northwest shamal winds sweep the dust away, gifting you those rare, razor-sharp views of the Kuwait City skyline from the Liberation Tower observation deck.
- + The city's famous shawarma queues at 2 AM finally shrink—January scares off Gulf tourists, so joints like Al-Muhallab in Salmiya lose their usual 30-minute waits.
- − The khamsin wind barges in without warning on about 3 days each January, painting the sky orange and forcing you indoors until it blows itself out 6-8 hours later.
- − Most rooftop bars and restaurants shutter their outdoor sections for January—you forfeit those sunset views at Sky Lounge unless you are willing to dine inside.
- − January swimming at Messilah Beach demands grit—the Persian Gulf slides down to 18°C (64°F), which is why the beach clubs stand deserted even on weekends.
Year-Round Climate
How January compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in January
Top things to do during your visit
January's cool mornings are good for threading through the old dhow harbor and its merchant houses before 11 AM. The 3 km (1.9 mile) loop through the old souq area stays agreeable until noon, unlike summer when it turns brutal by 9 AM. You will dodge spice sacks heavy with cardamom and saffron while the call to prayer rolls out from the Grand Mosque.
The 20 km (12.4 mile) ferry ride runs like clockwork in January's calm seas, unlike summer when winds scrub half the departures. The Bronze Age settlement ruins become walkable by mid-morning, and you will spot flocks of migratory birds using Failaka as a January layover. The island's Greek temple foundations trace back to Alexander the Great's era.
January's 5:30 PM sunset lines up neatly with the daily dhow departures from Kuwait City marina. By evening the wind eases to a whisper, so the 2-hour cruise stays pleasant even on traditional cushions. You will nibble fresh dates and sip Arabic coffee while the city's towers ignite against the orange sky.
The Friday morning fish market at Sharq keeps humming until 10 AM thanks to January's cooler air—good for watching tuna auctions and sampling grilled hammour straight off the boats. Your guide steers you through the maze where the perfume of fresh za'atar and sumac from spice stalls collides with diesel from the fishing boats.
January's gentle light turns the Mirror House's mosaics into pure magic—the thousands of mirrors catch the winter sun in ways harsh summer rays never allow. Artist Lidia Al Qattan leads tours herself most January mornings, recounting the 40+ years she spent crafting this one-of-a-kind space in Qadsiya.
January Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
February may be the main show, but the cultural exhibitions and fireworks rehearsals kick off in late January along Kuwait City waterfront. You will catch run-throughs of the traditional Ardah sword dance and watch technicians test light rigs along Gulf Road.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls