Things to Do in Kuwait City in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Kuwait City
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Indoor cultural attractions are at their absolute best - museums, shopping malls, and indoor markets are climate-controlled sanctuaries, and you'll appreciate them in ways winter visitors never do. The Grand Mosque's air-conditioned prayer halls feel genuinely majestic when it's 46°C (115°F) outside.
- Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to peak winter season (November-March). Four and five-star hotels that run 80-120 KWD in winter are typically 50-70 KWD in July, and they're actively competing for guests with upgrade offers and free breakfast deals.
- Locals escape to chalets and beach resorts on weekends, so city attractions are surprisingly uncrowded during weekdays. You'll have the Tareq Rajab Museum or Kuwait National Museum nearly to yourself on Tuesday mornings - something impossible in February.
- The extreme heat creates a unique evening culture that's actually quite special. From 8pm onwards, the city comes alive with outdoor dining, shisha cafes along Arabian Gulf Street, and families gathering in parks. The corniche between 9pm-midnight in July has an energy you won't find in cooler months.
Considerations
- The heat is genuinely extreme and not for everyone - 46°C (115°F) highs with 70% humidity means outdoor activity between 10am-6pm is actively unpleasant and potentially dangerous. You'll be moving between air-conditioned spaces, not exploring on foot like you might in European cities.
- Ramadan occasionally falls in July depending on the lunar calendar (not in 2026, but worth checking for future years), which means restricted restaurant hours and a different pace. Even outside Ramadan, some local businesses reduce hours or close entirely as families travel abroad.
- The paradox of those 10 rainy days with 0 mm (0.0 inches) of rainfall actually means occasional dust storms and hazy conditions rather than refreshing rain. Visibility can drop, and if you're hoping for clear desert photography or pristine Gulf views, you might be disappointed 2-3 days during your stay.
Best Activities in July
Kuwait Towers and Waterfront Museum Circuit
July is actually ideal for Kuwait's indoor cultural attractions because you'll genuinely appreciate the air conditioning and won't feel like you're missing outdoor weather. The Kuwait National Museum, Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, and Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre are world-class facilities that deserve 2-3 hours each. Go in the morning (9am-1pm) when you're fresh, then retreat to your hotel during peak heat. The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, which opened in recent years, has natural history and science sections that rival anything in the Gulf region.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya and Traditional Market Tours
The souq is partially covered and comes alive in the evening (6pm-11pm) when temperatures drop to a more manageable 35-38°C (95-100°F). July is actually great for this because locals are shopping for Eid preparations and summer travel supplies, so you'll see the market functioning authentically rather than as a tourist attraction. The spice section, textile stalls, and traditional coffee shops are best experienced with a local guide who can explain the seasonal merchandise and negotiate on your behalf.
Failaka Island Day Trips
The boat ride itself provides relief from the heat with Gulf breezes, and Failaka's archaeological sites are surprisingly manageable in July if you go early. The island has Greek ruins, abandoned Iraqi occupation-era buildings, and a small heritage village. It's genuinely fascinating for history enthusiasts, and July's low tourist season means you might have entire sections to yourself. The ferry crossing takes about 45 minutes each way, and the sea breeze makes it far more pleasant than being on the mainland.
The Avenues and 360 Mall Shopping Experiences
Kuwait's mega-malls are destinations in themselves, and July is when you'll understand why locals spend entire days in them. The Avenues is one of the largest malls in the Middle East with distinct international zones (Souk, Grand Avenue, Prestige), while 360 Mall has rooftop dining with evening Gulf views. These aren't just shopping trips - they're climate-adapted cultural experiences with cinema complexes, entertainment zones, and restaurants representing every cuisine. The evening period (7pm-midnight) sees families, groups of friends, and the full social scene.
Arabian Gulf Street Evening Walks and Corniche Dining
After 8pm, when temperatures drop to 32-35°C (90-95°F), the corniche becomes Kuwait's living room. Locals jog, families picnic, and the outdoor cafes fill up. This is when you'll see authentic Kuwaiti social life rather than tourist-oriented activities. The 6 km (3.7 miles) waterfront stretch from Kuwait Towers to Marina Crescent has dedicated walking paths, exercise equipment, and dozens of outdoor restaurants. July evenings have their own rhythm - slower, more relaxed, with people staying out until 1-2am because nobody wants to be indoors.
Al Shaheed Park and Habitat Museum Visits
Kuwait's largest urban park has both outdoor gardens and the indoor Habitat Museum, making it perfect for July's split-schedule approach. Visit the museum during midday heat (10am-1pm), then return for the outdoor sections after 7pm when the park's lighting and water features create a completely different atmosphere. The museum covers Kuwait's natural history and ecosystems with genuinely impressive exhibitions. The park's 20 hectares (49 acres) include botanical gardens, walking paths, and contemporary art installations.
July Events & Festivals
Kuwait Summer Festival
This shopping and entertainment festival typically runs through July and August with mall promotions, raffle draws, and cultural performances. It's essentially Kuwait's answer to Dubai Shopping Festival but more locally focused. You'll find 25-70% discounts at participating retailers, nightly entertainment at major malls, and family activities. Worth experiencing if you're interested in seeing how Kuwaitis approach summer entertainment during the heat.
Hala Febrayer Preparation Markets
While the main Hala Febrayer festival happens in February, July sees specialized markets and workshops where artisans prepare traditional crafts and foods. These pop-up markets in areas like Salmiya and Hawally offer insight into Kuwait's festival preparation culture. Not a major tourist event, but genuinely interesting if you want to see traditional crafts being made.