Kuwait City - Things to Do in Kuwait City in July

Things to Do in Kuwait City in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Kuwait City

46°C (115°F) High Temp
30°C (86°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
75% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

  • Indoor attractions at peak performance - malls, museums, and cultural centers run extended hours with maximum AC efficiency during extreme heat season
  • Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to winter months as this is Kuwait's absolute low season, offering luxury accommodations at budget prices
  • Ramadan aftermath means extended shopping hours and special summer sales at souks and modern malls, with discounts reaching 70% off
  • Authentic local experience - only serious travelers visit in July, so you'll interact more with locals and experience genuine Kuwaiti hospitality without tourist crowds

Considerations

  • Outdoor activities are essentially impossible between 9am-7pm due to life-threatening heat levels that can cause heat exhaustion within 15 minutes
  • Frequent sandstorms (shamal winds) occur 3-4 times per week, reducing visibility to under 500m (1,640 ft) and grounding flights for hours
  • Many outdoor attractions and construction sites shut down completely during daylight hours, limiting sightseeing options to early morning or late evening

Best Activities in July

Grand Mosque and Traditional Architecture Tours

July's extreme heat makes air-conditioned mosque visits perfect. The Grand Mosque offers guided tours in peak AC comfort, and traditional architecture walking tours are scheduled for 5:30am-7:30am when temperatures drop to 28°C (82°F). Evening tours run 8pm-11pm under floodlights.

Booking Tip: Book mosque tours 3-5 days ahead through Kuwait Tourism. Early morning slots (6am start) fill fastest. Tours cost 3-8 KWD typically. Evening architectural tours run 15-25 KWD and include traditional refreshments.

Avenues Mall and Souk Al-Mubarakiya Cultural Shopping

July is peak season for indoor cultural experiences. The Avenues extends hours to midnight with special summer events. Traditional souks open 4am-8am and 8pm-2am to avoid heat. This is when locals shop, offering authentic cultural immersion with traditional merchants.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent shopping. Cultural shopping tours with local guides cost 20-35 KWD for 3-4 hours. Best between 9pm-midnight when locals are most active. See current guided shopping experiences below.

Kuwait Towers and Waterfront Evening Experiences

The Kuwait Towers observation deck offers spectacular sunset views from 8:30pm when heat subsides. July's clear skies (despite heat) provide exceptional photography opportunities. Waterfront areas become lively after 9pm with food trucks and local families.

Booking Tip: Kuwait Towers tickets are 2 KWD, buy on-site after 7pm to avoid daytime crowds. Waterfront evening food tours run 25-40 KWD including multiple traditional dishes. Book same-day through hotel concierge.

Traditional Dhow Harbor and Maritime Heritage Tours

Early morning dhow harbor visits (5:30am-7:30am) showcase Kuwait's pearl diving heritage when fishermen return with dawn catches. July's calm Persian Gulf waters are ideal for traditional boat experiences, though only during pre-sunrise and post-sunset hours.

Booking Tip: Heritage dhow experiences cost 35-60 KWD for 2-3 hours. Must book with licensed maritime operators through Kuwait Maritime Museum. Early morning tours (5:30am start) are cooler and show authentic fishing activity.

Desert Edge Camel Farms and Bedouin Culture

Visit traditional camel farms at desert edges during pre-dawn hours (4:30am-7am) when temperatures are manageable. July offers authentic Bedouin breakfast experiences and traditional falconry demonstrations before extreme heat begins.

Booking Tip: Desert cultural tours run 45-75 KWD including traditional breakfast and transportation. Must start before 5am in July. Book 5-7 days ahead with operators who provide climate-controlled vehicles. Check current desert cultural experiences below.

Al Shaheed Park Underground Discovery

The park's underground museums and botanical conservatories offer refuge from July heat while showcasing Kuwait's natural and cultural heritage. Climate-controlled walking paths and interactive exhibits make this perfect for extreme heat days.

Booking Tip: Park entry is 1 KWD, museum passes 3-5 KWD additional. Open 8am-11pm in July with peak AC. Guided cultural walks through underground sections cost 15-25 KWD. No advance booking needed for individual visits.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Kuwait Summer Festival

Month-long indoor festival featuring traditional crafts, cultural performances, and shopping promotions across major malls. All events are air-conditioned with extended evening hours to accommodate the heat.

Early to Mid July

Traditional Pearl Diving Heritage Month

Museums and cultural centers host special exhibitions about Kuwait's pearl diving history. Maritime Museum offers extended hours with traditional craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses - UV index reaches 11, causing sunburn in under 10 minutes
Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protects from sun while allowing airflow, locals never wear shorts outside
Closed-toe breathable shoes - asphalt temperatures reach 70°C (158°F), sandals cause burns
Portable battery pack - AC usage drains phone batteries 40% faster in extreme heat
Electrolyte packets - dehydration occurs rapidly in 75% humidity and 46°C (115°F) temperatures
Cooling towel and spray bottle - essential for any outdoor movement, even 5-minute walks
Dust masks or scarves - sandstorms reduce visibility and air quality 3-4 times weekly
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and appreciated everywhere
High SPF sunscreen (50+) - reapply every 30 minutes during any outdoor exposure
Insulated water bottle - stays cool longer, prevents plastic bottle chemicals leaching in heat

Insider Knowledge

Download the Kuwait Meteorological Department app - provides hourly sandstorm and extreme heat warnings that locals use to plan movement
Many government offices and businesses operate 6am-2pm in July to avoid peak heat, plan administrative tasks accordingly
Local families picnic in mall parking lots after 10pm when asphalt cools - join this authentic cultural experience at major shopping centers
Taxi meters run faster when AC is on maximum - agree on fixed fares for longer journeys, typically 30% above meter rate is standard in summer

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting any outdoor sightseeing between 8am-8pm - this can cause serious heat illness and ruins entire trip recovery time
Booking ground floor hotel rooms - upper floors get better AC efficiency and less dust infiltration during sandstorms
Planning tight schedules without sandstorm buffer time - flights delay 2-4 hours regularly, leaving same-day connections impossible

Explore Activities in Kuwait City