Things to Do in Kuwait City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Kuwait City
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature range for outdoor exploration - daytime highs around 27°C (80°F) mean you can comfortably walk the Souq Al-Mubarakiya or explore the Grand Mosque without the brutal summer heat that makes Kuwait famously unforgiving from June through September
- November marks the start of the outdoor season when locals actually emerge to use parks and the waterfront - the Arabian Gulf Walk comes alive with families, food stalls open their outdoor seating, and desert camping season begins in earnest, giving you authentic glimpses of Kuwaiti leisure culture
- Clearer skies and lower dust levels compared to spring - visibility is excellent for photography at Kuwait Towers and the skyline looks crisp, plus you'll avoid the seasonal dust storms that plague March through May and can shut down outdoor activities entirely
- Liberation Day preparation energy - while the main celebration is February 26th, November sees rehearsals, decorations going up, and a general sense of national pride that makes cultural sites particularly engaging, plus museum exhibits often refresh their Liberation-themed content during this period
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are genuinely unpredictable - Kuwait's drainage infrastructure struggles with even moderate rainfall, and a 30-minute downpour can flood major roads including parts of Gulf Road and the Fifth Ring Road, potentially disrupting your plans with little warning since weather forecasting here isn't as reliable as you might be used to
- Early sunset around 5:15pm by late November means your outdoor sightseeing window is shorter than you'd expect - by the time you finish lunch around 2pm, you've got maybe 3 hours of good light, which is frustrating when you're trying to pack in desert trips or coastal visits
- It's actually shoulder season turning into peak season, so hotel pricing is inconsistent - some properties still charge summer low-season rates early in the month while others have already switched to winter peak pricing by mid-November, making it harder to predict accommodation costs compared to clearly defined high or low seasons
Best Activities in November
Kuwait Towers and Waterfront District Walking Tours
November weather is genuinely ideal for exploring the waterfront on foot - the 27°C (80°F) daytime highs are warm but not punishing, and the humidity, while present at 70%, is manageable with the Gulf breeze. The Kuwait Towers observation deck offers stunning visibility this time of year without the summer haze. Early morning walks along Arabian Gulf Street from Marina Crescent to Souq Sharq give you that golden-hour light hitting the water, and you'll see Kuwaiti families doing their morning exercise routines, which is a nice authentic touch. The area is far less crowded than December through February when Gulf tourists flood in.
Traditional Souq and Heritage Quarter Exploration
Souq Al-Mubarakiya is infinitely more pleasant in November than summer when the covered sections feel like ovens. The cooler evenings mean the souq stays lively until 10pm or later, and you'll find locals shopping for spices, perfumes, and traditional goods rather than just tourists. November is actually when vendors stock up on oud and incense for the winter wedding season, so you'll see more variety. The adjacent Al-Sadu House weaving cooperative and the old gates area are walkable without feeling like you're melting. Worth noting that Friday mornings are quieter if you want to photograph without crowds, though you'll miss some of the energy.
Desert Camping and Stargazing Experiences
November is when Kuwaiti families start their desert camping season in earnest - the nights drop to 14°C (57°F), which is perfect sleeping temperature in a tent, and the days are warm enough to be comfortable without the brutal cold you get in January. The desert north and west of the city, particularly areas past Jahra, offers surprisingly dark skies for stargazing since there's minimal light pollution once you're 40 km (25 miles) out. You'll see local camps with elaborate setups - majlis tents, grills, the whole traditional experience. The sand is firm enough for 4x4 driving but soft enough for fun, and dust storms are rare this month unlike spring.
Kuwait National Museum and Cultural Center Circuit
November's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities smart backup plans, but honestly, the museums here are worth prioritizing regardless. The National Museum's Islamic Art collection and the adjacent Planetarium benefit from November's lower tourist numbers - you'll actually have space to examine the Failaka Island artifacts and maritime history exhibits without tour groups crowding you. The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, which opened relatively recently, is massive and genuinely world-class with science, natural history, Arabic Islamic science, space, and fine arts sections. Budget a full day there. The air conditioning is aggressive, so bring a light layer despite the warm outdoor temps.
Failaka Island Day Trips
November offers calm Gulf waters and comfortable temperatures for the ferry ride to Failaka Island - the crossing takes about 90 minutes each way and can be rough in winter storms, but November typically sees calmer conditions. The island has fascinating layers: Bronze Age Dilmun civilization ruins, Greek-era temples from Alexander the Great's time, and the eerie abandoned buildings from the Iraqi invasion that Kuwait has deliberately left as a memorial. It's genuinely haunting and unlike typical Gulf tourism. The weather lets you explore the outdoor archaeological sites without overheating, and the autumn light is excellent for photography of the ruins.
Modern Art and Gallery District Visits
Kuwait has a surprisingly sophisticated contemporary art scene that most tourists completely miss, and November timing coincides with the lead-up to the December art season when galleries refresh exhibitions. The Sultan Gallery, Dar al-Funoon, and the Contemporary Art Platform showcase Kuwaiti and Gulf artists working with themes of identity, heritage, and modernization. The Yarmouk Cultural District and Salhiya area have several galleries within walking distance. November's comfortable evenings mean gallery openings and art events are moving outdoors again - locals actually attend these unlike the tourist-focused events in Dubai, giving you genuine cultural immersion.
November Events & Festivals
Kuwait International Boat Show
Typically held in mid to late November at the Marina Crescent, this is actually a significant event for a country with deep maritime heritage and serious wealth. You'll see everything from traditional dhows to absurd luxury yachts, plus water sports demonstrations. It's genuinely interesting for the contrast between traditional Kuwaiti boat-building techniques and modern excess. Local families attend, so there's a festival atmosphere with food stalls and entertainment beyond just looking at boats.