Bahrain: When To Visit
Your trip to Bahrain will be significantly influenced by the time of year at which you visit. It’s really worth considering this before booking. A vast array of outdoor activities will be available to you but… only if you can handle being outside at the time. If it’s your first time to the Kingdom, check out my post Bahrain for the Beginner (and Intermediate) for some tips.
Bahrain in the summer is HOT. Unbearably hot. I suggest travelling either side of the peak summer months (June, July, August) however the ‘hot’ months extend for much beyond these 3 months. During these three months in particular, temperatures are frequently in the order of 40+ degrees Celsius. If you do go in the height of summer, be prepared to spend a high proportion of your time by the hotel pool! Yes, you are free to wear bikinis in a hotel pool and will see many Westerners doing so. However, if traveling at this time, it will likely come at the expense of many of the outdoor activities mentioned on this site, such as cultural sites and some day trips. If you have a family, perhaps check out some of the hotels with large pools as well as pools suitable for small children, such as those at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and the Gulf Hotel. (For more suggestions see my post on accommodation in Bahrain).
Another noteworthy point is to be prepared for annihilating dust storms. These can be dangerous if out on the open road in a car. Be sure to tuck up inside if one should present itself.
In my opinion, November through to April has been the best time to visit Bahrain, with pleasant warm sunshine and a cool breeze, sporting temperatures in the 20-30 degrees Celsius bracket.
Another point of consideration might be timing of recommended events. For example, the famous, exciting and loud Formula 1 event at the Bahrain Grand Prix, is usually around March/April. Some of the wildlife tours on Hawar Island are also seasonal and thus only offered at certain times of year. Follow the link to read more about unique activities and events in Bahrain.
