Last updated: January 18, 2025
Al Khor, Qatar, exhibits a BWh (arid, warm) climate characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. In February, temperatures can drop to a chilly 9°C (48°F), while the summer months see scorching highs reaching up to 47°C (116°F) in July. Despite the extreme heat, the average annual temperature rests at a moderate 28°C (82°F), reflecting the region's stark climate profile. This combination of aridity and extreme temperatures underlines Al Khor's unique climatic conditions, shaping both its environment and the lifestyle of its residents.
Temperature patterns in Al Khor, Qatar, showcase a distinct seasonal progression marked by rising heat as the year advances. The winter months of January and February begin with mild temperatures, where minimums dip to around 9-10°C (48-50°F) and average highs reach the mid-20s. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures escalate significantly, with March introducing maximums of 39°C (102°F), leading into April's 41°C (105°F) peak. The summer months of May through July are characterized by intense heat, where average temperatures soar to 31-35°C (88-96°F), peaking in July at a sweltering 47°C (116°F). As August transitions into September, the extreme temperatures slightly recede, yet they remain high with maximums around 45°C (113°F). By late fall, temperatures gradually decrease, with November and December offering a respite, featuring milder averages and maximums dipped to the low 30s, illustrating the significant climatic shifts Al Khor experiences throughout the year.
Al Khawr experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (51°F) in February, rising to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in September, highlighting the significant seasonal variation in its climate. Meanwhile, Al Ghuwayriyah records even cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) in February, and reaches extreme highs of 47°C (116°F) in July. For more detailed insights, visit the monthly temperatures in Al Khawr and monthly temperatures in Al Ghuwayriyah.
Precipitation in Al Khor, Qatar, is minimal throughout the year, reflecting the region's arid climate. The peak rainfall occurs in February, with an average of 21 mm (0.8 in), typically falling over 3 days. Following this, March experiences moderate rainfall at 17 mm (0.7 in) over 2 days. The remaining months show a drastic decline in precipitation, with most of the summer and early fall—specifically from May to September—receiving little to no rain, underscoring the aridity of the region.
As the year progresses into late fall and winter, Al Khor sees slight increases in precipitation again, but totals remain low. November and December bring 10 mm (0.4 in) and 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, respectively, although these amounts still indicate overall dryness. Rain days remain sparse, with just 1 day of precipitation in both November and December. The overall trend reflects Al Khor's classification as a desert climate, where rainfall is both scarce and irregular, leading to significant implications for local agriculture and water resource management.
In Al Khor, Qatar, sunshine duration experiences a pronounced seasonal trend, peaking during the summer months and showcasing a steady rise from winter to summer. January begins the year with 246 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 286 hours in February. The transition into spring sees a marked uptick, with March and April basking in 329 and 330 hours of sunlight, respectively. By the time May arrives, the amount of sunshine reaches 370 hours, signaling the approach of the intense summer heat that offers the longest days.
The summer months exhibit the highest sunshine levels, peaking in July with an impressive 373 hours. This abundance of sunlight begins to taper off slightly in August to 362 hours, yet remains robust. As autumn approaches, the decline in sunshine hours continues, with September registering 339 hours and decreasing further in October to 326 hours. By November, sunshine duration drops to 297 hours and stabilizes slightly in December with 298 hours. Overall, Al Khor’s sunshine data illustrates a clear pattern of high solar exposure in the warmer months, contributing significantly to its dry climate and vibrant atmosphere.
The UV Index in Al Khor, Qatar, reveals significant seasonal variations, indicating the intensity of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. Starting in January with a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, the exposure risk begins to sharply rise as winter progresses. February experiences an increase to 8, classified as very high, where the recommended burn time drops to just 15 minutes. Notably, the months of March through June present extreme conditions, with the UV Index peaking at 12 during May and June, which demands a cautious 10-minute exposure limit to prevent skin damage.
As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index gradually diminishes but remains relatively high, averaging around 10 from July to September. October sees a decrease to an 8 rating, while November drops further to 7, indicating a return to high exposure levels with longer burn times of 25 minutes. By December, the UV Index falls to 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for a safer 30-minute sun exposure. This data underscores the importance of taking sun protection measures, especially during the peak months of March to June, when the ultraviolet radiation poses the greatest risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
In Al Khor, Qatar, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, reflecting the region's tropical latitude. The year begins in January with approximately 10 hours of sunlight, gradually increasing as winter transitions into spring. By February, daylight extends to 11 hours, and March sees a significant boost to 12 hours. This increase continues through April, allowing residents to enjoy consistent sunlight as they approach the warmer months of late spring.
As summer settles in, Al Khor maintains 13 hours of daylight from May through July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and contributing to the hot, dry climate. Following this period, daylight begins to taper, with August and September returning to 12 hours. The decrease continues in October and November, where daylight shrinks to 11 and then 10 hours, respectively, before stabilizing again at 10 hours in December. This rhythmic cycle not only affects daily life in Al Khor but also emphasizes the importance of adapting to varying sunlight exposure throughout the year.
Al Ghuwayriyah, Qatar experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures from May to September, with July typically reaching maximums of 47°C (116°F). During the winter months, the temperature remains milder, averaging around 18°C (66°F) in January. Precipitation is scarce, with minimal rainfall occurring mostly from January to April, totaling just a few millimeters. The region benefits from ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, receiving up to 374 hours of sunlight in July. For more detailed information, visit Al Ghuwayriyah climate.
Al Khawr, Qatar experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from a cool 19°C (66°F) in January to a scorching 35°C (95°F) in the peak summer months of July and August. Rainfall is minimal, with the wettest months receiving only about 20 mm (0.8 in) in February, while the summer months see virtually no precipitation. Abundant sunshine is a hallmark of Al Khawr, with over 370 hours of sunshine in peak summer. For more details, visit Al Khawr climate.
In summary, Al Khor, Qatar, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its arid BWh climate, extreme temperature variations, minimal precipitation, high sunshine duration, and considerable UV exposure. The temperature rises steadily from mild winter lows to sweltering summer highs, while sunshine hours peak during the summer months, reflecting the region's abundant solar energy. Despite the limited rainfall throughout the year, seasonal shifts in UV Index and daylight hours highlight the importance of sun safety and adjusting lifestyle routines accordingly. Together, these climatic features shape not only the environment but also the activities and health considerations for residents and visitors in Al Khor.