Things to Do in Manama in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Manama
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect outdoor weather - December sits in Bahrain's sweet spot with daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), cool enough for walking tours and outdoor dining without the brutal summer heat. Mornings are genuinely pleasant at 17°C (62°F), ideal for the Manama Souq before it gets crowded.
- Formula 1 atmosphere lingers - While the Bahrain Grand Prix typically runs in March, December sees testing sessions at the Bahrain International Circuit and the motorsport community is active. The track often hosts events, driving experiences, and the surrounding area has a noticeably energetic vibe that racing fans appreciate.
- National Day celebrations transform the city - December 16th and 17th mark Bahrain's National Day and Accession Day. The entire country decorates in red and white, there are fireworks over the bay, free concerts at various venues, and a genuine festive atmosphere that tourists rarely experience. Hotels often run special packages during this period.
- Minimal rainfall means reliable plans - With only 15mm (0.6 inches) across the month and occasional light showers, you can book outdoor activities with confidence. The 70% humidity is noticeable but far more manageable than the summer months when it combines with 40°C+ (104°F+) heat.
Considerations
- National Day week drives up accommodation prices significantly - December 14-18 sees hotel rates jump 40-60% compared to early December, and many properties require 3-4 night minimum stays. If your dates are flexible, avoid this specific week or book at least 8-10 weeks ahead to secure reasonable rates.
- Evenings get surprisingly cool for Gulf standards - Temperatures dropping to 17°C (62°F) means you'll actually need a light jacket or sweater for evening activities, especially on dhow cruises or rooftop bars where the wind picks up. Many first-time visitors pack only for heat and find themselves uncomfortable after sunset.
- Some outdoor attractions close earlier due to shorter days - Sunset around 4:45pm means places like the Bahrain Fort and Al Areen Wildlife Park wrap up by 5:30-6pm. You'll need to plan morning and early afternoon visits for outdoor sites, which can feel rushed if you're trying to fit multiple locations into one day.
Best Activities in December
Bahrain Fort and Museum Complex Visits
December weather makes this UNESCO site actually enjoyable to explore. The fort sits exposed on the coast with minimal shade, so summer visits are genuinely miserable. At 23°C (73°F), you can comfortably walk the ramparts, explore the excavation areas, and spend time in the museum without overheating. The golden hour light around 4pm is spectacular for photography. The site gets busier during National Day week when locals bring visiting family, but early mornings (8-10am) remain quiet year-round.
Traditional Souq Walking Tours
The Manama Souq and Muharraq Souq are infinitely more pleasant in December than summer. The narrow covered alleys trap heat brutally from May-September, but December mornings are cool enough to spend 2-3 hours wandering comfortably. Thursday and Friday mornings (7-10am) see the most activity as locals shop before weekend family gatherings. The gold souq, spice vendors, and textile shops around Bab Al Bahrain are most authentic before 11am - after that, the tourist-facing shops dominate. December also brings seasonal items like frankincense and date varieties you won't see other times of year.
Sunset Dhow Cruises and Pearl Diving Demonstrations
December evenings on the water are genuinely lovely - warm enough to be comfortable but not the stifling heat of summer. Traditional dhow cruises typically run 2-3 hours, departing around 3:30-4pm to catch the sunset. Some include pearl diving demonstrations (Bahrain's historic industry) with explanations of the traditional techniques. The earlier sunset time (around 4:45pm) actually works in your favor - you get the golden hour light without staying out until 7-8pm as you would in summer. Bring a light jacket though - the wind on the water makes that 17°C (62°F) feel cooler than you'd expect.
Tree of Life and Desert Exploration
The famous 400-year-old Tree of Life standing alone in the desert is Bahrain's most photographed natural site, and December offers the only truly comfortable months to visit. Summer temperatures make the exposed desert location genuinely dangerous for extended periods. December mornings (8-11am) provide perfect light for photography and comfortable temperatures for the surrounding desert area. Many tours combine this with Sakhir Desert stops and the nearby oil museum. The drive is about 40 minutes from central Manama, and you'll want 1.5-2 hours total at the site to explore and photograph properly.
Block 338 and Adliya Food District Evening Walks
December evenings are perfect for exploring Manama's trendy dining and cafe districts. Block 338 and the Adliya neighborhood come alive after sunset when the heat subsides, and December's cool evenings (17-20°C / 62-68°F) mean the outdoor seating areas are actually pleasant rather than requiring aggressive air conditioning. The area mixes traditional Bahraini cafes, modern fusion restaurants, art galleries, and shisha lounges. Thursday and Friday nights see the most activity. The walking distance between venues is manageable in December - in summer, everyone drives the 200m (650ft) between spots.
Bahrain National Museum and Contemporary Art Scene
While museums work year-round, December's occasional light rain days (10 rainy days across the month, though usually brief showers) make having quality indoor options valuable. The Bahrain National Museum is genuinely excellent - comprehensive coverage of 5,000 years of history with well-curated exhibits on pearl diving, traditional architecture, and archaeological finds. Plan 2-3 hours minimum. The contemporary art scene centers around the Bahrain National Theatre area and La Fontaine Contemporary Art Centre in a restored traditional house. December often sees special exhibitions timed to National Day celebrations and the cooler tourist season.
December Events & Festivals
Bahrain National Day Celebrations
December 16-17 marks Bahrain's National Day and the anniversary of the accession of the ruling family. The entire country transforms with red and white decorations, flags on every building, and a genuinely festive atmosphere. Major fireworks displays happen over Manama Bay around 8pm both nights. Free concerts take place at multiple venues including the Bahrain National Theatre and outdoor stages in major parks. The Bahrain Fort often hosts special light shows. Traffic becomes chaotic, particularly around the Bahrain Bay and Seef areas where families gather for celebrations, so plan extra travel time or use ride-sharing apps.
Bahrain International Circuit Events and Testing
While the Formula 1 Grand Prix happens in March, December typically sees various motorsport activities at the Bahrain International Circuit. This includes private testing sessions, karting championships, and driving experience days. The exact schedule varies year to year, but the circuit maintains an active calendar throughout the cooler months. Even if no major events are scheduled, the circuit offers track day experiences and behind-the-scenes tours that are far more pleasant in December weather than summer heat.