Things to Do in Manama in December

December Weather in Manama

23°C (73°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather with daytime temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and minimal rainfall - only 15 mm (0.6 inches) across 10 days
Peak season for dhow boat excursions and harbor tours with calm waters and excellent visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles)
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix winter testing often occurs in December, creating electric atmosphere around motorsport venues
Shopping festival season with Bahrain Shopping Festival typically running through December, offering 25-70% discounts at major malls

Considerations

High season pricing with hotel rates 40-60% higher than summer months, particularly around New Year's week
Popular restaurants and attractions get crowded between 7-10 PM as locals take advantage of cooler evening temperatures
Occasional sandstorms from northern winds can reduce visibility and create hazy conditions for 2-3 days per month

Best Activities in December

Bahrain Fort Archaeological Site Tours

December's mild 23°C (73°F) temperatures make this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for exploration. The ancient Dilmun civilization ruins are best experienced during cooler months when you can comfortably spend 2-3 hours walking the 4 km (2.5 mile) perimeter without heat exhaustion. Morning tours at 8-9 AM offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost BD 15-25 (USD $40-65) and include museum access. Look for operators offering early morning slots to avoid afternoon crowds.

Traditional Dhow Harbor Cruises

December offers the calmest seas with winds averaging 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), perfect for traditional dhow sailing around Manama Bay. The cooler evening temperatures make sunset cruises comfortable, and clear skies provide excellent views of the city skyline. Harbor waters are warmest in December at 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: Reserve sunset cruises 10-14 days ahead as December is peak season. Private dhow charters cost BD 80-120 (USD $210-320) for groups of 6-8. Check for operators with traditional wooden dhows rather than modern replicas.

Bahrain International Circuit Experiences

December is when Formula 1 winter testing occasionally occurs, and track experiences are most comfortable due to mild temperatures. The 5.4 km (3.4 mile) circuit offers driving experiences, karting, and behind-the-scenes tours without the scorching summer heat that can make car interiors unbearable.

Booking Tip: Book motorsport experiences 2-3 weeks ahead in December due to potential F1 testing schedules. Driving experiences range BD 45-150 (USD $120-400). Verify track availability as testing can close public access on short notice.

Muharraq Island Cultural Walking Tours

The UNESCO-listed Pearling Path is most enjoyable in December's 17-23°C (62-73°F) range. The 3.5 km (2.2 mile) heritage trail connects 17 historic buildings, and cooler temperatures allow comfortable exploration of traditional architecture and pearl merchant houses without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but certified cultural guides cost BD 20-35 (USD $50-90) for groups up to 6. Book cultural guides 5-7 days ahead through Bahrain Tourism office. Tours last 3-4 hours including museum stops.

Gold Souq and Manama Souq Shopping Tours

December's Shopping Festival creates the best negotiating atmosphere with vendors eager to meet year-end sales targets. Comfortable walking temperatures make browsing the covered souqs pleasant, and you can comfortably spend 4-5 hours exploring without heat fatigue. Traditional handicrafts and gold prices are most competitive during festival season.

Booking Tip: Shopping tours cost BD 25-40 (USD $65-105) including cultural context and negotiation assistance. Book 3-5 days ahead during Shopping Festival period. Look for guides who speak Arabic for better vendor interactions.

Desert Safari and Camel Farm Excursions

December offers the only comfortable desert temperatures for 4WD adventures, with daytime desert temperatures around 25°C (77°F) versus summer's brutal 45°C+ (113°F+). Sand dunes are firm after occasional winter rains, making dune bashing safer and camel interactions more pleasant for both animals and visitors.

Booking Tip: Desert safaris cost BD 35-60 (USD $90-160) per person for half-day trips including camel experiences. Book 7-10 days ahead as December is peak desert tourism season. Ensure operators provide traditional Bedouin experiences rather than just dune bashing.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Bahrain Shopping Festival

Annual shopping extravaganza with major discounts across malls and traditional souqs. Features cultural performances, international food festivals, and prize draws. Best opportunity for authentic handicraft purchases at reduced prices.

Mid December

National Day Celebrations

December 16th marks Bahrain's National Day with fireworks, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions. The cooler weather makes outdoor celebrations comfortable, with festivities centered around Bahrain Bay and major hotels.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants for mosque visits and evening dining - temperatures drop to 17°C (62°F) at night

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in winter months

Light cotton scarf for women - required for mosque visits and useful for air-conditioned venues

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls and hotels can be slippery

Thin windbreaker for dhow cruises - harbor winds can feel cool at 22°C (72°F) water temperature

Portable phone charger - using GPS navigation drains batteries quickly in 70% humidity

Cash in small denominations - many traditional vendors in souqs don't accept cards for purchases under BD 10 ($26)

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial even in mild 23°C (73°F) temperatures

Dressier casual clothes - Manama's restaurant scene expects smart casual after 6 PM

Small umbrella - brief showers occur on 10 days throughout December, usually lasting 15-20 minutes

Insider Knowledge

Local families shop and dine late due to comfortable December evenings - restaurants are busiest 8-10 PM, so book dinner reservations for 7 PM or after 10:30 PM to avoid crowds

December hotel rates spike 40-60% during Shopping Festival weeks, but booking Sunday-Wednesday stays can save 25-30% compared to weekends

Traditional coffee shops (qahwa) serve special winter blends with cardamom and saffron during December - try them at Muharraq heritage sites for authentic local experience

Many Bahraini families take winter holidays to beaches and desert camps in December - join organized camping groups through social media for authentic Bedouin experiences with locals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating evening crowds at popular restaurants - locals extend dining hours in comfortable December weather, making 7-9 PM reservations essential

Not carrying cash for traditional souqs during Shopping Festival - many vendors offer better discounts for cash payments and don't accept international cards

Booking desert activities too late in the day - while December is cooler, afternoon desert temperatures still reach 25-27°C (77-81°F) and morning tours at 8 AM offer better wildlife sighting opportunities