Travel to Kuwait — everything you need to know
When to go to Kuwait?
- Nov – Mar — Winter — ideal : Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), clear skies, perfect for exploring the city and the desert.
- Apr – May — Spring — acceptable : Rising heat (25–35°C) but still bearable. Sandstorms possible.
- Jun – Sep — Summer — to avoid at all costs : Extreme heat (40–50°C+), high humidity. The country is nearly deserted of tourists.
Weather in Kuwait
Check the weather city by city, starting with Kuwait City.
- Koweït City: daytime highs from 19 to 45 °C depending on the season, 9 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Kuwait?
Kuwait is a small Gulf state with colossal oil wealth, whose capital offers a striking mix of bold modernist architecture and deeply rooted Bedouin traditions. A destination largely unknown to European tourists, it holds an authentic cultural heritage — bustling souks, world-class museums and ancestral pearl diving — that oil wealth has not erased. The country experiences extreme summers (often exceeding 45°C), making it a destination best visited only in winter.
Kuwait City — downtown and waterfront
Kuwait City is a modern metropolis whose skyline is dominated by the iconic Kuwait Towers, symbols of the country's revival after the 1990–1991 Gulf War. The waterfront (Corniche) offers a pleasant promenade facing the Gulf, lined with sculptures and manicured gardens. The city combines ultra-modern shopping malls with historic districts where Gulf trading traditions remain very much alive.
Highlights : Kuwait Towers — national symbol with characteristic blue spheres, Grand Mosque of Kuwait — one of the largest on the Arabian Peninsula, Souq Mubarakiya — historic market for spices, gold and perfumes, Kuwait Corniche — panoramic seaside promenade.
Kuwait National Museum
The Kuwait National Museum traces the fascinating history of the Arabian Peninsula from the Dilmun and Failaka civilisations to the contemporary oil era. Its collections of antiquities, traditional crafts and pearl-diving artefacts bear witness to a culture that long predates the discovery of oil. The adjacent Museum of Islamic Art houses one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the region.
Highlights : Dilmun collection — artefacts of the Dilmun civilisation from Failaka island, Pearl-diving section — the Gulf's intangible maritime heritage, Al-Salam Museum of Islamic Art — miniatures, ceramics and manuscripts, Kuwait Planetarium — the first in the Arab world.
Failaka Island
Failaka Island, reachable by ferry from the capital, is an exceptional archaeological site revealing successive layers of civilisations that occupied the Gulf. Excavations have uncovered Greek temples and fortifications from the era of Alexander the Great, layered over even older Dilmun remains. The island, evacuated during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and partially restored since, also offers beautiful deserted beaches.
Highlights : Temple of Ikaros — Greek sanctuary from the Hellenistic era, Al-Qusur Fort — Portuguese fortification later reused by Kuwaitis, Failaka Museum — Greek and Dilmun artefacts found on the island, North Failaka beaches — fine sand and calm Gulf waters.
Al-Jahra and the Kuwaiti desert
Al-Jahra is home to the Red Fort, a remnant of Kuwaiti resistance during the 1920 Battle of Jahra, where local tribes repelled the advancing Saudi Wahhabi forces. Beyond the town, the Kuwaiti desert stretches out as far as the eye can see, dotted with nature reserves and traditional tent camps (beit al-sha'ar) favoured by locals on winter weekends. Golden sand dunes and wildlife (gazelles, migratory birds) make it a popular natural getaway.
Highlights : Al-Jahra Red Fort — historic fortress of the Kuwaiti resistance, Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve — refuge for migratory birds, Mutla Ridge — best viewpoint over Kuwait Bay.
Travel budget for Kuwait
Kuwait is one of the most expensive countries in the Persian Gulf. The Kuwaiti dinar is the strongest currency in the world. Quality restaurants and hotels are pricey, but local street food and shopping malls offer affordable alternatives.
- Backpacker : 60–90 €/j — Budget hotel, local restaurants, public transport
- Comfort : 140–220 €/j — 4-star hotel, good restaurants, taxis and excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Kuwait
- Flight from Paris : Direct flights with Kuwait Airways or Air France, about 6h. Indirect flights via Istanbul or Dubai.
- Visa : Mandatory online e-Visa (~9 USD) or visa on arrival for French citizens.
- Currency : Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) — the strongest currency in the world (1 KWD ≈ 3 €). Credit cards widely accepted.
- Language : Arabic — English very widely spoken in shops, hotels and restaurants
- Electricity : Type G (240V) — same as the UK, an adapter is essential when travelling from France
- Health : No mandatory vaccination. Tap water not drinkable. Extreme summer heat, staying hydrated is essential.
- Safety : Stable and safe country for tourists. Respect modest dress codes in public places. Alcohol is prohibited.
- Climate : Avoid June–September (temperatures exceeding 45°C). Winter (Nov–Mar) is ideal at 15–25°C.
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