Travel to Qatar — everything you need to know
When to go to Qatar?
- Nov – Mar — Winter — ideal : Perfect temperatures (18–27°C), ideal for exploring Doha, the desert and the beaches.
- Apr – May — Spring — still pleasant : Rising heat (28–35°C), increasing humidity. Doable but less comfortable.
- Jun – Sep — Summer — to avoid : Extreme heat and humidity (38–42°C, 80–90% humidity). Almost unbearable outdoors.
Weather in Qatar
Check the weather city by city, starting with Doha.
- Doha: daytime highs from 23 to 42 °C depending on the season, 6 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Qatar?
Qatar is a small Persian Gulf peninsula that became, in a few decades, one of the richest nations in the world thanks to its gigantic natural gas reserves. Doha, its sprawling capital, impresses with its futuristic skyline, world-class museums and carefully restored Souq Waqif. Host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has invested massively in its tourism infrastructure while seeking to preserve the Bedouin traditions of its ancestral culture.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the authentic heart of Doha, a traditional market carefully restored to recreate the atmosphere of an early-20th-century Qatari souq. Its cobbled alleys wind between shops selling spices, falcons, fabrics and perfumes, while numerous restaurants serve traditional Qatari and Levantine cuisine in a lively atmosphere. The souq is also home to professional falconers, falcons being Qatar's national symbol.
Highlights : Falcon market — falconry tradition, UNESCO intangible heritage, Spice market — perfumes, incense and Gulf spices.
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, designed by architect I.M. Pei and opened in 2008, is one of the finest museums of its kind in the world. Set on an artificial island facing the Doha Corniche, this building with bold geometric forms houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, spanning fourteen centuries and three continents. Persian ceramics, illuminated manuscripts, textiles and ivories sit alongside exceptional jewellery in masterful exhibition halls.
Highlights : Ceramics collection — Persian, Iznik and Chinese pottery, Illuminated manuscripts — rare Qurans and medieval scientific texts, Central atrium — I.M. Pei's architectural masterpiece.
Al Zubarah
Al Zubarah is Qatar's only UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified merchant and pearling town, founded in the 18th century, was one of the most important trading ports in the Gulf before being abandoned in the 19th century. Archaeological excavations reveal sophisticated urban planning — straight streets, courtyard houses, mosques and souqs — bearing witness to the prosperity of Qatari pearl merchants.
Highlights : Al Zubarah Fort — 19th-century fortress housing the visitor centre, City remains — ruins of the 18th-century pearling town, Northern beaches — wild, little-visited coastline.
Khor Al Adaid Desert (Inland Sea)
Khor Al Adaid, nicknamed the 'Inland Sea', is one of Qatar's most spectacular natural phenomena: an arm of the sea reaching deep inland, surrounded by golden sand dunes up to 40 metres high. This unique site, recognised by UNESCO as a nature reserve, is accessible only by 4x4 and offers one of the most immersive desert experiences in the Gulf. Dolphins, sea turtles and dugongs frequent these shallow waters.
Highlights : 4x4 dune safari — climbing and descending giant sand dunes, Dolphin watching — Indo-Pacific dolphins in coastal waters, Sunset over the dunes — an incomparable light show.
Travel budget for Qatar
Qatar is one of the most expensive destinations in the Middle East. Hotels are costly, especially in high season (November–March). Local food in popular restaurants remains relatively affordable. Alcohol is available only in licensed hotels and restaurants.
- Backpacker : 70–100 €/j — Budget hotel, local restaurants, metro
- Comfort : 160–250 €/j — Good hotel, quality restaurants, excursions and taxis
Practical tips for travelling to Qatar
- Flight from Paris : Direct Qatar Airways flights from CDG, about 7h. A global connecting hub to Asia and Oceania.
- Visa : Visa-free for French citizens (90 days) — since 2020.
- Currency : Qatari riyal (QAR) — bank cards accepted everywhere. Alcohol only in licensed hotels.
- Language : Arabic — English very widely spoken throughout the tourism, hospitality and business sectors
- Electricity : Type G (240V) — same as the UK, an adapter is essential when coming from France
- Health : No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water not drinkable. Protect yourself from sun and heat.
- Safety : Very safe country. Modest dress in public places recommended. Same-sex relationships are illegal.
- 2022 World Cup legacy : Air-conditioned stadiums repurposed for sporting events. Guided tours available.
Compare Qatar with other destinations