The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), established in 1981, is a political and economic alliance between six countries in the Gulf region:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
The GCC was established to encourage unity and coordination between the member countries and to help them reach their common objectives, including increasing tourism. Tourism is an integral part of the member countries’ economies, and the region has become a tourism hotspot in recent years. The region offers a unique mix of ultramodern cities, desert landscapes, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural experiences.
The climate in many parts of the GCC region can be extreme, and the seasons can vary significantly. For example, the summer tends to be extremely hot and humid, and daytime temperatures often exceed 113 °F (45 °C) in many places, which can make outdoor sightseeing difficult. Winter has much cooler temperatures and is more suited for outdoor activities, including walking and sightseeing.
Tourism in the GCC region has increased exponentially in recent years, and the region has several popular tourist destinations. The increase in tourism has resulted in the introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa. This is a visa scheme that will allow visitors from non-GCC countries to travel to all six Gulf countries using a single visa.
When is the Best Time to Visit the GCC Overall?
The best time to visit GCC countries can vary depending on the traveler’s preferred climate and other preferences. Cooler months (November to March) are widely considered the best time to visit as the temperature is typically much milder, 17.8-27.8 °C (64-82 °F), which many visitors think is better for sightseeing, desert tours, beach days, and exploring cities on foot. This time of year also has lower humidity. Winter is considered peak season in many GCC countries, meaning that many international festivals, concerts, and major sporting events are held at this time.
The shoulder seasons are the time between peak and off-peak seasons (typically April to May and September to October), and are also popular times to visit. The temperature is warmer than in winter but is still manageable, and spending time outdoors is still possible, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. The shoulder seasons are typically slightly less busy, and prices tend to be lower. Hotels and tour prices can be cheaper, and it can be easier to make reservations at popular restaurants, attractions, and tours.
Factors that can influence the best time to visit include:
- Weather: Intense heat in the summer months (July-August) exceeds 113 °F (45 °C). For cooler temperatures, the best time to travel is winter or the shoulder seasons.
- Religious events: Important events in the Islamic calendar (e.g., Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr) can impact opening hours and the number of visitors.
- Cultural events: Cultural events, including popular festivals and sporting events, can result in a rise in visitors. If you are not attending a specific event, it might be better to avoid these times as they tend to be more crowded.
- Cost: Prices during peak season and popular events can be higher. The shoulder seasons can offer better value, and summer is the cheapest time to visit.
Best Time to Visit Each GCC Country
To make it easier to decide the best time to go to each GCC country, consult the table below.
| Country | Best Months | Why Visit Then |
|---|---|---|
| United Emirates | November-March | Pleasant weather, ideal for desert safaris, beaches, and city sightseeing. Major events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival (December-January), the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December), New Year’s celebrations, and global expos take place during this time. |
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
- October-March - Hajj season |
October-March is cooler and less humid, which is perfect for exploring cultural and heritage sites. This is also Riyadh Season, which marks 6 months of events in KSA. For Muslims wanting to take part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the date is based on the lunar calendar. For example, in 2026, Hajj will be in May. |
| Qatar | November-April | Milder temperatures and outdoor-friendly weather, which makes it the peak season for festivals, international sports events, and waterfront activities in Doha. |
| Kuwait | November-March | This time of year has a comfortable climate with low humidity, which is ideal for exploring the waterfront and enjoying the culture. National Day celebrations in February can be a great experience. |
| Oman |
- October-April - Late June - September (Salalah) |
Winter months bring cooler weather for outdoor activities and mountain trekking. July to September is the monsoon season in Salalah, when the region turns lush and green. |
| Bahrain | November-April | The warm, breezy days are perfect for exploring Manama, the beaches, and cultural sites. The Bahrain Grand Prix (April) and spring festivals make it a great time to visit. |
GCC Weather Overview: Seasons & Climate
Each season in the GCC region is very different, making it difficult to decide the best time to visit GCC countries. Below is a breakdown of each season:
Winter: Peak Season
- Months: December-March
- Average temperature: 68 °F-82 °F ( 20°C-28 °C)
- Average humidity: Generally moderate to high, especially in coastal areas, and can be dry around desert areas.
- Weather conditions: Clear skies, mild days, cool evenings
- What to expect: This is the most pleasant time of year in the Gulf, with more outdoor activities. The climate is ideal for city walks, desert adventures, beach days, rooftop dining, and attending outdoor events. January is typically the coldest month in the region.
- Popular tourist activities: Desert safaris, dune bashing, beach visits, water sports, outdoor festivals, and exploring the region.
Spring: Shoulder Season
- Months: March-June
- Average temperature: 82 °F-100 °F (28 °C-38 °C)
- Average humidity: Moderate and gets higher as it gets closer to summer.
- Weather conditions: Warm days, pleasant evenings, but it can be hot in the middle of the day.
- What to expect: Fewer tourists and lower prices. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for mornings or evenings, especially in the shoulder season (April-May)
- Popular tourist activities: Beach resorts, swimming, snorkeling, and dhow cruises. City and cultural tours can be done during cooler hours.
Summer: Low Season
- Months: June-August
- Average temperature: 95 °F-122 °F (35 °C-50 °C)
- Average humidity: High
- Weather conditions: Intense daytime heat. Cooler at night, but still warm
- What to expect: The high heat and humidity make outdoor activities difficult during the day. Most activities are indoors with air-conditioning. Tourism is lower, meaning a lot of luxury hotels and resorts offer deals.
- Popular tourist activities: Spas, beach resorts with pools, malls, indoor theme parks, aquariums, and night markets.
Fall: Shoulder Season
- Months: September-November
- Average temperature: 82 °F-100 °F (28 °C-38 °C)
- Average humidity: Moderate and decreases as it gets closer to winter
- Weather conditions: Warm days and cooler evenings
- What to expect: Temperatures start to decrease, and the number of tourists increases. Outdoor activities and cultural events return, especially in the shoulder season (September-October)
- Popular tourist activities: Desert tours, sightseeing, walking tours, beaches and coastal activities, outdoor dining, and evening souks.
Traveling During Religious Seasons in the GCC
When visiting the GCC region, it is important to consider the Islamic calendar. Visiting during religious seasons or religious festivals can be a meaningful and unique experience, but it also requires some preparation and awareness.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month in Islam and is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and moves approximately 10–11 days earlier each year. It lasts 29–30 days, and is followed by Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Many restaurants and cafes close during daylight hours, as Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Additionally, government offices, attractions, and shops may open later or close earlier. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day is discouraged in most GCC countries. After sunset (Iftar), cities are vibrant with food markets, family gatherings, and cultural events.
Visiting during Ramadan can have many positives. For non-Muslims, it can be extremely interesting and offers a unique cultural immersion into the Islamic culture. For international Muslims, being in an Islamic country during Ramadan can be very fulfilling.
Hajj
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (12th month of the lunar calendar) in Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca and Medina.
Flight and hotel prices can be significantly higher during this time in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Mecca and Madinah. During Hajj, the entire region can feel special, with major religious events broadcast live.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha follows the Hajj pilgrimage. Celebrations can last as long as three to four days. Government offices and many businesses close for several days, and streets, malls, and attractions can be very busy. GCC residents may travel locally or abroad, which can increase demand for flights and hotels.
Visiting a GCC country during Eid celebrations can be an amazing experience for Muslims and non-Muslims. Many cities have fireworks, light shows, and cultural performances, and malls and retailers often offer big discounts. However, visitors should expect larger crowds and relatively higher prices (e.g., for accommodation).
Tips for Planning Your Visit Around the Best Time
Although every visitor to the GCC region might be looking for something different, below is a list of travel planning tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- Choose winter for the most pleasant weather and vibrant cultural activities, or consider the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and better prices. Avoid peak summer unless you plan to mainly spend time indoors or at a resort.
- Book flights and hotels early if you choose to travel to the GCC region in winter or during religious seasons, as demand and prices rise quickly.
- Check each country’s visa and entry requirements in advance.
- Be aware of religious periods like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Hajj, as they can affect opening hours and flight schedules. If you are visiting during Ramadan, plan sightseeing for early morning or after sunset.
- Dress modestly and respect local laws and customs, especially in conservative areas.
- Schedule outdoor activities such as desert tours and city walks in the morning or evening to avoid midday heat, particularly in summer or the shoulder seasons.
- Check for major festivals, sporting events, or national holidays that may affect your travel plans.
- Make the most of the evening atmosphere in this region, as cities are usually lively with lights, souks, and outdoor dining.
- Budget more for winter (peak season) or look for deals in the shoulder or summer seasons.
- Consider short regional flights or road trips between GCC countries to maximize your itinerary.
What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
In October 2023, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced the introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa, also known as the GCC Unified Visa. Since then, the GCC Visa has been under development, and the pilot phase is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. The GCC Unified Visa will allow non-GCC travelers to visit one or all of the six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar) using a single visa.
The GCC Unified Visa is expected to be a multiple-entry visa. It is also expected to give travelers the option to obtain a visa for a single or multiple Gulf countries. The visa is intended for short-term travel (e.g., tourism and visiting family and friends) and offers tourists greater flexibility and an easier way of visiting multiple GCC countries, with a single application and a single visa.
Although the key details of the visa have not yet been announced, when launched, the visa will have an online application process, which removes the need for in-person embassy visits.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit the Gulf
The best time of year to visit Dubai is November to March, when the weather is cooler. Dubai has a huge number of outdoor activities, including Dubai Marina, Dubai Miracle Garden, desert safaris, beaches, and outdoor theme parks and waterparks, so visiting at a time when the temperature and humidity are more manageable is preferable.
Yes, the GCC countries are geographically close, with frequent flights and easy land connections. When the GCC Grand Tours Visa launches, it will make travel between the countries even easier.
Yes, most are open year-round, but some outdoor attractions may have limited hours in summer due to extreme heat. Desert safaris, for example, are best done in cooler months. Additionally, during religious events, some attractions may have limited opening hours.
The Middle East is a region located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and includes the GCC region. The best time to visit the Middle East depends on which part of the area you plan to visit. For example, for GCC countries, November-April is the best time to visit.