What Should You Pack for Qatar?
Qatar’s desert climate means packing light, breathable clothing for the heat, especially in the summer. For daytime, opt for short sleeve shirts and lightweight pants or skirts. Women should pack modest clothing like long skirts and dresses that cover the shoulders and knees, especially for visiting religious or public spaces. Evenings in the cooler months might require a sweater or light jacket. Comfortable sandals or shoes are great for exploring the city, while beachwear is perfect for trips to the coast. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.
Make sure you’re prepared to: Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, explore Souq Waqif, and take a desert safari or beach trip.
What to Wear in Qatar
The style in Qatar is conservative and modest, especially in public spaces and religious sites. Women should opt for maxi dresses, long skirts, and loose-fitting tops that cover the shoulders and knees. For men, long pants and collared shirts are a safe bet for most settings. In malls and upscale restaurants, you can dress more stylishly but avoid overly revealing outfits. When visiting mosques, women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Swimsuits are fine at the beach or in hotel pools, but you’ll need a cover-up when leaving those areas. For evening outings, a stylish jumpsuit or a dress for women and smart-casual attire for men is appropriate.
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Spring
65 – 85°F
(18 – 29°C
)
Summer
85 – 110°F
(29 – 43°C
)
Fall
70 – 90°F
(21 – 32°C
)
Winter
50 – 75°F
(10 – 24°C
)
Spring: Warm with cool evenings, little rain
Summer: Very hot and dry
Fall: Hot with warm evenings
Winter: Mild and dry with cool mornings and evenings
Spring
0.2 inches of rain
Summer
0 inches of rain
Fall
0.5 inches of rain
Winter
1 inch of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Ideal for warm days spent exploring Souq Waqif or the Corniche.
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for modesty when visiting mosques or attending cultural events.
3. Sweater: A light sweater is useful for cooler evenings during the winter months.
4. Casual Jacket: A casual jacket is great for air-conditioned places like malls or restaurants.
5. Fleece Jacket: If you’re visiting Qatar during the cooler winter months, a fleece jacket can help keep you warm on desert evenings.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Lightweight pants are perfect for staying cool while exploring Doha and adhering to cultural norms.
2. Leggings: Great for layering under longer tops or dresses for comfort and modesty.
3. Dresses: Opt for long, loose-fitting dresses that are stylish yet modest for city outings or dinners.
4. Shorts: Wear shorts for beach days or casual strolls in private resort areas, but avoid them in public.
5. Skirt: A long skirt is perfect for staying cool and modest while sightseeing or visiting cultural sites.
6. Jumpsuit: A chic jumpsuit is ideal for evenings out in Doha’s upscale restaurants or hotels.
7. Tights: Tights are useful for layering under skirts or dresses for modesty or additional warmth in cooler weather.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating Doha’s malls, museums, and city streets.
2. Sandals: Ideal for staying cool in the hot weather, especially when exploring outdoor markets or the Corniche.
3. Swimsuit: A must for beach resorts or poolside lounging, but remember to cover up when leaving those areas.
4. Sunglasses: Essential for shielding your eyes from the bright desert sun.
5. Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is perfect for staying protected from the sun while walking around the city or relaxing by the beach.
6. Scarf: A light scarf can double as a head covering when visiting mosques or for added sun protection.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for packing light if you’re traveling between Doha and other Qatari cities.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying essentials while exploring the souqs or taking a desert safari.
3. Purse: A small crossbody purse is perfect for keeping your essentials secure while exploring the city.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Modesty: Women should pack modest outfits that cover the shoulders and knees, especially for public areas.
- Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense, so always carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lightweight Fabrics: Breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are perfect for staying cool.
Qatar Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT QATAR?
November through March is the best time to visit Qatar, with cooler temperatures perfect for outdoor activities like desert safaris and beach trips. January’s also great because it offers mild weather, making it ideal for exploring Doha’s attractions without the extreme heat.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN QATAR?
Doha International Book Fair (January): A large cultural event with international publishers, book launches, and cultural talks—perfect for families and book lovers.
Qatar National Day (December 18): Celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural events throughout the country—great for families and cultural travelers.
Ajyal Film Festival (November): A youth-focused film festival showcasing international and regional films—ideal for film enthusiasts and families.
Eid al-Fitr (varies): Marking the end of Ramadan, this festival includes feasts, family gatherings, and public celebrations—perfect for cultural travelers to experience local traditions.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN QATAR?
Qatar offers a blend of modern architecture and traditional culture. Start with Doha, where you can visit the Museum of Islamic Art, stroll along the Corniche, and explore Souq Waqif, a traditional market full of local goods and food. One of my favorite places is the Katara Cultural Village, where you can experience art, theater, and local festivals. For adventure seekers, a desert safari offers dune bashing and camel riding, while the beaches along the coast provide relaxation. The Pearl-Qatar is a luxury development with restaurants, shops, and stunning marina views.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT QATAR?
A 5-7 day trip is ideal for exploring Doha and taking a desert or beach excursion. A shorter 3-4 day trip will give you a great overview of Doha’s main attractions.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: Day 1: Explore Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, walk along the Corniche, and enjoy an evening at Souq Waqif for traditional food and shopping. Day 2: Visit Katara Cultural Village, relax at The Pearl-Qatar, and take a sunset dhow cruise.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary. For Day 3, head out for a desert safari and try dune bashing and camel riding. Day 4: Relax at the beach or visit the luxury resorts along the coast. Day 5: Explore the National Museum of Qatar and shop in the Villaggio Mall.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary. For Day 6, visit Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the northern coastal towns. Day 7: Spend a day at Aspire Park, Qatar’s largest green space, or enjoy water activities along the coast.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary. For Day 8, take a trip to Al Wakrah to visit the heritage village and explore the beach. Day 9: Visit the Sheikh Faisal Museum for a unique look at Qatari history. Day 10: Return to Doha for a final day of shopping or relaxation at a luxury spa.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary. For Day 11, explore the mangroves at Al Thakira and go kayaking. Day 12: Visit Dukhan Beach for a peaceful retreat. Day 13: Spend the day at the Museum of Modern Art in Doha. Day 14: Return to The Pearl-Qatar for fine dining and a final day of relaxation.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN QATAR?
2 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
5 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 2 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
1 Week
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 2 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
10 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 3 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
2 Weeks
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 4 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR QATAR?
Revealing clothing: Avoid tank tops or short skirts, as Qatar is a conservative country, especially in public areas.
Heavy winter coats: The climate is warm, even in winter, so light layers work best.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO QATAR ?
Airfare: $800-$1,500 depending on the season, with higher prices in winter during the peak tourist season.
Accommodation: $150-$400 per night, especially in luxury hotels and resorts.
Transportation: $30-$60 per day for taxis or rideshares. Public transport is affordable but limited.
Meals: $40-$100 per day. You can enjoy affordable local cuisine or dine at high-end international restaurants in Doha.
Activities: $50-$150 depending on tours, desert safaris, and entrance fees to museums or cultural sites.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN QATAR? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Qatar. In restaurants, a 10% tip is common for good service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is fine, and for hotel staff, tipping $1-$3 for services like carrying bags or cleaning is appropriate.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT QATAR BEFORE I VISIT?
- Modesty: Dress modestly in public spaces, especially for women—cover your shoulders and knees.
- Public Behavior: Public displays of affection should be avoided, particularly in conservative areas.
- Climate: Qatar is very hot, so always carry water, sunscreen, and a hat when outdoors.
- Currency: The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), and credit cards are widely accepted in cities.