WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Bahrain

Location

Climate

Understanding Bahrain's climate

Located in the Persian Gulf, the Bahrain enjoys a desert climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures can vary significantly between seasons, which can influence your decision as to the best time to visit the country.

Winter: the ideal time to travel

From November to March, Bahrain enjoys cool weather, with average temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. During this period, the weather is generally clear and sunny, allowing you to take full advantage of tourist activities. What's more, rainfall is rare, even in January, the wettest month of the year. Thanks to these pleasant climatic conditions, thewinter is often considered the best time to visit Bahrain.

Summer: intense heat and humidity

Between June and September, temperatures in Bahrain can reach up to 40°C during the day. The heat is accentuated by high humidity, making the climate stifling and uncomfortable for outdoor activities. During this period, it's best to stay inside air-conditioned buildings and enjoy cultural attractions and shopping centers. If you're not accustomed to extreme temperatures, avoid travelling to Bahrain in summer.

Major cultural events not to be missed

Bahrain offers a rich cultural program throughout the year. Here are a few must-see events to consider when planning your trip:

• Bahrain Culture Festival Bahrain Festival: this annual festival takes place between February and March and features dance, music, theater and art exhibitions. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the richness of Bahraini culture.
• Bahrain Spring Festival Spring Festival: held in April, this event celebrates the arrival of spring with entertainment for the whole family, concerts and artistic workshops.
• Bahrain Film Festival The festival, which takes place in October, showcases local and international cinematic talent with film screenings, meetings with directors and workshops.

Public holidays and national festivities

It's also important to take national holidays and festivities into account when planning your stay in Bahrain. Here are some key dates to remember:

• National holiday (December 16) Bahrain Independence Day: this day celebrates Bahrain's independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. Official ceremonies and fireworks are organized for the occasion.
• Ramadan (variable) During this holy month of fasting for Muslims, the opening hours of shops and tourist attractions may be modified. Visitors are also required to observe certain rules, such as not eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day.
• Eid el-Fitr (variable) Ramadan: marking the end of Ramadan, this religious holiday is celebrated with prayers, family meals and donations to the needy. Shops and tourist attractions may be closed or operate on reduced hours during this period.

High and low tourist season

Finally, it's worth knowing Bahrain's high and low tourist seasons to avoid the crowds and take advantage of low rates.

High season (November - March)

Thanks to the pleasant climate high season runs from November to March. During this period, hotels and tourist attractions are busier and prices can be higher. It's advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance to guarantee availability and the best rates.

Low season (April - October)

There low season corresponds to the summer months, when temperatures are extremely hot. There are fewer visitors, which can mean more attractive rates at hotels and for certain activities. However, it is important to take into account weather conditions and Ramadan restrictions before planning a trip during this period.

Immigration and tourism statistics for Bahrain

In recent years, Bahrain has seen a significant increase in the number of foreigners coming to work, study or simply visit the country. Official data show that the number ofinternational arrivals has risen steadily since 2010, from 8.7 million in 2010 to almost 12.5 million in 2019.

Professional and student immigration

The majority of expatriates arriving in Bahrain are skilled professionals who come to work for local or international companies. According to the latest available statistics, around 60 % of expatriates living in Bahrain are employed in the private sector. The country is also home to a growing number of foreign students, mainly from neighboring Arab countries.

International tourism

In terms of tourism, Bahrain has also seen significant growth over the past decade. The total number of foreign visitors has risen from around 4.5 million in 2010 to over 6.7 million in 2019. The country's main tourist attractions include the archaeological site of Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as various tourism development projects such as Diyar Al Muharraq and Dilmunia Island.

Most popular visas in Bahrain

There are several types of visa allowing foreigners to visit Bahrain for business, tourism or other reasons. The most commonly requested visas are :

• Visitor visa Visitor visa: This is the most common type of visa issued in Bahrain. Nationals of many countries can obtain a visit visa on arrival at the airport, while others must apply for a visa in advance at the Bahraini embassy or consulate in their home country. The length of stay generally varies from 14 days to 3 months, depending on the applicant's nationality.
• Work visa Work visa: This type of visa is intended for qualified professionals wishing to work in Bahrain. To obtain a work visa, the employer must first obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Once authorization has been granted, the applicant can then apply for a work visa at the Bahraini embassy or consulate in his or her home country.
• Student visa Foreign students wishing to study in Bahrain can apply for a student visa. To do so, they must provide proof of enrolment at an accredited educational institution in Bahrain, as well as a letter of acceptance from the institution in question. The student visa is generally issued for one year, renewable as long as the student is enrolled in a program of study.

Key figures on international tourism in Bahrain

To give you a better idea of the importance of international tourism in Bahrain, here are a few key figures:

• In 2019, international tourism revenues reached US$1.6 billion, representing around 5 % of Bahrain's GDP.
• International tourist spending in Bahrain increased by 8.4 % between 2018 and 2019.
• Bahrain's main tourist markets are its Gulf neighbors, notably Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
• Key sectors of the Bahraini economy that benefit directly from tourism include hotels, restaurants, transport and leisure.