Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has released its monthly climate brief confirming that January 2026 will be the coldest month of the year in Qatar, marking the peak of the winter season in the country.

January is climatologically recognised as the second month of winter and typically brings cooler temperatures, increased cloud cover, and changing weather patterns across Doha and other parts of Qatar.

Jan Weather in Qatar: What to Expect in 2026

According to QMD, cold fronts are more frequent in January, often associated with low-pressure systems and thunderstorms. These systems can bring shifting winds, cooler nights, and occasional rainfall.

• Rainfall: Most likely during the second week of January
• Fog: Frequently recorded, especially in the first half of the month
• Sky conditions: Cloudy periods with occasional thunderstorms

These conditions are common features of winters in Doha and across the country.

Qatar Weather January Celsius Overview

The daily mean temperature for January 2026 is projected at 17.7°C, making it the coolest month on the Qatar weather calendar.

Historical climate records for January show notable extremes:

• Lowest temperature: 3.8°C (recorded in 1964)
• Highest temperature: 32.4°C (recorded in 2015)

This wide range highlights how Qatar weather in January (Celsius) can shift between crisp winter nights and mild daytime warmth.

Weather in Doha During Winter

For residents and visitors, weather in Doha in January is generally pleasant during the day, while evenings and early mornings can feel noticeably cold, especially during foggy or windy conditions.

January remains one of the most comfortable months of the year, particularly compared to the intense summer heat.

Is It Cold in Qatar in January?

Yes, January is the coldest month in Qatar. While daytime temperatures are usually mild, nights can feel chilly, especially in open or coastal areas and during foggy mornings.

Is Qatar Good to Visit in January?

January is considered one of the best times to visit Qatar. The cooler weather is ideal for:

• Outdoor sightseeing
• Desert excursions
• Corniche walks and cultural attractions

The climate is far more comfortable than summer, making it a peak travel period.

How to Dress in Qatar in January?

When planning outfits for Jan weather in Qatar, layering is recommended:

• Light jackets or sweaters for evenings
• Long-sleeve tops during the day
• Comfortable closed shoes for cooler mornings

What Is the Best Time to Visit Qatar?

The best time to visit Qatar is typically between November and March, with January offering the coolest temperatures and a true Doha winter experience.

FAQs

Is Qatar weather cold in January?
January is the coldest month in Qatar, especially at night and early morning, though days remain mild.

What is the average temperature in Qatar in January?
The average daily mean temperature is around 17.7°C.

Does it rain in Qatar in January?
Yes, rainfall is most likely during the second week of January, though overall rain remains limited.

Is January better than December for weather in Qatar?
January is generally cooler than December, with more frequent cold fronts and fog.

How is weather in Doha during winter?
Doha winters are mild, cooler at night, and ideal for outdoor activities.

Source: Qatar Meteorology Department

Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) delivered more than USD 667 million in international aid throughout 2025, supporting development and humanitarian initiatives across over 45 countries, according to its annual bulletin published on Wednesday.

The year marked a significant milestone for Qatar’s global development agenda, with expanded partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and large-scale interventions that translated into measurable impact on communities worldwide.

How QFFD Distributed Its 2025 Aid

QFFD confirmed that its 2025 funding focused on both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development priorities. The aid was allocated across key sectors as follows:

• Healthcare: Nearly USD 62.1 million
• Education: Over USD 74.1 million
• Economic development: Approximately USD 314.9 million
• Humanitarian assistance: More than USD 141.1 million
• Other priority sectors: Including energy access, climate resilience, and infrastructure

This diversified approach reflects QFFD’s strategy to deliver sustainable, inclusive solutions amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

Strengthening Global Resilience and Recovery

Throughout 2025, QFFD contributed to emergency response efforts while simultaneously supporting early recovery and long-term resilience. By mobilising innovative financial tools and building cross-sector partnerships, the Fund helped countries address urgent crises without losing sight of sustainable development goals.

More than 90 percent of QFFD’s deals and partnerships during the year targeted over 30 million people globally, with total commitments exceeding USD 2 billion.

Leadership Perspective: Development as Global Stability

In his lead editorial, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of QFFD, stressed that international development cooperation remains essential to global stability and shared prosperity.

He highlighted that QFFD prioritises long-term humanitarian impact over short-term returns, focusing on concessional financing, institutional cooperation, and international advocacy to reach the world’s most vulnerable communities.

According to the Chairperson, QFFD’s mission centres on investing in sustainable solutions that protect human dignity, foster innovation, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Expanding Partnerships and Multilateral Cooperation

During 2025, QFFD deepened collaboration with:

• Governments and development banks
• United Nations agencies
• Charitable institutions and civil society organisations
• Private sector partners

These alliances enabled integrated interventions across education, healthcare, food security, climate adaptation, energy access, and critical infrastructure development.

QFFD also played an active role in international forums and policy platforms, amplifying Qatar’s voice in shaping global development and humanitarian agendas, particularly around innovative financing and multilateral cooperation.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Building on the State of Qatar’s commitment to international solidarity and shared prosperity, QFFD reaffirmed its dedication to leading transformative change in 2026. The Fund aims to further advance fair, sustainable, and inclusive development, ensuring resilient societies and dignified lives for individuals worldwide.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Hamad International Airport (HIA) is ready to welcome travelers returning from the winter holidays with enhanced services designed to make arrivals faster and stress-free.

To save time at passport control, passengers can use the e-gates, available to eligible travelers including families with children taller than 130 cm. This is the quickest way to get through arrival procedures during busy hours.

Baggage claim has also been made easier. Numbered carousels clearly display where to pick up luggage, while oversized items like strollers or wheelchairs are handled on dedicated belts. Travelers are advised to check their baggage tags and use the baggage services desk if help is needed.

To avoid congestion outside the terminal, HIA encourages passengers to use the airport’s parking facilities.

Getting from the airport to your destination is easy with multiple transport options:

• Authorized taxis at designated stands
• Buses at the arrivals bus stop
• Ride-hailing apps like Uber and BadrGo with shuttle pick-up
• Doha Metro, connected directly via a short internal walkway
• Car rentals, limousines, and valet parking

HIA staff are on hand throughout the airport to guide passengers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey during the busy winter holiday season.

Pro Tip: Use the e-gates, know your baggage carousel, and plan your transport in advance to make your return trip as quick and easy as possible.

The HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics in Gaza has officially resumed operations at its main headquarters in northern Gaza after a forced suspension in September 2025 due to ongoing military operations.

Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, the hospital has restarted services for persons with disabilities and war-injured patients, beginning with the activation of its CT scanner, the only one available in Gaza’s northern governorates. Core departments, including prosthetics, physical rehabilitation, and audiology, are being reactivated to support patients with injuries, neurological conditions, fractures, and strokes.

The resumption coincides with the opening of a new hospital branch in southern Gaza to meet rising healthcare needs amid severe system strain. Since its inauguration in 2019, the hospital has provided care to around 52,000 beneficiaries, reflecting Qatar’s continued humanitarian support for the people of Gaza, according to Qatar News Agency.

The committee responsible for the GCC Tourism Capital has officially announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint tourism cooperation among GCC member states. This decision has been approved by Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The selection follows a comprehensive strategic bid submitted by Qatar Tourism, which outlined the State of Qatar’s long-term vision for tourism and showcased Doha’s strengths as a destination that balances cultural authenticity, urban innovation, sustainability and quality of life. The bid aligns closely with national priorities focused on economic diversification and positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth.

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said:

“The selection of Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 marks an important milestone that underscores the success of our leadership’s strategic vision in establishing tourism as a central pillar of the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. This recognition reflects the qualitative progress achieved in building an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that is competitive at both regional and global levels, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong connectivity, and an exceptional visitor experience.”

He added:“Looking ahead to 2026, this title provides a strategic platform to further strengthen Gulf tourism cooperation, stimulate investment, create new economic opportunities and deliver a lasting legacy that reinforces Doha’s position as a leading regional tourism hub; particularly in business events, major festivals, large-scale activations and family-friendly destination.” 

Doha’s selection was underpinned by a set of strategic pillars, including its advanced transport and mobility infrastructure. This encompasses Hamad International Airport, internationally recognised for operational excellence; Qatar Airways’ global network connecting Doha to more than 170 destinations worldwide; and integrated metro and tram systems designed to enable seamless visitor movement across the city.

Qatar has also enhanced its tourism proposition through flexible visa policies via the Hayya platform, in addition to ensuring a competitive and investor-friendly business environment, strong regional and international partnerships, and global promotional campaigns that have elevated the country’s profile on the international tourism map.

The bid also outlined Doha’s capacity to provide a varied tourism experience, supported by advanced infrastructure for hosting events and conferences, as well as a calendar of cultural, sporting, and entertainment events.

These strengths are complemented by the State’s firm commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, the development of eco-tourism, and a growing leadership position in medical and wellness tourism.

Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar are set to announce further details in the coming period regarding the “GCC Tourism Capital” programme in Doha. This will include joint Gulf initiatives, promotional campaigns, and a year-round programme of community, cultural, and entertainment events, designed to deliver sustainable economic and tourism impact and further strengthen Doha’s position within the regional and global tourism landscape.  

The Ministry of Interior has issued safety guidelines for public gathering areas ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December 2025, aiming to ensure the safety and security of all visitors across Qatar.

The Ministry urged the public to adhere to laws and public etiquette, avoid harmful or disruptive behaviour, and remain cautious in crowded areas. Motorists have been advised to drive carefully in pedestrian zones, while families are encouraged to closely supervise children at all times.

Authorities also stressed the importance of avoiding overcrowding and familiarising oneself with emergency exits at public venues. The Ministry reaffirmed that public safety is a shared responsibility and called on everyone to cooperate for a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve.