Driving around Doha is a unique experience. From the ultra-modern roads, and the teeming corniches, to the sprawling desert routes, Doha certainly impresses as an excellent driving city. But, just before dusting the tyres off, locals always remember one thing: the Weather.
Weather is undoubtedly a big factor that flatters the mind to the driving skills that get put out, places, where they would do the driving, or even what car, should be chosen. So whether you're here for business, watching sights, or just going cruising through West Bay, consider sitting through this month-by-month Weather-based breakdown of driving in Doha from the viewpoint of the locals.
January to March: Breezy Days & Smooth Drives
Weather: Temperature ranges from 13 to 23 °C (55 and 73 °F). These are said to be golden months of Doha — cool and clear days, ideal for sightseeing.
Driving Tip: Cool Weather brings in comfortable cabin temperature with little use of A/C. Events of notoriety such as the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition bring in traffic: thus, wise planning of your routes is a sensible idea.
Best Rental: Go for a compact sedan like the Toyota Yaris or Kia Pegas: nimble for city driving and fuel-efficient.
April to June: Sunshine & Sand Alerts
Weather: Things start heating up fast. In June, the usual temperatures hit 45°C (113°F) with an infamously high index of UV radiation with dust storms occasionally forming.
Driving Tip: These should include sunshades; keep hydrated, and protect your visibility whenever dust drifts into the weak areas. Expect more A/C usage as your car becomes your oasis.
Best Rental: Aim for mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson or Nissan X-Trail, which are powerful enough for the occasional weekend dune bash and comfortable in traffic.
July to September: The Sizzle Season
Weather: One of the warmest in Doha: maximum temperature may go up to 50°C (122°F) during the day. Humidity levels rise near the coast, particularly during August.
Driving Tip: Avoid parking under the hot sun (melting dashboard, anyone?) and beware of hot steering wheels during the day. Early morning and late evening are perfect time slots to hit the road.
Best Rental: An SUV with good insulation and strong air conditioning, such as Toyota Fortuner or Chevrolet Tahoe, is your best bet for staying cool in the oven than is in the city.
October to December: Desert Bliss
Weather: Temperature going down to 20–30°C (68–86°F) allows Doha to breathe. Clear skies, cool evening air, and outdoor life.
Driving Tip: It's the ideal time for road excursions to the Inland Sea, Zekreet, or Al Wakrah. Less congestion on the roads makes driving more pleasurable.
Best Rental: A good 4x4 vehicle for off-roading and desert exploration is a Mitsubishi Pajero or a Jeep Wrangler, especially if you're planning to head out there during Qatar National Day celebrations in December.
Quick Local Tips for Year-Round Driving
- Sudden sandstorms might be expected. Visibility can drop fast even under fine Weather.
- Roads can get congested during weekends, mostly in areas around The Pearl or Katara.
- Cheap fuel; so don't count those miles. Just enjoy yourself on the way!
- It is sometimes difficult to park in congested areas, especially in downtown districts. Going for cars with parking aids such as sensors or cameras would be wise.
Final Thoughts
Doha is a desert city, yet the roads there are anything but dry and dull. The Weather, from winter winds to summer scorchers, just adds more spice to every drive. Choosing the right car rental is not just about style: it's about facing nature in an elegant way.
So from being air-conditioned and cool while breezing through Lusail Boulevard on a lazy January afternoon to cranking up the A/C for the onslaught of sunny heat on an August afternoon, let the Weather decide your wheels and trust an insider for the way to drive in Doha.
Should the way to choose the right rental be a little tricky for your adventure? Al Muftah Rent a Car will have you covered from beginning to end, rain or (mostly) sunshine.