From brisk morning and evening walks to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Qatar is experiencing a lively winter season that blends lifestyle, culinary, and climate trends.
As temperatures drop to their lowest for the year, residents and visitors in the country are embracing the cooler weather, enjoying outdoor activities, and turning to warm beverages that reflect both comfort and evolving tastes.
Julie Ann G, a Doha resident, said she was excited to learn that January 2026 would bring the year’s coldest weather. “We plan to take strolls through Katara the Cultural Village to enjoy its stunning architecture, art installations, and perhaps catch a glimpse of some local performances,” she said. She also plans to visit the Mina District at Old Doha Port and the Lusail Marina, which she described as “perfect for a family outing.”
The winter chill has not only inspired cultural excursions but also encouraged residents to explore Qatar’s outdoor events. A highlight is the Baraha Cinema at Msheireb Downtown Doha, where audiences can watch films under the stars in a bustling urban atmosphere.
“Of course, I can’t wait to savour the fresh, cool breeze while indulging in a variety of cuisines at this year’s Qatar International Food Festival, starting January 14 at the Stadium 974,” Ann said. She added that the festival’s mix of local and international delicacies makes it “an ideal gathering for food lovers,” promising memorable experiences for families throughout the season.
The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) forecasts January 2026 as the coldest month of the year, with frequent cold fronts, occasional rain and thunderstorms, and cooler daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Coastal areas, including Doha, are expected to experience daytime highs in the low 20C range and cooler nights in the 10–13C range, while inland and desert regions may feel even chillier.
Morning fog and brief showers remain possible, particularly during the first half of the month, though no major rain systems are expected from January 4–10.
For some residents, the unusual cold has raised questions about climate patterns. Filipino expatriate Alexander Sol mused, “If there’s anything beyond my hands, one of them is the weather,” reflecting the growing awareness of climate change’s potential influence on local conditions.
Sol, also a Doha resident, welcomed the cooler temperatures, saying that “walking under the sun, whether during early mornings or just before sunset, has many health benefits from soaking up natural sunlight. The chilly weather has not only impacted my mood, but also encouraged me to embrace a more active lifestyle.”
Alongside outdoor leisure, Qatar’s winter season has seen a notable boom in the coffee and tea sector. A local coffee roaster reported a surge in demand for both beans and drinks.
“Compared to the same period last year, foot traffic has increased, and customers are not just buying a bag of beans, they’re asking for single-origin varieties and seasonal blends from Ethiopia and Latin America,” the employee said.
“The coffee culture in Qatar is maturing. People are more informed about roasting levels, flavour notes, and brewing techniques, and younger consumers are actively exploring speciality coffee.”
Café employees echoed this trend, noting that even cooler mornings have not slowed down the rush for speciality drinks. Bean sales have skyrocketed as patrons increasingly prefer freshly roasted varieties over instant coffee. Seasonal flavours and signature blends remain in high demand, highlighting the market’s rapid growth and the need for cafés to maintain consistent quality while serving more customers.
It is learnt that tea culture is also flourishing, with tea shops citing a surge in demand for karak, as well as green and black teas. “Customers are coming in more frequently, from early mornings to late evenings, eagerly ordering hot cups to keep warm,” the employee said.
Popular offerings include chai and speciality teas infused with cardamom or saffron. “The increase isn’t just seasonal; it reflects a growing appreciation for quality and authenticity in tea preparation. Even during off-peak hours, the shop remains busy, and we’ve had to prepare larger batches in advance to meet demand.”