Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Kuwait means accepting a very specific reality: living in one of the hottest countries on the planet. For many expatriates, the thermal shock is harder to handle than the culture shock. The country is wealthy, safe, and relatively easy to live in, but its hyper-arid desert climate imposes new habits, safety reflexes, and even specific choices regarding housing, health, and leisure.
This guide provides practical advice for living comfortably and safely in Kuwait, where temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F). It is based on recent climatic, health, and social data to help you adapt to the local climate.
Understanding Kuwait’s Climate to Better Adapt
Before discussing solutions, you need to understand what you’ll actually be facing.
Kuwait is located on the Arabian Peninsula, largely surrounded by desert, with very little vegetation and annual rainfall of only about 115 mm. The climate is classified as desert, hyper-arid, and very hot. Its proximity to the equator increases solar radiation and perceived heat, while urbanization, the proliferation of buildings, and the scarcity of vegetation amplify the “urban heat island” effect, especially in coastal neighborhoods subject to high humidity.
Climate warming is about twice as fast in the Middle East and North Africa region as the global average.
An Extreme Summer, a Mild Winter, Little In-Between
The rhythm of the seasons is very different from what most expatriates are used to.
It can be summarized as follows:
| Approximate Period | Main Characteristics | Typical Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| June – September | Extreme summer, dry, very sunny, dusty | Averages 40–45°C (104–113°F), peaks > 50°C (122°F) |
| October – November | Heat still strong, slow transition | Hot to very hot |
| December – March | Mild winter, sometimes cool at night | Down to 0°C (32°F) at night, ~19°C (66°F) during the day |
| April – May | Rapid rise in heat | Around 30–40°C (86–104°F) |
Data for the summer (June–August) between 2015 and 2019 indicates an average daily temperature of 39.4°C (102.9°F), with a 10th percentile at 37°C (98.6°F) and a 90th percentile at 42°C (107.6°F). In other words, even the “relatively cool days” of summer far exceed 35°C (95°F). Hourly maximums can climb from 38.1°C (100.6°F) to over 51°C (123.8°F). In 2016, the Mitribah station recorded 53.9°C (129°F), one of the world records. In August 2024, readings up to 51.8°C (125.2°F) were observed.
Although the average summer relative humidity is about 17.9%, it can vary considerably between neighborhoods. In coastal areas, for instance, the combination of heat and higher humidity makes the heat particularly hard to bear, illustrating the importance of geographic location in the perception of thermal comfort.
A Desert Environment, Dust and Shamal Winds
The desert doesn’t only bring heat: it carries dust and sand. Strong winds called shamals can trigger impressive dust storms, reducing visibility and irritating the respiratory tract. Little vegetation, many mineral surfaces, and intense sunlight make Kuwait a demanding environment for the skin, eyes, and lungs if one is not prepared.
For an expatriate, this reality immediately translates into new priorities: protecting oneself from the sun, dryness, dust, and the abrupt changes between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning.
Protecting Yourself from the Heat: First Vital Reflexes
Living in Kuwait without learning to protect yourself from the heat means exposing yourself to serious risks. The main heat-related illnesses are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. They can be fatal, especially for people with pre-existing heart, respiratory, or kidney problems.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion is a critical stage that must be identified quickly. It typically manifests as: excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and pale or clammy skin.
– very heavy sweating,
– a rapid but weak pulse,
– a feeling of weakness and dizziness,
– cold, pale skin,
– muscle cramps,
– nausea, intense thirst, headaches,
– sometimes fainting.
An internal body temperature between 38.3°C (100.9°F) and 40°C (104°F) is an indicator of this type of disorder.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency where the body can no longer cool itself, leading to high fever, confusion, severe nausea, loss of consciousness, and requiring immediate intervention.
Even though the Kuwaiti healthcare system is modern, well-funded, and prepared to handle these cases, the goal is to not reach that point.
Hydration, a Simple but Non-Negotiable Habit
In a hyper-arid climate, the absolute priority is to drink regularly, even before feeling thirsty. The advice from local health professionals converges:
– always keep a water bottle with you;
– prefer water at room temperature or slightly cool, which is better tolerated;
– use cool or cold water to cool down faster in case of heat-related discomfort;
– limit very sugary drinks, which worsen dehydration;
– incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon or cucumber;
– opt for non-caffeinated drinks, fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
To maintain good hydration, it’s effective to make it an automatic routine. Start by drinking a glass of water upon waking, then before going out and upon returning home. At work, especially in an air-conditioned environment where the feeling of thirst can be reduced, schedule breaks to drink at regular intervals throughout the day.
Adapting Your Wardrobe to Both Climate and Culture
Dressing in Kuwait involves managing a dual imperative: thermal comfort and respect for modesty codes. It’s not just about “not feeling hot,” but about avoiding sunburn and heatstroke, while fitting in with local customs (shoulders and knees covered in public as a general rule).
Simple principles that work well:
– prefer breathable fabrics like cotton or linen;
– choose loose-fitting clothes that allow air to circulate;
– opt for light colors that reflect light;
– avoid dark clothing, which absorbs heat;
– cover shoulders and knees in daily life, even if you are not required to wear a headscarf.
Essential accessories and care to preserve your skin and comfort against sun, wind, and dust.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential to effectively protect yourself from UV rays.
Applying a high-SPF sunscreen is an essential daily step for the skin.
A moisturizing cream helps combat the drying effect of hot wind and dust.
Managing Air Conditioning / Outdoor Heat Contrasts
Air conditioning is omnipresent in Kuwait. It is considered essential and is installed in homes, offices, shopping malls, cars, and hospitals. Paradoxically, it is another form of “thermal stress”: you can go from over 45°C (113°F) to a very cool interior setting in a matter of seconds.
Hence, several practical recommendations:
– always keep a light cardigan or sweater for indoors, even in the middle of summer;
– avoid setting the air conditioning too low, especially at home, to limit thermal shocks;
– ensure regular maintenance of air conditioners (filters) to reduce respiratory problems related to dust;
– do not systematically sit in the direct flow of cold air, especially if you are prone to sinusitis or sore throats.
The intelligent management of air conditioning is a key point of adaptation: it makes life comfortable without turning your body into a “thermal yo-yo.”
Organizing Daily Life Around the Heat
Most expatriates in Kuwait end up reorganizing their day around the weather more than the clock. This may seem extreme, but in a context where heat exceeds 45°C (113°F), it’s a simple matter of common sense.
Choosing Your Outing Times
The basic principle is to minimize time spent outside during the hottest hours. In practice, this often means:
– going out early in the morning for errands, walks, or physical activities;
– preferring the late afternoon or evening for outdoor leisure activities;
– avoiding, as much as possible, walking between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the summer.
A ministerial law that came into effect in 2015 prohibits outdoor work between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., from June 1st to August 31st. This “midday outdoor work ban” is part of a broader trend observed throughout the Gulf region.
Government
More informally, there is an unwritten practice: when the temperature reaches 50°C (122°F), many construction sites simply stop all activities.
Reinventing Your Leisure Activities
Leisure activities also adapt to the climatic constraint. In summer, roads and public places empty out, many residents leave the country for long vacations, and many expatriates return home to visit family.
Those who stay rely more on air-conditioned spaces or water:
– giant shopping malls like The Avenues, which combine walks, meals, shopping, and indoor outings;
– water parks, especially the one located behind the Kuwait Towers, with pools, artificial rivers, and large slides;
– apartment or residential compound pools, which are particularly sought after when renting;
– outings at sea, boat trips to islands like Kubbar or Failaka, jet-ski rentals.
On days of extreme heat, these water-based or indoor activities are often the only pleasant way to “get out of the house” while remaining protected from the outdoor temperature.
Driving and Common-Sense Behaviors
As Kuwait is heavily car-dependent, adapting to the climate also involves a few driving-related reflexes:
– never leave children or animals in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes;
– briefly air out the car before turning the air conditioning on full blast;
– check under the car before leaving: animals sometimes seek shade under vehicles;
– keep water on board, both for drinking and to rinse hands or face in case of heat stress.
In residential neighborhoods, it is also common—and socially highly appreciated—to bring cool water, drinks, or snacks to outdoor workers (garbage collectors, laborers, cleaners). A simple act of humanity in an extreme climate, it is seen as completely normal.
Choosing Housing Adapted to the Climate
Daily thermal comfort depends greatly on the quality of housing. In Kuwait, where a large part of the territory is desert, choosing your apartment or villa carefully can make the difference between a bearable summer and a hellish summer.
Air Conditioning, Insulation, and Building Design
Air conditioning alone is not always enough: a poorly insulated home can be freezing near the air vents while remaining stifling in other rooms, with an energy bill that skyrockets. When searching for housing, several criteria deserve special attention:
Several elements contribute to a home’s thermal comfort during hot periods: efficient and well-distributed air conditioning, double-glazed windows for thermal and sound insulation, external sun protection (shutters, shades, sunscreens), good roof and wall insulation, and a light-colored façade that absorbs less heat.
A number of regional initiatives, such as the first sustainable building code from the Gulf Cooperation Council (Gulf Organisation for Research & Development), encourage this approach, but in practice, the level of energy performance can vary greatly from one building to another.
Services, Amenities, and Storage
Beyond air conditioning, certain elements make life easier in an extreme climate:
– presence of a dryer (clothes dry quickly, but sand and dust can be a problem);
– access to a pool in the residence or compound, highly appreciated in summer;
– shaded or underground parking spaces to protect cars from the sun;
– air-conditioned or ventilated technical rooms to prevent appliances (freezers, routers, etc.) from overheating.
For storage, anything sensitive to heat (documents, electronics, certain furniture, cosmetics) should be kept in air-conditioned or at least temperate spaces. Many moving companies recommend using air-conditioned warehouses for belongings not immediately installed in the home.
Clothing: Don’t Overestimate “Winter”
When preparing for the move, many expatriates overestimate the need for winter clothing. Granted, temperatures can drop to 0°C (32°F) at night in winter, but this remains occasional. It is rarely useful to bring a full wardrobe of coats, hats, heavy boots, etc.
A few warm pieces are enough:
– one or two thick sweaters or sweatshirts;
– a warm jacket or light coat;
– possibly a pair of closed shoes or booties.
On the other hand, investing in light, long, breathable, and modest clothing is much more relevant for daily life.
Health, Medical System, and Climate Risks
One reassuring point for expatriates is the level of the healthcare system in Kuwait. Medical infrastructure is well-developed, largely state-funded, with modern public and private hospitals. This capacity is particularly crucial in a country where heatwaves, sometimes combined with high humidity, represent a major health risk.
The Healthcare System Facing Heatwaves
Hospitals are prepared to handle influxes of patients on the most trying days. Emergency services are accustomed to treating cases of severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Awareness of climate risks is all the more important as extreme heat is now classified as a “high danger” for the region, with episodes of thermal stress expected at least once every five years in the studied area.
For expatriates, access to the public health system requires mandatory health insurance, paid through an annual contribution. This insurance provides a health card allowing access to public services at subsidized rates. It is common to take out complementary private insurance to access private facilities, reduce waiting times, and benefit from a wider choice of care options.
Prevention Over Cure
Even with a good healthcare system, the main goal is to prevent climate-related problems. A few simple rules are essential:
Before your departure, consult a doctor if you have heart, respiratory, or kidney problems. Check the availability of your treatments on site and inquire about recommended or mandatory vaccinations (especially for schooling). Learn to identify heat-related symptoms and prepare a first aid kit including rehydration salts, bandages, antiseptic, and sunscreen.
Due to dust storms, people with asthma or prone to allergies must be particularly attentive. Regular follow-up with a local doctor allows for adjusting treatments if necessary.
Working in Kuwait: Heat, Safety, and Labor Law
The climate doesn’t only affect expatriates’ private lives; it directly influences working conditions, especially for outdoor workers.
Occupational Risks Related to Heat
A study covering the period 2015–2019 examined workplace accidents during the summer (June–August) during the ban on outdoor work in the sun. The results show:
| Reference Temperature | Relative Risk of Occupational Injury |
|---|---|
| 37°C (98.6°F) | 1 (reference) |
| 39.4°C (102.9°F) | 1.44 |
| 40°C (104°F) | 1.48 |
| 41°C (105.8°F) | 1.44 |
The higher the temperature rises, the more accidents increase. The main causes of accidents are falls from height, falls on the same level, and falls of heavy objects. In other words, heat and fatigue impair alertness and precision of movements.
Migrant workers represent more than 80% of the formal workforce and are particularly exposed to occupational risks.
For a qualified expatriate working in an office, these risks may seem distant, but they play a role in the overall functioning of society and the work atmosphere. They also remind us of the importance of respecting safety instructions and adapting schedules when managing teams that work outdoors.
Regulatory Framework and Limitations
The law prohibiting outdoor work from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from June 1st to August 31st, is an important measure, but researchers consider it insufficient. Being “calendar-based” rather than “risk-based” means it does not account for heatwaves outside this period, nor for particularly critical days within the permitted time frame.
For expatriate managers or entrepreneurs, it is advisable to go beyond minimal legal obligations, particularly regarding social protection, taxation, and estate planning, to secure their situation and that of their family in the host country.
– adapt schedules based on weather forecasts;
– plan more hydration and shaded breaks;
– provide appropriate work clothing, hats, glasses, sunscreen;
– arrange air-conditioned or at least shaded spaces for breaks.
Beyond legal obligation, it is a matter of social responsibility and economic performance: an exhausted or poorly protected employee makes more mistakes, gets injured more often, and works less efficiently.
Daily Living: Culture, Social Codes, and Climate
The climate is not just a matter of degrees on a thermometer. It also influences how you dress, behave in public, get around, and even communicate.
Dressing Modestly… and Smartly
Kuwait is a conservative Muslim country. Even though no specific law directly punishes non-compliance with the dress code, social expectations are clear: modesty and sobriety. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public for both men and women, and tight or transparent clothing should be avoided.
For an expatriate, this means reconciling thermal comfort and cultural respect:
For appropriate attire, prefer light pants, skirts, or long dresses in breathable fabrics. Avoid tank tops, short shorts, and very low-cut clothing. It is advisable to have a scarf or shawl handy, useful against air conditioning, the sun, and for covering shoulders in certain places. For shoes, choose open but proper models (sandals, slides) rather than flip-flops, especially in business districts or government offices.
This wardrobe adaptation also makes social integration easier: you will be perceived as respectful, which facilitates relations with colleagues, neighbors, and merchants.
Air-Conditioned Interiors and Public Spaces
Shopping malls, offices, mosques, hospitals, schools, and most residential buildings are heavily air-conditioned. In winter, while the outdoors can be cool (even cold at night), the interior often remains at a stable temperature, sometimes perceived as almost “cold” by newcomers. Again, a cardigan or light jacket becomes an almost permanent companion.
In Kuwait, the intense heat limits the use of outdoor spaces (parks, terraces, playgrounds) during the day. Social life is therefore mainly organized indoors or in the evening, after sunset, when temperatures become bearable again.
Leisure, Sports, and Physical Activity in High Temperatures
Exercising in Kuwait is possible, but not like elsewhere. The extreme heat imposes a much more structured approach to physical activity.
Choosing the Right Place and Time
Running or walking in full sun in summer, in the middle of the day, is strongly discouraged, even for people in excellent physical condition. The most common strategy among expatriates is to:
– frequent air-conditioned gyms, where the effort remains manageable;
– use pools for swimming, which has the advantage of combining coolness and exercise;
– schedule outdoor sessions very early in the morning or late in the evening.
Fitness club memberships remain relatively affordable compared to local salaries, encouraging this practice. Similarly, children’s play is increasingly moving towards covered spaces like playgrounds, water parks, or indoor entertainment centers.
Adapting Your Effort Level
For newcomers, the body takes time to get used to the heat. Even if you were very athletic in your home country, it is prudent to:
– reduce the intensity of your first sessions;
– closely monitor the signals your body sends (headaches, nausea, dizziness);
– gradually increase the duration and intensity of the effort over the weeks;
– never neglect hydration before, during, and after exercise.
Being in good general physical shape remains an asset for coping with the climate, but it does not exempt you from caution.
Support Networks, Hospitality Culture, and Adaptation
Despite the harshness of the climate, Kuwait is also renowned for its friendliness and its mix of cultures. About 70% of the population is composed of expatriates, and English is widely spoken, especially in professional circles. This diversity facilitates the exchange of practical advice on how to live with the heat.
The Importance of Expatriate Communities
International communities play an important role in adapting to the climate. More experienced expatriates readily share their tips:
To better cope with the summer period, it is recommended to get clothing adapted to the heat, prefer well-insulated housing, plan routes in the shade to limit sun exposure, and choose activities feasible even during extreme heat.
Platforms like InterNations, expatriate forums, or groups on social media regularly organize meetings, often in air-conditioned places (cafes, malls, restaurants), at times compatible with the heat. These social spaces also become privileged places to exchange on the climatic realities of the country.
A Culture of Water and Coolness
The state and citizens have integrated the climate into their daily practices. Thus, there are many water fountains installed by the authorities in public spaces. They allow people to cool down, refill bottles, and reduce the risk of dehydration, especially for those who spend the day outside.
In the local culture, it is socially valued to offer cool drinks, snacks, or a little money to people working outdoors in the sun. For an expatriate, participating in this custom helps integrate into society and acknowledge the harshness of the climate for the most exposed.
Thinking Long-Term: Climate Change and the Future in Kuwait
Moving to Kuwait today also means accepting to live in a region on the front line of climate change. Scientists warn that the MENA region is warming twice as fast as the global average. In Kuwait, the coming decades are expected to see a further temperature increase, also slightly above the global average.
Ever Warmer Cities
Several factors combine to increase the perceived heat in the coming years:
– global temperature increase linked to greenhouse gas emissions;
– growing urbanization, with more concrete and asphalt;
– low vegetation cover, limiting natural shade and evapotranspiration;
– coastal humidity, which accentuates thermal stress.
The urban heat island, already quite visible, is likely to strengthen if vegetation, green spaces, and sustainable construction standards do not progress at the same pace.
Regional Initiatives and Individual Challenges
Some initiatives hint at a growing awareness: regional adoption of sustainable building codes, commitments to sustainable cooling (like the ratification of the Kigali Amendment by a neighboring country), development of multi-hazard early warning systems, even though the coverage rate of these systems remains low in the Arab world.
For the expatriate, these broad trends translate into more thoughtful individual decisions:
– choose housing in a well-designed thermal building rather than the largest at the lowest price;
– prefer neighborhoods offering some greenery and modern infrastructure;
– take seriously the heatwaves announced by the media or authorities;
– durably adapt your lifestyle to an environment where “ideal days” are rare.
In Summary: Turning Climatic Constraint into a New Routine
The heat in Kuwait is not just an inconvenience: it is a structuring factor of daily life. Yet, hundreds of thousands of expatriates live, work, and raise their children there. The key lies in the ability to turn a constraint into a routine:
To live peacefully in a very hot climate, it is crucial to understand and respect its dangers. Adopt systematic reflexes: constant hydration, rigorous sun protection, and adapting your activity hours to the coolest periods. Choose your housing and its environment carefully to benefit from shade and ventilation. Use air conditioning intelligently, without becoming dependent on it. Take advantage of modern infrastructure designed for this reality, like shopping malls, hospitals, pools, or water parks. Finally, rely on the experience of expatriate communities and the local culture of hospitality to facilitate your adaptation.
With these guidelines, the extreme heat ceases to be a permanent enemy and becomes a parameter you work with, day after day. It is under this condition that life in Kuwait can reveal its other facets: a stable society, a high level of services, a multicultural population, and a very different life experience, marked by a climate one never forgets.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
