World Guide

Bahrain

Country · Asia, Western Asia

Bahrain
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Western Asia, Bahrain is an island nation with a population of about 1.6 million people. Its capital, Manama, serves as the primary hub for travelers visiting this country of 786 square kilometers.

Highlights

This guide covers 10 sights across the country. History and heritage are prominent, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Qal'at al-Bahrain, the Dilmun Burial Mounds, and the Bahrain Pearling Trail. Architectural landmarks include the Bahrain World Trade Center, the Bahrain Financial Harbour, and the Bab Al Bahrain entrance to the city. Religious and cultural sites include the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Barbar Temple, the Khamis Mosque, and the Bahrain National Museum.

When to go

The climate at the capital is characterized by hot summers and milder winters. From May through September, average temperatures range from 29 °C to 34 °C, making these months quite hot. The cooler months of December, January, and February offer average temperatures between 17 °C and 20 °C. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with most months receiving little to no precipitation.

Practical notes

The official currency is the Bahraini dinar, and the official language is Arabic. The country uses Type G electrical plugs with a voltage of 230 V. Traffic moves on the right side of the road. The time zone is UTC+03:00, and the international calling code is +973.

Cities

Top sights in Bahrain

  1. Bahrain World Trade CenterBahrain World Trade CenterManama
  2. Qal'at al-BahrainUNESCOQal'at al-BahrainManama
  3. Al Fateh Grand MosqueAl Fateh Grand MosqueManama
  4. Dilmun Burial MoundsUNESCODilmun Burial Mounds
  5. Bahrain Financial HarbourManama
  6. Bahrain National MuseumBahrain National MuseumManama
  7. Barbar TempleBarbar TempleManama
  8. Bahrain Pearling TrailUNESCOBahrain Pearling TrailManama
  9. Khamis MosqueKhamis MosqueManama
  10. Bab Al BahrainBab Al BahrainManama

UNESCO sites in Bahrain →

Weather by month

The warmest month is August, averaging 34 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average temperature, °C171820242932333432292520
Rainfall, mm1613215000000916
Rainy days212100000121

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Manama (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

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