Manama
Capital of Bahrain
Manama is the capital of Bahrain and had a population of nearly 300,000 in 2012. Visitors come to see its mix of historical sites, such as the Qal'at al-Bahrain and the Bahrain Pearling Trail, alongside modern structures like the Bahrain World Trade Center.
What to see
The city features several UNESCO sites, including the Qal'at al-Bahrain and the Bahrain Pearling Trail. Religious and cultural landmarks include the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Khamis Mosque, the Barbar Temple, and the Bahrain National Museum. For those interested in architecture and city views, the Bahrain World Trade Center, Bahrain Financial Harbour, and the historic Bab Al Bahrain are notable. Other locations to explore include the Manama Souq, Beit Al Quran, and Al-Qudaibiya Palace.
When to go
The cooler months of January, February, and March offer average temperatures between 17 °C and 20 °C, making them comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. From May to September, temperatures rise significantly, peaking at an average of 34 °C in August with no rainfall. November and December are also temperate, with averages around 20 °C to 25 °C.
Getting there
The city is served by the Bahrain International Airport, which is located 8 km from the center of Manama.
Top sights in Manama
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, averaging 34 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature, °C | 17 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 29 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 32 | 29 | 25 | 20 |
| Rainfall, mm | 16 | 13 | 21 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Manama (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Al-Qudaibiya Palace
- Beit Al Quran
- Manama Souq