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Hawar Islands

Islands

The Hawar Islands, south of Bahrain, are visited for birdwatching, quiet beaches and clear water diving; the small archipelago supports nesting seabirds and day-trip wildlife excursions.

Hawar Islands ManamaMuharraqHawar Islands
In this guide

Hawar Islands essentials

Address: Hawar Islands, Kingdom of Bahrain

About Hawar Islands

The Hawar Islands are a small archipelago belonging to Bahrain, located off the western coast of the Qatar peninsula and noted for their coastal and marine habitats. The islands are largely uninhabited and valued for wildlife, especially seabird colonies and marine biodiversity.

The group is managed primarily for conservation and limited tourism, with access controlled to protect nesting birds and fragile coastal environments. Scientific and regulated wildlife visits occur alongside restricted public access.

The islands have been the subject of modern territorial agreements and legal determinations, and their status as Bahraini territory is part of 21st century regional arrangements. Management emphasises protection of the natural environment.

Geographically the Hawar group lies in the Gulf close to the Qatar coast, separate from Bahrain’s main island, and is reached only by authorised boats from Bahrain.

  • Wildlife and access restrictions: The islands are recognised for their seabird colonies and coastal ecosystems and are managed with conservation measures that restrict general tourist access.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Hawar Islands

Winters are best for visiting the Hawar Islands-calmer seas, nicer temperatures and better wildlife viewing.

Winter
Nov-Mar · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Cooler, drier conditions-best for boat trips and wildlife watching.
Spring/Autumn
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 22-33°C (72-91°F)
Warmer; sea conditions can be variable.

Weather & Climate near Hawar Islands

Climate

Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 161 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
NovemberAprilDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 13° - 20° 17° 14 mm mostly sunny 64% 4.1 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.6h
February Excellent 14° - 22° 18° 17 mm mostly sunny 64% 4.6 m/s 1.2 high 11.2h
March Ideal 16° - 25° 21° 25 mm mostly sunny 58% 4.6 m/s 1.6 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 21° - 31° 26° 7 mm mostly sunny 53% 4.8 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
May Ideal 25° - 36° 32° 1 mm clear 47% 4.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.3h
June Ideal 28° - 39° 36° 0 mm clear 46% 4.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.6h
July Excellent 29° - 40° 39° 0 mm clear 49% 4.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
August Excellent 29° - 39° 40° 0 mm clear 52% 4.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
September Ideal 27° - 37° 36° 0 mm clear 53% 3.6 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 24° - 34° 30° 1 mm clear 56% 3.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 19° - 28° 24° 8 mm clear 59% 3.9 m/s 1.0 high 10.8h
December Ideal 15° - 23° 19° 11 mm clear 65% 3.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Hawar Islands

Access is by boat from southern Bahrain ports (arrangements usually made through licensed tour operators in Manama); private boats and scheduled eco-tours offer the most common means of reaching the islands. Check permits and protected-area rules before travel.

Tips for Visiting Hawar Islands

  • If visiting for wildlife (birding, turtle nesting), go with licensed eco-tours that respect protected areas and seasonal closures.
  • Bring marine binoculars and sun protection; the islands are exposed and can be windy.
  • Confirm permissions and transport-some islands are protected and require advance clearance.