British travellers seeking winter sun can now reach one of the planet's most extreme destinations for a remarkably low price. Return flights from London to Kuwait City, a metropolis famed for its blistering summer heat, are listed for just £78 this January.
An Extreme Climate and a Winter Escape
By all accounts, Kuwait City ranks as one of the hottest cities on Earth. Its ferocious climate was confirmed in July 2016 when the nearby area of Mitribah recorded a staggering 53.9°C (129°F), a reading verified by the World Meteorological Organization as Asia's highest ever temperature. During the summer of 2021, the mercury exceeded 50°C for 19 consecutive days.
However, in a stark seasonal contrast, January offers a far more temperate climate. During this, the coldest month, temperatures rarely climb above 20°C, typically settling in the balmy mid-teens. This makes the winter and spring months the only advisable time for tourists to visit, providing a complete escape from the UK's frosty weather.
Life in the Furnace: Adaptation and Subsidy
Waleed Alkhamees, a lifelong resident and tour guide, describes a city where life has adapted to the relentless heat. "Everybody is trying to keep indoors, as everywhere in Kuwait is air-conditioned," he explains. Most locals and many businesses flee the country during the peak summer months. A government law prohibits outdoor work between 10am and 5pm in summer to prevent heat-related deaths.
The state's vast oil wealth facilitates this climate-controlled existence. With zero income tax, the government heavily subsidises electricity, allowing the city's 3.3 million residents to run air conditioning units constantly. Nearly all public spaces are artificially cooled, and streets are misted with water. Despite the official work ban, Waleed notes that many labourers, often immigrants, still toil outdoors, covered head-to-toe for protection.
Exploring Kuwait's Contrasts
For visitors braving the summer or enjoying the mild winter, Kuwait City offers distinctive attractions. Waleed guides tourists to landmarks like the spaceship-like Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, and the old Souk. Tour groups are predominantly American, reflecting the significant US military presence at Camp Arifjan.
Tourists should note the country's strictly enforced alcohol ban. The coastline, however, is a major draw, boasting one of the longest sandy shorelines in the Middle East and excellent diving spots, despite the heat occasionally proving fatal for marine life.
Waleed observes temperatures creeping up "half a degree every couple of years," a trend he attributes to global warming. Yet, he insists Kuwaitis have no intention of leaving, citing the strong currency, subsidised living, and free healthcare and education. "Kuwaitis never move away," he stated. For Brits this January, with flights from Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester also under £100, the chance to visit this land of extreme contrasts has never been more affordable.
