How Temperature Affects Fishing Seasons

In Kuwait, fishing seasons are driven less by the calendar and more by water temperature. The sea swings from scorching summer heat to the cool winter "barrad" season — and every degree of change shifts where the fish live, what they eat, and how you catch them.

Why temperature matters more than the calendar

Fish are cold-blooded, so water temperature controls their metabolism, movement, and appetite. When the sea warms up, fish slow down and drop to cooler depths to rest. When it cools, they turn active and push toward shallow water and the surface. That's why the same month can fish completely differently from one year to the next — follow the temperature, not the calendar, and remember that Kuwaiti waters are shaped by the seasonal currents of the Gulf that drive fish from one ground to another.

Summer: hot water pushes fish deep

From June to August, surface water in Kuwait hits 30-33°C, especially in Kuwait Bay and sheltered inshore areas. Big species like hamour (grouper) and shaeri retreat to cooler depths, and daytime fishing gets tough. Your best windows are dawn, dusk, and night, and your best spots are deeper grounds away from the shore. The heat also speeds up bait spoilage, so keep your bait cool, shaded, and only take what you need.

Winter (barrad): the golden season

From December to February the water cools noticeably, and migratory schools start entering Kuwaiti waters from the northern Gulf — a real migration that follows cool, plankton-rich water. This is the barrad, the most productive season of the year. Fish turn aggressive, feed heavily, and move close to shore, which makes it a great time to fish from the beach or from a small boat. If you know the barrad, you know it's the season of shallow flats and fast action.

Spring and autumn: transition seasons

In March-April and again in November, water temperature is moderate and fish are constantly on the move between grounds, hunting for the right temperature. These windows are ideal for surface species and for testing new spots, because the fish shift with every small change in the water.

Best months for Kuwait's most popular fish

• Zubaidi: November to March — arrives in large schools as the barrad begins.
• Shaeri: December to February — most abundant in cool water.
• Nuwaibi: October to December — a short season, so make the most of it.
• Hamour (grouper): all year, but most active from October to April.
• Meid: November to April — one of the easiest and most plentiful barrad catches.
• Subaiti: February to April — starts showing as spring warmth arrives.

How to adapt: depth, bait, and timing

In summer, fish deeper, use live or strong-smelling bait, and head out at dawn or late afternoon before the heat peaks. In winter, you don't need much depth — the fish are close to the surface and live bait works hard. Always watch the tide: fish feed hardest when the water is running, not when it's slack.

Before you head out, check the conditions first. The B7R app gives you tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuwaiba ports, sea conditions, a fish guide, and your own fishing log — all free on Google Play.