Public Holidays in Kuwait 2025: Complete Calendar & Dates

By Katie May | Update on: Dec 23, 2025

Kuwait celebrates its major public holidays with patriotic pride, cultural traditions, and religious devotion. National Day (Feb 25) and Liberation Day (Feb 26) feature fireworks, parades, and national pride. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are marked by prayers, feasts, and charity. Islamic New Year and The Prophet’s Birthday are observed with prayers and religious gatherings. Visitors can experience these vibrant celebrations firsthand by securing a Kuwait eVisa online for easy entry. Plan your trip and immerse yourself in Kuwait’s rich culture during its festive holidays! Apply for a Kuwait eVisa today!

Kuwait is a country rich in culture and history, and its public holidays reflect this diversity. In 2025, Kuwait will observe several public holidays, each with its own significance and traditions. Understanding these holidays can provide insight into the nation's heritage and offer opportunities to experience its vibrant culture firsthand.

List of Public Holidays in Kuwait for 2025

Here is a comprehensive list of Kuwait's public holidays for the year 2025:

Please note that Islamic holidays are based on lunar sightings; therefore, dates may vary. It's advisable to confirm these dates closer to the time through official government announcements or reliable local sources.

Kuwait National Day is celebrated on February 25th 

Significance and Traditions of Major Kuwait Public Holidays

1. National Day (February 25)

Significance:
Kuwait's National Day marks the country's independence from British rule in 1961.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Fireworks & Light Shows: The Kuwait Towers and other landmarks light up in the colors of the Kuwaiti flag.
• Parades & Festivities: The streets are filled with parades, and the government hosts cultural events.
• Patriotic Displays: Many Kuwaitis wear traditional attire, wave flags, and decorate their homes and cars in national colors.
• Family Gatherings & Outdoor Activities: Families enjoy picnics, barbecues, and outdoor celebrations in public parks.

Happy 64th Kuwait National Day 2025

2. Liberation Day (February 26)

Significance:
Liberation Day commemorates Kuwait’s freedom from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Memorial Services & Tributes: Government officials and citizens honor the sacrifices of those who fought for Kuwait’s freedom.
• Concerts & Public Events: Cultural programs, military parades, and performances take place across the country.
• Community Gatherings: People celebrate with family gatherings, sharing traditional Kuwaiti dishes.

3. Eid al-Fitr (March 30 - April 1, 2025)

Significance:
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Special Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques for early morning Eid prayers.
• Charity & Giving (Zakat al-Fitr): People donate to the less fortunate before Eid prayers.
• Festive Feasts: Traditional Kuwaiti dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat) are enjoyed with family.
• Visiting Relatives & Exchanging Gifts: Families and friends visit each other and exchange sweets and gifts.
• Entertainment & Shopping: Malls and parks host events, and many families take trips.

Kuwait Ramadan is a critical Muslim celebration in the ninth lunar month 

4. Eid al-Adha (June 6 - 9, 2025)

Significance:
Known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," Eid al-Adha honors Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to God.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Morning Prayers: Muslims gather at mosques for Eid prayers.
• Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani): Families who can afford it sacrifice an animal (such as a sheep or cow) and distribute meat to the needy.
• Festive Meals & Gatherings: Families enjoy traditional dishes together.
• Community & Charity: Many people donate to charities and share food with the less fortunate.

5. Islamic New Year (Hejira New Year - June 26, 2025)

Significance:
This marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Reflection & Prayers: Muslims spend the day in prayer and reflection on the past year.
• Family Gatherings: Many people visit family and prepare special meals.
• Religious Talks: Islamic scholars deliver sermons about the significance of the new year.

6. The Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi - September 4, 2025)

Significance:
This holiday celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

How It’s Celebrated:

• Reciting the Quran & Religious Poetry: Mosques and homes are filled with readings about the Prophet’s life.
• Community Gatherings: Many families prepare sweets and meals to share.
• Charitable Acts: People donate food, money, and clothing to those in need.

A Travel Guide For Visitors During Kuwait Public Holidays

Here are a few travel tips to help you plan your trip to Kuwait:

• Travel Light: The weather in Kuwait is a hot and arid climate, so it's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense sun.
• Respect Local Customs: Kuwait is a predominantly Muslim country. Thus, it is essential to respect local customs. This includes dressing modestly, abstaining from public shows of affection, and following traditions like the Ramadan fast if you happen to visit at that time.
• Weather-Wise Planning: Plan your visit based on the weather. Kuwait has blistering summer temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 50s (°C) and cooler winter temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low 30s (°C). For a more comfortable experience, plan your vacation from November to March.
• Stay Hydrated: Kuwait may get quite hot, especially during the summer. Drink lots of water and avoid lengthy sun exposure to be well hydrated.
• Navigate with Ease: Kuwait City is well-organized and has an effective public transit system. For a smoother experience while touring other regions of the nation, consider renting a car or taking a guided tour.
• Prioritize Safety: Kuwait is usually regarded as safe. However, it is essential to exercise caution. To protect yourself and your things, avoid going on lonely walks at night and be aware of pickpockets and potential frauds.

FAQs for Public Holidays in Kuwait

How can visitors experience Kuwait’s public holiday celebrations firsthand?

The public holiday festivities in Kuwait can be attended personally by setting up their visit during key national and religious holidays in the country, like the National Day, Liberation Day, and the two Eids. It also happens during the National and Liberation Day in February, when the Kuwait City streets are filled with fireworks, parades, flag shows, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment, particularly around the landmarks in the city, such as the Kuwait Towers and waterfront areas. Shopping malls, cultural centers, and public parks often host special performances, concerts, and themed decorations.

During religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the visitors will be able to watch early morning prayers near mosques, eat festive meals in the local restaurants, and be welcomed by Kuwaiti families. Travelers are advised to dress humbly, observe the local culture, and be respectful of the social events. To spend these hours on a comfortable basis, one ought to, most importantly, obtain a Kuwait eVisa beforehand, as this will grant him or her easy access and stress-free travel during the busiest and most festive season of Kuwait.

What is the best time of year to visit Kuwait considering weather and public holidays?

The best time of year to visit Kuwait, considering both weather and public holidays, is from November to March. During these months, the weather is much more comfortable, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from the low 20s to around 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration.

This period also aligns well with several important public holidays in Kuwait, such as National Day (February 25) and Liberation Day (February 26). By going there at such festivals, tourists get to see fireworks, parades, cultural activities, and a vibrant national spirit. Winter can also be combined with Islamic holidays, which also depend on the lunar calendar, and it gives a visitor an opportunity to learn religious traditions and domestic ways.

In contrast, summer (June to September) can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 45°C, which may limit outdoor activities. Overall, visiting Kuwait between November and March offers the best balance of pleasant weather and vibrant holiday experiences.

What cultural customs should visitors respect when traveling to Kuwait during public holidays?

When visiting the country of Kuwait during one of their holidays, it is advisable to observe their cultural practices to have a comfortable and friendly time. Kuwait is mostly a Muslim nation, and therefore, modest dressing is significant, particularly in such areas as the streets and mosques, and during any religious festivity like Eid or Ramadan. Men and women must not wear any provocative clothes, and women can always use a light scarf during a visit to religious places.

During Islamic holidays, be mindful of prayer times and religious gatherings, as many businesses may close temporarily. Showing love publicly is not allowed, and it is thought to be a bad thing in the Kuwaiti culture. During the day, when you are visiting during Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in the open.

It is also polite to respect family-oriented celebrations, greet locals courteously, and accept hospitality with appreciation. By showing cultural awareness and sensitivity, visitors can experience Kuwait’s public holidays in a respectful and memorable way.

Why is applying for a Kuwait eVisa in advance recommended for travelers visiting during major holidays?

Applying for a Kuwait eVisa in advance is highly recommended for travelers planning to visit during major public holidays because these periods are often the busiest times of the year. There are several holidays that have a high number of tourists, including the National Day, Liberation Day, and the Eid holidays, which may create a delay in processing time and visa demand.

With the Kuwait eVisa, you will not be stressed when you are at the last moment; you might not get enough time and find yourself in an inconvenient scenario, or you might have missed your travel dates. The eVisa system is meant to be fast and paperless; however, it might take longer than normal to be approved during high seasons. You can enjoy the advantage of relaxation by booking ahead, and then you can take the time to plan your holiday trip, hotels, and recreational activities.

Being allowed to enter the country through your visa prior to travelling also means that when one reaches the country, there is ease of entry, particularly at the time of entry at the airports and the border control points. To sum up, you can enjoy, relax, and plan your vacation to Kuwait without stress, as it is very effective when done early.

Why may the dates of Islamic holidays in Kuwait change each year?

The dates of the Islamic holidays in Kuwait can vary on an annual basis since the dates are determined using the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based and has a cycle of the moon that is 10-11 days less than the solar year. Consequently, Islamic holidays come earlier every year in comparison with the general international calendar.

In addition, many Islamic holidays—such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Islamic New Year—are officially confirmed through moon sighting. This means religious authorities in Kuwait wait to visually observe the new moon before announcing the exact holiday date. Weather conditions and visibility can sometimes affect moon sightings, leading to slight differences between expected and confirmed dates.

Because of this system, the final holiday dates are usually announced shortly before the celebration. The tourists and the local citizens are advised to review the official government news or the local newspaper to be informed to make plans accordingly.

Experience These Celebrations in Kuwait!

If you're planning to visit Kuwait during these holidays, experiencing the festive atmosphere is a must. Be sure to apply for a Kuwait eVisa in advance to ensure smooth entry into the country.

You can apply online for a Kuwait eVisa quickly and easily. Visit the Kuwait eVisa Portal for more details.

Would you like recommendations for the best places to visit during these holidays in Kuwait? Let me know!

Kuwait Events & Holidays

• kuwait new year
• kuwait public holidays 2025

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