Qatar enters Al-Ghafr season, linked to cooler weather and truffle season

Qatar has entered a new traditional seasonal period known as Al-Ghafr, which begins on November 11 and lasts for 13 days.

Qatar Meteorology Department announced the beginning of Al-Ghafr, citing information from Qatar Calendar House.

Al-Ghafr is the sixth of the traditional autumn star periods and forms part of Al-Wasm, a season historically associated across the Arabian Peninsula with changing temperatures and potentially beneficial rainfall.

What is Al-Ghafr?

Al-Ghafr, known in Arabic as "طالع الغفر", is one of the traditional astronomical and seasonal markers historically used in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula.

According to Qatar Calendar House, it consists of three faint stars and lasts for 13 days.

The period traditionally helps mark seasonal changes and has long been associated with agriculture, rainfall and changing weather conditions.

When does Al-Ghafr begin?

Al-Ghafr begins on November 11 each year and continues for 13 days.

In 2026, the period therefore begins on Wednesday, November 11.

It comes during Al-Wasm, the autumn season traditionally regarded as an important period for rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula.

Is rain expected during Al-Ghafr?

The start of Al-Ghafr does not mean rain is guaranteed.

Rather, traditional Gulf seasonal knowledge associates rainfall occurring during this period with favourable conditions for vegetation and desert truffle growth.

Qatar Calendar House notes that rain during Al-Ghafr is traditionally associated with the growth of faqaa, the desert truffles that appear following suitable rainfall and soil conditions.

Actual rainfall in Qatar still depends on current atmospheric and meteorological conditions and should be followed through official forecasts issued by Qatar Meteorology Department.

What happens during this period?

Al-Ghafr has traditionally been associated with several seasonal and agricultural activities.

According to Qatar Calendar House, the period is considered suitable for transplanting young trees and palm offshoots.

Wheat and barley planting also traditionally continues during this time in central parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

The season also reflects the gradual transition towards cooler conditions as autumn progresses and winter approaches.

Part of traditional Gulf seasonal knowledge

Before modern weather forecasting, communities across the Arabian Peninsula relied heavily on stars, astronomical observations and recurring seasonal patterns to determine the timing of agricultural activities, travel and changes in weather.

Traditional star periods such as Al-Ghafr remain part of this regional seasonal heritage today, alongside modern meteorological forecasting.

Qatar Meteorology continues to share information about these periods to highlight both their cultural significance and their relationship with seasonal changes.

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial