Climate in Abu Dhabi - When to visit?

the best time for your holidays

The Climate in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi boasts almost all year round sunshine, there is little to none rainfall and with its perfect, moderate winter climate Abu Dhabi is the perfect getaway from the freezing temperatures in Europe and other parts of the world.

Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical climate. High temperatures and sunny blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (January and February) and even then it is usually only a few droplets. So it is higly unlikely to spend a rainy holiday in Abu Dhabi.

Only 6 days of rain in 2018

In 2018/2019 only a full 6 days of rain were registered in Abu Dhabi. And if we talk about rain, we not talking waterfalls, we are talking driplets. Most of the heavy rain in the UAE falls in the mountainous area of Ras al Khaimah, the UAE's northernmost emirate. In contrast to most Europeans, the Arabs love the rain and as soon as the first drops fall to the ground, you will find them in their cars cruising through the rain and happily turning on their porous wipers.

The Arabian (Persian) Gulf is one of the warmest seas in the world and is often referred to as the largest bathtub in the world. The water is basically suitable for swimming all year round. In the winter months though, the temperature drops to 19-22°C, which is the approximate temperature of a lake in Germany or Austria.

Which time of the year is the best?

The weather in Abu Dhabi is hot and warm all year round. There is no real winter and the temperatures never drop below 20°C (68°F). During August and September though you will find many residents fleeing the country to escape the scorching heat and head for cooler climates in Europe.

The best time for your holiday in the Emirates depends primarily on what you are planning to do during your vacation.

April to June & September to November

The best time to enjoy the sun on the various beaches of Abu Dhabi and, of course, for all kinds of water sports such as jet skiing , kite surfing, diving or boat tours around the islands.

Air: 28°C - 39°C (82.4°F - 102.2°F)
Water: 25°C - 32°C ( 77°F - 89.6°F)

December, January, February & March

The best time for sightseeing, shopping and city tours, desert safaris and other attractions such as the Ferrari World, the Louvre or the new Warner Brothers Park in Abu Dhabi. You can still catch a tan as there are around 350 days of sunshine in the UAE but you might find the water temperatures too fresh.

Air: 23°C - 28°C (73.4°F - 82.4°F)
Water: 19°C - 22°C (66.2°F - 71.6°F)

July, August

The typical European summer months in Abu Dhabi are only something for the really heat-resistant. Air-conditioned retreat locations are, of course, the malls / shopping centers as well as indoor parks or museums. The high humidity levels might be a bit uncomortable for people used to drier climates and the water temperature feels more like taking a dib in a hot bathtub than a refreshing swim.

Air: 38°C - 46°C (100.4°F - 114.8°F)
Water: 32°C - 35°C (89.6°F - 95°F)

But dont worry, there is airconditioning absolutely everywhere and you might even need a jacket or shawl for one of the furiously chilled down shopping malls, hotels or restaurants.