Best time to visit · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Down, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is November to March, when days are warm and sunny (24–31°C) and evenings are comfortable for the Corniche, the desert and outdoor dining. April and October are good shoulder months. June to August is extremely hot and humid; it suits travellers who focus on indoor theme parks and want the lowest hotel rates.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–March
- Shoulder season
- April and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 43°C (109°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 24°C (75°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~2 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–August
Seasons
Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate. November to March is warm and sunny with comfortable evenings, while June to September brings daytime highs above 40°C with coastal humidity. Rain is rare and falls mostly as short winter showers.
December–February
Winter
Peak season with sunny days in the mid-20s, cool evenings, festivals and the highest hotel prices; the sea is cool for some swimmers.
March–May
Spring
Warm March days give way to real heat by May; beaches and water parks are at their best in March and April.
June–September
Summer
Highs above 40°C with coastal humidity. Indoor attractions, malls and hotel pools take over, and room rates drop sharply.
October–November
Autumn
Heat fades through October, the sea is at its warmest for swimming, and the season builds towards the Grand Prix and National Day.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 13°C | 2 | 22°C | 10.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 26°C | 14°C | 2 | 21°C | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 30°C | 17°C | 2 | 22°C | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 35°C | 21°C | 1 | 25°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 40°C | 25°C | 0 | 28°C | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 42°C | 27°C | 0 | 31°C | 13.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| July | 43°C | 29°C | 0 | 32°C | 13.5 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 43°C | 30°C | 0 | 33°C | 13 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 41°C | 27°C | 0 | 32°C | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 37°C | 23°C | 0 | 30°C | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 31°C | 18°C | 1 | 27°C | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 26°C | 15°C | 2 | 23°C | 10.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Al Dhafra Festival — camel contests and heritage events in the western region (usually December–January) |
| February | Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open — women's tennis tournament (usually early February); Abu Dhabi Festival — classical music and arts season (usually February–March) |
| March | Abu Dhabi Festival continues (usually into March); Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba (usually runs through the winter into March) |
| November | Abu Dhabi Art — gallery fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat (usually November); Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit (usually late November or early December) |
| December | UAE National Day — fireworks and celebrations (2 December); Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba — heritage, food and fireworks (usually from November through the winter); New Year's Eve fireworks over the Corniche and Yas Island |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–August, and the sights are quietest in June. Many visitors avoid June–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Abu Dhabi?
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is November to March, when days are warm and sunny (24–31°C) and evenings are comfortable for the Corniche, the desert and outdoor dining. April and October are good shoulder months. June to August is extremely hot and humid; it suits travellers who focus on indoor theme parks and want the lowest hotel rates.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Abu Dhabi?
Usually in June–August. Extreme heat and rising humidity. Hotel rates are at their lowest and indoor parks, malls and museums are the focus.
+What is the rainiest month in Abu Dhabi?
January, with about 2 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Abu Dhabi get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 43°C (109°F) and lows of 29°C (84°F).