Month guide · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi in January
What January is really like in Abu Dhabi: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: George Antony, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Peak season: sunny, warm days and cool evenings that may need a light jacket. Ideal for desert trips and the Corniche, though the sea feels cool to some.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Abu Dhabi: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 35°C (95°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with December (26°C (79°F)), January is cooler; by February highs climb to around 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:08
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:55
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Autumn (October–November). Heat fades through October, the sea is at its warmest for swimming, and the season builds towards the Grand Prix and National Day.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Al Dhafra Festival — camel contests and heritage events in the western region (usually December–January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Corniche
Corniche promenade and beach
Rent a bike near the western end and ride towards the Breakwater at sunset for skyline views.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Views
- Active
Viewpoint · Ras Al Akhdar
Observation Deck at 300
On the 74th floor of Etihad Towers, about 300 metres up, the observation deck looks over Emirates Palace, the Corniche and the open Gulf.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Theme park · Yas Island
Yas Waterworld
Arrive at opening in summer and claim a shaded cabana or lounger before midday.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Beach · Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Beach
Several kilometres of fine white sand backed by protected dunes make Saadiyat the city's most natural beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Nature
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Abu Dhabi.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 13°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
One of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and November–December. Compare every month.
Abu Dhabi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
It is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Peak season: sunny, warm days and cool evenings that may need a light jacket. Ideal for desert trips and the Corniche, though the sea feels cool to some.
+How warm is Abu Dhabi in January?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in January?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.