Month guide · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi in March
What March is really like in Abu Dhabi: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Down, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Warm days and pleasant evenings; beaches and water parks become comfortable, and the cooler season's outdoor festivals wind down.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the 9th-warmest month in Abu Dhabi: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 35°C (95°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with February (26°C (79°F)), March is warmer; by April highs climb to around 35°C (95°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:32
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:32
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Winter (December–February). Peak season with sunny days in the mid-20s, cool evenings, festivals and the highest hotel prices; the sea is cool for some swimmers.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
- Abu Dhabi Festival continues (usually into March)
- Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba (usually runs through the winter into March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Architecture · Ras Al Akhdar
Emirates Palace
Dress smart-casual; beachwear and very short clothing are not suitable in the lobby and cafés.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Couples
Theme park · Yas Island
Ferrari World
Under a vast red roof, this mostly indoor park is home to Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters in the world at 240 km/h, plus gentler rides, driving simulators and a gallery of Ferrari cars.
- Time needed
- Half to a full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Active
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Experience · Yas Island
Yas Marina Circuit
If you only want to see the track, a guided tour is far less expensive than a driving experience.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Active
- After dark
- Iconic
Palace · Ras Al Akhdar
Qasr Al Watan
A working presidential palace opened to visitors in 2019, Qasr Al Watan has a Great Hall under a vast central dome, ceremonial meeting rooms, a library of Arab manuscripts and exhibits on Emirati governance and science.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
- After dark
- Photo spot
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Abu Dhabi.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 17°C and 2 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
One of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are November–February. Compare every month.
Abu Dhabi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
It is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Warm days and pleasant evenings; beaches and water parks become comfortable, and the cooler season's outdoor festivals wind down.
+How warm is Abu Dhabi in March?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in March?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.