Month guide · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi in May
What May 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
May is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 40°C (104°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 0 rainy days and roughly 13.3 hours of daylight. Very hot. Plan outdoor sights for early morning or after sunset and spend the middle of the day indoors.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 40°C (104°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 0
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Abu Dhabi: days average 40°C (104°F) against a yearly average high of 35°C (95°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 0 of its 31 days. Compared with April (35°C (95°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 42°C (108°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:39
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:58
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°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, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in December). That makes May one of the better-value months to book.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Abu Dhabi, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With intense heat, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Palace · Ras Al Akhdar
Qasr Al Watan
Stay on for the evening light show on the palace façade, which needs a separate or combined ticket.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
- After dark
- Photo spot
Historic site · Downtown
Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building began as an 18th-century watchtower guarding the island's freshwater well and grew into the ruling family's fort.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Theme park · Yas Island
Ferrari World
Ride Formula Rossa early, before queues build, and bring nothing loose; goggles are provided.
- Time needed
- Half to a full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Active
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Theme park · Yas Island
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
An indoor theme park opened in 2018 with themed lands based on Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction and Bedrock, mixing gentle rides for small children with coasters and live shows.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Rainy day
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Abu Dhabi.
What to pack
For highs near 40°C, lows near 25°C and 0 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, November–March are better overall. Compare every month.
Abu Dhabi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Very hot. Plan outdoor sights for early morning or after sunset and spend the middle of the day indoors.
+How warm is Abu Dhabi in May?
Average highs are around 40°C (104°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in May?
Expect rain on about 0 days of the month, so it is usually dry.