Season guide · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi in winter

December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.

Updated 23 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Quick answer

Peak season with sunny days in the mid-20s, cool evenings, festivals and the highest hotel prices; the sea is cool for some swimmers. Expect highs up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F), with about 6 rainy days across December–February. December–February are among the best months of the year to visit.

Months: December–February
Temperatures: 13°C (55°F) to 26°C (79°F)
Rainy days in the season: About 6
Sea: 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (73°F)
Crowds: Busy
Hotel prices: High

Weather in winter

Abu Dhabi in winter: month by month
Month	High	Low	Rainy days	Daylight	Crowds
January	24°C (75°F)	13°C (55°F)	2	10.8 h	4/5
February	26°C (79°F)	14°C (57°F)	2	11.3 h	4/5
December	26°C (79°F)	15°C (59°F)	2	10.6 h	5/5

Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 25°C (77°F) against a yearly 35°C (95°F), and 6 of the year's roughly 10 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.

What's on in winter

Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.

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)
February: Abu Dhabi Festival — classical music and arts season (usually February–March)
December: UAE National Day — fireworks and celebrations (2 December)
December: Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba — heritage, food and fireworks (usually from November through the winter)
December: New Year's Eve fireworks over the Corniche and Yas Island

Make the most of the weather

Waterfront · Corniche

Corniche promenade and beach

An 8-kilometre seafront promenade with separate walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, cafés and lawns runs along the island's north-western shore.

Time needed: 1–3 hours
Cost: Free

Free
Kids
Outdoors
Views
Active

Viewpoint · Ras Al Akhdar

Observation Deck at 300

Go about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight and as the Corniche lights up.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Mid-priced

Views
Couples
Photo spot

Theme park · Yas Island

Yas Waterworld

This water park next to Ferrari World has slides from toddler splash zones to high-speed drops, a wave pool and a lazy river, all themed around an Emirati pearl-diving legend.

Time needed: Full day
Cost: Expensive

Kids
Outdoors
Active

Aquarium · Yas Island

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Check the day's show schedule on arrival and plan the realms around the shows you want to see.

Time needed: Full day
Cost: Expensive

Kids
Rainy day
Nature

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

Day trips in winter

Al Ain (About 1.5–2 hours by car or intercity bus) — The UAE's garden city has UNESCO-listed oases where falaj channels water thousands of date palms, Al Jahili Fort, the Al Ain Palace Museum in Sheikh Zayed's former home and the winding mountain road up Jebel Hafeet.
Dubai (About 1.5 hours by car or bus) — The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and its fountain shows, the old Al Fahidi district and the abra boats across Dubai Creek make a long but easy day trip.

What to pack

Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening
Comfortable walking shoes

Other times of year

Questions travellers ask

+Is winter a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?

Yes: December–February are among the best months. Peak season with sunny days in the mid-20s, cool evenings, festivals and the highest hotel prices; the sea is cool for some swimmers.

+What is the weather like in Abu Dhabi in winter?

Highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F), with about 6 rainy days over the season.