The year in brief
Temperatures below are typical afternoon highs and night lows on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai coast, rounded from long-term averages. Inland deserts run hotter by day and cooler by night, and mountains such as Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet are several degrees cooler.
- December to February: highs about 24 to 27, lows about 14 to 17. The best weather, the busiest and most expensive months, and the coolest desert nights.
- March: highs about 29 to 30, lows about 18 to 19. Excellent, with fewer crowds than the winter peak.
- April: highs in the mid-30s, lows about 22. Warm days, pleasant evenings; the season winds down.
- May: highs near 40, lows about 26. The start of summer; outdoor plans move to early morning and evening.
- June to September: highs 41 to 43, lows 29 to 33, with high humidity on the coast. Plan indoor days and sunset activities.
- October: highs about 36, lows about 25. The season restarts: parks and festivals reopen from early October.
- November: highs about 30 to 31, lows about 20 to 21. Excellent and rising in price.
Beyond the temperature
Haze and dust: spring and summer winds can reduce visibility, which matters for views from towers and balloons. Rain: it is rare, concentrated between December and March, and brief, but flash floods in wadis are dangerous, so do not enter a dry riverbed when rain is forecast. Humidity: the coast is humid in late summer and autumn, and a 38-degree day can feel much hotter. Sea temperature: warm enough to swim almost year-round, and most pleasant in October and April to May.
For desert and camp plans, the cool season is the whole point. Our guide to the best time to visit a desert camp goes into it in more detail.
What to pack, and what to plan around
From November to March pack light layers: T-shirts for the day, a jacket for desert and mountain evenings and something warmer for the Jebel Hafeet and Jebel Jais summits. From April to October pack breathable fabrics, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, and carry a light layer for air-conditioned interiors, which can be very cold.
As a guide to timing: beach days are best from October to April; desert camping and stargazing from November to March; hiking and mountain drives from November to March; outdoor theme parks and Global Village from November to February; and cycling at Al Qudra from November to March, early in the morning.
Questions people ask
What is the best month to visit the UAE?+
December to February have the coolest, driest weather. March and November are nearly as good and slightly cheaper.
Is the UAE too hot in summer?+
Daytime outdoor activity is difficult from June to September, with highs above 40 degrees and humidity on the coast. Most activity moves indoors and to evenings.
Does it rain in the UAE in winter?+
Occasionally, mostly between December and March. Rain is brief, but flash floods in wadis are dangerous.
Photo: Lxs, CC BY 4.0
