Climate of Abu Dhabi
Located on an island in the Persian Gulf, on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Abu Dhabi is considered one of the hottest cities in the world, although inferior in this respect to Mecca, which is located on the other side of the peninsula.
The city is located in the tropical geographical zone. Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate here is desert and arid, precipitation is extremely rare, but the relative humidity of the air is quite high and stays at the maximum acceptable level for a person of about 60% all year round.
In the summer season, from June to September, the air temperature can rise to +50 °C degrees, and on average it stays at around +40 °C degrees. The peak of heat falls on July-August, and together with high humidity makes these months almost unbearable, especially for tourists.
The tourist season begins in October, when the sizzling heat gives way to a comfortable temperature of +30–35°C, and continues until May. The coldest months are January and February, when the air temperature drops to +22 °C. The desert climate of Abu Dhabi is characterized by a noticeable difference between day and night air temperatures, especially in summer and spring, so when going for a walk, it will not be superfluous to grab a light sweater or cape, especially if you plan to return after sunset.
Weather facts about Abu Dhabi
- The peak of the heat happens in August: average daytime temperatures reach +35°C, nighttime temperatures reach +30°C. Often at noon, the mercury column jumps up to +43 °C. In the same month, the absolute maximum was recorded – +49.2°C.
- Also from June to October the sun shines every day, and the cloudiness is minimal. From November to March there are 2-5 relatively cloudy days.
- The wind in the capital of the Emirates is strong: with a maximum speed in February, March and June (4.4 m/s), and a minimum speed in September and October (up to 3.8 m/s).
- The coldest month is January. During the day the thermometer shows +24°C, at night – +13°C. The absolute minimum also belongs to the middle of winter: +5°C.
- Record holders for precipitation in Abu Dhabi are February and March. Monthly drops of 22 mm and 15 mm, respectively. The driest period is from June to October, when there is no rain at all (0–1.5 mm per month).
- The average annual temperature in the Persian Gulf is +27°C: from +18°C in February to +33°C in August.
Water temperature in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the water temperature varies considerably from month to month. The best months for a beach holiday are April, May, October and November, when the water warms up to +25–27 °C.
In March and December, the water temperature in Abu Dhabi drops to + 23-24 °C, which still feels like a quite comfortable level, and in January and February it can reach +18 °C, which is already quite low, and there is plenty of splashing at such the temperature in the sea will not work.
In summer, the sea can warm up from +27 °C in June to +35 °C in August, but do not be tempted by such high temperatures. It’s a little colder than a hot tub, and combined with very hot air temperatures and hot sand, a beach holiday in Abu Dhabi in the summer will not bring much pleasure.
Tourism Specialist in the UAE. Higher professional education. Paperwork and booking tours in the UAE. Professional management of clients at all stages of the journey – from the application to the return.
