Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate with two distinct halves of the year rather than four seasons. Here's what that actually feels like on the ground.
Think of the Abu Dhabi calendar as two seasons: a long, mild “winter” from roughly November to March, and a long, intense summer from May to September, with April and October acting as transition months. There's no real spring or autumn in the way a temperate-climate visitor might expect — the shift between the two states happens over a few weeks rather than gradually.
Because Abu Dhabi sits directly on the Gulf coast, humidity is often the bigger factor in how the heat actually feels, especially in the shoulder and summer months. A 38°C day with high humidity can feel more draining than a 42°C day inland, which is part of why the desert interior (Liwa, Al Ain) can feel more bearable in the dry heat than the coastal city at certain times of year.
For the winter travel season, pack layers: warm-weather clothing for the day, and a light jacket or sweater for breezy evenings and heavily air-conditioned interiors. For summer, prioritise breathable fabrics, sun protection and a refillable water bottle — and expect to spend more time than you'd think moving between air-conditioned spaces by car or taxi rather than walking outdoors.
Yes, particularly near the Corniche and the islands, especially from late spring through early autumn. The desert interior is drier.
January is typically the coolest month, with pleasant days and cooler evenings that sometimes call for a light jacket.
