Last updated: January 18, 2025
Abu Dhabi, located in the United Arab Emirates, exhibits a BWh climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification, characterizing it as an arid, desert environment. This region experiences extreme temperature variations, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) recorded in February, and soaring to an average of 29°C (84°F) overall. The scorching summer months can reach a stunning maximum of 48°C (119°F) in August, highlighting the intense heat that defines Abu Dhabi's climate. Such conditions play a significant role in shaping the natural landscape and human activities within the emirate.
Abu Dhabi experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns characterized by mild winters and blistering summers. January and February offer the coolest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F), while daytime averages hover around 19-20°C (67-69°F). As the seasons transition into late winter and spring, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April at an average of 29°C (84°F) and a maximum of 43°C (110°F). The summer months of May through August bring relentless heat, with average temperatures soaring to 32-37°C (90-99°F) and maximums consistently reaching 48°C (118°F) or even 49°C (120°F). The heat gradually subsides in September, followed by a return to milder conditions in October and November, where temperatures again dip, with November averaging 26°C (79°F). Overall, this fluctuation establishes Abu Dhabi as a region of extreme thermal dynamics, providing a sharp contrast between its coldest and hottest periods throughout the year.
In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, temperature variations are notable across different cities. In Abu Dhabi, temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in February to a maximum of 45°C (112°F) in July. For more details, see monthly temperatures in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Al Ain City experiences a slightly broader range, with February lows of 8°C (47°F) and July highs of 47°C (116°F). Detailed information can be found at monthly temperatures in Al Ain City. Lastly, Khalifah A City resembles Abu Dhabi, with temperatures fluctuating between 13°C (55°F) in February to 45°C (112°F) in July, as outlined in monthly temperatures in Khalifah A City.
Abu Dhabi's climate is characterized by minimal precipitation throughout the year, reflecting its arid environment. The wettest month is January, receiving approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall, while February and March follow closely with 5 mm (0.2 inches) and 8 mm (0.3 inches) respectively. Notably, precipitation becomes increasingly scarce as the year progresses, with April yielding only 4 mm (0.2 inches). The late spring and summer months, particularly May through September, often experience little to no rainfall, emphasizing the harsh, dry conditions typical of this region.
As the year draws to a close, Abu Dhabi sees a slight uptick in precipitation, with both October and November each recording 2 mm (0.1 inches), along with December matching this figure. However, overall, significant rain is rare, with most months reporting either minimal or no precipitation at all. Furthermore, rain days are infrequent, with the exception of March, which sees just a single day of rain, underscoring the prolonged dry spells that define the emirate's climate.
Abu Dhabi basks in abundant sunshine, with a marked increase in hours as the year progresses. January starts the year with 250 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 285 hours in February. This upward trend continues through the spring months, culminating in April, when residents enjoy approximately 339 hours of sunlight. May signals the transition into summer, boasting the highest sunshine duration of the year at 371 hours. Such a pattern illustrates not only the appeal of the cheerful sunshine to locals and tourists alike but also reinforces the region's desert climate, characterized by bright days and clear skies.
As summer takes hold in June, sunshine hours slightly dip to 367 hours, yet remain impressively high through July and August, with 370 and 358 hours respectively. The autumn months see a gradual decrease, as September records 335 hours and both October and November interface with around 305 hours each. Despite the slight reduction in sunlight, the months leading up to winter still provide ample brightness, making Abu Dhabi a destination for sun-seekers year-round. This consistent sunshine underscores the emirate’s allure, even as temperatures rise significantly during peak summer months.
The UV Index (UVI) in Abu Dhabi presents a significant seasonal variation, peaking during the late spring and summer months. Starting at a moderate UVI of 7 in January, the index quickly escalates to 9 in February, indicating an upward trend as sunlight intensifies. From March onward, the UVI reaches notably high levels, with readings of 12 in both March and April, and climbing further to 13 in May. This pattern indicates the onset of increasingly harmful UV radiation, which continues into the summer months of June and July, where the UVI remains high at 12 and 13, respectively.
As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins a gradual decline, with August recording a UVI of 11, followed by a slight dip to 10 in October. By November and December, the UVI returns to 7, similar to January levels, reflecting the cooler and shorter days of winter. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures against UV radiation, particularly during the peak months of May through July, when exposure can lead to skin damage and increased health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Abu Dhabi, daylight duration experiences a rhythmic pattern over the course of the year, reflecting the changing seasons. January offers about 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. This trend continues into spring, with daylight stretching to 12 hours in both March and April. The peak daylight hours occur in late spring and early summer, with May, June, and July each enjoying 13 hours of sunlight. This abundance of daylight during these months promotes outdoor activities and the exploration of the emirate’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight duration begins to decrease, with both August and September recording 12 hours of daylight. The reduction continues into the fall months, where October sees 11 hours, followed by a return to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical change in daylight not only shapes the daily routines of residents but also highlights the perpetual appeal of Abu Dhabi's sunny weather throughout the year, making it a vibrant destination for visitors.
Abu Dhabi experiences a hot desert climate characterized by sweltering summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from an average of 20°C (69°F) in January to 36°C (97°F) in July and August. Rainfall is scarce, peaking modestly at 11 mm (0.4 in) in January and remaining virtually absent from May to October. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with sunshine hours ranging from 249 in January to a peak of 372 in May. This combination of high temperatures, minimal rainfall, and substantial sunshine defines the city’s arid climate. For more detailed information, you can visit the Abu Dhabi climate page.
Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates, experiences a hot desert climate with temperatures ranging significantly throughout the year. Winters are mild with January's average hovering around 19°C (67°F) and minimal rainfall, only 13 mm (0.5 in), reflecting the dry nature of the region. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly in July and August, where temperatures can reach a scorching 47°C (116°F) with very little rain, barely accumulating 3 mm (0.1 in). Despite the intense heat, the city enjoys ample sunshine, averaging up to 372 hours in May. For more detailed information about the city's climate patterns, visit Al Ain City climate.
Khalifah A City in the United Arab Emirates experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year. Summer months, notably July and August, see average highs soaring to 45°C (112°F), while winter months like January and February have average highs around 28°C (84°F) to 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is scarce, with no precipitation occurring from May through September and minimal amounts in the winter, peaking at 11 mm (0.4 in) in January. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with the city receiving the highest in May at 372 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Khalifah A City climate.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi exemplifies a unique climate characterized by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, abundant sunshine, high UV Index levels, and distinct daylight duration patterns throughout the year. With scorching summers that see temperatures soar and ample sunlight gracing much of the year, the emirate emerges as a prime location for sun enthusiasts. However, the pronounced UV Index during peak months necessitates diligence in sun protection. The gradual transition from shorter winter days to longer summer sunlight not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also invites global visitors to partake in its vibrant culture and natural beauty. Understanding these climatic dynamics is crucial for both daily activities and long-term planning in this desert oasis.