Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sharjah, located in the United Arab Emirates, exhibits a BWh climate classification characterized by its arid conditions. The region experiences a significant temperature range, with minima reaching as low as 9°C (48°F) in January, while scorching maximums can soar to 47°C (116°F) during the peak of summer in July. The average temperature throughout the year remains comfortably warm at 28°C (83°F), highlighting Sharjah's distinct, sun-drenched environment that defines its climatic personality.
Sharjah’s temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal progression influenced by its arid climate. The year begins with cooler conditions in January and February, where minimum temperatures hover around 9°C (48°F), gradually warming to an average of 21°C (70°F) as February transitions into March. Spring brings a marked increase, with March experiencing a peak average of 24°C (75°F), while April sees temperatures climb steadily towards 41°C (106°F). As summer approaches, the heat intensifies, peaking in July with maximum temperatures reaching an extreme 47°C (116°F). The latter part of summer, particularly August and September, maintains high averages of around 34°C (94°F), followed by a gradual cooling trend in October and November, where temperatures once again dip to more moderate levels. By December, the climate shifts toward a cooler period, culminating the year with averages around 22°C (71°F), suggesting a subtle yet clear seasonal rhythm in Sharjah's temperature journey.
In the emirate of Sharjah, the climate varies across its cities, with both Khawr Fakkan and Murbah experiencing minimum temperatures of 12°C (55°F) in February and maximums of 41°C (106°F) in June. Heat peaks more intensely in Sharjah city, where temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F) in January and soar up to 47°C (116°F) in July. For detailed monthly temperature patterns, explore the climate links for Khawr Fakkan, Murbah, and Sharjah.
Sharjah experiences minimal precipitation throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter months. January and March see the highest amounts, receiving 18 mm (0.7 in) and 19 mm (0.7 in) respectively, while February follows closely behind with 16 mm (0.6 in). This relatively moist start to the year is characterized by a few rainy days, averaging 1 to 2 days of rainfall each month, effectively contributing to the region's limited annual totals. As spring unfolds, precipitation declines significantly, hitting its lowest in June and August, with virtually no rain recorded during these months.
As the year progresses toward summer and early autumn, precipitation becomes exceedingly scarce. Notably, the summer months of May through September often register little to no rainfall, with July and September recording absolute dryness. The scant precipitation that does occur later in the year, such as 5 mm (0.2 in) in October and a slight uptick in November with 7 mm (0.3 in), continues to emphasize Sharjah's overall dry climate. The annual cycle of precipitation clearly reflects the arid conditions typical of this desert region, with moist periods sharply contrasted by extended dry spells.
Sharjah enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, with a clear seasonal trend emerging as winter gives way to summer. In the winter months, January and February receive 247 and 284 hours of sunshine respectively, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the days lengthen. By March, sunshine hours climb to 332, reaching a peak of 340 hours in April. This steady rise culminates in May, which boasts 375 hours of glorious sunlight, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Following closely, June and July maintain high sunshine durations at 370 hours, showcasing Sharjah’s sun-drenched landscape during the height of summer.
As summer transitions into early autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, albeit gradually. August still enjoys 357 hours of sunshine, while September sees a decrease to 334 hours. October and November continue on this downward trajectory, providing 332 hours and 306 hours respectively. December rounds out the year with 302 hours, still showcasing ample sunshine, although less than mid-year levels. Overall, Sharjah's climate is characterized by abundant sunshine, with peak hours in late spring to early summer, offering plenty of bright days for residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in Sharjah displays a pronounced seasonal pattern, peaking during the late spring and summer months when solar radiation is at its most intense. Beginning the year, January shows a moderate UV Index of 6, which rises steadily to 8 in February. The index then escalates significantly in March and April, reaching 11, indicating an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. May marks a critical point, with the UV Index hitting 12, the highest level for the year, as the sun's intensity climbs, prompting residents and visitors to take heightened precautions against UV exposure.
As summer progresses, the UV Index remains consistently high, stabilizing at 11 from June through August, before gradually tapering off in the fall. September sees a slight decrease to 10, while October and November lower the index to 9 and 7, respectively. The year concludes with December at 6, reflecting a reduction in UV intensity as winter approaches. This trend underscores the necessity for sun safety measures throughout the year, particularly during the peak summer months when the risk of sun-related health issues is most pronounced.
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Daylight duration in Sharjah illustrates a clear seasonal cycle, reflecting the region's tropical desert climate. Beginning in January, the city experiences approximately 10 hours of daylight, with this duration gradually increasing each month as winter transitions to spring. By March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a trend that continues into April. This period marks a peak in daylight hours, providing residents with ample sunlight to enjoy outdoor activities as warmer temperatures begin to set in. May and June see a further increase to 13 hours of daylight, maintaining this level throughout the summer months.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to decline once more. August retains 12 hours of daylight, while September also enjoys the same duration. However, as October arrives, daylight decreases to 11 hours, followed by a return to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern highlights Sharjah's stable climate, providing a balance of sunlight across the year, with notable peaks in summer that contribute to the region's warm and vibrant environment.
Adh Dhayd, United Arab Emirates, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year. The summer months, from May to September, see average temperatures ranging from 33°C to 36°C (91°F to 97°F), while the winter months from December to February feature milder averages of around 20°C to 21°C (68°F to 70°F). The region receives scant rainfall, particularly negligible from April through October, with peak precipitation occurring in March at just 20 mm (0.8 in). Despite the arid conditions, Adh Dhayd enjoys abundant sunshine, with totals exceeding 300 hours each month. For more detailed climate information, visit Adh Dhayd climate.
Khawr Fakkan, located in the United Arab Emirates, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Average temperatures range from 20°C (69°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in the peak summer months of June and July, with maximum highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F). Precipitation is sparse, with rainfall peaking in January at 22 mm and nearly nonexistent in the summer months. The area enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, especially from May to August, with over 370 hours of sunshine each month. For more details on the climate in this region, visit Khawr Fakkan climate.
Murbah, United Arab Emirates, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. During the summer months, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), particularly from May to September, while winter months bring milder weather, with averages ranging between 20°C (69°F) and 25°C (78°F). Annual precipitation remains low, peaking at 22 mm (0.8 in) during January, while June, July, and August see scant rain. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with peak hours between March and July, reaching up to 375 hours in May. For more detailed information, please visit the Murbah climate page.
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and warm winters. Temperatures peak in July with average highs reaching 47°C (116°F), while January offers milder conditions with average temperatures around 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is scarce throughout the year, totaling about 67 mm, with the majority falling in winter months like January and February. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with approximately 374 hours. For more details on Sharjah’s climate, visit the Sharjah climate page.
In conclusion, Sharjah's climatic characteristics, including its temperature, precipitation patterns, UV Index, and daylight duration, highlight the distinctive qualities of this desert city. The region experiences extreme summer heat, tempered somewhat by mild winter temperatures, while precipitation remains scarce throughout the year. The consistent high UV Index during spring and summer underscores the necessity for sun protection, while the daylight duration follows a predictable seasonal pattern that offers residents and visitors ample sunlight for outdoor activities. Collectively, these factors create a unique environment that embodies the essence of life in Sharjah, where the interplay of warmth and sunshine shapes the daily routines and experiences of its inhabitants.