The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country of eternal sunshine, endless deserts, and modern megacities. However, the climate is far from uniform. The scorching summers can be challenging, while the mild winters are the best time to relax. If you are planning a trip, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the UAE's weather.
Weather in the UAE by season and month
The weather in the UAE is shaped by its desert subtropical climate. This means that the year is divided into two main periods: a long and very hot summer and a short but pleasant winter. Temperature fluctuations are minimal compared to other regions of the world, and precipitation is so rare that it is often considered a notable event. You can expect clear skies, bright sunshine, and dry air almost every day of the year, especially in the country's interior.
Winter begins in November and lasts until the end of March. This is considered the best time to travel, with daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. The air remains dry, and nights can be cool. The sun is mild during this period, making walks and excursions particularly pleasant. The water warms up to 72-75°F and is comfortable for swimming. This is the ideal season for desert trips, walks through the old quarters of the emirates, shopping, and gastronomic tours. Many major events and festivals also take place at this time.
As April and May arrive, the country heats up rapidly. The heat intensifies, and by mid-May, temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C). Summer in the UAE lasts until the end of September, peaking in July and August. During this period, daytime temperatures can exceed 113°F (45–50°C), while humidity levels near the sea can reach 90%, creating a "steam bath" effect that makes the heat even more intense. The water warms up to 89.6 to 93.2°F — warm, almost like a bath. Nighttime temperatures do not provide the long-awaited coolness either; they rarely drop below 30 degrees. For this reason, most locals and tourists prefer to stay in air-conditioned places in the summer, such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and indoor beaches.
January
is the coolest month of the year in the UAE. Although the average daytime temperature is 73°F and drops to 59°F at night, locals often go outside in warm jackets and hats. For visitors from northern countries, this climate feels more like spring than winter. However, the seawater remains cool at around 17°C, and not every tourist dares to swim. January is also one of the few months with regular rainfall, averaging up to six rainy days. Additionally, fog becomes more frequent during this period, especially in coastal areas, sometimes making driving difficult. January is the perfect month for excursions and active recreation.
February
In the Emirates, February continues to have cool but mild winter weather. During the day, the air temperature can reach +27°C, while at night it stays around +15°C. The water in the bay is slightly warmer than in January, reaching around 66°F, but not everyone dares to swim. In desert regions, it gets noticeably cooler at night, and in some years, the temperature has dropped to 32°F (0°C). The Fujairah area in the east has a slightly warmer and more stable climate, with daytime temperatures reaching 81°F and nighttime temperatures around 68°F. On average, there are about five days of precipitation in February, but it is usually short-lived. This is a good time to travel around the country.
March
March marks the beginning of the transition to a warmer season. During the day, the temperature remains stable at around 82°F, and at night, it does not drop below 68°F. The sea warms up to a comfortable 71°F, making beach holidays increasingly attractive. Although rain is rare in March, there is still a chance of short showers. March is one of the best months for excursions, walks, and desert safaris.
April
The weather in the UAE in April is considered one of the most comfortable for travel and beach holidays. The air warms up to 86°F during the day and does not get colder than 68°F at night, while the water temperature ranges from 72 to 78°F depending on the coast. The probability of precipitation is reduced to almost zero. Morning fog is common in April, and the wind picks up, especially in open areas and desert regions. Days are hot and nights are warm. It's time to put on your sunscreen and relax by the pool.
May
May marks the transition to summer heat. During the day, the air temperature can reach 99°F, and at night, it rarely drops below 77°F. The sea is already quite warm, around 81°F. There is almost no rain during this period, and dry, hot weather covers the whole country. While this time is not the most popular among tourists due to the intense heat, those looking for an affordable, secluded vacation often choose May. It is not the best month for long walks.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in the Emirates. Temperatures rise to +40°C during the day and +27°C at night. The sea temperature in the Persian Gulf can reach 84°F, while in the Gulf of Oman, it is, on average, 1–2°F cooler. The heat is consistent, and most people prefer to spend their days in air-conditioned rooms. The weather is predictably dry. Humidity rises, and the real heat sets in.
July
is undoubtedly the hottest month. The air in the shade warms up to 113°F, and at night it stays around 86°F. The Persian Gulf becomes a "warm sea" with water temperatures around +30°C, while in the Gulf of Oman, the temperature stays around +26°C. Along the coast, you can observe interesting variations in the color of the sand, ranging from reddish beaches in Ras al-Khaimah to dark beaches in Fujairah and nearly white beaches in Dubai. This time of year is only suitable for those who can tolerate extreme heat.
August
Although it becomes slightly easier to breathe in some regions, August retains the heat of July. Temperatures reach +41°C in the shade, and at night, they remain around +29°C. The Fujairah area traditionally has milder weather: around 97°F during the day and around 70°F at night. Sea water in the Gulf of Oman warms up to 77°F, and in the Persian Gulf, it warms up to 89°F. At the end of summer, southeasterly winds known as "shargis" can cause sandstorms. Though rare, these occurrences can last for several days.
September
Despite summer's end, September in the Emirates remains very hot. The average daytime temperature is 97°F, and at night it is around 77°F. Sea water remains warm, reaching temperatures of up to +27°C in the Persian Gulf and +24°C in the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah's climate is slightly milder thanks to its proximity to the mountains. Temperatures here are usually 3–5°C higher than in other regions, especially at night. The heat slowly begins to subside.
October
October brings welcome relief from the summer heat. Average daytime temperatures drop to 93°F, and nights become more comfortable at around 75°F. The water temperature in both bays remains ideal for swimming at around +25°C. Precipitation is rare this month, and the sky is mostly clear. The weather is gradually becoming suitable for active walks and excursions. October is an excellent month for a beach holiday.
November
November is considered the peak of the tourist season in the UAE. During the day, the temperature hovers around 86°F, and at night, around 68°F. The sun's rays are less intense than in the summer, so you can enjoy the beach for longer periods of time. The seawater is warm at around +23°C. Rainfall is rare, averaging only two days per month with up to 10 mm of precipitation. It's the perfect time for travel and excursions.
December
December brings mild, pleasant weather to end the year. During the day, the air warms up to 77°F, and at night, the temperature drops to 63°F. The water in the Gulf of Oman is traditionally slightly warmer than in the Persian Gulf — by about two degrees. In December, there is usually no more than three rainy days, and the chance of rain is minimal. Cool, sometimes dusty winds can blow in from the north, drying out the air, especially away from the coast. December is a very popular month among tourists.
What is the best time to visit the UAE?
When planning a trip, it's important to consider the country's climate. The main tourist season is winter and early spring (November to March). During this time, the country becomes the perfect vacation spot, with moderate temperatures, minimal rainfall, warm seas, and endless leisure activities.
Spring and fall will appeal to those who don't mind higher temperatures, but summer should only be considered if you can tolerate the heat well or are planning a "hotel-beach-shopping mall" type of vacation. However, it is during the summer that you can find great discounts on hotels, flights, and shopping. Regardless of the season, the UAE is a country where everyone can find suitable vacation conditions, especially if you plan your trip with the climate in mind.
Weather in popular UAE resorts
The climate in different emirates has minor but important differences. For example, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are located on the Persian Gulf coast, have high summer humidity, especially in July and August. This makes staying outdoors during the daytime extremely uncomfortable. However, winter is particularly pleasant here, with mild, warm air, moderate sunshine, and ideal conditions for beach holidays and shopping.
Sharjah's climate is almost identical to Dubai's, but it is often chosen by those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Ras Al Khaimah is located further north, closer to the mountains. Due to lower humidity and the proximity of mountain air currents, it often has more comfortable conditions, especially at night. Fujairah is located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The climate here is milder, and it is slightly cooler in summer than in other parts of the country. Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are popular among tourists seeking seclusion, and the proximity to the mountains makes the climate in these regions slightly less humid and more comfortable.
Sandstorms in the UAE
Sand and dust storms are a distinctive feature of the UAE's weather. They mainly occur in spring and summer, severely affecting visibility and air quality. These phenomena rarely last more than a day or two, but they can be uncomfortable, especially for people with sensitive respiratory tracts. During a storm, it is best to stay indoors, close the windows, and use air conditioners with air filters. Although sandstorms are not catastrophic, they are a natural part of life in the desert and should be expected, especially during the hot season.
The weather is a key factor to consider when planning a trip to the UAE. The country offers sunny and predictable weather almost year-round, but the hot summers require an adjusted approach to vacationing. The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is pleasant, the air is fresh, and tourist services are fully operational. However, if you don't mind the heat and are looking for great deals, summer can also be an interesting option, especially for a beach holiday in Fujairah or mountain walks in Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE welcomes tourists year-round, but it's best to visit when the weather is pleasant rather than challenging.
