PREPARING TO GO
CLIMATE Climate
E
ssentially, Abu Dhabi’s weather varies from hot and dry to extremely hot and dry throughout the year. The sub-tropical, arid climate means there are clear blue skies almost all year round, with a very small amount of rainfall (12 cm per year) between November and March. When it does rain, showers tend to be relatively light and last just a few hours. During the winter months of January and February, temperatures are as low as 13C (50F) at night. Winter days are usually very bright and sunny, with fresh breezes making the temperature feel a little lower than it is. The summer months see temperatures reach sizzling highs, which have been known to hit 50C (122F) during the very hottest days. At this time of year, people usually avoid being outdoors altogether, sticking to air-conditioned malls, cars and homes until the temperature drops. The summer evenings are uncomfortably hot and sticky too – the temperature drops a little, but not enough for spending any amount of time outdoors to be a good idea. It’s much more humid during the summer, which can make it even more difficult to cope with the high temperatures.
The summer months see temperatures reach sizzling highs, which have been known to hit 50C (122F) during the very hottest days.
40°
40
36°
36
32°
32
28°
28
24°
24
20°
20
16°
16
12°
12
8°
8
4°
4
0°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Millimetres of Precipitation
Average Daily High in ºCelsius
Sandstorms are a fairly rare occurrence in Abu Dhabi, but occasionally a strong dusty wind whips the sand from the desert and blows it into the city. It’s best to stay indoors when this happens – although the storms are relatively weak, visibility on the roads is impaired and sand can blow into your eyes if you’re outside. If you do go out, make sure you shut fast your doors and windows, otherwise you might find your floors covered with sand when you return.
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29 THE ESSENTIALS GUIDE ABU DHABI