The United Arab Emirates
Weather locations in The United Arab Emirates
Choose a location in The United Arab Emirates to view its available forecast products.
The United Arab Emirates illustrated weather map
3 mapped locations
Only locations with a verified coordinate are marked. The complete location list is below.
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Climate of The United Arab Emirates
Country climate guideThe United Arab Emirates is a thin strip of desert on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, with the Hajar Mountains breaking the country's far east. There is no weather other than desert weather: hot and dry for most of the year, mild and short-lived in winter, with a humid, sticky summer. Rain is scarce everywhere and comes as brief winter showers.
Main climate types
Köppen classifies the whole country as hot desert, with a variant along the coast where the Gulf's humidity raises the discomfort in summer. Though the mountains of the north-east get slightly more rain and cooler nights, winds are the main daily feature: the north-westerly shamal brings cool, dry air and often dust, while the afternoon sea breeze cools the coastal cities.
Temperatures
Abu Dhabi averages about 21 °C in January and about 34 °C in July; Dubai is a degree or two warmer. Summer begins in May and lasts into October, with daytime highs in the mid-40s °C inland and the upper 30s along the coast. Humidity along the Gulf coast climbs above 90 per cent in late July and August, so the coastal heat is more uncomfortable than the figure suggests. Winter nights, especially inland, can fall near 8 °C.
Rainfall
Rainfall is minimal: about 60 to 100 mm a year at the coast, and only 30 mm or so in the interior desert, with totals varying greatly from year to year. Most falls between November and March, frequently as short, heavy showers. The eastern mountains around Fujairah receive considerably more, perhaps 300 mm. Snow has never fallen. Dust storms, sometimes raised by strong winds from the north-west, can reduce visibility across the interior, especially in the warm months.
When to go
Between November and March the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, desert camping and beach walks, with daytime temperatures in the low 20s to high 20s °C. Spring, in March and April, is the best season for the interior desert. The summer months, particularly July and August, are best avoided: the heat is severe and outdoor activity is limited to early morning. If a visit is unavoidable, choose the coast, where the sea breeze and air conditioning make things tolerable.