Sun-Soaked Splendors: Why Abu Dhabi Still Sizzles in Summer

Should You Still Visit Abu Dhabi in the Peak of Summer? Local Tips For Battling the Heat & Having a Great Summer Trip to the UAE Capital

Abu Dhabi gets hot in the summer. Really hot. We’re talking up to 50°C (122°F). But is it still worth planning a stopover or even a longer holiday in Abu Dhabi over the hot summer months?

Yes, it’s going to be sweaty hot, but it’s also a city built to deal with the extreme temperatures. A summer stopover, or even a longer stay in Abu Dhabi in July and August, might not be as unbearable as you think.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at what you can expect from Abu Dhabi in Summer, from exactly how hot and uncomfortable it gets to what attractions and activities remain open and accessible even in the hottest summer months.

Abu Dhabi Summer Temperatures – How Hot Does it Get?

While summer averages are reported at 45°C (113°F), it is quite typical to experience daytime maximums up to 50°C (122°F). The hottest month of the year in Abu Dhabi is August.

When is summer in Abu Dhabi? “Summer” weather in Abu Dhabi realistically runs from late May until mid-October.

Exactly how hot is Abu Dhabi?  Check out this chart for Abu Dhabi’s average reported monthly temperatures ⁽¹⁾ .

How hot you feel and the temperatures that are actually reported can be two different things. You need to take into account not only the temperature but also the humidity. It helps if you have a weather app that gives you the “feels like” temperature as well!

Surprisingly for many, the humidity does get very high in Abu Dhabi and tends to be more noticeable in the latter half of summer, particularly in August and September.

Pools can be a refreshing antidote to the Abu Dhabi heat, however, the same cannot be said for the ocean!  You must be mindful that the salty waters of the Gulf can be too hot for swimming in over the summer (reaching up to 32-35°C/90-95°F); it will feel more like spa water than a chance to cool down.

And if it isn’t obvious, the sand becomes excruciatingly hot in the summer. It only takes burning sand to become trapped in your sandals or flip-flops once for you to work this out, let alone if you dare walk on it barefoot!

Dressing For The Heat in Abu Dhabi

Whilst air conditioning makes indoor spaces comfortable, it’s important to dress for the heat as some outdoor time in Abu Dhabi is unavoidable – even if it’s just walking from your hotel lobby to a taxi.

We recommend loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing for both men and women throughout the summer. A wide-brimmed sun hat and shirt or dress with a collar would also be good items to add to your packing list. As well as dressing for the heat, it’s important to dress appropriately and respect cultural etiquette:

• Tourists must note the difference between “resort wear” and what should be worn publicly. Although this seems to have relaxed over the years (maybe a little too much?), as a sign of respect, skimpy clothing and bathers should be worn only to the pool and beach.
• When walking through hotel public areas, on public transport, in malls and restaurants, you should ALWAYS dress respectfully for the Muslim country you are in. At a minimum, both ladies and gents should cover their knees and shoulders and wear nothing too clingy or revealing. You will see many people flaunting this “rule”, but it doesn’t go down well with the local community, including its expat residents.

Another thing to note is that temperature drops between outside and indoor air conditioning can be extreme. Make no mistake, you will still want to pack a wrap or cardigan for those indoor blasts of cold even during the hottest months!

Before you pack for Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to check out our comprehensive guide on what to wear, with the conservative Abu Dhabi Dress Code explained

Abu Dhabi Summer Attractions 2024

Even in the heat of summer, there’s loads to do in Abu Dhabi, we recommend:

• Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque early in the morning or later in the evening. Much of the site is underground and air-conditioned. The outdoor porticoes are cool and shaded but there are some fully outdoor elements.

• Explore the Louvre – Culture vultures will love this modern building with its sampler collection of artifacts from all over the world. There’s even a children’s museum for younger explorers.

• Be amazed at Qatar Al Watan – The UAE’s stunning Presidential Palace is largely indoors. Golf Buggies are available to transfer you from your car to the main entrance building, and you’ll be shuttled inside the venue by a luxury coach.

• Discover Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s historic heart. Most of the site is indoors, although some rooms are accessed via shaded outdoor porticoes and an outdoor courtyard. It’s a great place to visit late afternoon. We recommend teaming up your visit with the adjacent House of the Artisans for a peek into traditional crafts and the Emirati way of life.

• Visit Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation – an interesting building containing a variety of exhibitions, theatre spaces and a beautiful children’s library.

• Check out what’s on at the Etihad Arena! Whether it’s a musical like The Lion King or Matilda or a band like Coldplay or Westlife, this is the Abu Dhabi venue for big-name entertainment in Yas Bay.

• Discover an underwater world at the National Aquarium – the biggest aquarium in the Middle East is home to 46,000 animals. Located in the Al Qana complex, the aquarium is close to other family attractions, including the Adrenark Adventure Park and Pixoul Gaming which are both fantastic if you’re visiting with children or teenagers.

• Have fun at Warner Brother’s World – A world-class indoor theme park with around 30 rides and attractions. Whether you want to talk about fighting crime with Batman or enjoy a log flume ride through Bedrock, Warner Brother’s World is the place to be.

• Boost your adrenaline levels at Ferrari World – Home to the fastest roller coaster in the world! Much of Ferrari World is indoors. You wont even notice the heat as you zoom through the outdoor air on Formula Russo or Flying Aces!

• The brand new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is another fantastic indoor venue with rides and amusements as well as marine exhibits. For a truly chilly experience, step into the Antractica realm, kept at a chilly 1C! .

• If you really can’t stand the heat, head into temperatures of 2°C at Snow Abu Dhabi. This indoor, winter-themed park for all ages on Reem Island, is a great place to enjoy some family time.

• Have afternoon tea in a fancy hotel. There are loads to choose from, all offering something a little bit different. Observation 300 at Etihad Towers can be a great choice if you want to enjoy some spectacular city views indoors. Check out our handy guide here for our tried-and-tested favourites.

• Treat yourself to a spa day. Many hotels have special offers during the summer months, which often include outdoor pool access. You can find out more about Abu Dhabi’s beautiful spas here.

• Shop ‘til you drop at one of Abu Dhabi’s swish shopping Malls – Our favourites are the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island and Yas Mall on Yas Island.

• Check out what’s on at Theatre by Vox and enjoy a three-course meal in a fully reclining seat whilst you watch the latest blockbuster.

Pop over here for a complete guide on what to do indoors in Abu Dhabi, and for families, check out these awesome summer camps for kids that run over July & August.

Can You Still Enjoy Outdoor Activities in the Abu Dhabi Summer?

People live in Abu Dhabi all year round, and whilst they may be more used to the summer heat, many outdoor activities are still manageable for tourists.

Some outdoor attractions (including some beach clubs) close over the summer whilst others have reduced hours. Some days are obviously hotter than others and looking at the forecast can help you to plan accordingly.

You should take note of how your body feels on particular days. Whilst a morning may start off ‘cool’ or, at least a ‘comfortable’ temperature, it is recommended that you take to the shade (preferably indoors) between at least 11am and 3pm throughout the summer months.

Here are some of our summer outdoor suggestions:

• Visit Umm Al Emarat Park after sunset. Yes, it’ll still be hot and sticky (especially in August), but the beautifully lit fountains and children’s splash park make this a great place to spend some outdoor time in summer. There are also several air-conditioned indoor restaurants onsite to give you some chilly respite.

• Take an early morning or late afternoon swim. Most hotels have pools that are open until late, but beaches usually close at sunset. We recommend sitting in the shade when you are not in the water.

• Visit Yas Water World, one of the region’s best water parks. We recommend water shoes to protect your feet on the hot footpaths, a UV suit or rash vest, a sun hat, and plenty of high-factor sunblock (see our complete guide on what to pack for an Abu Dhabi trip here). There are shaded areas for babies and toddlers, plenty of umbrellas, and some indoor air-conditioned areas for respite.

• Visit a public park early in the morning (before 7am, if possible). While larger gated parks may be closed until later in the day, many smaller playgrounds and public promenades are open 24 hours. An early morning stroll along the Corniche or Yas Bay Waterfront can help relieve any notions of cabin fever!

• Perhaps take an evening desert safari. Desert safaris do still operate in the summer. You are largely in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the camp area, it is usually cool enough to enjoy the various activities, albeit sweaty. Whilst we think that a safari is still an option in summer, it is important to know your limits and the limits of those you are travelling with; for that reason, we wouldn’t recommend this to people travelling with children, older people or those with health conditions. You can find out more about Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris here.

Final Tips For Outdoor Activities in Abu Dhabi Over Summer

If you’re going to partake in any outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi during the summer you need to ensure you are properly hydrated. Carrying a water bottle is a must. If you’ll be driving and have your own hire car, carry plenty of water and an umbrella to protect you from the sun, you never know when you may break down.

Remember that any temperature above 37.5°C is greater than body temperature and that staying outdoors for long periods of time can cause heat exhaustion and aggravate other health conditions.

As well as carrying water to drink, a cold water misting fan might also be helpful in cooling you down.

Best Places to Stay in Abu Dhabi in the Summer

When it comes to picking the best places to stay in summer, you will want to seek those with either easy pool facilities nearby the hotel rooms or attached to other attractions such as shopping malls so you can walk through airconditioned comfort.

Hotels Attached to Shopping Malls

If you don’t want to step out into the heat, some good choices where you are immediately adjacent to an air-conditioned shopping mall include:

• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Situated on the Corniche, this beautiful 5-star hotel is attached to a small mall known as the Nation Towers Mall. The mall includes a variety of cafes and restaurants, a cinema, a small selection of shops, several salons and a beauty clinic.

• Rosewood Hotel Abu Dhabi – Another stunning 5-star hotel with excellent spa facilities on Al Maryah Island, with direct access to the sprawling Galleria Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and best shopping destinations. Alongside a range of international high-street stores (such as Next, American Eagle, and Zara) is a collection of luxury high-end boutiques (think Gucci, Chanel and Dior). There’s a whole host of eating establishments catering to every taste. So whether you fancy large portions at The Cheesecake Factory, local brewed beers at Craft or carefully curated haute cuisine at LPM, this is the place for you. The Galleria also offers a number of children’s play centres, a cinema, and several licensed bars along its waterside promenade.

• Another 5-star hotel with direct access to the Galleria Mall is the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Like the Rosewood, it has great spa facilities, an excellent breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool terrace, and views across the city.

• The Abu Dhabi Beach Rotana, next to Abu Dhabi Mall, is a slightly cheaper option than the hotels listed above. It has good facilities and access to the mall, which is home to several international brands, cafes, and restaurants.

• Another more affordable option is the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, located in the city’s heart, next to the popular Al Wahda Mall. The mall features a variety of global high-street favourites, a large food court, several restaurants and cafes, a large children’s play centre, a gym, a roller skating area, and a cinema. It is also adjacent to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, which offers suburban, regional and intercity bus services, including to Dubai.

Resorts with excellent chilled pool facilities

These are some of our favourites where the pools are located very close to the main hotel accommodations, so you’ll be aircon to a chilled dip in no time:

• Jumeirah Saadiyat Island – Large pool area, just a stone’s throw from the hotel doors.
• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas—This beautiful hotel and villa complex has several pools, including an adults-only shaded pool on Saadiyat Island. While there is a kid section, we’d say of all the Saadiyat resorts, this is a top pick for couples.
• Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas—This slightly more affordable choice on Saadiyat Island has a large pool, just a hop, skip, and jump from your hotel room. It is a favourite for families in the summer, and there are kids’ club options, too.
• Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – A lovely pool area and a shaded kids’ splash area very close to the hotel’s main restaurant and easy access to off-site dining.
• Crown Plaza Yas Island – A more budget-friendly option with a decent pool on a terrace overlooking the sea (look for Stay and Play packages with the Yas Theme Parks).
• Radisson Blu, Yas Island – Another good budget choice on Yas Island, with a big chilled pool set just off the hotel lobby, which remains well-shaded most of the day. They also offer Yas Stay and Play package options along with a big indoor kids’ play area adjacent to the pool.
• A number of hotel resort complexes also offer villas with private pools, which can be an excellent choice for a summer retreat.

Whilst Abu Dhabi is unquestionably hot in summer, there is still loads to fill your time. It’s important to know your limits and stay hydrated, but if you feel that you can handle it, there are still opportunities to get outside and explore this stunning city no matter what time of year you visit.

More FAQs about visiting Abu Dhabi in Summer