Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in April
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April is a transition month for Abu Dhabi, from mild pleasant days at the start of the month, usually coinciding with local and European school holidays, to hot days approaching summery highs by the month’s end.
There is usually a lot going on around town in April as many outdoor events, al fresco breakfasts, brunches, and bars squeeze out the last of outdoor weather before life moves indoors, usually around the start of May.
This year, the Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on 23 March and last until 21 April 2023 (subject to the moon sighting).
All entry restrictions previously imposed on tourists due to COVID-19 have now been removed and there is no longer a need to take a PCR test or present an”Al Hosn Green Pass” in order to enter public spaces.
You can stay up to date with all the latest COVID rules in Abu Dhabi here.
Abu Dhabi Weather in April
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in April is 31.4°C (88.5°F), with highs as much as 43°C (109.4°F) and average lows overnight down to 24.6°C (76.3°F).
In April, you should expect sea temperatures on average of 25.2°C (77.4°F). The month starts with minimum seas temperatures of around 22.7°C (74.9°F), climbing by month end to a very pleasant 27.7°C (79.9°F).
Make no mistake, no matter what time of year you visit Abu Dhabi, you will still want a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses – you can find our full packing list tips for Abu Dhabi here.
Weather information sourced from the National Centre of Meteorology Climate Report 2003-2019 for Abu Dhabi Corniche and seatemperature.org
Abu Dhabi special events in April 2023
During April 2023 in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan will be the predominant event. Expected to run from 22 March to 21 April 2023 (final dates subject to moon sighting), the key events and celebrations in Abu Dhabi this April will revolve around Iftar and Suhoor. Note that non-muslims can attend, but it is polite to dress modestly and allow fasting guests to serve themselves first.
- These are our top Iftar picks for Abu Dhabi in 2022 (yes, you can attend as a non-Muslim)
- Find our favourite succulent Suhoors in Abu Dhabi for late-night dining
- To learn more about Ramadan in the UAE click here.
Cultural Events in Abu Dhabi in April 2023
Live entertainment ceases during Ramadan, so there isn’t much going on around the capital this month.
- Watch the Iftar cannon being fired at Umm Al Emarat Park/Qasr Al Hosn at sunset throughout Ramadan.
- There are various sumptuous iftars (the sunset meal taken after a day of fasting) around the city. Still, for something out of the ordinary, The Westin Hotel will be offering Iftar on the grass. You can also experience Iftar with your favourite Warner Brothers characters at The WB on Yas Island, or for a truly magical experience, take Iftar in the great underwater tunnel at the National Aquarium.
- Eid Al Fitr is due to be celebrated around the 21st of April. The streets will be lit up with lights, and firework displays will be found across the city throughout the Eid holiday (usually 3 days). Fireworks have already been confirmed at Yas Bay and on Abu Dhabi Corniche, but there are likely to be found in other locations too. Times and dates will be confirmed in line with the moon sighting.
- Eid celebrations featuring traditional dancing and other cultural spectacles have also been confirmed at Qasr Al Hosn and Manarat Al Saadiyat for Eida. Times and dates will be confirmed in line with the moon sighting.
- On Monday, 24th April (following Eid), there is an acrobatics workshop with the Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger at the NYU Arts Centre.
Theatrical Events
- Masha and the Bear will come to life at the Etihad Arena on the 29th and 30th April 2023
- Water Circus Fontana will make their Abu Dhabi debut on April 18, 2023, with shows running through until June.
Suggested Abu Dhabi activities in April 2023
April, when it’s really starting to warm up, is a great time of year to look at some water and poolside activities. You should be mindful that Ramadan will; cover much of April and that eating and drinking will be restricted in some places, and that loud music and other live entertainment may be limited during daylight hours.
We suggest in April, you will want to mix things up by being indoors during the peak of the day and enjoying the early morning and evenings outside to enjoy the mild nighttime temperatures. Why not try:
- Visit the brand new Abrahamic Family House, a fascinating interfaith complex featuring a mosque, church and synagogue on Saadiyat Island.
- Hiring an early morning kayak from the Eastern Mangroves, followed by breakfast on the Eastern Mangroves Promenade.
- Kayak or walk the boardwalk at Jubail Mangrove Park, followed by a morning touring the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Take a guided speed boat tour around Abu Dhabi’s extensive coastline – there are Yas Marina options as well as tours that leave from the Emirates Palace Marina.
- Enjoy a day trip to relax on the stunning little Al Maya Island.
- Tour the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; at any time of year, it’s ready to shine with its radiant beauty.
- Stroll the Corniche in the evening, or even better, hire a bike or a scooter from the central Corniche plaza to get the most of Abu Dhabi’s 8km long beach frontage.
- Visit Qasr Al Watan to see the country’s Presidential Palace in action.
Day trips from Abu Dhabi in April 2022
- April is a great time to squeeze in a bit of camping before the outdoor season ends. If you don’t have access to your own tent, why not head to Sir Bani Yas Island to enjoy this stunning nature reserve (an overnight stay at one of the beachfront villas is highly recommended!) or try one of these purpose-built glamping sites in Abu Dhabi.
- Try the refreshing Al Ain Oasis on a day trip to the Garden City, Al Ain.
- It’s still pleasant enough in the evenings to enjoy a desert safari, admire the sparkling dunes at sunset followed by a traditional Bedouin experience under the stars.
Abu Dhabi with kids in April 2022
The kids will no doubt be happy sitting poolside in April, so staying at one of the lovely city resort hotels with a kids club will be an absolute winner at this time of year, especially as things now carry on much as usual during Ramadan inside most beachfront hotels. We love the family-friendly facilities at:
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island – Ultra All Inclusive
- Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
- The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
April is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoor rides and attractions of Yas Waterworld, followed by cooling off at either Warner Bros World or Ferrari World, both indoors for a reprieve from the heat!
You can also catch the last of outdoor cinema season at the city’s beloved Umm al Emarat Park, as well as enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens, splash parks and wadis they have created for cooling off. During Ramadan, they will also be hosting the firing of the cannon, a truly special experience if you’re new to the Muslim culture, followed by an Iftar picnic.
Enjoy the attractions on Hudayriyat Island, including the Circuit X high ropes park, BMX track, skate park and splash park; all of which are open into the evening. Soak up the nighttime atmosphere of the Marsana area, packed full of restaurants, cafes and food trucks right by the beach (beach access with sun loungers here is FREE! a real bonus in Abu Dhabi).
Check out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi every month here
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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