Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in August
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Abu Dhabi experiences extremely hot and often humid weather throughout August.
It can be unbearable for many but is also low season, so you can bag yourself a bargain on accommodation and soak up the rays in relative peace if you don’t mind the heat.
Further Reading: Find current COVID entry requirements for Abu Dhabi here and learn more about how to download and use the Alhosn app for entry into public spaces in Abu Dhabi emirate.
Please note the events guide section of this post is yet to be updated for 2023.
Abu Dhabi Weather in August
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in August is 40.2°C (140.4°F), with highs as much as a sweltering 48°C (118.4°F) and average lows overnight down to 32.8°C (91°F).
By mid-August, you really start to feel the humidity too, which sticks around until October. The “feels like” temperature, which includes the wind chill factor, can be significantly higher in August. It is not advisable to be out in direct sunlight during the peak of the day.
Although most days bring clear blue skies, sandstorms and a dusty haze are not uncommon in Abu Dhabi in August.
In August, you should expect sea temperatures on average of 33.8°C (92.8°F). Maximum sea temperatures are expected of 35°C (94°F) through to a minimum of 32.6°c (91.6°F).
It really feels like dipping into a spa in August; many prefer a hotel with a nice chilled pool at this time of year to negate the steamy ocean temperatures – not to mention how hot the sand gets! August is not a highly recommended beach month!
Make no mistake, no matter what time of year you visit Abu Dhabi, you will 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 August 2023
We are still updating this monthly guide to Abu Dhabi events for 2023 – dates and details below may still reference 2022
During August, there are relatively few major events but plenty of enticing hospitality specials to still encourage you to get out and about.
Many local expatriate workers disappear to their home countries during the hottest months, so you can grab great local hotel deals with no crowds.
Major Abu Dhabi events in August 2023
- Islamic New Year – 1 Muharram 1444 – 30 July 2022 – sometimes declared a public holiday but generally goes fairly unobserved for tourists. A public and private sector holiday has been declared for Saturday, 30 July 2022 (not as anticipated, Monday 1 August)
- ADNEC Abu Dhabi Summer Sports – offering plenty of ways to stay active indoors, 27,000 sqm have been transformed into sports space and running track from 1 July to 31 August.
- Schools return – 29 August – proposed return date for public and private schools. It is generally quieter for tourists once the schools return, but this year it will likely make little difference to crowd numbers.
There are no scheduled events at Etihad arena until October 2022. However, you’ll still find a lively evening atmosphere around the new dining and nightlife district of Yas Bay throughout August.
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in August
Given the intense heat of August beyond a resort pool, you are best sticking to indoor activities in August or enjoying the coolest weather of the day, early morning and evening.
If you’re keen to pick up some rays, we recommend you choose a beach club that also offers the relief of a chilled swimming pool and bar nearby. Some favourites include:
- Nation Riviera Beach Club at The St Regis
- Bayshore Beach Club at the InterContinental
- Saadiyat Beach Club
- West Bay Abu Dhabi at Radisson Blu
You can read about all our favourite Abu Dhabi beach clubs here.
In terms of indoor attractions, the following places have their doors open throughout summer:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr al Watan
- Observation 300 (Observation Deck and afternoon tea options at the Lobby Lounge)
For those who prefer something outdoors and active still, why not try a boating experience, operating from many different parts of the city:
- Pilot your own boat with Rhino Rides through the Mangroves
- Take a traditional abra cruise along the Grand Canal with Captain Tony’s
- Enjoy The Yellow Boats guided speed boat tour from the Corniche
Day Trips From Abu Dhabi in August
Some nearby experiences still within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi you could try include:
- A daycation to Zaya Narui Island – just a 10-minute speed boat from Saadiyat Island
- A daycation to Al Maya Island & Resort – boats depart from near the Palace
- Visit the (indoor) eclectic car collection at Emirates National Auto Museum
If you’d like to head further afield, there’s plenty still going on down the road in Dubai. Some Dubai indoor ideas for August include:
- See the brand-new Museum of the Future
- There are plenty of entirely indoor attractions around Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai, including a trip to Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Aquarium, and Dubai Opera, or try Sky Views observatory and Sky Walk for a glass-bottomed city slide!
- Kids will love the giant indoor play centre and roller coaster at the newly opened Dubai Hills Mall.
Heading down the road to Dubai? You can check out more of what’s happening in Dubai in August here
Abu Dhabi With Kids in August
Keeping the kids entertained in the heat can be tough. Why not try one of the indoor theme parks on Yas Island?
We recommend for your tweens and thrill-seekers to try CLYMB Abu Dhabi, an indoor rocking centre and indoor skydiving experience attached to Yas Mall.
You can also try the great theme park trio of:
Although Yas Waterworld is outdoors, you’ll still find it slightly refreshing in August with chilled water. Ferrari World and WB World are both entirely indoors.
You can find a great detailed guide to everything to do with kids in Abu Dhabi over the summer here.
For convenience, we recommend staying at one of nearby the Yas Hotels, where you’ll also get access to Yas Beach. Newcomer Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is proving very popular with theme park stay and play packages available.
Closer to town, you may also want to check out the new National Aquarium in Al Qana, or the small but hands-on and entertaining National Geographic Ultimate Explorers in Galleria Mall.
For a little adrenaline rush, why not try the Velocity Slides at World Trade Centre mall?
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.
- 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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