Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in January
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Abu Dhabi enjoys wonderfully mild winter days in January. Usually crisp and clear, but rain and overcast days can be expected occasionally, too.
It can be deceptively cooler than you think in the winter, the coldest point of the year in Abu Dhabi. A beachy holiday and water-based ideas like Yas Waterworld may not be at their prime, but it’s perfect for outdoor exploration and getting beyond the city and into the desert.
Most of the crowds from Christmas – New Year break have left by the second week of January, and local kids are back at school, so it tends to be a quiet time to visit, a low season for hotels even though there’s pleasant weather.
Further Reading: When is the best time of year to visit Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Weather in January
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in January is a mild 22.7°C (72.9°F), with highs as much as 31.3°C (88.3°F) and average lows overnight down to a slightly chilly 17.8°C (64°F).
In January, you should expect sea temperatures of 22.7°C (72.9°F) on average. The minimum sea temperature in January is 20.4°C (70.6°F), with a maximum by the end of the month of 25.1°C (75.3°F).
It’s not the ideal time of year for the beach, but it’s perfect for exploring outdoors without building up a sweat!
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.
Abu Dhabi Special Events in January 2026
There’s loads to keep you occupied in Abu Dhabi this January! Here are just some of the many wonderful events happening around the capital in January 2026.
Cultural & Heritage Events
- The Al Hosn Festival, a living celebration of Emirati history and culture, will take place at the Qasr Al Hosn from 17 January to 1 February 2026. For more details, click here.
- Catch the last few days of Liwa International Festival, concluding for the season on 3 January 2026 – Liwa Village
- The Sheikh Zayed Festival – held on purpose-built festival showgrounds in Al Wathba, an annual event that runs from late November through to 22 March 2026.
- Al Dhafra Festival – A traditional Bedouin Festival held in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, near the town of Madinat Zayed. Events range from Saluki racing and falconry to the much-coveted Camel Mazayna, finding the region’s most beautiful camels. This really is one of the country’s most exciting and intriguing cultural events – you can learn more here.
Theatrical & Music events
- January is a great time for live music lovers in Abu Dhabi as Saadiyat Nights returns for another season. The lineup this year includes Diana Ross (January 9th), Ludovico Einaudi (January 10th), Lewis Capaldi (January 17th), John Mayer (January 24th), Max Richter (January 29th), Ricky Martin (January 31st), Mariah Carey (February 7th) and Bryan Adams (February 11th).
- Ballet fans can enjoy Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet performed by the Russian National Ballet at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation on the 9th of January.
- Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ World Tour will hit the Etihad Arena on the 20th of January.
- Indian musical legend, A.R. Rahman, will be bringing his award-winning tunes to the Etihad Arena on the 23rd of January.
- Children can enjoy a stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation on the 23rd and 24th of January.
- Friday 30th and Saturday 31st of January see Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out on stage at the Etihad Arena.
Sporting Events
- Hit the water for the annual Dragon Boat Race Series on Hudayriyat Island, TBC.
- The Mubadala World Tennis Championship will begin on January 31st 2026 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in January 2026
January is the perfect month for being outside; we recommend you look at some of the city’s cultural attractions. Why not try:
- Qasr Al Hosn – found in the centre of Abu Dhabi island. Home to Abu Dhabi’s original landmark, Al Hosn Fort, this is the perfect place to step back in time.
- A city boat tour is a fabulous way to see the city, made up of hundreds of islands; there are several departure locations and types of boats, from thrilling speed boats to more sedate traditional dhows to get out on the water and enjoy the fresh winter air.
- Kayak around the Louvre – not just a place to appreciate the artworks and history of civilization, the Louvre Abu Dhabi also offers unique kayaking tours beneath the brilliant arched ceiling and waterways of the museum.
Day Trips from Abu Dhabi in January 2026
January is a great time to visit the Oasis City of Al Ain. Situated approximately 160km southeast of the city, Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate is considered the historic centre. With the lush greenery of Al Ain Oasis (A UNESCO World Heritage site), there are several forts and museums to explore here, plus the UAE’s highest peak to scale (in your car!) Jebel Hafeet.
You’ll find a good guide here on everything you can expect in Al Ain.
- An organized tour can be a great way to get around the sites of Al Ain without needing to self-drive.
- Check out the new Jebel Hafit Desert Park for some stunning glamping and camping options, as well as the opportunity to explore the 5000-year-old beehive tombs.
- Experience an overnight desert safari in the Al Katim Desert, outside of the city, where you can enjoy camel rides, sand sports, an Arabic buffet dinner and Bedouin hospitality – compare Abu Dhabi desert safari options here.
Abu Dhabi with Kids in January 2026
- A visit to see the new Jubail Mangrove Park on Al Jubail Island is a great way to get some fresh air, see the great outdoors, and learn more about the UAE’s unique marine life. If you get a rainy day, though, the National Aquarium is another great indoor choice for marine life lovers.
- Visit Al Hudayriyat Island, the city’s latest leisure destination to open to the public, which includes adrenaline activities from high ropes and a skating park through to the beautiful waterfront dining venue Marsana with a public beach and splash park on hand. An inflatable water park on the beach has joined the entertainment lineup this winter, along with Trail X, for trying out your mountain biking skills.
- Enjoy the city’s largest park, Umm al Emarat Park, on a family day out. Explore the botanical gardens and wadi’s through to Splash Park, enjoy a session at Bounce outdoors and a free cinema in the park on Thursday to Saturday evenings (10 AED park entry fee applies).
Note that its common for Yas Waterworld to close in January for annual maintenance – TBC for January 2026. There’s still plenty of theme park fun can be found on Yas Island at WB World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World and SeaWorld Yas Island.
Check out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi every month here
Before you go… Important Things to Consider When 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.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in 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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