Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in July
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Abu Dhabi experiences very long, hot summers. July is slightly drier than August, but it is still exceptionally hot and can be very muggy and dusty. Most events and activities go on hold over summer as many expatriates disappear to their home countries during the hottest part of the year.
That said, life no longer grinds to a halt in the Capital and the bravest of sun seekers can still enjoy a summer stopover in July. Let’s take a look at the average weather in Abu Dhabi in July and events and activities you can still indulge in over the hottest summer months in the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Average Weather in July
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in July is 38.9°C (102°F), with highs as much as 47.9°C (118.2°F) and average overnight lows down to 32.3°C (90.1°F). You may also experience some days of high humidity in Abu Dhabi, though this doesn’t really kick in until August-September. The ‘feels like’ temperature will regularly reach 50°C in July.
In July, you should expect sea temperatures on average of 32.8°C (91°F). At the start of the month, sea temperatures average 30.8°C (89°F) through to a maximum of 34.9°C (93.1°F). If you’re coming for the beach weather in July, you’ll most definitely want to stay somewhere that chills their pool, and wear something to protect your feet!
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 July 2026
July is generally a quiet month for large events, as many resident expats use the hottest months to return to their home countries. For those sticking about town and visitors to Abu Dhabi, here’s what’s on:
We are currently updating this page. Events below may pertain to 2025. New events for 2026 will be added once information is available.
Note that we do use affiliate links to some of our preferred third-party suppliers
Cultural Events
- Head to the Liwa Date Festival, one of the most significant events in the local culture calendar. The event is organised by the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee –Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Heritage Club. It takes place from July 14th until July 27th in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region.
Live Music, Theatre & Comedy
- Catch the end of Comedy Season at Etihad Arena with Bill Burr on 12 July 2025
- Jennifer Lopez will appear for a single night on her Up All Night tour at Etihad Arena on 29 July 2025.
Live Sport
- The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) has been transformed into an indoor sports hub for AD Summer Sports – you can try a vast range of games and sports, from badminton and basketball to agility training and action cricket. Running from 5 June to 21 August 2025, 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
- Motocross enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Arena Cross World Tour Finals taking place at Etihad Arena on 5 July 2025
- UFC Fight Night returns to Etihad Arena for Whittaker vs De Ridder on 26 July 2025
- Expect FIFA Club World Cup action, as well as the Lions tour Downunder, to be hot on the screens of many Sports Bars across the city this month
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in July 2026
Due to the extreme weather and conditions in July, we suggest keeping to indoor activities. Why not try;
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi – bask in air-conditioned comfort while experiencing a journey through humanity in this beautiful waterfront masterpiece (NB, they are running a Summer Pass promotion 6 June through 30 September, get a 30% discount on entry!)
- The newly opened TeamLab Phenomena is the next coolest place to be this summer. Also situated on Saadiyat Island, this Japanese sensation combines art, science and technology for an out-of-this-world immersive expereince.
- Harry Potter™: The Exhibition opens in Abu Dhabi on 25 July 2025 (running through until 14 September 2025) at Manarat al Saadiyat.
- Take the journey to Observation 300 for afternoon tea at Conrad Etihad Towers, or simply enjoy the views from the observation deck at one of Abu Dhabi’s most unique modern buildings.
- Explore the inside of Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s Presidential Palace. It is arguably the most beautiful building in the country, rivaling the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (and with more parts indoors!).
- Treat yourself to an indulgent escape at an Abu Dhabi luxury spa day.
- Chill out at Snow Abu Dhabi indoor snow park in Reem Mall – step into an incredible icy world as temperatures outside soar to the high 40s!
Seeking an outdoor option? New for 2025, Hudayriyat Island has opened the city’s very first night beach at Marsana East. Open from sunset to 10:00 pm weekdays and midnight on weekends, beach-goers can swim under floodlights to enjoy the ever so moderately cooler weather of summer evenings in Abu Dhabi (at least you won’t burn your feet on the sand!) Open from July through September 2025.
Day Trips From Abu Dhabi in July 2026
Dubai day trips remain popular, even in the peak of summer. Some highlights you might want to experience in July:
- Take an indoor ski lesson at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates.
- Spend an evening in Downtown Dubai – enjoy the sunset at Burj Khalifa, followed by dinner at one of the countless venues both in the Mall and adjacent Souk al Bahar (note that the Dubai fountains are closed over summer 2025 for extensive renovations).
- Take a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Dubai Frame or the city’s newest observation deck, the View at the Palm.
- Visit the Museum of the Future for a glimpse of life 50 years from now in the city’s most surreal new building.
You can find a complete guide to the best of Dubai in July over here on our partner site dubaitravelplanner.com
Abu Dhabi With Kids in July 2026
There is no shortage of family-friendly things to do indoors in Abu Dhabi during the summer. For residents, make sure you check out the huge range of Abu Dhabi summer camps for kids on offer this year (the best lineup we’ve ever seen!), plus some of our favourite usual indoor greats:
- WB World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor theme park based around Looney Toons and DC Comic favourite characters – see our full review here!
- Ferrari World – ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster and check out the thrilling new family zone with some of the best thrilling roller coasters and rides for kids under 12.
- CLYMB Abu Dhabi – incredible indoor skydiving and rock climbing experience, suitable for kids even as young as 3 years old! Super thrilling and high-energy, but a wonderfully air-conditioned experience!
- SeaWorld Yas Island – The newest addition to the Yas Island theme park circuit, SeaWorld takes you on a maritime journey from the Poles to the Tropics.
- Visit the National Aquarium and dine at Al Qana, the city’s latest waterfront development to open.
- Also at Al Qana is the new Adrenark Adventure indoor park, with more than 20 rides and experiences; this place has everything you can imagine, from fairground rides to climbing walls to caving experiences. Great for kids of all ages!
- Older kids into e-gaming could find their indoor fix at neighbouring Pixoul Gaming Al Qana, which is expected to offer VR gaming, esports events, and summer programs.
- For those brave enough to venture outdoors still, 1 July sees the much-await opening of the Yas Waterworld extension, bringing over 60 water-based adventures to 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 and 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.
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