Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in October
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Depending on what time of the month you are looking at, October can be a great time to visit Abu Dhabi. The peak summer temperatures noticeably drop off by mid-month, and by the end of October, there are signs that the cooler days of winter might be on their way.
It is a great time of year for beach weather if you like your heat, although we’d still recommend you stay indoors between midday and about 4:00 pm and make the most of early mornings and cooler evenings.
Further Reading: The best time of year to visit Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Weather in October
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in October is 33.9°C (93°F), with highs as much as 41.6°C (106.9°F) and average lows overnight down to 28°C (82.4°F).
In October, you should expect sea temperatures on average of 31.6°C (88.9°F). Maximum sea temperatures are expected of 33°C (90.3°F) through to a minimum of 30.2°C (87.5°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 October 2023
As the city starts to come alive after the long, hot summer, October seems to be jam-packed with things to do!
We are still updating this monthly guide to Abu Dhabi events for 2023 – Other events may be added as they are publicized.
Live Entertainment
- American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth kicks off October at the Etihad Arena with the ‘Charlie’ live experience on October 1st.
- Also, on October 1st, Maestro Yuri Bashmet and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Russia will perform live at the Auditorium at the Emirates Palace.
- Disney on Ice returns to the Etihad Arena to mark ‘100 Years of Wonder’ this October with shows from the 11th to the 15th of October. Look out for special school night offers! For more details, click here.
- Let British megastar Robbie Williams entertain you at the Etihad Arena on the 18th of October. Make sure you buy your tickets early so that you have no regrets! To learn more click here.
- Budding ballerinas will love the chance to see a bite-size performance of Prokofiev’s Cinderella at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation on the 21st October.
- Comedian Andrew Schultz brings ‘The Life Tour’ to the Etihad Arena on the 22nd of October.
- Popular Irish ‘boy band’ Westlife have just announced that they will be returning to the Etihad Arena on the 27th October! Warning! Tickets are selling fast!
- If you need more laughs, Jo Koy will be making audiences giggle on his ‘World Tour’ at the Etihad Arena on the 28th October.
- The 28th of October also brings ‘A Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi’ at the NYUAD Arts Centre.
Sporting Events
- You can catch all of the Ryder Cup action with a live screening at the Yas Acres Country Club on the 1st of October.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games on October 7th at the Etihad Arena.
- Hudayriat Island will host the all new Dragon Boat Race Series on the 13th and 14th October.
- Brace yourself for an action-packed night of fights on the 21st of October as Makhachev clashes with Oliveira in UFC’s fight showdown at the Etihad Arena. To find out more, click here.
Festivals and Outdoor Events
- The much-loved Al Dhafra Festival kicks off on the 21st of October in the Al Gharbia region near Madinat Zayed. The festival celebrates Emirati heritage, including falconry displays, camel and Saluki racing, and even a camel beauty contest. For more details about the Al Dhafra festival, click here.
- The whole family can also enjoy watching an open-air movie together on Fridays and Saturdays at Umm Al Emarat Park. Take your picnic blanket, grab a spot by the big screen, and enjoy a family blockbuster as the sun sets!
Other Events in Abu Dhabi this October
- Perhaps not something that you would anticipate from the UAE is the celebration of Oktoberfest. In emulation of the traditional German beer festival, many hotels have their own beer gardens set up with a variety of German food and continental beers on offer. From the 1st-31st October, you can enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine and live music at The Westin Hotel.
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will also host an Oktoberfest event on the 6th and 7th of October. You should also look out for Oktoberfest-themed brunches throughout October.
- Another celebration that does not exactly spring to mind when you think of the UAE is Halloween, yet in recent years, it’s become a big and well-loved event. Many hotels offer Halloween-themed brunches, afternoon teas, and even murder mystery nights. Most larger residential developments host Halloween parties, and many malls have Halloween treasure hunts. Last year, the Galleria Mall went all-out with their ‘Monster Village’ and expected to return in a similar format – and look for Warner Bros World trick-or-treating events and lots of other spooky goings on!
You can find a complete guide to Abu Dhabi events in 2023 here
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in October 2023
As the weather starts to cool, it’s time to start taking advantage of some of Abu Dhabi’s outdoor attractions. Some things you could try include:
- Take a kayak or eco-donut boat out onto the Eastern Mangrove
- Enjoy the spectacular Louvre, followed by afternoon tea at one of Saadiyat Island’s beautiful 5-star hotels.
- Take a tour of Qasr Al Hosn before taking a sunset cruise along the Corniche.
- Enjoy one of Abu Dhabi’s exclusive and luxurious beach clubs, or take in many of the free (or really cheap) public beaches.
- Stroll the Yas Bay Waterfront and enjoy some of the city’s best new restaurant openings and nightlife.
Day Trips from Abu Dhabi in October
If you want to head away from the beaches and malls of Abu Dhabi, here are a few suggestions of other places that you can visit within the UAE:
- Visit Al Ain, the garden city of Abu Dhabi, with its lush green oases and archaeological wonders. Visit the camel market and drive to the summit of Jebel Hafeet for beautiful views and some cool fresh air.
- Leave the city behind and head to the Al Dhafra festival.
- Head to Dubai, visit Legoland or one of the other theme parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts, or be enchanted by Dubai’s Miracle Garden, reopening in October for its winter season.
- Get out into the desert on a desert safari and get to grips with the UAE’s cultural heartland.
Abu Dhabi with Kids in October
With the cooler weather on its way, it’s a fabulous time of year to seek out more outdoor opportunities, albeit these will still be limited due to social distancing measures.
In October in Abu Dhabi, why not try:
- Take a splash in the fountains, then enjoy Cinema in the Park – Umm Al Emarat Park
- Visit the Jubail Mangrove Park
- Take a kid-friendly self-guided tour of the glimmering Qasr Al Watan – Presidential Palace
- A day out at Yas Waterworld on Yas Island
- For any really hot days, check out the revamped children’s museum at the Louvre
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.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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