Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in April
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April is a transition month for Abu Dhabi, heading from mild pleasant days at the start of the month, usually coinciding with local and European school holidays through to hot days approaching summery highs by month’s end.
There is usually a lot going on around town in April as many outdoor events, brunches and sporting activities squeeze out the last of outdoor weather before life moves indoor, usually around the start of May.
This year, the Holy Month of Ramadan will commence in April, expected to start at sunset 12 April 2021, subject to moon sighting and last through until 12 May 2021.
Whilst Abu Dhabi is issuing tourist visas again post-COVID, there are strict entry requirements. Depending on where you are flying from you are likely to need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival and adhere to a follow-up PCR testing program. Once this is complete, you are free to explore Abu Dhabi & the UAE. Some events and activities are still subject to cancellation. Stay up to date with UAE COVID Information for travellers here.
Abu Dhabi weather in April
Abu Dhabi’s average day time 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 2021
Many events are still subject to cancellations due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19
During April in Abu Dhabi you can expect:
- Ramadan Iftar season – from the expected start date of Ramadan 12 April, hotels and restaurants across the city open their doors at sunset for the breaking of the fast, within group booking rules
- Al Dhafra Water Sports Festival – Heritage event at Al Mirfa Beach (west of Abu Dhabi city) will end on 3 April 2021
Suggested Abu Dhabi activities in April
April, when it’s really starting to warm up, is a great time of year to look at some water and poolside activities.
We suggest in April you will want to mix things up with being indoors during the peak of the day, and enjoying early morning and evenings outside to enjoy the mild nighttime temperatures. Why not try:
- 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 2021
Note that at present there is still a hard border crossing coming from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. You can cross from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and the Northern Emirates without issue, but returning back to Abu Dhabi will require visitors and residents to show a negative PCR test result. A full guide to the Dubai/Abu Dhabi border crossing situation here.
- April is a great time of year for the last of camping and outdoor season. 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 2021
The kids will no doubt be happy sitting poolside in April so staying at one of the lovely city resort hotels with kids club will be an absolute winner at this time of year (Kids clubs currently still closed due to COVID-19 regulations). 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!
(Newly open Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is currently offering some great inclusive deals for your hotel & theme park tickets, well worth looking at)
You can also catch the last of outdoor cinema season at the city’s beloved Umm al Emarat Park, as well as enjoying the beautiful botanical gardens splash parks and wadis they have created for cooling off.
Over on Hudayriyat Island, new attractions including the Circuit X high ropes park, BMX track and skate park are open into the evening, enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Marsana packed full of restaurants, cafes and food trucks beachside.
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: