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 and brunches and bars 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 from 2 April 2022, subject to moon sighting and last through until 2 May 2022.
Entry restrictions to Abu Dhabi and the UAE have significantly eased with a pre-departure PCR tests and follow up testing whilst in Abu Dhabi no longer required. However, note that the emirate of Abu Dhabi requires all over 16’s to present a “green pass” on their Al Hosn app before entering any public buildings. Learn exactly how the green pass works and how to register as an overseas tourist 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 2022
During April 2022 in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan will be the predominant event. Expected to run from 2 April to 1 May 2022 (final dates subject to moon sighting), the key events and celebrations in Abu Dhabi this April will revolve around Iftar and Suhoor.
After a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, Iftar tents will be back with additional safety measures in place, as well as large hotel and restaurant iftar buffets.
- These are our top Iftar picks for Abu Dhabi in 2022 (yes, you can attend as a non-Muslim)
- Find our favourite succulent Suhoors in Abu Dhabi for late-night dining
Cultural Events in Abu Dhabi this April
- Catch the last couple of weeks of Portrait of a Nation II at Manarat Al Saadiyat until 16 April 2022.
- A new special exhibit opens at Louvre Abu Dhabi from 20 April to 24 July 2022, Stories of Paper.
Suggested Abu Dhabi activities in April 2022
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 2022
With the Dubai to Abu Dhabi border reopened in late February, all COVID checkpoints have been removed and your should find free and easy passage around the country.
- 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 2022
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. 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 if you’re interest in staying on Yas Island).
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, skate park and splash park are open into the evening. Enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Marsana packed full of restaurants, cafes and food trucks beachside (beach access with sun loungers here is FREE!).
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.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for 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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