The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Abu Dhabi. Temperatures rise (104°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (3% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup.
May ranks 8 out of 12 months in Abu Dhabi. Compared to April: +9°F daytime, +1.3h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
17°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
13.2h of daylight
Air quality
poor
AQI 71
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Abu Dhabi is December (9.1/10), 6.2 pts higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Abu Dhabi
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Abu Dhabi
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · UAE
🗣️LanguageArabic
💶CurrencyDirham des Émirats (د.إ)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘAt risk · 4/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.52°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 109°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 75°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 9%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Abu Dhabi ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
UAETemperate oceanic climate with a 9.1 → 2.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
24.45°N · 54.65°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
December is the best month with 81°F highs, 63°F lows, 8.2h of sunshine and 8.0% rainy days. The months of December & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Abu Dhabi get in December?
Abu Dhabi averages 8.2 sunshine hours per day in December. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.7/10.
What is the rainiest month in Abu Dhabi?
July is the most unfavourable month with July has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Abu Dhabi in December?
In December, overnight lows reach 63°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Abu Dhabi good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Abu Dhabi scores 8.5/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains December with a score of 8.7/10.
When should you avoid Abu Dhabi?
July is the most difficult month to visit Abu Dhabi, with July has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Abu Dhabi in May?
In May, the sea averages 85°F in Abu Dhabi: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Abu Dhabi in May?
The average UV index reaches 9 in May in Abu Dhabi (very high), with about 13.2h of daylight. Protection essential.