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United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates travel guide

Desert skylines, beach resorts and city breaks from December to March

Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec

Photo: Mariakray / Pixabay

Capital
Abu Dhabi
Language
Arabic
Currency
United Arab Emirates dirham
Time zone
UTC+04:00
Plugs
Type C, G · 220 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
112 / 999

Why visit United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates suits travellers who want modern cities, desert scenery and beach time without long flights across continents. Go between December and March, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are warm but not scorching. Outside these months, summer heat builds fast, and most visitors plan trips around the cooler winter window instead.

  • Dubai's scale and skyline

    Dubai is the country's largest city, with 3944751 people. It sits on the coast and anchors a modern skyline that draws travellers who want shopping, architecture and nightlife in one stop.

  • Abu Dhabi, the coastal capital

    Abu Dhabi is the capital, home to 1570000 people. It sits on the coast, mixing government, culture and waterfront life in a single compact city.

  • Cooler months for sightseeing

    The best months to visit are December, January, February and March. Temperatures are lower then, making walking, outdoor markets and desert trips more comfortable than in the hotter months.

  • Al Ain, the inland city

    Al Ain is the only major city that is not on the coast, with 766936 residents. It offers a different pace from the coastal cities and a break from sea-level humidity.

  • Smaller coastal towns to explore

    Ras al-Khaimah (115949 people) and Fujairah (93673 people) are smaller coastal cities. Sharjah, with 1247749 residents, sits next to Dubai and offers a quieter coastal alternative within the same region.

Is United Arab Emirates right for you?

Great for

  • Winter sun seekers: December to February highs of 24–26°C with about 10 sun hours a day
  • City breaks in coastal Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with inland Al Ain for a change
  • Travellers who want dry weather: under 2 rain days a month all year
  • Multi-city trips in a compact country of 83,600 km²

Less ideal for

  • Outdoor sightseeing from May to September, when highs reach 39.6–43.5°C
  • Travellers seeking cool nights in summer: July and August lows stay near 30°C
  • Anyone hoping for cold weather or snow: the coolest month's low is 14.4°C

United Arab Emirates right now: November

7.4/10
Avg high
31°C
Avg low
21°C
Rain days
0

Averages for United Arab Emirates.

Weather by month

This climate data is for the UAE, based on readings typical of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. January, February, December and March are the most comfortable months, with highs of 24–30°C and low rainfall, while June through September bring tough conditions with highs of 41–43.5°C and barely any rain to cool things down.

Average highs and lows in United Arab Emirates by month January: high 24°C, low 14°C , 2 rain days . February: high 26°C, low 15°C , 1 rain days . March: high 30°C, low 18°C , 2 rain days . April: high 35°C, low 22°C , 1 rain days . May: high 40°C, low 25°C , 0 rain days . June: high 42°C, low 28°C , 0 rain days . July: high 44°C, low 30°C , 0 rain days . August: high 44°C, low 30°C , 0 rain days . September: high 41°C, low 28°C , 0 rain days . October: high 37°C, low 25°C , 0 rain days . November: high 31°C, low 21°C , 0 rain days . December: high 26°C, low 17°C , 1 rain days . 24°C 14°C JAN 2d 26°C 15°C FEB 1d 30°C 18°C MAR 2d 35°C 22°C APR 1d 40°C 25°C MAY 0d 42°C 28°C JUN 0d 44°C 30°C JUL 0d 44°C 30°C AUG 0d 41°C 28°C SEP 0d 37°C 25°C OCT 0d 31°C 21°C NOV 0d 26°C 17°C DEC 1d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

United Arab Emirates (country average) · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit United Arab Emirates: month-by-month weather →

Sample itineraries

7 days

Coast and Desert Highlights of the UAE

  1. Day 1–3

    Dubai

    Dubai is the UAE's largest city, with a population of 3944751. Spend these days exploring its skyline, beaches and souks along the coast.

  2. Day 4–5

    Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi is the capital and a coastal city with a population of 1570000. Visit the waterfront and the city's cultural landmarks.

  3. Day 6–7

    Al Ain

    Al Ain is the UAE's main inland city, population 766936. Use these two days to see its oasis landscape away from the coast.

10 days

Full Loop Through the Seven Emirates' Cities

  1. Day 1–2

    Dubai

    Start in Dubai, the country's biggest city with a population of 3944751. Explore its coastal districts and modern architecture.

  2. Day 3–4

    Sharjah

    Sharjah is coastal and has a population of 1247749. Spend two days exploring its old town and waterfront areas.

  3. Day 5–6

    Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi, the capital, is coastal with a population of 1570000. Walk the corniche and see the city's main sights.

  4. Day 7–8

    Al Ain

    Al Ain is inland, with a population of 766936. Spend two days here enjoying its oasis setting, away from the sea.

  5. Day 9

    Ras al-Khaimah

    Ras al-Khaimah is coastal with a population of 115949. Use this day to see its coastline and mountain backdrop.

  6. Day 10

    Fujairah

    Fujairah is coastal, with a population of 93673. End the trip on its eastern shoreline, a change from the Gulf coast cities.

Food to try in United Arab Emirates

Machboos

This is a spiced rice dish, usually made with chicken, lamb or fish. It is considered a national dish and is served at family gatherings and celebrations across the UAE.

Shawarma

Thin slices of marinated meat, often chicken or lamb, are wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles. You can find shawarma stands in almost every city street in the UAE.

Al Harees

This is a slow-cooked mix of wheat and meat, pounded into a thick, smooth paste. It is a traditional dish eaten especially during Ramadan and at weddings.

Luqaimat

These are small deep-fried dough balls, crisp outside and soft inside, drizzled with date syrup or honey. They are a popular dessert, often served after meals during Ramadan.

Karak chai

This is strong black tea boiled with milk, sugar and spices such as cardamom. It is a daily drink sold at small roadside stalls and cafes across the Emirates.

Camel milk

Fresh camel milk is a traditional Emirati drink, often used today in chocolate and desserts too. It has a slightly salty taste compared to cow's milk.

Know before you go

  • Plugs and voltage: The UAE runs on 220 V. Sockets take type C and type G plugs, the same three-pin type used in the UK. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
  • Driving side: Cars drive on the right side of the road in the UAE. Rental cars are widely available, and road signs are usually in both Arabic and English.
  • Emergency number: For emergencies, call 112 or 999. These numbers work across the country, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • Currency: The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham. Cards are accepted in most hotels, malls and restaurants, but it helps to carry some cash for small purchases or taxis.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in cities, hotels and tourist areas, so getting around without Arabic is usually easy.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not required by law, but it is common to round up the bill or leave a small amount for good service in restaurants and for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
  • Local customs: The UAE is a Muslim country, and dress and behaviour expectations are more conservative than in much of Europe or the US, especially away from beach resorts. Modest clothing is appreciated in public areas, malls and mosques.

United Arab Emirates: frequently asked questions

Is the UAE good to visit in August?

No, August is tough. Daytime highs average 43.5°C with lows near 30.1°C, so the heat is intense day and night. Sun hours stay high at 11.2 and rain is rare at 0.2 days, but the real issue is the heat, not storms. Many travellers still come for indoor malls, aquariums and air-conditioned attractions.

When is the best time to visit the UAE?

December to March is best, with January and February scoring 9.7 and 9.6. January highs average 24.4°C and February 26.2°C, both mild with low rain of 1.5 and 1.3 days. December is similarly pleasant at 26.4°C with a 9.6 score, making these months comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and desert trips.

What is the weather like in the UAE in November?

November is warm and scores 7.4, rated good. Highs average 31.1°C and lows 20.8°C, with only 0.4 rain days. It's warmer than the December to February peak but still comfortable enough for outdoor activities and beach time, making it a solid shoulder-season choice.

Does it rain much in the UAE?

Rain is light all year. The wettest month is March with 23mm over 1.8 days, and June and September see 0mm. Even in the rainier winter months, January brings only 16mm over 1.5 days. Dry, sunny conditions dominate, with sun hours ranging from 9.8 in December to 12.4 in June.

What is the emergency number in the UAE?

Dial 112 or 999 for emergencies in the UAE. The country uses 220V electricity with plug types C and G, so UK and most European plugs need only a simple adapter, not a voltage converter. The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham and Arabic is the official language.

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