When to go · Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Mar). Across United Arab Emirates: 38–40 °C (100–104 °F); outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Mar). Across United Arab Emirates: 100–104 °F (38–40 °C); outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C) / 26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 0
- Crowds
- Low
- United Arab Emirates overall
- Prices
- Medium
- United Arab Emirates overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Nov–Mar). Across United Arab Emirates: 38–40 °C (100–104 °F); outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).Outside the best window (Nov–Mar). Across United Arab Emirates: 100–104 °F (38–40 °C); outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).
Is another month better than May?
May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in May
- Abu DhabiHighs around 39 °C (102 °F), lows around 26 °C (79 °F), rain on about 0 daysHighs around 102 °F (39 °C), lows around 79 °F (26 °C), rain on about 0 days
- Gulf coast, United Arab Emirates · Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah townhot
November to March runs 20–30 °C (68–86 °F); June to September sits at 40–46 °C (104–115 °F) with humidity that makes nights sticky; shamal winds bring dust in spring and early summer.November to March runs 68–86 °F (20–30 °C); June to September sits at 104–115 °F (40–46 °C) with humidity that makes nights sticky; shamal winds bring dust in spring and early summer.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha big impact
About 26–29 May 2026; about 15–18 May 2027 (check) · United Arab Emirates
Several days off; resident travel peak; some shops closed on the first day.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United Arab Emirates overall
- Low
- Prices · United Arab Emirates overall
- Medium
United Arab Emirates overall: 38–40 °C; outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Abu Dhabi, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 39 °C (102 °F)102 °F (39 °C)
Jan: 24 °C (75 °F)75 °F (24 °C)
Night low
May: 26 °C (79 °F)79 °F (26 °C)
Jan: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Rain days
May: 0 (better)
Jan: 2
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Medium
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 1
Jan: 0
May: Outside the best window (Nov–Mar). Across United Arab Emirates: 38–40 °C; outdoor sightseeing only early or late; Eid al-Adha about 26–29 May 2026 (check).
January: Inside Abu Dhabi's best window: Nov–Mar.
Abu Dhabi: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen