Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

The Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

The locals say that the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between April to May or between September to October. The spring and fall is when the weather is nice, the hotel rooms are reasonable and it’s not too touristy.

Winters might be more pleasant, weather-wise. But it’s when the city is full of tourists from all over the world sunning themselves on the beach, and everything is very expensive or booked – from cabs on the street to hotel rooms.

The summer is a good time to visit because it’s when everything is cheaper. There are barely any tourists and you can get a great price for your room. Also, sales and bargains will be easier as the economy is trying to make up for the tourist shortfall in the summer.

Here are some simple tips on the best time of the year to visit Abu Dhabi.

For budget travellers, Abu Dhabi’s luxurious hotels are a little out of reach, so for the best deal, we say, go in summer. You will get a great room at a great price and discounts on everything - from spa and hammam treatments to beach resort day passes. Also, the theme parks will be cheaper, so you can have a really fun family vacation.

Tip: Carry light clothing like muslins or thin cotton, but do not carry anything sheer. The locals will not appreciate it. 

Also, buy a higher SPF sunscreen while in the country as a preparation for your trip or buy them when you reach at any pharmacy. You’ll be amazed at the range. 

Carry conservative swimwear, but go to the beach in the late evening when it’s cooler.

Avoid the desert during the day and go at night when it’s cooler.

Ensure that each one of you has a good pair of UV filter sunshades. And if you don’t, have fun picking out new pairs at the malls. Abu Dhabi has sandstorms in the summer so these will come in handy when you’re on the move.

Become a night person. Stay in your hotel during the day and step out in the evening.

But also remember, the Sheikhs may have a desert to contend with, but they have done everything conceivable to keep it cool. So you will have no place without air conditioning, except on the beach and in the desert. The cabs are air conditioned too!

Abu Dhabi has no real monsoon. Besides sporadic showers in the winter, it’s mostly bright and sunny.

If you’re coming in the winter, remember like all desert climes, it gets cooler in the nights. So pack a few jackets for everyone and a wrap or sweater or two, depending on how much chill you can withstand. When travelling with younger children or senior citizens, keep some handy as they will feel the chill more than you.

And here’s a great tip. If shopping, fun and bright lights are your idea of fun, come during the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival. It’s when the city is at its most hospitable, its most charming best, and your children will revel in the pomp and show around the festival.

SOTC has a wide range of Abu Dhabi packages  that will suit your travelling style at any time of the year.

So, the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is up to your budget and requirements. Either way, it’s a land of discovery. A touch of heritage wrapped up in a modern wrapping beguiles you and tempts you to come to its shores again.