The climate in the United Arab Emirates

Climate zone: The northern parts of the United Arab Emirates are in the subtropics, the southern regions are in the tropics.

It is warm to hot all year round, inviting bathing at average water temperatures of 28 degrees. The warmest and rainiest part of the country is Abu Dhabi. The coldest is Al Fujayrah.

Temperature records of the last 39 years

The hottest temperature measured from 1983 to September 2022 was reported by the Abu Dhabi weather station. In July 2020, the record temperature of 48.0 °C was reported here. The hottest summer from July to September, based on all 4 weather stations in the United Arab Emirates , was recorded in 2021 with an average temperature of 36.6 °C. This average temperature will normally be measured every four to six hours, thus also including the nights. Normally, this value is 34.9 degrees Celsius. The average maximum daily temperature at that time was 42.7 °C.

The coldest day in these 39 years was reported by the Sharjah weather station. Here the temperature dropped to 4.5 °C in February 2008. Sharjah lies at an altitude of 33 meters above sea level. The coldest winter (January to March) was in 1992 with an average temperature of 18.1 °C. In the United Arab Emirates, it is usual to have about 3.0 degrees more at 21.0 °C for this three-month period.

The most precipitation fell in February 1988. With 5.4 mm per day, the Abu Dhabi Bateen weather station recorded the highest monthly average of the last 39 years.

Data basis and methodology

The data from the individual measuring stations are based on the archives of the German Weather Service, individual values averaged and supplemented by own elements. In order to determine a representative national average, average values were first calculated for each part of the country, which were then summarized at the national level. Thus, if a disproportionate number of weather stations are located in a small area, their number does not affect the national average. There are 4 stations in the United Arab Emirates itself. In 5 cases, neighboring but nearby weather stations were also used to obtain more accurate values.