Abu Dhabi in May
In May, Abu Dhabi averages 37°C (98°F) during the day and 27°C (80°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May in Abu Dhabi is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Abu Dhabi
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Abu Dhabi (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (33°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (33°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (39°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Abu Dhabi
Times shown for Abu Dhabi local time (Asia/Dubai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Abu Dhabi — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Abu Dhabi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Abu Dhabi in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Abu Dhabi's popularity.
May in United Arab Emirates — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Daylight fasting month. Many restaurants close until sunset, some attractions close midday, and Islamic countries change their pace dramatically. Eid (3 days after Ramadan ends) brings major travel surge.
Plan: Tourists can usually still find food, but dress modestly and avoid eating publicly during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful experience to plan for.
Crowds & pricing — May in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Abu Dhabi
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Abu Dhabi — May
Across the year Abu Dhabi's sea swings from 21.3°C (February) to 34.8°C (August) — May sits at 29.6°C.
Abu Dhabi in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C / 74°F | 17°C / 62°F | 13 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 4 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 29°C / 83°F | 20°C / 68°F | 9 mm | 4 | — |
| April | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 74°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 37°C / 98°F | 27°C / 80°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| June | 39°C / 101°F | 30°C / 85°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 40°C / 105°F | 32°C / 89°F | 0 mm | 1 | — |
| August | 41°C / 105°F | 31°C / 88°F | 0 mm | 1 | — |
| September | 39°C / 101°F | 29°C / 85°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 35°C / 94°F | 27°C / 80°F | 1 mm | 1 | — |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 2 mm | 2 | — |
| December | 26°C / 78°F | 19°C / 67°F | 5 mm | 3 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Abu Dhabi in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Abu Dhabi in May?
In May, Abu Dhabi averages a high of 37°C (98°F) and a low of 27°C (80°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in May?
May is generally dry in Abu Dhabi, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Abu Dhabi in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Abu Dhabi for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.