Abu Dhabi in winter (November to March) is warm and mostly dry by day, with average highs of 24–27°C from December to February, and cool at night. It’s the most comfortable time to visit. It’s also the best season for a desert safari, because you can spend the whole evening outdoors in the dunes.
If you’re leaving a grey, damp European winter, that’s the appeal: reliable sunshine without summer heat. This guide covers what winter weather is really like, the dates worth planning around, which desert safari suits a winter trip, and what to pack.
It’s written by the team at Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism, a DCT-licensed desert safari operator in Abu Dhabi since 2010.
What’s the weather like in Abu Dhabi in winter?
Abu Dhabi’s winter is warm by day and cool at night. Average daytime highs from December to February are 24–27°C. Visit Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s official tourism site, puts cooler-month nights at around 13°C. Rain is occasional and falls mainly between November and March. Out in the desert, nights feel cooler than in the city.
- Daytime: 24–27°C average highs, December to February
- Night in the city: around 13°C in the coolest months
- Night in the desert: cooler again, so bring a warm layer
- Rain: occasional, mostly November to March
- Morning fog: can delay flights and slow roads
In practice, that means T-shirt weather at midday and a jacket after dark.
Why is winter the best time for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
Winter removes the heat that shapes every summer safari. You can sit out at camp after sunset in comfort, and an overnight stay is pleasant rather than hot. The 30–45 minutes of dune bashing at Al Khatim is also easier to enjoy in cooler air.
Al Khatim’s red dunes are about 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Every safari below includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi, dune bashing in a roll-cage-protected 4×4 and the camp programme for that package.
| Safari | Duration | From (AED) | Winter tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning desert safari | About 4 hours, including transfers | 250 per person | Cool start; bring a light layer |
| Evening desert safari | About 6 hours | 250 per person | The desert cools fast after sunset |
| Overnight desert safari | About 17 hours | 450 | Pack a warm layer for the night |
A private safari starts from AED 1,000 per vehicle, a Hummer safari from AED 1,500 and a Liwa desert trip from AED 1,800. Prices were correct in October 2026; see current safari prices and timings for the latest.
Staying in Dubai? We collect directly from most Dubai hotels as well. Ask about pickup timing when you book.
One warning for peak season: offers of AED 90–120 usually come from unlicensed resellers. Our guide to spotting fake safari operators explains what to check.
Which winter experiences are worth planning around?
Four desert experiences are at their best in winter: an overnight safari with sunrise at camp, a private sunrise safari, a trip to Liwa on the edge of the Empty Quarter, and an evening safari timed for sunset. Cool nights and mornings make all four more comfortable than in summer.
Overnight desert safari
The overnight safari runs about 17 hours, so you sleep at camp and see the sunrise over the dunes before heading back. In winter the night air is cool, not hot. Away from city lights, the sky is also much darker. See the overnight safari.
Sunrise desert safari
If you’d rather not stay overnight, the private sunrise desert safari gets you into the dunes for first light. It starts from AED 1,000 per vehicle. Winter mornings are cool, so bring a warm layer.
Liwa and the Empty Quarter
Liwa sits on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, the Empty Quarter. It’s a full-day trip from Abu Dhabi, so cooler weather matters more here than anywhere. Choose the Liwa desert safari as a day trip or the Liwa overnight safari to stay out in the dunes.
Sunset in the dunes
An evening safari is the simplest way to see a desert sunset. In winter you can stay outside at camp all evening without the heat. If you’re choosing between times of day, read our morning vs evening safari comparison.
What’s on in Abu Dhabi this winter?
The big winter dates are UAE National Day on 2 December and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from 3 to 6 December 2026. Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027. Hotels fill up around major events, so book early.
| Date | Event | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Dec 2026 | UAE National Day | Public celebrations across the city; 20% off all our tours from 1 to 5 December 2026 |
| 3–6 Dec 2026 | F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit | Busiest week of the season; check session times on abudhabigp.com before booking a safari |
| ~8 Feb 2027 | Ramadan expected to begin | No eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight |
For National Day, we offer a flat 20% off all tours taken from 1 to 5 December 2026; see current offers and discounts. For more to do around these dates, see our guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Can you fly to Abu Dhabi from Europe this winter?
Yes. Etihad flies into Abu Dhabi, and Emirates and flydubai fly into Dubai. Some European airlines are restarting later than planned. On 23 October 2026, the Lufthansa Group moved its Dubai restart to 25 November 2026. Check your airline before booking, and read our Abu Dhabi travel update for the current situation.
- Lufthansa, SWISS, Eurowings: Dubai flights postponed to 25 November 2026
- British Airways: London–Dubai planned from 3 November 2026
- British Airways to Abu Dhabi: suspended until winter 2027–28
As of 29 October 2026, the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to the UAE, but warns that the risk of sudden regional escalation is high. The US rates the UAE Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, and Australia advises travellers to reconsider their need to travel. Advice can change quickly, so check your own government’s page before you go.
If your flight is cancelled, or a safari can’t run for safety reasons, you can rebook free of charge or get a full refund. Just tell us at least 2 hours before the safari’s start time.
What should you pack for a winter desert safari?
Pack layers. A T-shirt and light trousers work for the day. Bring a warm jacket or fleece for evening and overnight safaris, because the desert cools quickly after sunset. Add sunglasses, sunscreen and closed shoes for the sand.
- Light, breathable layers for daytime
- A warm jacket or fleece for after dark
- Sunglasses and sunscreen; winter sun is still strong
- Closed shoes or trainers for walking on sand
Our what-to-wear guide has a full list for morning, evening and overnight safaris.
A sample 5-day winter plan
Five days is enough to see the city’s highlights and spend one evening in the desert. Put the safari in the middle of the trip, after you’ve recovered from the flight. This simple plan uses the mild weather for outdoor days.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, settle in, evening walk on the Corniche |
| 2 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi (check opening times) |
| 3 | Evening desert safari at Al Khatim |
| 4 | Yas Island, including Ferrari World |
| 5 | Mangrove kayaking or Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, then fly home |
To spend the night in the dunes, swap day 3 for the overnight safari. Our Abu Dhabi desert safari guide compares every option.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top 10 places to visit in Abu Dhabi
For a winter trip, most visitors plan around Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Yas Island, the Corniche, Saadiyat Island, the mangroves, Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Liwa and a desert safari at Al Khatim. Winter’s mild weather suits the outdoor ones best. Our things-to-do guide covers each in detail.
What is the best tour to take in Abu Dhabi
For a first winter visit, we recommend an evening desert safari. It runs about 6 hours, from AED 250 per person, and combines dune bashing at Al Khatim with sunset and an evening at camp. If you have more time, an overnight safari or a Liwa trip shows a quieter side of the desert.
What not to miss in Abu Dhabi
Don’t miss Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an evening in the desert and at least one day on Yas or Saadiyat Island. In winter, also make time for something outdoors that’s too hot in summer: kayaking in the mangroves, Al Wathba Fossil Dunes or a night under the stars on an overnight safari.
Which is better, morning or evening desert safari
An evening safari is better for the full experience: about 6 hours with dune bashing, sunset and an evening at camp. A morning safari is shorter, at about 4 hours including transfers, and leaves your afternoon free. In winter both are comfortable, so choose based on your schedule.
Is Abu Dhabi warm in December?
Yes. Average daytime highs from December to February are 24–27°C, and rain is occasional. Evenings are cool, especially in the desert, so bring a jacket for any evening or overnight safari. It’s warm enough for a full day outdoors without summer heat.
How cold is the desert at night in winter?
Cool rather than cold. Nights in Abu Dhabi city drop to around 13°C in the coolest months, and the open desert feels cooler still after sunset. A warm jacket or fleece is enough for an evening safari. For an overnight safari, pack an extra layer for the early hours.
Plan your winter safari
Winter is the season when the desert is at its most comfortable, and dates around National Day and the Grand Prix go quickly. See current safari prices and timings, or message our team on WhatsApp at +971 55 484 2001.
We’ve hosted over one million guests since 2010 and are rated 5 stars on Google. We’re happy to help you choose the safari that fits your trip.
