2025 is the year for your once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Abu Dhabi.

With an exceptional climate promising sunshine whatever the season, there’s never a bad time to visit the sublime capital of the UAE. Immaculate beaches, desert adventures, water and theme park thrills and awe-inspiring landmarks add to the appeal and ensure your visit to this exhilarating emirate will be full of wonder and delight. You’ll have the chance to enjoy wild wonders, discover cultural gems and taste the high life in the luxury hotel of your choice. To help you experience Abu Dhabi to the fullest, we've narrowed down when you should plan your holiday to meet your needs. Our guide will help you discover the ideal time to find the best deals, the perfect time for sightseeing and exploring, and the best time for festivals, wonderful weather or sporting occasions. With our insights and advice, we’ll help to make your dream Abu Dhabi holiday a reality.

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Best Time For Weather

Abu Dhabi is a superb destination whatever the season, offering warm weather all year round. For those seeking a cooler holiday to explore the varying landscapes, October to April is your best bet. Covering spring and winter time in the UAE, you can expect average daytime temperatures of 25℃. This is perfect for getting involved in some water sports, like scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing and paddle boarding. At this time of year, boat trips are also extra special, with dolphin-watching excursions and sunset and dhow cruises popular among couples, families and solo travellers. May to September covers summer and autumn time and you should prepare for temperatures ranging from 30℃ to as high as 45℃. Exceptional sunny conditions make this the best time to relax by the pool, sipping refreshing and complimentary beverages from your all-inclusive luxury hotel.

Best Time For Activities

If you’re planning an Abu Dhabi holiday filled with activities, you’ll find a choice of months to pick from. The period from October to April is perfect for getting active outdoors as the temperatures rarely break into the 30s. Spend lazy days soaking up the sun on a golden shoreline, like Mirfa Beach, Yas Beach or Kai Beach. Venture to the desert for some adventures in the dunes, including 4X4 safari rides and sandboarding; explore the ancient Jais Hafit mountains to find hidden hot springs, or visit Saadiyat Island, where a number of endangered marine species are thriving. May to September is when the summer temperatures can hit 45℃, creating conditions better suited to indoor activities where there is constant air-conditioning available. Soar at the indoor skydiving experience, Clymb™; feel thrills at the world’s largest indoor themepark, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, or shop in the chic malls and traditional souks.

Best Time For Sports

November and December are the most action-packed months on the Abu Dhabi calendar for sports events. Most anticipated is the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Held at the Yas Marina Circuit, you can experience the thrill of your favourite drivers speeding around the bends. Tickets to this spectacle also link to other attractions, like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, for a greater immersion into this destination. A similar pulse-raising event to watch is the World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You’ll be seated in the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, to watch the epic twist and turns that the motorbikes take. While not as adrenaline-inducing, tennis will nonetheless have you on the edge of your seat. In December, the UAE hosts the World Tennis League, with Abu Dhabi hosting for the second consecutive year in 2024. A fairly new competition, it sees mixed teams play round-robin matches to determine the winner.

Best Time For Festivities

Abu Dhabi is a centre for celebrations. December is the best time to enjoy some winter sun and ring in the Christmas holidays in style as you’ll find numerous exciting festivities across the emirate. Delicious brunches and dinners are held in the top hotels and restaurants in the city for you to experience either a traditional christmas feast or something innovative and experimental. Families will love the fun-filled musicals and theatre performances showcased throughout the month too. New Year’s Eve means awe-inspiring firework and light displays as well as unmissable meals in restaurants like Terra Mare, and themed parties, like the carnival-inspired event at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. A personal celebration of the UAE occurs on the 2nd December, when National Day highlights the unification of the Emirates. You’re invited to join in with the parades, ceremonies and fireworks displays that take place in the Corniche area of the city.

Best Time For A Bargain

If you’re hoping to travel to Abu Dhabi on a more budget-friendly basis, then you’re in luck! Many deals on flights and hotels are on offer throughout the year and Destination2 promises to help you find what suits you the most. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi on a bargain holiday is between December and March as this is when the most rainfall occurs. While it’s only occasional showers you have to watch out for, it’s still more than other times of year, and you may need to pack a coat or umbrella. Travelling to Abu Dhabi out-of-season is also a good idea if you’re searching for some money-saving deals. This is easier if you aren’t visiting with children as you can book your holiday during the school term. March to May and October to December is considered the off-peak season because it’s when the weather is fluctuating between the extremes of summer and winter.

“Visiting Abu Dhabi in 2025 will be the highlight of your year as you’ll be inundated with a variety of fun-filled activities.

“Its desert climate means countless sunny days to choose from, with varying temperatures to ensure you have the perfect conditions for your family holiday, couples’ romantic retreat or your solo adventure to the UAE.

“Fill your boots with a selection of indoor activities, like themeparks, museums and shopping, or outdoor adventures, like visiting the mountains and desert. Sports-enthusiasts will be thrilled with the events you can attend on your Abu Dhabi holiday.

“Travelling during the festive period? Abu Dhabi is the perfect choice, with a myriad of out-of-this-world experiences occurring over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“The best part about Abu Dhabi is the incredible bargains you can take advantage of. Luxury hotels provide a variety of deals throughout the year that you can book. Let Destination2 help you finalise all of the details so you can enjoy your dream holiday to Abu Dhabi in 2025.”

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

The 5-star Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Perfect for family getaways and romantic stays, with the option for a spectacular destination wedding on the private beachfront. Aromatic restaurants offer al la carte menus that showcase Italian, Turkish, Asian and Greek cuisines. Younger guests will love the swimming pools, clubs for kids and teens and aqua park, as well as the selection of daily entertainment, while adults will be impressed by the superb spa and fitness facilities on offer.

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W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island

Take a break from life in the fast lane with a scintillating holiday in a 5-star luxury sanctuary located right next to Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 racetrack. Enjoy the high life beside the glorious rooftop pool, work out in the state-of-the-art gym or rediscover your inner self during a visit to the sumptuous spa. Plush living spaces and unique dining destinations add to the appeal, while you’ll also find a kids’ zone for your little ones, as well as a choice of enticing bars and lounges.

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Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

A family-friendly wonderland awaits you on the illustrious Yas Island. The Hilton Abu Dhabi is a 5-star haven boasting waterfront access and a beach club for ultimate relaxation in the sunshine. Feel rejuvenated by the variety of treatments on offer at the spa and let all your cares slip away in the sauna or hot tub. Children will have a ball at the kids’ club as well as the playground and evening entertainment.

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WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection By Hilton

Embark on the holiday of a lifetime and stay in this exceptionally situated 5-star resort. Just steps away from Warner Bros.™ World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and more fun attractions, families can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience while staying in complete luxury. Swimming pools, a poolside theatre, kids’ club, spa and fitness centre are just some of the high-class facilities you can expect. Dine in style here too, with a variety of international cuisines to tickle your tastebuds.

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Al Ain Rotana

Stay in Al Ain and have access to a myriad of Abu Dhabi's most popular landmarks and attractions. Chic rooms furnished in relaxing, neutral tones await you in this 5-star sanctuary, as well as an ultra-comfy king-size bed and a balcony with mesmerising views. Opt for a wellness retreat and take advantage of all the refreshing amenities included at the Al Ain Rotana or cast your wows away and indulge in fine dining, delectable beverages and the unparalleled experiences Abu Dhabi offers.

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