What January feels like in Abu Dhabi
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Abu Dhabi's year. Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay mild, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Some humidity hangs in the air, noticeable when the sun is strong.
Rain in Abu Dhabi in January
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Abu Dhabi averages about 9.2 mm per rainy day, so January is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:08 am and sets around 5:54 pm local time, giving 10 h 46 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-December (8 min longer). The sun is out for roughly 93% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Abu Dhabi. Afternoons run 2.1°C (3.8°F) cooler than in December, with 5 mm more rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. February averages a high of 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: a good fit — warm and mostly dry on the coast.
Tips for visiting Abu Dhabi in January
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Abu Dhabi in January?
It feels warm: typical highs are 23.3°C (73.9°F), with lows near 16.1°C (61°F).
Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in January?
Hardly — only about 1 rainy days and 10 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Abu Dhabi in January?
Based on the averages: sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Abu Dhabi?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #2), rated Great against Great. February is warmer.
