Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates? If you're planning to go to Abu Dhabi, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Abu Dhabi
- Important essentials for Abu Dhabi
- Activities for Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi in January: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in February: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in March: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in April: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in May: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in June: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in July: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in August: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in September: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in October: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in November: weather and what to pack
- Abu Dhabi in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Based on the climate and weather in Abu Dhabi, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Abu Dhabi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
February
February in Abu Dhabi dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
March
March here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
April
If you are traveling to Abu Dhabi in April, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
May
If you go to Abu Dhabi in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to keep you cool and include UV protection.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
June
June in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sarong
-
Light skirts
-
Insects have been an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
July
If you are traveling to Abu Dhabi in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insects have been an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Sarong
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Light skirts
August
August here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Sarong
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Thin tank or crop tops
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Light skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Bugs have been a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
September
September in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
October
October here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
November
November here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Bug repellent
December
December in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
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