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United Arab Emirates, Middle East

Abu Dhabi in February

Perfect outdoor weather, and the Abu Dhabi Festival of music and arts usually runs in early spring.

BestSunny, highs near 79F (26C)
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at dusk, Abu Dhabi
Abu DhabiPhoto: Nadeemlatifkhan, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Abu Dhabi. Perfect outdoor weather, and the Abu Dhabi Festival of music and arts usually runs in early spring.

Weather
Sunny, highs near 79F (26C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What February is like in Abu Dhabi

February may be the best month of the year. Skies are sunny, highs sit near 79F (26C), and the sea has warmed a little since January. Beaches, desert trips and outdoor sights are all comfortable from morning to evening. Crowds and prices stay high, and the Abu Dhabi Festival of music and arts usually gets going in early spring.

It suits everyone, from families on midterm breaks to couples and culture lovers. There is really no weather reason to avoid it. If you want the same conditions for a bit less, look at early March or early November.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Abu Dhabi this month.

01

Abu Dhabi Festival

The classical music and arts festival usually runs from February into March, with international performers. Dates vary by year.

02

Yas Waterworld in comfort

The outdoor water park is pleasant in February without the fierce sun of later months.

03

Al Ain day trip

Mild weather makes the UNESCO-listed oases and the drive up Jebel Hafeet an easy full day out.

What to pack for February

  • Swimwear and a rash guard for kids
  • A light layer for cool evenings
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • A smart outfit for concerts and nice dinners

Our timing tip

Check this year's Abu Dhabi Festival program early, since the most popular performances sell out.

Book Abu Dhabi for February.

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What's on in February

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates

The city stays open with a slower daytime pace, then comes alive after sunset. Eid brings regional crowds and busy hotels.

Abu Dhabi Festival

Early spring, usually February into March, varies by year

A major classical music and arts festival with international performers.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Full guide
01

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Free entry with online booking. Go at sunset for the changing light on the marble; closed to visitors on Friday mornings.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Art spanning world history under a dome that filters light like palm fronds. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Tickets and tours →

03

Qasr Al Watan

The working presidential palace, open to visitors, with a nightly light and sound show.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Yas Island theme parks

Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld are indoors; Yas Waterworld is outdoors and best from October to April.

Tickets and tours →

05

Mangrove National Park

Kayak through the mangroves at high tide in the cooler months, with herons and crabs close at hand.

Tickets and tours →

06

Liwa Oasis and the Empty Quarter

Some of the tallest dunes on Earth, including Moreeb Dune. Go in winter; summer is dangerous in the desert.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Visit the Grand Mosque at opening or on a weekday evening rather than on weekend afternoons, when tour groups peak.
  • Avoid Grand Prix week unless you are going for the race; the whole city's hotel inventory prices up.
  • Early November and March deliver peak-season weather with slightly lower demand than December and January.
  • Book Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan for weekday mornings to see them at their quietest.

Know before you go

  • The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is closed to visitors on Friday mornings for prayers, and reopens in the afternoon.
  • During Ramadan, most restaurants now serve through the day, but live entertainment can pause and hours shift. Be respectful about eating and drinking in public during daylight.
  • In summer, outdoor attractions like Yas Waterworld, desert safaris, and kayak tours run reduced schedules, and midday outdoor activity is genuinely dangerous.
  • Most museums and attractions stay open all year. Check hours for Mondays, when some cultural sites close.

Abu Dhabi in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Abu Dhabi. Perfect outdoor weather, and the Abu Dhabi Festival of music and arts usually runs in early spring.

What is the weather like in Abu Dhabi in February?

Sunny, highs near 79F (26C).

Is Abu Dhabi crowded in February?

Abu Dhabi is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Abu Dhabi in February?

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates); Abu Dhabi Festival (early spring, usually february into march, varies by year).

Keep planning Abu Dhabi.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Abu Dhabi in JanuaryThe month before: Warm and sunny, highs near 75F (24C), cool eveningsBest
  2. 02Abu Dhabi in MarchThe month after: Warm, highs near 84F (29C)Best
  3. 03The full Abu Dhabi yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in February

Everywhere in February

Where else is good in February?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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