The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from Nov to Feb when it is cool to cold & one can really make the best of the outdoors & leisurely strolls within & around the island. The temperature during this period usually ranges 9 to 25 degree centigrade. Warm clothes are required moreso as it is quite breezy. Over-coats, semi-formal jackets, boots & pullovers are common sights during this period & the malls are full of autumn-winter collection. Sales start around 26th of Dec & stretches for 2 weeks thereafter so this is a good time to visit. The Dubai-Shopping Festival begins Jan end for 30 days & likewise Abu Dhabi too starts with Discount offers during the same period. The trick is to visit the stores in the first week of SALE so as to get the bargain on the best stuff & to get the right sizes. Towards the end of the Sale , the good stuff is always gone.
Oct, March & April are transition months which is best for beaches when it is not too hot & sunny to head out & not to cold to be shivering. These months from Nov-April also sees Abu Dhabi in its best form, every road, park & boulevard is laden with colorful flowers & it is a beautiful sight…considering that it is after all a city in the Desert!!
Peak summer starts from late May & July-Aug are the worst months with temperatures in the range of 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is very high & it is the most un-pleasant time to be outdoors. The evenings are slightly cooler but the breeze is still very hot (warm is an understatement) with just a slight dip from the day temperature. The heat can get you when you step outside from an air conditioned hotel or mall even in the evenings. Unless you are keen on sunbathing and shopping in air-conditioned malls, (they do have sales in July) the best time to visit Abu Dhabi would be during the cooler months. Besides a Dune Bashing & Desert Safari tour (which is usually in the itinerary of all visitors) is much more pleasant when it is not too hot.
Abu Dhabi is a modern place & trendy & fashion labels are common-place. One can wear light clothes during summers though overtly revealing & short dresses are un-advisable, especially on roads, in taxis & at night. At malls and big hotels you can be dressed as you please but do keep in mind the traditional beliefs of this nation and respect it. If you plan to lay out by a pool or beach, make sure your bathing suit is not too revealing. It's best to leave the bikini at home for this vacation. You also want to make sure you do not have any short skirts and that your shoulders are always covered.
Even if you do not personally believe that it's a big deal, you are a guest in someone else's country, and you must respect their beliefs.
