What's the Weather like in Abu Dhabi in August
Temperature
Temperatures finally peak and start to decline again in August in Abu Dhabi. The average temperature for the month is a hot 36°C, with daytime averages peaking at 42°C. Nights are still hot and only cool to 29°C. Abu Dhabi's record high occurred in August, raising the mercury to 49.2°C.
Rainfall
The rainfall amounts in Abu Dhabi in August are nearly imperceptible. Historical averages put the chance of precipitation at barely over zero percent.
Sunshine Hours
The clouds that typically move into Abu Dhabi in July start to recede again, ending the month with a 31% chance of mostly cloudy or overcast skies. The length of the days slowly shortens to 12 hours 39 minutes by the end of the month. All of these variables give Abu Dhabi an average of 12 hours of sunshine in August.
Humidity
Given average temperatures and dew point, with a relative humidity of 63%, August has the most oppressive humidity levels in Abu Dhabi than any other month of the year. Those not acclimatized to this kind of weather are better off visiting during the cooler months.
Wind
Average wind speeds in Abu Dhabi stay a consistent 3.6 m/s throughout the month of August. The westerly winds start to recede as northerly winds take over, with periods of increasing easterly winds.
Sea Temperature
The hot air temperatures also increase the surface temperature of the ocean surrounding Abu Dhabi. The average sea temperature is 33°C in August it won't do a lot to cool you off.
Dress Code
You'll need to pack some lightweight cotton and linen clothing if you're visiting Abu Dhabi in August. Women should pack long pants or dresses that cover the knees, and loose shirts that at least cover the shoulders and midriff. Men are expected to at least wear short sleeve shirts and long pants.
Beachwear can include shorts for men and two-piece bikinis for women. If you plan on visiting a mosque, women will need to be completely covered expect for the hands and face. A light jacket may be needed for the ice-cold air conditioning found in many buildings. For a better idea of expected weather conditions, check the Abu Dhabi extended forecast.
Abu Dhabi Hotels in August
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
The five-star Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an upscale contemporary hotel located near beautiful Saadiyat Beach. Park Hyatt offers 306 contemporary rooms, suites, and villas, all with luxurious décor, premium bedding, and spacious modern bathrooms with marble countertops and rain showers. All rooms have private balconies, some of which have spectacular ocean views. Park Hyatt has one of the largest pools in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. Park Hyatt has five bars & restaurants, including the award-winning Park Bar & Grill, an exceptional steakhouse cooking over a charcoal grill. Leave the kids at Camp Hyatt while you go explore Abu Dhabi on your own.
Hala Arjaan by Rotana
Hala Arjaan is a gorgeous high-rise hotel with studios and suites overlooking Al Maryah Island. The four-star accommodations include 166 rooms of different sizes to suit your needs. All rooms feature kitchenettes, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms. Floor to ceiling windows will give you spectacular panoramic views and upgraded rooms will give you private balconies. Hala Arjaan also has one contemporary international restaurant open all day, a rooftop bar next to the pool, and a lounge area. There is also a modern fitness and wellness centre at the hotel. The Abu Dhabi Mall and Corniche waterfront are a short walk from the hotel.
Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi
The Corniche Hotel offers superb accommodations in Abu Dhabi's central business district. The five-star hotel features 305 luxurious rooms & suites with stunning views of both the Arabian Gulf and Abu Dhabi skyline. Rooms feature elegant, classic décor and marble & granite modern bathrooms. The Corniche Hotel also features a champagne bar and three upscale restaurants, including a casual Italian restaurant and an upscale Middle Eastern restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and large business centre with meeting rooms. Nearby attractions include the Capital Garden, Formal Park, and Central Market.
Beach Rotana
Beach Rotana is an expansive five-star resort next to the Abu Dhabi Mall and across from Al Maryah Island. This bustling hotel features an impressive 565 rooms, comprised of suites, apartments, and standard rooms. All rooms offer breathtaking views of the waterfront or the city skyline, and feature premium linens and gorgeous bathrooms. Beach Rotana is also home to twelve restaurants and guests will have dining options ranging from seafood, Indian, Italian, German, and Polynesian. Beach Rotana has its own private beach club, swimming pool, marina, and kid's camp. A fitness centre and day spa are available for your wellness during your visit.
Beaches in Abu Dhabi in August
Saadiyat Island Beach
Saadiyat Island has a beautiful, expansive white sand beach open to the public. This wonderful family beach is home to a great beach café selling refreshing juice drinks and tasty food selections, and a small retail shop where you can find beachwear, sunscreen, and other goods. At Saadiyat Beach you can rent umbrellas, lounge chairs, and lockers to store your valuables. Activities at Saadiyat Beach include yoga sessions and watersports rentals, where you can take out sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. The beach is open daily from 8AM until sunset.
Bars and Restaurants
Cho Gao Marina Walk
You'll find some of the best Chinese cuisine in Abu Dhabi at the fun, casual Cho Gao restaurant at the InterContinental Marina Walk. This award-winning restaurant has a stylish interior featuring old and modern Chinese elements. You'll get great marina views from both their indoor dining room and outdoor terrace. Menu favorites include Chinese black pepper beef, Vietnamese banana blossom salad with chicken, and Thai roasted duck red curry. Cho Gao also has a great sushi bar with a wide selection of sushi rolls and sashimi. Cho Gao is open Saturday through Wednesday from 9AM to 1AM and Thursday & Friday from 9AM to 2AM.
Spaccanapoli Ristorante
One of the Crowne Plaza's great dining options is Spaccanapoli Ristorante, a cozy Italian restaurant serving up flavorful fresh Italian cuisine. This moderately priced restaurant always provides a great customer experience, with great food, excellent service, and a wonderful ambience. Spaccanapoli serves authentic, homemade Italian food like fried calamari, ravioli with lobster, seafood risotto, grilled eggplant, and what everyone agrees is some of the best pizza outside of Italy. The chef is also happy to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten sensitivities. Spaccanapoli is open daily from noon until 11PM.
Li Beirut
Abu Dhabi has a selection of Lebanese restaurants, and one of the more upscale options can be found in the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Li Beirut is a stylish restaurant with an award-winning menu. They take traditional Lebanese food and put a modern spin on it. Guests may dine in a chic dining room or enjoy sea views from terrace seating. There are a few family-style set menus to choose from, or you can order a la carte. You'll find hot and cold mezzah, outstanding mixed grills of shish taouk, shish kebab, and kofta kebab, grilled fish, chicken, and lamb. Sweet desserts include honey fudge and saffron caramel flan. Li Beirut is open for lunch from noon until 3PM and for dinner from 7PM to midnight. Reservations are accepted.
B-Lounge
If you just want a casual outdoor lounge experience, check out the chic B-Lounge at the Sheraton. The colorful amphitheater-style terrace is shaded by palms and glows with moody lights when the sun goes down. B-Lounge serves a full cocktail menu with traditional drinks and house specialties. There's a wine menu to satisfy all wine drinkers and a small beer selection. Food items include Arabic-inspired tapas, such as cold mezzah, orange chicken lollipops, sesame crusted chicken sticks, and tiger prawns in kataifi dough. B-Lounge is open from 9AM to 1AM and hosts a DJ at night.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in August
Abu Dhabi Beaches
August is hot and muggy in Abu Dhabi, and the only way to attempt to beat the heat outdoors is at Abu Dhabi's many beaches. Abu Dhabi's beaches are more than just beaches, they're also social centers, outdoor gyms, and lounges. Some of Abu Dhabi's beaches are public while hotels own others. It's still possible for non-hotel guests to visit these beaches by paying a fee. Some of the more popular beaches are Corniche Beach and Abu Dhabi Beach, both along the Corniche waterfront. Yas Beach is a hot spot in Abu Dhabi's new entertainment district and admission is free for Yas Island hotel guests. Saadiyat Beach is a pristine, white sand beach protected from development, and parts of it can be reserved for private events.
Jet Ski Abu Dhabi Waterfront
Sometimes just sitting at the beach or wading in the water won't cool you off enough, and you need some speed going through the water. Abu Dhabi has a number of jet ski rental outfits; some offer guides and others will let you just take the jet skis out on your own to play. One of the more popular places to ride a jet ski in Abu Dhabi is along the Corniche waterfront, where they hold regular jet ski races and world championships. Jet skiing is also popular at Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
Sand Boarding in the Desert
Can you ski in Abu Dhabi? Not on snow, but there are plenty of sand dunes where you can try this sport. The Liwa dunes are some of the tallest in the world at over 300m tall and offer an exhilarating experience. If that's too tall for you there are a number of smaller dunes to practice on. Just remember that you'll be out in the hot, dry desert, and being out in the afternoon can be dangerous. So you're best saving this activity for an early morning. Dress in light clothing and bring plenty of water. Tour operators will be able to assist you.
Khalifa Park
If the children are complaining of the heat you should consider taking them to Khalifa Park in the late afternoon & evening. Khalifa Park is home to an interesting Maritime Museum where you can learn about the marine history of Abu Dhabi, learn about ancient fishing, and see a small aquarium. One end of the park features the Murjan Splash Park, a fun area of water attractions for children, containing slides, water guns, and bumper boats. Khalifa Park does allow grilling if you'd like to bring your own food. Once the sun goes down you'll be treated to beautiful views of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, one of the most beautiful night attractions in all of Abu Dhabi.
