What's the Weather like in Abu Dhabi in May
Temperature
May in Abu Dhabi can be very hot and approaching uncomfortable for some people. The average daily temperature in May is 31°C. The average daytime temperature is 38°C and climbing. Nights only cool down to an average of 23°C. Record temperatures in Abu Dhabi in May are 47°C for the high and 16°C for the low.
Rainfall
Abu Dhabi does not see a lot of rainfall in May. Rainfall totals are less than 10mm and the chance of precipitation is 1%.
Sunshine Hours
May is one of the sunniest months in Abu Dhabi along with June. On average there are 13 hours of sunshine every day. By the end of May there are 13 hours 33 minutes between sunrise and sunset and the chances of a cloudy sky are only 14% by mid month.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in Abu Dhabi falls to 55% in May. Due to the rising temperature and dew point, however, what you'll feel can be downright harsh. Outdoor physical activities will be difficult.
Wind
The average wind speed in Abu Dhabi in May remains at a steady 3.9 m/s with westerly winds becoming slightly more dominant. Northerly winds are also common, with small periods of easterly and southerly winds.
Sea Temperature
The water temperature continues to rise throughout May, averaging 29°C. If you're hoping to jump in the ocean to cool down it may help slightly, but not much.
Dress Code
Don't expect to be able to dress like you can in Western countries to beat the heat in Abu Dhabi. Visitors should be expected to respect their culture, especially during Ramadan. Women should cover everything from their shoulders to their knees; exposing the arms is okay. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Men are expected to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (short or long) in public settings. Dress codes are more conservative in mosques and women must cover everything except their face and hands. Women may wear two-piece bikinis at the beach and men may wear shorts. Bring a light jacket for indoors as the air conditioning may cool you off too much. For a better idea of expected temperatures before you leave, check the Abu Dhabi extended forecast.
Abu Dhabi Hotels in May
Khalidiya Palace
Kalidiya Palace if a superb five-star hotel with its own private beach near the Etihad Towers. This large, modern hotel offers 443 rooms and suites with plush beds, walk-in showers, and views of the city skyline, Presidential Palace, or Arabian Sea. Suites offer these views from private balconies, and also add kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas. Khalidiya Palace takes pride in Arabian culture and is an alcohol-free environment. There are two stellar restaurants at Khalidiya Palace; one offers authentic Arabic cuisine while the other offers all-day international dining. Khalidiya Palace has a swimming pool, gym, and wellness centre with a variety of treatments.
Premier Inn Capital Centre
Visitors not wishing for five-star accommodations will find excellent affordable lodging at the three-star Premier Inn Capital Centre, across from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Modest, modern rooms offer flatscreen TVs, free WiFi, and minifridges. The hotel has one minimal café serving a la carte international food all day long. A continental all you can eat breakfast buffet can be added to your room for a minimal surcharge. Premier Inn also has a swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. The hotel is also near a number of fantastic restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island
Radisson Blu is a four-star hotel located on the southern end of Yas Island. This stunning, upscale property features 397 stylish rooms and suites, all with minibars, WiFi, and flatscreen TVs. Suites offer private balconies with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Radisson Blu is complete with three restaurants and two bars, one of which is by the outdoor swimming pool. Radisson Blu also features a fitness centre, spa, kids play area, and expansive business centre. Radisson Blu is close to the Yas Links golf course, Yas Beach, Ferrari World, the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit, and Yas Waterworld.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
The five-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is located near Abu Dhabi Gate and on the Khor Al Maqta waterway. This upscale hotel offers its own private beach and overlooks the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque. All 369 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and contemporary furniture. Many bathrooms also offer creekside views. Suites also include living rooms. There are many restaurants at the Fairmont, including a classy steakhouse, an all-day buffet, a poolside burger bar, and a chic lounge. The hotel property also includes two private beaches, an Olympic-size pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is within walking distance of the Yas Mall.
Beaches in Abu Dhabi in May
Khalidiya Palace Beach
The Khalidiya Palace Beach is a 200m white sandy beach in a protected harbor of the Arabian Gulf. The beach is a private beach for guests of the Khalidiya Palace Hotel, but non-guests may also access the beach by paying a slightly higher fee. In addition to the actual beach, Khalidiya Palace Beach also contains a large landscaped pool and children's pool. There are also numerous restaurants at Khalidiya Palace, but if you're at the beach you should check out the Sunset Bar. This restaurant is located near the pool and serves refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and tapas, all with great waterfront views.
Bars and Restaurants
Punjab Grill
Punjab Grill Restaurant is one of the outstanding restaurants in the Ritz-Carlton's Venetian Village, situated along the Khor Al Maqta waterway. Punjab Grill offers gourmet Indian cuisine but in a cozy, casual setting. The ambience is wonderful in their comfortable dining room and outdoor terrace overlooking the creek, and the service is second to none. Signature dishes include the salmon tikka, braised & char-grilled lamb chops, coconut prawns, and tawa scallops. A vegetarian menu is also available. This award-winning restaurant is also a great place to take the kids. Punjab Grill is open daily from 12:30PM to midnight.
Azzurro
You'll find some excellent Italian cuisine at Azzurro, a casual restaurant on the Khor Al Maqta waterway, across the creek from the Ritz-Carlton's Venetian Village. Azzurro serves fresh food and homemade pasta and is constantly acclaimed to be the best Italian in Abu Dhabi. Menu items include fried calamari, flavorful salads, penne arrabbiata, ricotta & spinach ravioli, crab gnocchi, a variety of risotto dishes, lobster thermador, and veal tenderloin. Azzurro also features a complete, refreshing cocktail menu. This is also a wonderful option if you are traveling with children. Azzurro is open every day from 12:30PM to midnight.
The Forge
The Forge is a critically acclaimed steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton. The menu serves a variety of flavorful dishes, starting with pan seared scallops, coconut shrimp, and veal alhambre. They're known for their steaks, featuring beef and cuts from around the world. You'll find Australian wagyu tenderloin and ribeye, USDA Prime dry aged ribeye, New Zealand tenderloin, and Irish sirloin. If price is of no issue you'll want to try the Australian Master Kobe. Steaks are served with your choice of fresh sauces & sides, including lobster tail and chorizo. The Forge also offers an excellent wine-pairing menu. Hours are from 7PM to 11PM, Monday through Saturday.
3rd Avenue
Foreigners love 3rd Avenue, a fun pub near the Corniche waterfront at the Sheraton Al Khalidiya. This cozy bar provides a slow-paced environment in which you can just relax, chat with friends, and enjoy their large selection of beers. 3rd Avenue also hosts a live band every so often. The food is standard pub fare, such as chicken, potpie, nachos, steak, and sausages. Smoking is allowed and this may bother some people. Regardless, you'll find great drinks, sports games on TV, and entertaining bands at 3rd Avenue. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in May
Ferrari World
Abu Dhabi is home of the first Ferrari-themed park in the world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a great way to spend the day, enjoyable to children, the thrill-seekers, and the inquisitive. The Formula Rossa ride at Ferrari World is the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of 240 km/h. Numerous other adrenaline-pumping rides are at the park, as well as more mellow rides like go-karts, simulators, and children's rides. Ferrari World also has displays showing off the intricate process of Ferrari assembly and immersive cinematic shows. Ferrari World is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11AM to 6PM, Thursday & Friday from 11AM to midnight, and Saturday from 11AM to 11PM.
Wahat Al Karama Park
Wahat Al Karama is a very moving memorial to the fallen soldiers who died in the service of the United Arab Emirates. The park is located next to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which serves as an appropriate backdrop to the park. The giant tablets along the outer walls at Wahat Al Karama (which means "the oasis of dignity") are made up of giant tablets inscribed with poems and quotes. The inner walls surrounding the reflecting pool contain the names of the fallen. A visitor center provides a brief history of the U.A.E.'s military. The visitors' center is open daily from 9AM to 7PM.
Desert Safari Tours
One of the more popular activities in Abu Dhabi is to go on one of the exciting desert safari tours. A number of tour operators offer similar services with small differences, so check out the different agencies to find one that suits you. For the most part these tours start with a thrilling 4x4 ride through the sand dunes to a corral of camels. You'll then hop on one of these animals and take a ride through the desert, traditional Bedouin style. Afterwards you can participate in tea, refreshments, and other cultural activities, depending on the tour operator. Some of these tours are also offered as scenic sunset tours.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
One of Abu Dhabi's sites that you must visit while visiting the city is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This gorgeous mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and one of the most ornate mosques in the world. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is quite modern, but has classic Arabic architecture decorated in marble and gold, and is surrounded by striking reflecting pools. The mosque has 82 domes, the largest hand-woven rug in the world, and one of the largest chandeliers in the world. This large mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. There is also an impressive library with historic collections. The mosque is open to visitors daily, but Friday mornings are reserved for worshippers. Visiting hours are from 9AM to 10PM Saturday through Thursday and 4:30PM to 10PM on Friday. Please dress appropriately if you visit the mosque. Dresses will be provided for women who do not have the appropriate attire.
