The UAE in January: weather, sea and where to go
January is well suited to city and waterfront walks around the UAE. In Dubai, choose between historic Dubai Creek, the modern Marina and beaches; Abu Dhabi offers the calmer pace of the Corniche, museums and cultural sights. Leave time for journeys between the districts and between the two cities.
Choose a month
Selected month: January
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: range across the selected cities
Cities and resorts
Dubai in January
January is a good month for full days of walking among old quarters, promenades and open city spaces. Nights are cooler than daytime, so bring an extra layer for a late dinner or the trip back from the beach. If daily swimming is the main goal, choose accommodation with a pool or close to the beach.
Abu Dhabi in January
January is a good month for an active city itinerary with long walks and stops by the sea. Pair the Corniche with parks and historic places during the day, and make separate trips to Saadiyat and the mosque. Evenings by the water can feel cooler than sunny afternoons, so plan a convenient route back.
Average air and sea temperatures, with the number of wet days per month.
All cities in this country in the catalogue
Is this a good month to visit?
Choose Dubai for beaches and a wide variety of city districts; choose Abu Dhabi for walks along the Corniche, the Saadiyat museum and architecture. The sea is cooler in January than in December, and evening walks call for an extra layer. Keep a short trip manageable if travelling between cities.
Weather in the UAE
Dubai’s daytime high is about 25 °C and Abu Dhabi’s about 24 °C; night-time lows are around 16 and 17 °C. January is wetter than December, particularly in Dubai. These figures describe the two cities, not the whole UAE.
Plan outdoor walks for dry spells and keep a nearby museum or shopping gallery in mind for rain. By the water, evenings can feel cooler than afternoons in the city centre.
The sea and choosing a city
Average January sea temperatures are about 23 °C in Dubai and 21 °C in Abu Dhabi. The water may feel cool, especially in the wind; choose a serviced beach and consider your comfort.
In Dubai, pair a beach visit with JBR or the Marina. In Abu Dhabi, the Corniche works for a promenade and a city beach break. If you plan to swim regularly, look into the pool at your accommodation.
Routes and what to pack
Group sights by district: visit Al Fahidi and the Creek separately from JBR; in Abu Dhabi, separate the Corniche from Saadiyat and the Grand Mosque. Keep to one district and one extra stop each day.
Pack light daytime clothes, a thin jacket, comfortable shoes and a packable rain layer. Dress modestly for the mosque and follow its visitor rules. Check your route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi before setting out.
Common questions
Where is warmer in the UAE in January, Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
The daytime high in the Dubai city series is about 25 °C, compared with about 24 °C in Abu Dhabi. The difference is small; sunshine, wind and the district affect how it feels.
Can you swim in the UAE in January?
Average sea temperatures are about 23 °C in Dubai and 21 °C in Abu Dhabi. Consider the wind and conditions at your chosen beach; if the water feels cool, a walk by the sea is an alternative.
What can I do in the UAE if it rains in January?
In Dubai, choose a museum or an indoor place near the district you are visiting. In Abu Dhabi, move a long Corniche walk to a dry spell and spend time at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
What should I wear in the UAE in winter?
Light layers work during the day; bring a jacket or jumper for the evening. Wear more covering clothes at mosques and historic places, following each venue’s rules.
Compare destinations
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January: which to choose?
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January: Dubai combines older districts with modern city life, while Abu Dhabi offers the Corniche, museums and separate days on Saadiyat. Compare the sea and the distances between stops on your route.
Trip ideas
Where to go for winter sun: four sea breaks in January
Compare a stay in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in January. They offer different ways to spend a week: a beach base on the Red Sea, walks through a large city, or museums combined with time on the waterfront.