Abu Dhabi in May: Weather, What to Pack, Best Activities & Travel Tips

Thinking about visiting Abu Dhabi in May? You're in for a sunny trip! May is hot, but there’s so much to enjoy, from beautiful beaches and famous landmarks to luxury shopping and fun parks.

In this easy guide, we’ll tell you all about the weather in Abu Dhabi in May, what clothes and items to pack, the best places to visit, and some helpful travel tips. You'll hear about top spots like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and the relaxing Corniche Beach.

Whether you want to explore amazing buildings, relax by the sea, or enjoy shopping on Al Maryah Island, we’ll help you plan a trip that’s fun, safe, and cool, even when it’s hot outside.

Weather: What Is May Like?

So, May in Abu Dhabi = hot. (No shocker, right?) But there are specifics, and knowing them helps a lot.

What that means: It’s going to be hot, especially mid‑day. If you like heat, you’ll have no problem; if not, some care is needed (shade, hydration, breaks indoors).

What to Pack

Here’s my “friend giving advice” checklist — you’ll thank yourself later.

• Light, breathable clothing, think cotton, linen. Loose fits that let your skin breathe.
  

• A good hat (wide brim), sunglasses, and very good sunscreen (SPF 30‑50). The sun is intense.
  

• Swimwear, since the sea is warm, and many hotels / beaches / pools will be part of your plan.
  

• A light scarf or shawl. For women (or anyone) visiting mosques or conservative places, or if you need a cover‑up indoors with strong AC.
  

• Comfortable walking shoes but open‑toe sandals are good for casual stuff.
  

• A reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated!
  

• Evening wear: evenings are warm, but some restaurants or hotels may have AC; a light cover‑up or something more dressy if you plan fancy dinners.
  

• Small first aid / sun‑burn stuff (after‑sun lotion, aloe, etc).

Best Activities: What to Do & When

Given how hot it gets, timing is everything. You won’t want to fry yourself in the sun all day, so it’s best to mix indoor and outdoor plans, early in the morning or later in the evening. When it comes to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, planning around the heat will help you enjoy the city without getting drained.

Early Morning / Late Afternoon / Evening

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Gorgeous architecture, peaceful in early morning or just before sunset. Best times to avoid the full heat.
  

• Corniche Walk & Beach" The Abu Dhabi Corniche is ~8 km of waterfront, with paths, parks, beach. Walking early (just after sunrise) or later in afternoon works well
  

• Saadiyat Island: The beaches here are nicer (whiter sand, more upscale). Also home to cultural attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Great for morning or evening.
  

• Yas Island: If you’re into entertainment: Yas Mall, theme parks (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld), etc. Many are partly indoors or have lots of shade. If you go in midday, pick indoor attractions.
  

• Museums and Cultural Spots: For the hottest part of day, this is your friend. Louvre, Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace), heritage villages.
  

Midday / Hot Hours Strategy

• Chill indoors. Hotels, cafes, malls, take advantage of AC.
  

• If you have to be outside, plan things like lunch in shaded locations or rooftop with shade & breeze + AC.
  

• Swim in the sea or pool: water helps, just avoid peak sun exposure (10‑3 pm).

Neighborhoods & Where to Stay

Here’s which areas are cool / convenient / picturesque. Depending on what you want (luxury, beach, culture, rest), pick accordingly.

Travel Tips (from us to you)

Here are some “things I wished I knew” / tricks so you enjoy without stress:

• Timing matters: Try to schedule outdoor stuff in the early morning (say 5‑9 AM) or after sunset. Midday is brutal.
  

• Stay hydrated: water + maybe electrolytes. When you’re walking outside, bring water. Air conditioning can dehydrate you more than you think.
  

• Dress smart: besides sun protection, think modestly for cultural sites (long pants/skirts, covered shoulders).
  

• Book ahead: If you want to visit places like Louvre, guided tours, or popular restaurants, booking helps. Also, peak tourist season is different here but things fill up.
  

• Transport: Taxis/Ubers are good. If you stay a bit outside city center (like Saadiyat or Al Raha), check how far from your hotel to sites. Maybe pick a base that's fairly central to minimize travel time.
  

• Siesta mindset: Embrace downtime in the hottest hours. Maybe that’s when you take a nap, read, or just hang out by the pool or indoors.
  

• Evenings are golden: Sunset, dinner by the water, maybe a stroll. Temperatures drop a little, wind picks up a bit. Much more enjoyable.

Is May a Good Time or Should You Wait?

You can totally enjoy Abu Dhabi in May; many tourists do. The pros:

• Less rain, very reliable sunny weather.
  

• Beaches & sea are warm; water‑activities very doable.
  

• Attractive deals maybe in hotels (before peak summer gets fully oppressive).

The cons:

• Heat can be intense especially midday; if you dislike heat, this might be a challenge.
  

• Outdoor adventures (desert, long city walks) need careful planning to avoid heat risks.

If you want a cooler version of Abu Dhabi, maybe consider October‑November or February‑March. But if May is your window, go for it with these tips and you’ll still have a great time.

Final words

So, is Abu Dhabi in May a good idea? Honestly yes, as long as you’re ready for the heat! With clear skies, warm beaches, and fewer crowds than peak season, it’s a great time to explore the city’s highlights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Just remember: pack smart, plan your outdoor adventures in the early morning or evening, and take breaks indoors when it gets too hot. With the right tips, you’ll stay cool and still enjoy everything Abu Dhabi has to offer from its rich culture to stunning coastline.

Ready to soak up the sun and discover one of the UAE’s most exciting cities? Abu Dhabi in May might just surprise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa to go to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, visitors usually need a tourist visa or a visa on arrival (depending on your nationality). The visa is for the the UAE (not just Abu Dhabi).

2. Can I use a Dubai-issued UAE tourist visa in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, a UAE tourist visa (whether issued via Dubai or elsewhere) generally works for entering any emirate including Abu Dhabi.

3. Is it safe to travel to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, it's a modern, well‑policed place. Still, always take normal travel precautions (watch belongings, avoid risky areas at night, follow local laws).

4. What’s the best time of day to go outdoors in May?

Early morning (say 5 AM to 9 AM) and late evening (after 5‑6 PM) are your friends. Midday (11 AM–3 PM) is when the sun is strongest, plan indoor stops or shade breaks then.

5. Are there indoor activities to enjoy when it’s too hot?

Absolutely, museums, malls, art galleries, indoor theme parks (especially on Yas Island) are popular choices during the hottest hours.

6. How many hours of sunshine / daylight does Abu Dhabi get in May?

Lots. In May, Abu Dhabi gets around 13 hours of sunshine and very few cloudy days.

7. What’s the sea temperature; is swimming comfortable in May?

Yes, swimming is great average sea temperature in May is about 29 °C (≈ 84‑85°F).

8. Does it rain in Abu Dhabi in May?

Almost never. Rainfall in May is negligible, often 0–1 mm for the month.