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

The summer heat has finally backed off, the evenings are breezy, and the city feels alive again. Cafés along the Corniche fill up, events are back on the calendar, and you can explore outdoors without rushing from one air-conditioned spot to the next. Pretty cool timing, right?

What makes November special is that balance, warm enough to hit the beach (the sea’s still around 28 °C!), but mild enough to wander through the Grand Mosque or spend an afternoon at Qasr Al Watan without breaking a sweat. Plus, this is the month when big cultural festivals and sports events pop up, so the city has that exciting buzz.

Basically, if you’ve been waiting for the sweet spot between sizzling summer and peak winter tourist season, November in Abu Dhabi is it and it’s also the perfect time to discover some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures.

Abu Dhabi Weather in November

You won’t believe this, but November in Abu Dhabi is way more pleasant than the punishing summer months.

• Daytime highs: ~ 30-31 °C (86-88 °F)
  
• Nighttime / early morning lows: about 19-22 °C (66-72 °F)
  
• Average temperature overall: around 25-26 °C (77-79 °F)
  

Humidity is still a factor, especially midday, but compared to summer it’s much more comfortable. Rain is super rare, November sees roughly 0 – 1 days of rainfall, with very little actual precipitation.

Sea’s nice: water temperature averages ~ 28-28.5 °C (~83-84 °F) so swimming is very doable.

Sunshine: you get a good ~10-11 hours per day of daylight, and lots of sunny hours.

What to Pack for Abu Dhabi in November

Here’s what I think will make your trip comfy, without overpacking. You’ll want layers (hehe, yes, even in the desert!).

Quick notes: Mornings/evenings can be a bit cooler; midday will feel hot. Shade, hats, sunscreen = life savers.

Packing list:

• Lightweight breathable clothes: cotton or linen tees/shirts, loose trousers or shorts
  
• Something warmer: a light sweater or long sleeve for early morning or evenings
  
• Swimwear + beach cover-ups (if you plan beach/swimming)
  
• Comfortable walking shoes + sandals
  
• Sun-protection gear: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+ ideally)
  
• A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
  
• Maybe a scarf or shawl for mosques or conservative places
  
• A small umbrella or rain jacket: optional, but in case of surprise drizzle.

Best Activities to Do in Abu Dhabi in November

Cool, this is my favorite part. November opens up so much more to see and do comfortably.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

• Abu Dhabi Art: A major art fair held every November. Galleries, design exhibits, talks, great for culture lovers.
• Judo Grand Slam Abu Dhabi: Scheduled for 28-30 November 2025 at Mubadala Arena. If you like sports, this is world-class level.
  
• Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (golf): Typically played in November. Great experience even if you’re not a hardcore golf fan, beautiful courses, nice atmosphere.

Attractions & Outdoor + Indoor Activities

You’ve got the best of both worlds: beach & sun, but also culture & indoor comfort.

• Yas Island: If you’re travelling with friends/family or you just want fun, this place has EVERYTHING. Theme parks (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld), shopping at Yas Mall, marina views, restaurants, waterfront vibes.
  
• Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace): Majestic, beautiful architecture, great heritage / cultural storytelling. The “Palace in Motion” light show in the evenings is something special.
  
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Always a must. Even in hotter months people visit, but in November it’s more comfortable.
  
• Corniche & Beach Days: Corniche Beach, waterfront walks, bike or scooter rides along the sea, scenic views, evenings are magical.
  
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: If you're into art and architecture, this is cooler indoors + fascinating.
  
• Etihad Arena on Yas Island: Keep an eye on concerts, events. November often sees performances and festivals.

Tour / Experience Options

Here are some suggestions you might want to pre-book:

• Multi-park passes on Yas Island (theme parks, water parks) so you can hop between places without wasting time.
  
• Guided tours of Abu Dhabi’s landmarks (Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Louvre) with a local guide to get stories behind places.
  
• Evening cruises or dhow dinner cruises along the gulf, views of the city lighting up are gorgeous.
  
• Desert safari (morning or evening) — November weather is good for that.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi (Neighborhoods & Hotels)

You know I always care about location, saves you time, lets you soak in vibes. Here are neighborhoods I’d recommend, plus what kind of lodging you get..

Some hotel suggestions (just from what people seem to like):-

• On Al Maryah Island: Four Seasons, Rosewood, very luxurious, great amenities.
  
• On Corniche: Etihad Towers (Conrad, etc.), for those views.
  
• On Yas Island: Some of the hotel-resorts there are great because of proximity to parks etc.

November Travel Tips for Abu Dhabi

Here are some things I’d tell you if we were just hanging out and I was giving advice.

• Go early or later in the day for outdoor things. Midday sun can still punch. If you want to visit the Grand Mosque or do a walking tour, morning is golden.
  
• Book tickets ahead for big attractions (Louvre, theme parks) and for concerts / events. November has more events than summer, so places fill up.
  
• Check local calendars (websites / apps like Visit Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Events), sometimes pop-ups happen after we think we have the plan locked.
  
• Dress modestly if visiting religious or cultural sites (long pants, shoulders covered, etc.).
  
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, even if it doesn’t feel scorching, sun + dry air can sneak up on you.
  
• Use sunscreen + hats + sunglasses, real talk, even in November you’ll want them.
  
• Transportation: Taxis are plentiful, but if your hotel is far from attractions, account for travel time in your schedule.
  
• Timing: Try to stay maybe 4-5 days to mix beach, culture, relaxing time, too short and you feel rushed; too long and unless you pace yourself, you’ll burn out.

Why Visit Abu Dhabi in November?

Here’s what makes November special, the stuff that turns a trip from “good” to “wow”:

• Lower heat & more comfortable outdoors so you can actually enjoy walking, exploring, being outside.
  
• Crowds are less intense than in peak winter (Dec-Jan) but events start picking up, you get a sweet spot of both energy + comfort.
  
• Hotel rates & travel costs tend to be more reasonable than peak season (late-December onward).
  
• Beautiful sunsets, warm water for swimming, ideal for mixing beach + culture.
  
• So many events & festivals in November, art fairs, sports, etc. It feels like the city awakens again after the heat.

Conclusion

Ok, so if you ask me, November in Abu Dhabi is spoiler alert one of the best times to visit. The weather’s easier to handle, lots of stuff to do, good vibes, and you won’t feel like you’re constantly hiding from the sun. If you plan smart, you’ll get sunshine, culture, relaxation, food, and memories galore. I’m excited just thinking about it, you should totally go, and I’ve got a feeling you’ll love it.

FAQs

1. What’s the best time of day to explore Abu Dhabi in November?
    Early mornings (around 7-10 AM) or late afternoons (after 4 PM) are great. Midday gets warm, so better for indoor stuff then.
   

2. Can I swim in the sea in November?
    Yes! The sea temp is very pleasant (~28-28.5 °C / ~83-84 °F) so swimming and water activities are comfortable.
   

3. Do I need to worry about rain?
   Almost no. November has maybe 0-1 days of rain; rainfall is minimal.
   

4. Is November crowd-heavy (for hotels/events)?
    It’s getting busier than summer, especially around events, weekends, and as people start their winter getaways. But nothing like December/January. Booking ahead helps.
   

5. What’s a must-see cultural site in Abu Dhabi?
    Qasr Al Watan for sure, beautiful architecture, amazing heritage, and the evening light show is something special. Also the Grand Mosque, Louvre, Corniche area, you’ll get a good mix.