Late October temperatures still in mid-30s: When will UAE winter really arrive?
Astronomical and climatic winter definitions
Daytime temperatures in the UAE are still hovering in the mid-30s Celsius, but winter is approaching. The astronomical start of winter is marked by the winter solstice on Tuesday, 22 December, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Climatologically, winter is considered to begin at the start of December, coinciding with Al Marba’aniyah, a 40-day period in the traditional Arab calendar running from around 7 December to 15 January, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Board Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society. This period is widely seen as the onset of colder weather. At the start of the season, daylight in the UAE lasts about 10 hours and 32 minutes, gradually increasing until the spring equinox.
Temperature trends compared with last year
Late October this year looks broadly similar to last year. On Sunday, 25 October, temperatures were expected to reach 35°C in Abu Dhabi, 34°C in Dubai and 35°C in Sharjah. Liwa and Al Ruwais could see highs of 37°C, with minimums ranging from 24°C to 28°C. At the end of October last year, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) described a gradual and pleasant cooling trend. On 30 October 2025, coastal highs of 30°C to 35°C were expected, with eastern areas seeing minimums falling to around 15°C over the following days. This year, cooler weather is also on the way. On 20 October, Gulf News reported that by Saturday, 24 October, temperatures were forecast to decline gradually, with inland highs still reaching up to 40°C. Last December, widespread rain caused temperatures to dip. On 20 December 2025, Jebel Jais recorded 3.5°C early Saturday morning, one of the chilliest readings of that season, with coastal highs of 20°C to 23°C and nights of 12°C to 16°C. According to NCM figures, December maximum temperatures typically range from 22°C to 27°C and minimums from 13°C to 17°C. The lowest December temperature ever recorded in the UAE is -0.7°C at Jebel Jais in 2004.
El Niño could bring warmer December
This year may run warmer. The NCM puts the chance of El Niño conditions prevailing from November 2026 through March 2027 at 96 per cent. This could bring above-average temperatures and rainfall to the UAE, particularly towards the latter part of that period, with El Niño expected to begin affecting weather patterns in January. Gulf News has reported that temperatures and rainfall are expected to be near or above seasonal averages over the same period. In practical terms, that suggests December temperatures at or slightly above the averages. The NCM has not yet issued a specific December forecast. Al Jarwan said last year that temperatures at the start of winter typically range between 12°C at night and 25°C during the day. By mid-February, they rise to around 15°C to 28°C, and by the end of the season, they reach approximately 18°C to 32°C. Across the Arabian Peninsula, the coldest conditions are typically felt from mid-December to mid-February. In the UAE, Al Jarwan has said the lowest temperatures are typically recorded between 12 and 25 January, when early-morning readings inland can fall below 8°C, and sometimes under 5°C. “These days are particularly harsh in desert and open areas,” he said. During winter, cold air masses linked to low-pressure systems pass through every seven to 10 days, bringing temperatures at least 4°C below seasonal averages. The UAE’s lowest temperature on record, -5.7°C, was recorded on the slopes of Jebel Jais on 3 February 2017.
Winter activities and regulations
Al Qudra in Dubai remains a popular spot for cycling on long desert tracks, wildlife spotting, sunset photography and stargazing. Entry is free, and bike rentals cost Dh50 to Dh150. For short weekend camping trips, Dubai Municipality says prior permission is not needed to pitch a tent in the desert, but camping and dog walking are not allowed at Al Qudra Lake itself. For stargazers, the Geminid meteor shower peaked on the nights of 13 and 14 December last year, often producing over 150 meteors per hour under perfect dark-sky conditions. The Dubai Astronomy Group scheduled stargazing sessions at Al Qudra Desert for the shower. In Hatta, kayaking costs Dh80 to Dh150 per session. Trail access for hiking is free, and there are mountain biking trails across the desert foothills. Adventure park activities such as ziplining and obstacle courses come in packages from Dh50 to Dh200. Hatta Campsite near Wadi Hub is a popular overnight camping spot. In Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais offers ridge and summit hiking routes, viewing platforms for sunrise and sunset, and the Jebel Jais Flight zipline. Overnight camping is allowed in designated zones for free, but campers must bring their own full gear. Seasonal winter camps are also returning. In Umm Al Quwain, applications for winter campsites in Al Aqran and Al Thaniya are open until 30 October, ahead of the season starting on 1 November. Applications are restricted to holders of Umm Al Quwain-issued passports. Municipalities in Sharjah and Fujairah can impose fines of up to Dh2,000 for pitching tents in unauthorised areas or leaving waste behind. Entering valleys or flood zones during rain can bring a Dh2,000 fine, 23 traffic points and a 60-day vehicle impoundment. Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival runs from 30 October to 14 March, featuring Emirati heritage, camel racing and falconry, international pavilions, and fireworks, drone and laser shows. In Dubai, Global Village opened on 14 October and runs until May. Dubai Miracle Garden reopened on 8 October and Dubai Safari Park on 12 October. Before winter officially arrives, the Dubai Fitness Challenge runs from 31 October to 29 November, with Dubai Run, Dubai Ride and fitness villages across the city.
