Dubai or Abu Dhabi in March?
In March, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are overall neck and neck — it comes down to your priorities.
DubaiPhoto: Tvisha2 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Abu DhabiPhoto: Oleg Yunakov · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 27 °C | 26 °C |
| Average daily low | 20 °C | 20 °C |
| Sea | 23 °C ★ | 22 °C |
| Rainy days | 3 rainy days (est.) | 2 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 61 % | 62 % |
Winner by travel type
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in March: the short answer
In March, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are essentially level on the overall climate score (both around 92/100). The decision comes down to the individual criteria below.
This comparison focuses on March as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Dubai averages a climate score of 73/100, Abu Dhabi 73/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in March, side by side
The average daily high is about 27 °C in Dubai and 26 °C in Abu Dhabi — warmer in Dubai. Average daily lows are around 20 °C versus 20 °C.
On rain, Dubai sees about 3 rainy days in March and Abu Dhabi about 2 — drier in Abu Dhabi. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 23 °C at Dubai and 22 °C at Abu Dhabi — warmer for swimming at Dubai. Over the year, Dubai is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Abu Dhabi in January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is August for Dubai and August for Abu Dhabi.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Dubai records roughly 15 rainy days and Abu Dhabi about 11 — the drier of the two overall is Abu Dhabi. At their sunniest, Dubai reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (May) and Abu Dhabi about 9 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Dubai is at its best in January, February, March and December, while Abu Dhabi peaks in January, February, March and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the March scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Dubai scores higher in March (Dubai 96 vs Abu Dhabi 95).
City breaks: Abu Dhabi scores higher in March (Dubai 90 vs Abu Dhabi 92).
Active & hiking: Abu Dhabi scores higher in March (Dubai 79 vs Abu Dhabi 82).
Family: both are close (Dubai 97 vs Abu Dhabi 97).
Verdict: which should you pick?
Choose using the March values and travel-style scores above. The rounded annual overall scores are also tied (73/100). A higher annual score therefore cannot decide the choice. Use the monthly values for your actual travel dates.