Winter in the UAE is official, bringing cooler temperatures, changing wind patterns and increased chances of fog and rain, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
The astrological start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere began on December 22, marking the transition to the country’s cooler season.
The NCM said the winter weather in the UAE is caused by a combination of large pressure systems and a varied landscape, leading to significant differences between the desert, coastal areas and mountains.
The height of Siberia brings cold air
At the upper level, the Siberian high-pressure system dominates the winter weather, extending into the Arabian Gulf region. This system is usually accompanied by northwesterly winds, which can be active at times, or northeasterly winds, which lead to cold air.
As a result, temperatures drop across the country, especially at night and early morning. In some inland and mountainous areas, temperatures can drop below 0°C.
In winter, the UAE is also affected by a few low pressure systems from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as extensions of low pressure systems from the east.
These weather systems increase cloud cover and bring rain to certain parts of the country.
Fog may form under stable atmospheric conditions, especially when humidity is high and winds are light, when the morning hours tend to be less visible.
Geography drives different winter conditions
The UAE’s diverse climate – which includes the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Empty Quarter desert – plays an important role in shaping the local winter conditions.
In the inland desert regions, the weather tends to be cold at night and early in the morning, while daytime conditions remain cool.
The hilly and mountainous areas experience cool weather most of the day and cold conditions at night due to the altitude, with Jebel Jais reaching about 1,800 meters above sea level.
Coastal areas generally have mild winter conditions, with most days remaining cool.
Along the coast, the height of the waves in winter usually varies between one or two feet, creating favorable conditions for beach activities and water sports. Occasional rainfall can improve outdoor conditions, although heavy rain in limited areas may cause runoff in mountainous valleys.
Authorities advise caution during such events and recommend avoiding wadis if rain is in the forecast.
Spirits of the UAE
Winds in winter are generally light to moderate, supporting camping and outdoor recreation, with strong winds confined to a limited number of days. Relative humidity levels are generally comfortable, although calm conditions combined with high humidity can contribute to early morning fog formation.
The NCM said the UAE’s winter climate and climate diversity help support a wide range of sports, recreation and leisure across the country.
- Average temperature: 24–27°C
- Average temperature: 14–16°C
- Average relative humidity: 55-64%.
- Average wind speed: 11-13 km/h
