#1Hot
Dubai
- Day
- 29.2°C
- Sea
- 22.6°C
- Sun
- 8.3h
- Rain days
- 2
Your March weather guide
Weather in United Arab Emirates in March
March is a good month to visit the United Arab Emirates if you want warm days with cooler evenings. Average daytime temperatures of 28°C suit time outdoors, while nights around 18°C make a light layer useful. The sea averages 22°C, so swimming may feel fresh rather than warm. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have similar weather; the choice is more about a slight difference in sea temperature than a different climate.
Long-term climate averages, not a forecast · 1991-2020
- Average daytime high
- 28.4°Cacross 2 destinations
- Average night-time low
- 17.6°Cafter dark
- Sea temperature
- 22.5°Cwarm enough to swim
- Rainy days
- 2days1 mm or more
United Arab Emirates, month by month
Turn up the warmth
Warmest places in United Arab Emirates in March
Ranked by average daytime high. The full comparison is in the table below.
#2Hot
Abu Dhabi
- Day
- 27.7°C
- Sea
- 22.4°C
- Sun
- 8.4h
- Rain days
- 2
United Arab Emirates destinations ranked for March
All 2 places we track in United Arab Emirates, ordered by daytime high.
March climate overview
Daytime highs across United Arab Emirates in March run from 27.7°C (Abu Dhabi) to 29.2°C (Dubai). In Dubai about 84% of March days reach 25°C. Nights average 17.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Abu Dhabi fall to 15°C or below.
Rainfall in March
Expect around 2 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Abu Dhabi the driest (2 days) and Dubai the wettest (2 days). The wettest March at Dubai between 1991 and 2020 was 1997 with 154 mm; the driest was 2000 with 0 mm.
Sea temperature
The sea averages 22.5°C around United Arab Emirates in March - warmest at Dubai (22.6°C). That is comfortable for swimming.
Sunshine and daylight
Around 8.4 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).
March against the rest of the year in United Arab Emirates
March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in United Arab Emirates. It is 3.2°C warmer than February and 4.9°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (41°C) and the coolest January (24°C).
Which part of United Arab Emirates in March?
- Most sunshine: Abu Dhabi, 8.4 h a day.
- Driest: Abu Dhabi, about 2 rainy days.
- Warmest sea: Dubai, 23°C.
- Hottest: Dubai, 29°C by day.
- Coolest (better for walking and cities): Abu Dhabi, 28°C.
What to pack for United Arab Emirates in March
Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light jumper for evenings (18°C at night); swimwear - the sea is 23°C.
Similar weather elsewhere in March
Within 1.5°C of United Arab Emirates's March daytime average: Galle (30°C, sea 29°C), Phuket (30°C, sea 30°C), Rio de Janeiro (30°C, sea 26°C), Kololi (29°C, sea 23°C), Koh Samui (29°C, sea 29°C). See the full ranking for March.
Dubai or Abu Dhabi: which has better weather?
Dubai is the warmer choice by day, averaging 29°C compared with Abu Dhabi's 28°C. That is a small gap, so there is little reason to choose between them on daytime warmth alone. Dubai's sea is also slightly warmer at 23°C, against 22°C in Abu Dhabi, giving it a modest edge if swimming matters to you. Evenings reverse the pattern: Dubai averages 17°C overnight, while Abu Dhabi stays around 18°C. Both average 2 rainy days, so neither has an advantage on that measure. Choose Dubai for slightly warmer days and water, but expect much the same packing needs in either destination.
What to expect during the day
With average sunshine of 8.4 hours, March gives you plenty of scope for outdoor plans. The catch is that warm weather can still feel hot around midday: in Dubai, 84% of days exceed 25°C. Plan more active outings for the morning or later in the day if you dislike heat, and keep shade breaks in mind. Lightweight clothing, sunglasses and sun protection are sensible daytime choices, with a light jumper for evenings. Rain is a limited rather than absent concern, averaging 2 days across the month. Keep plans flexible, but there is no need to organise the whole trip around wet weather.
A little more detail
United Arab Emirates in March FAQs
Plain answers, grounded in the averages.
Where is the hottest place in United Arab Emirates in March?
Dubai is the warmest of the 2 places we track in United Arab Emirates in March with an average high of 29.2°C; Abu Dhabi is the coolest at 27.7°C.
Is the sea warm in United Arab Emirates in March?
The sea averages 22°C or more at Dubai (23°C), Abu Dhabi (22°C) in March.
Is the sea warm enough for swimming in March?
The sea averages 22°C nationally, with Dubai at 23°C and Abu Dhabi at 22°C. Swimming is a reasonable option if you are comfortable with fresher water, but it may feel cool on entry rather than immediately warm.
Will I need a jacket in the evenings?
A light jacket or jumper is sensible for evenings outdoors. Overnight temperatures average 17°C in Dubai and 18°C in Abu Dhabi, noticeably cooler than the daytime warmth. Heavy winter clothing is unlikely to be useful for these typical conditions.
How much warmer is it than London in March?
The United Arab Emirates averages 28°C by day, compared with London's 10°C. That makes it a much warmer option for time outdoors. Pack for warm daytime conditions rather than a London spring, but retain a light layer for evenings.
About these averages
ERA5-Land climate reanalysis via Open-Meteo (11 km grid), 1991-2020
Averages computed from daily values at 2 destination points.Records are the highest and lowest daily values in that 30-year period, not all-time records. These are climate averages, not a forecast for your trip. How we measure holiday weather
- Hot · 25°C+
- Warm · 20°C to below 25°C
- Mild · 15°C to below 20°C
- Cool · below 15°C