#1Hot
Dubai
- Day
- 40.3°C
- Sea
- 32.8°C
- Sun
- 11.3h
- Rain days
- 0
Your September weather guide
Weather in United Arab Emirates in September
September is a good month for the United Arab Emirates if you enjoy intense heat and can plan around it, but it is not a comfortable choice for long days outdoors. Average daytime temperatures reach 39°C, nights stay around 27°C and the sea is 33°C. Expect to favour early outings, indoor breaks through the hottest part of the day and light clothing even after sunset. Swimming offers little relief from the heat.
Long-term climate averages, not a forecast · 1991-2020
- Average daytime high
- 39.3°Cacross 2 destinations
- Average night-time low
- 27.1°Cafter dark
- Sea temperature
- 32.9°Cwarm enough to swim
- Rainy days
- 0days1 mm or more
United Arab Emirates, month by month
Turn up the warmth
Warmest places in United Arab Emirates in September
Ranked by average daytime high. The full comparison is in the table below.
#2Hot
Abu Dhabi
- Day
- 38.3°C
- Sea
- 33.0°C
- Sun
- 11.2h
- Rain days
- 0
United Arab Emirates destinations ranked for September
All 2 places we track in United Arab Emirates, ordered by daytime high.
September climate overview
Daytime highs across United Arab Emirates in September run from 38.3°C (Abu Dhabi) to 40.3°C (Dubai). In Dubai about 100% of September days reach 25°C. Nights average 27.1°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Abu Dhabi fall to 26°C or below.
Rainfall in September
Expect around 0 rainy days (1 mm or more) in September, with Abu Dhabi the driest (0 days) and Dubai the wettest (0 days). The wettest September at Dubai between 1991 and 2020 was 2015 with 4 mm; the driest was 1991 with 0 mm.
Sea temperature
The sea averages 32.9°C around United Arab Emirates in September - warmest at Abu Dhabi (33.0°C). That is comfortable for swimming.
Sunshine and daylight
Around 11.3 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).
September against the rest of the year in United Arab Emirates
September is the 4th warmest month of the twelve in United Arab Emirates. It is 2.2°C cooler than August and 3.8°C cooler in October. The hottest month here is August (41°C) and the coolest January (24°C).
Which part of United Arab Emirates in September?
- Most sunshine: Dubai, 11.3 h a day.
- Driest: Abu Dhabi, about 0 rainy days.
- Warmest sea: Abu Dhabi, 33°C.
- Hottest: Dubai, 40°C by day - intense for sightseeing.
- Coolest (better for walking and cities): Abu Dhabi, 38°C.
What to pack for United Arab Emirates in September
Based on the averages: light, loose clothing and serious sun protection - midday highs sit around 39°C; swimwear - the sea is 33°C.
Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the better fit if slightly lower daytime temperatures matter to you: it averages 38°C, compared with Dubai's 40°C. That does not make it cool, and both destinations call for a cautious approach to prolonged time outside. Dubai has the slightly cooler nights, averaging 26°C against Abu Dhabi's 28°C, though neither offers a genuinely cool evening. The sea averages 33°C in both, so there is no cooler-water option between them. Choose Abu Dhabi for the lower daytime heat or Dubai for the lower night-time temperature, but do not expect the choice to transform how September feels.
Plan your day around the heat
With 11.2 hours of sunshine and an average of 0 rainy days, September suits travellers who put dry weather ahead of mild temperatures. The catch is that sunshine comes with substantial heat, rather than comfortable conditions for staying outside all day. Keep outdoor plans flexible, favour the earlier part of the day and take indoor breaks around midday. Pack loose, lightweight clothing, sun protection and something light for air-conditioned spaces. Evenings remain warm, so sunset should not be treated as a switch to cool weather. This month is a less suitable choice if your ideal holiday involves long walks without regular breaks.
A little more detail
United Arab Emirates in September FAQs
Plain answers, grounded in the averages.
Where is the hottest place in United Arab Emirates in September?
Dubai is the warmest of the 2 places we track in United Arab Emirates in September with an average high of 40.3°C; Abu Dhabi is the coolest at 38.3°C.
Is the sea warm in United Arab Emirates in September?
The sea averages 22°C or more at Dubai (33°C), Abu Dhabi (33°C) in September.
Is the sea comfortable for swimming in September?
The sea averages 33°C in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. That suits travellers who like very warm water, but it will not feel like a cooling dip. There is no temperature advantage to choosing either destination for swimming.
Should I expect rain to disrupt my plans?
September averages 0 rainy days across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so rain is unlikely to be the main constraint on outdoor plans. Heat is the bigger consideration; the average is not a guarantee of completely rain-free weather.
How hot is it compared with London in September?
The United Arab Emirates averages 39°C by day, compared with London's 19°C in September. It is a substantial change, not simply a warmer version of the same weather. Plan for lighter clothing, shade and regular indoor breaks.
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