Dubai or Abu Dhabi in March?
On climate data, Abu Dhabi comes out ahead overall in March. See the per-criterion details below.
DubaiPhoto: Ithra Dubai · CC BY-SA 4.0
Abu DhabiPhoto: Oleg Yunakov · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 27 °C ★ | 26 °C |
| Night | 20 °C | 20 °C ★ |
| Sea | 23 °C ★ | 23 °C |
| Rainy days | 2 rainy days | 2 rainy days |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day ★ |
Winner by travel type
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in March: the short answer
In March, Abu Dhabi comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Dubai 92/100 vs Abu Dhabi 93/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
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
By day, Dubai sits near 27 °C and Abu Dhabi near 26 °C — warmer in Dubai. At night it is roughly 20 °C versus 20 °C.
On rain, Dubai sees about 2 rainy days in March and Abu Dhabi about 2. Abu Dhabi gets more sunshine (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 23 °C at Dubai and 23 °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, February, 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 11 rainy days and Abu Dhabi about 11. At their sunniest, Dubai reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (June) 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.
City breaks: Abu Dhabi scores higher in March.
Active & hiking: Abu Dhabi scores higher in March.
Family: Dubai scores higher in March.
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For March specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Dubai carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Dubai if its strong months and profile match your plan, Abu Dhabi if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.