Long before the Arab tribes of Abu Dhabi moved to the city, they were desert dwellers. Today, you would find very few tribes living in the desert, but the Emiratis still preserve their Bedouin culture. It is possible to enjoy the desert and its beauty with the desert safari. The desert safari Abu Dhabi happens at Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), Al Khatim desert, or the Liwa Oasis, depending on the tour company you choose. Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi are all about adventures, entertainment, leisure, and food. It is a cultural and adventurous experience that you should not miss. But when should you go for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi? Choosing the right time is extremely crucial to ensure that you have a memorable experience. Here is everything you should know about the best time to go for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
An Overview of Abu Dhabi’s Desert Climate
Abu Dhabi is a desert land with dry and hot climate throughout the year. While the summer season is extreme, the winter here is mild. Moreover, the weather in the desert is a tad bit different than in the city. The daytime temperature in the desert is high, and with rarely any shade, it is quite harsh during the day. However, nights in the desert are completely the opposite. As soon as the sun sets, there is a significant drop in the temperature, and you will find the climate in the desert at night to be really chilly. The weather in the desert would depend on the seasons and the time of the day. Before you book your desert safari tour, you must know all about when to visit Abu Dhabi for safari.
Best Seasons for Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has two seasons: winter and season. Here is everything you need to know about these seasons and which ones would be ideal for your desert safari experience.
Winter Season (November to March)
Abu Dhabi experiences a pleasant winter season. The temperature during this season is between 20-degree C to 30-degree C, making it a great time for sightseeing and desert safari as well, especially during daytime. The temperature can go to 5-degree C at night in the desert. Winter is peak tourist season in Abu Dhabi, and hence you can expect quite a lot of crowds for most desert safaris. It may also be necessary to book your desert safari in advance if you do not want to miss the fun. This is the time when you can enjoy the desert safari and all its shenanigans to the fullest, making winter the best season for desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
Summer Season (April to September)
The summers in Abu Dhabi are extremely hot, with the daytime temperatures sometimes nearing 50-degree C. Spending the day in the desert is not a good idea. Moreover, some of the desert safari tours close shop during this season, while some offer it with limited activities. Still, it is not necessary to say no to desert safari in Abu Dhabi during summer season. Evenings and late nights are comfortable during this time, especially after sunset. While the temperature in the desert drops after sunset, it is not extremely low, i.e., not lower than 13-degree C. Several tour companies offer discounts on safari packages in the summer. The crowds are also fewer during this time of the year.
Shoulder Season (April to May and October)
Shoulder seasons are transitional months. April and May are spring months, when the season is changing from winter to summer, while October is autumn, when the season is transforming from summer to winter. During these months, there are lot of temperature fluctuations. Day time temperatures are quite high while evenings and nights in the desert are quite comfortable. The best part about going on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi during the shoulder months is the short crowds. You will get to enjoy the desert safari adventures without long queues. Attractive deals and discounts on desert safaris are also available during these seasons. This is a great time to enjoy premium desert safaris at affordable prices.
Best Time of Day for a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
Apart from the season, the time of the day also determines the experience you will have in the desert. You can consider these safaris while selecting the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
Morning Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
Morning desert safari usually starts around 7 in the morning and continues for 2-3 hours. The weather after sunset is quite mellow and cool, making it the ideal time to spend outdoors. Morning desert safaris are loaded with adventurous activities like quad biking, sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding. If you do not mind waking up early, you can also go for sunrise desert safari Abu Dhabi. This starts early in the morning and gives you the chance to see a glorious sunrise in the desert. It is the best time to get some gorgeous pictures of the desert. Morning desert safaris may or may not have breakfast (depending on the tour package you have selected). The only downside of morning safaris is that you do not get to enjoy any cultural experiences.
Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
This is the most popular version of the Abu Dhabi desert safari. The evening desert safari begins late in the afternoon and continues well into the night, till around 10 PM. The reason why most people like this safari is that it has everything, right from adventures to entertainment. The evening desert safari begins with adventurous activities. Plenty of leisure activities like henna painting, Arabic dress up session, Shisha smoking, falcon photography, etc., are available at the desert camp. The evening safari is also a great time to enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the desert is filled with beautiful sunset colors. Do not forget to take some amazing photographs of the desert sunset. After sunset, performers entertain you with belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances while you enjoy a scrumptious BBQ dinner.
Overnight Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
The overnight safari Abu Dhabi is the one that combines the activities of evening desert safari and morning desert safari. Like the evening desert safari, the overnight desert safari also begins late in the evening and includes all the adventure, leisure, and entertainment activities. But rather than heading to your hotel after the BBQ dinner, you retire to the Bedouin style tents at the desert camp for the night. Some of the premium desert safaris also offer glamping opportunities where you stay the night in a luxurious tent. The desert is a fascinating place at night. Sitting around a bonfire, listening to Bedouin stories, indulging in star gazing, and enjoying the serene environment of the desert are a few of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi overnight desert safari tour. After a fitful slumber in the tents, you get to see a beautiful sunrise and have a wholesome Emirati breakfast before heading to your hotel or home in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
1. Which desert safari is best for summertime in Abu Dhabi?
Overnight desert safaris would be the best for summer desert safari in Abu Dhabi. It starts late in the afternoon, when the temperature starts dipping. The night temperature in the desert is low but not overwhelmingly so. This way you would get to enjoy the desert safari without feeling too hot or too cold.
2. Which desert safari is best for wintertime in Abu Dhabi?
Morning desert safaris and evening desert safaris are best for winters in Abu Dhabi. You can also go for an overnight desert safari if you do not mind the extremely cold nights in the desert.
3. What should I wear for the desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
Your outfit for the desert safari in Abu Dhabi would depend on the time of the day you are visiting. For morning and evening desert safari, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are the best. Avoid thick fabrics like wool and denim. For the nights, you must carry a jumper or a jacket to protect yourself from the cold.
4. When should I avoid desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
It is best to avoid desert safari during the Ramadan months. This is because only limited activities are available during this month. You will not be able to watch belly dancing and Tanoura dancing performances. Moreover, alcohol is also not served during Ramadan, as it is a holy month in Islam.
5. What are the essential things to remember for desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
- Â Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun
- Apply sunscreen to your skin so that the harmful UV rays do not affect your skin
- Â Wear a hat so that you do not get overheated
- Â Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your desert safari tour
- Â Avoid dune bashing and other desert safari adventures if you are pregnant, are a heart patient, or have chronic back or neck pain.
6. Who should go for desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi desert safari is for everyone, be it families with children, solo travelers, and even couples on a romantic holiday. In fact, a private desert safari is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for couples.
Conclusion
The best time for desert safari in Abu Dhabi depends on your preferences. If you do not mind the heat, summer can also be a great time to go for a desert safari. All you need to do is book the right type of safari so that you can avoid the peak hot hours. Also, if you are going for a desert safari in the winters, it is important to book your tour well in advance. The best tours get booked fast, and you must book yours early so that you do not miss the opportunity of enjoying a fabulous experience.
