Abu Dhabi Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Abu Dhabi is known for its low rainfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 49 mm (1.9 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Abu Dhabi occurs in March, which receives around 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, June, Abu Dhabi experiences almost no rainfall, totaling approximately 0.1 mm (0 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
March, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 251 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 38°C (100°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Abu Dhabi Temperature page.
Explore Abu Dhabi's Historical Precipitation: 1982-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Abu Dhabi spanning 45 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in United Arab Emirates: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across United Arab Emirates. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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Abu Dhabi vs World: Rainfall Compared
Abu Dhabi's average annual precipitation is 49 mm (1.9 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Abu Dhabi's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Abu Dhabi Climate page.
