Autumn in UAE: A Cool Relief

Cooler Mornings, Mild Days: Autumn Arrives in UAE

Residents of the United Arab Emirates can finally breathe a sigh of relief after a long, scorching summer, as the weather gradually eases, marking the transition into autumn. The Safriya season began on September 6, officially starting a period characterized by pleasantly cool mornings and increasingly tolerable daytime temperatures, rather than extreme heat.

Astronomical Observations Indicate the Change

In the desert nation, seasonal changes are determined not only by meteorological forecasts but also by astronomical signs. The appearance of the Suhail star on August 25 has long been considered a herald of autumn's mild weather. Following this, the Al Jabha' constellation appeared on September 6, marking the official start of autumn according to the traditional Emirati calendar.

Temperature Data and Expected Easing

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, President of the Emirates Astronomical Society, a gradual cooling is expected in the upcoming weeks. By about September 20, nighttime temperatures may drop below 25 degrees Celsius, offering a particularly pleasant change from summer’s 35–40 degree nights. While days will remain warm until the September 23 autumn equinox, morning fog and dew could be frequent due to humidity.

In the coming months, the weather will become even more favorable:

By October 10, daytime highs are expected to drop below 35 degrees Celsius.

By October 20, nighttime lows will fall below 20 degrees Celsius.

In November, daytime peaks will remain below 30 degrees.

By December, nighttime temperatures could drop to 15 degrees Celsius, signaling the start of the winter season.

Outdoor Activities Season Begins

For UAE residents and visitors, autumn weather creates more favorable conditions for outdoor activities, whether it's sports, hiking, or a simple evening stroll. Coastal promenades, parks, and outdoor restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates once again burgeon with life, as the summer months’ extreme heat and humidity were unbearable for many.

With the milder weather, outdoor markets, events, sports occasions, and concerts resume. Residents often plan family excursions or desert trips during this period, as cooler evenings offer ideal conditions for campfire chats or even camping in the desert.

Welcome Health Benefits of the Change

Extreme summer temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can also pose health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and those with cardiovascular issues. The cooler autumn months reduce the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related problems, while enabling people to spend more time outdoors, which enhances well-being and overall health.

Preparing for Winter: When Will it Really Cool Down?

Although classic 'cold' weather is never a feature of the UAE, locals and long-term expatriates find December's nighttime 15-degree temperatures surprisingly chilly. Homes, offices, and schools are often without heating, leading many to wear warmer clothes or add mobile heaters.

'Tourism season' kicks off at year-end as cooler weather attracts many to the UAE. Visitors enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and bustling city life without the sweat-inducing summer heat.

What's Ahead?

Based on current trends, the coming weeks appear promising as the weather becomes increasingly pleasant, paralleled by the return of cultural and communal experiences that almost vanished during the summer heat. The onset of the Safriya season and astronomical signs confirm that we are truly on the cusp of a new era—not just in nature, but also in society.

In the UAE, autumn always marks the beginning of something new: a new school year, new projects at work, and new hopes in everyday life. The milder weather provides an excellent backdrop for all of this.

(Source of the article: National Meteorological Center (NCM) announcement.)