UAE weather in January: mild during the day and cold at night, with limited chances of rain

The National Center of Meteorology confirmed that the month of January is characterized by low temperatures, as the weather is moderately hot during the day and cold at night in general. This is due to the region being affected by the extension of the Siberian high air force extending from the north, which is accompanied by a cold air mass that affects the country and the Arabian Peninsula in general.

The center explained that climate forecasts for January 2026 indicate that temperature averages will be around the general average or slightly higher, with the average temperature across the country reaching 18.3 degrees Celsius.

He pointed out that the region is also affected during this month by a number of surface depressions passing from west to east, and at other times along the Red Sea depression, and in some cases these depressions may be accompanied by an extension of an upper air depression, which leads to a multiplication of clouds over the country on some days of the month, with a chance of rain.

According to the centre’s forecasts, the rainfall rate during the month of January 2026 will be around the general average or less, with the average rainfall in the country reaching 11.1 mm.

He also reported that during this month the country is witnessing activity from northwesterly winds at times, known as the “Shamal” winds, which raise sand and dust on inland and exposed areas, and also lead to rising sea waves in the Arabian Gulf.

He indicated that relative humidity levels increase during the early morning hours, which creates the opportunity for fog and light fog to form, with an increased incidence of fog in inland areas compared to coastal areas.

According to the center’s records, the average temperatures during the month of January range between 16.4 and 20.0 degrees Celsius, while the average maximum temperatures range between 21.3 and 25.7 degrees Celsius, and the average minimum temperatures range between 11.6 and 15.2 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature recorded during this month was 36.0 degrees Celsius in some areas, including Assab in 1991, Al-Hair in 1983, and Al-Fouah in 1983, while the lowest temperature was recorded in Rukna in 2021, and it reached two degrees Celsius below zero.

The center stated that the average wind speed during this month is 12 km/hour, while the highest wind speed was recorded at 99.7 km/hour in Al Ghuwaifat in 2003, and the highest wind gust reached 101.9 km/hour at Abu Dhabi Airport in 2022.

According to climate data, the average relative humidity during January is 63%, while the average maximum relative humidity ranges between 78% and 91%, and the minimum relative humidity ranges between 31% and 47%.

The center explained that the highest year in which fog occurred over the past years was 2021, when the number of fog days reached 19 days, in addition to 4 light fog days.

The highest amount of rain was recorded during the month of January, at 229.9 mm, in Saqr Port in 2020.