The best time for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi is November to March. Daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 25°C, making the desert comfortable for outdoor riding. December and January are the peak months, offering the coolest conditions and the most comfortable camel trekking experience.
The Abu Dhabi desert does not welcome everyone equally throughout the year.
Visit in August and the sand temperature can exceed 60°C. Step outside between noon and three in the afternoon and the heat becomes genuinely dangerous for extended outdoor activity. Camel trekking in those conditions is not an option any responsible operator will offer.
But visit between November and March - and especially in December, January, or February - and you find a desert that feels like it was made for exactly this. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, golden light in the late evening, and air that is clean and dry rather than humid and heavy.
This guide walks you through every month of the year so you can plan your Camel Trekking Tour Abu Dhabi at exactly the right time for the experience you want.
01
Abu Dhabi Desert: The Four Seasons at a Glance
Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate with four distinct phases. Understanding these phases matters for camel trekking because the experience changes completely depending on when you go.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Trekking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November – March | 15°C – 28°C | Peak Season - Highly Recommended |
| Spring | April – May | 28°C – 42°C | Morning Slots Only |
| Summer | June – September | 42°C – 48°C | Not Recommended |
| Autumn | October | 28°C – 38°C | Good (2nd half of October) |
- Winter (November to March): Peak season. Temperatures between 15°C and 28°C. Evenings can drop to 12°C–15°C in January, so a light jacket is useful for sunset and overnight treks.
- Spring (April to May): Shoulder season. Temperatures rising from 28°C to 38°C. Still manageable for morning treks, but afternoon and evening treks begin to feel warm.
- Summer (June to September): Extreme heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 42°C–45°C, with August reaching highs of 48°C. Most afternoon and evening sessions are reduced or suspended.
- Autumn (October): Transitional month. Temperatures begin falling from summer highs. By mid-to-late October, morning and sunset treks become comfortable again.
02
Month-by-Month Guide to Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi
November - The Season Opens
November marks the beginning of Abu Dhabi's outdoor season. Average daytime temperatures sit around 27°C–30°C, dropping to a comfortable 18°C–20°C in the evenings.
This is when Desert Holiday Tours sees bookings begin to climb. The desert is warm and golden during the day, and the evening air has that first crisp edge that makes the camp experience after a camel trek feel genuinely pleasant. Sunset slots in November offer long golden light across the dunes before temperatures cool sharply after dark.
- Rating: Excellent
- Best Slot: Sunset
December - Peak Month, Best Overall Experience
December is the single most popular month for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi, and for good reason.
Daytime temperatures average 24°C–26°C. Evenings cool to around 15°C–17°C. The desert light in December - particularly in the hour before sunset - turns the dunes amber and copper in a way that photographs cannot fully capture. The air is clear, dry, and comfortable for the full duration of a trek.
This is the month when Desert Holiday Tours' evening desert safari and camel trekking slots fill fastest. If you are visiting Abu Dhabi in December - especially around Christmas or New Year - book your camel trek at least 48 hours in advance, and ideally a week ahead for the most popular sunset slots.
- Rating: Perfect - Best Month of the Year
- Best Slot: Sunset
January - Coolest Temperatures, Clearest Skies
January is the coldest month in Abu Dhabi, with daytime temperatures between 19°C–24°C and evenings dropping to 12°C–15°C.
For camel trekking, this translates to extremely comfortable conditions during the ride itself. The morning air is sharp and fresh, and the desert looks different in January than at any other time - the lower sun angle creates longer shadows across the dunes and a cooler, slightly silver-tinted light in the early hours.
The cooler evenings make overnight trekking and extended camp experiences in January particularly special. Desert Holiday Tours' Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice in January - sitting by a campfire after a camel ride, with temperatures at 13°C and the Milky Way visible overhead, is something people describe for years afterwards.
One practical note: pack a jacket for evening treks in January. The temperature drop after sunset is significant, and the camp experience lasts well into the evening.
- Rating: Excellent - Best Month for Overnight Experiences
- Best Slot: Sunrise or Sunset; overnight treks exceptional
February - Warm Days, Perfect Light
February sits in the sweet spot between January's cool crispness and the gradual warming of March. Daytime temperatures climb back to 24°C–27°C, evenings remain pleasant at 15°C–18°C.
This is arguably the most balanced month for camel trekking. The ride is comfortable without requiring a jacket, the camp experience is warm enough to sit outside in just a light layer, and the late afternoon light on the dunes in February has a warmth that is different from December's cooler tones.
February also tends to be slightly less crowded than December or January, meaning availability on preferred slots is better. For families, couples, and travelers who want the full experience without the peak-season rush, February is an outstanding choice.
- Rating: Excellent
- Best Slot: Sunset
March - Last of the Winter Window
March remains good for camel trekking, particularly in the first three weeks of the month. Temperatures begin rising, averaging 27°C–32°C by the end of March, but mornings and evenings remain comfortable for the duration of a standard one-hour trek.
The morning desert safari combined with early morning camel trekking is a particularly good choice in March - cool conditions and extraordinary light as the desert catches the first hours of the day. Desert Holiday Tours' Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is ideal for this.
By late March, the sunset slot can feel noticeably warmer than in winter months, but the experience remains entirely manageable. This is also the final month before summer temperatures begin to make afternoon treks uncomfortable for most travelers.
- Rating: Best for Morning Slots
- Best Slot: Morning
Ready to book your Abu Dhabi camel trek? Hotel pickup included, 1-hour ride, from AED 299 per person.
April - Shoulder Season, Early Mornings Only
April sits in transition. Average daytime temperatures move between 32°C and 37°C, and by mid-afternoon the desert heat becomes uncomfortable for extended outdoor activity.
Camel trekking in April is still possible but should be booked for the morning slot only - Desert Holiday Tours' morning desert safari with a pickup around 8:00 AM puts you in the desert before temperatures climb. Avoid afternoon and evening bookings in April as temperatures can make the ride uncomfortable.
April also offers lower hotel rates and reduced competition for tour slots, which makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers who can plan their schedules around the morning window.
- Rating: Fair - Early Mornings Only
- Best Slot: Morning (8:00 AM departure)
May - Transitioning Into Heat
May marks the beginning of the hot season. Average highs reach 38°C–42°C, and the desert by mid-morning is already warm in a way that affects comfort on a camel ride.
Very early morning treks - departing before sunrise - are still possible in May. Desert Holiday Tours' Sunrise Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is the most comfortable option in May. You arrive in the desert before the sun is fully up, complete the trek in cooler conditions, and return before temperatures peak.
For most travelers, May is not the ideal month to plan a camel trekking trip. If your visit falls in May and this is a priority, book the sunrise slot and be in the desert by 5:30–6:00 AM.
- Rating: Limited - Sunrise Slot Only
- Best Slot: Sunrise (very early departure)
June to September - Summer: High Heat, Limited Trekking
These four months represent Abu Dhabi's extreme heat season. June averages 40°C–44°C, July and August push beyond 45°C, and humidity rises significantly from July onwards.
Camel trekking in June, July, August, and September is not recommended for the standard morning, afternoon, or sunset experience. The conditions are genuinely difficult - prolonged exposure to this level of heat is not comfortable or safe for extended outdoor activity.
Some operators offer extremely early morning sessions in these months (departures at 5:00–5:30 AM), but these are significantly limited and are not the conditions under which the full experience can be enjoyed.
Desert Holiday Tours recommends choosing winter or early spring for camel trekking. Summer is Abu Dhabi's season for indoor experiences - the city's world-class malls, museums, and indoor attractions are outstanding during these months.
- Rating: Not Recommended
- Best Slot: Plan a return visit in November–March
October - The Season Returns
October is a transitional month that improves significantly as the weeks pass. Early October still carries summer heat, with temperatures around 35°C–38°C. By mid-October, highs begin dropping. By the final week of October, morning and sunset treks are comfortable again.
October is one of Abu Dhabi's best value months for tourism. Hotels are coming out of off-season pricing, tour availability is high, and the desert is beginning to feel like the place it becomes in winter. For flexible travelers who want a good deal and a good experience, late October is genuinely worth considering.
The sunset in October has a particular quality - the sky above the desert, with the heat haze beginning to dissipate and the first cool air arriving, creates colors that are different from any other month.
- Rating: Good (Second Half of October)
- Best Slot: Sunset (from mid-October)
03
Morning vs. Sunset vs. Sunrise - Which Slot Is Best?
Beyond the season, the time of day for your camel trek makes a significant difference to the experience. Desert Holiday Tours offers morning, sunrise, and sunset options. Here is how they compare:
| Features | Sunrise | Morning | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Peaceful, cinematic, intimate | Fresh, clear, family-friendly | Golden, dramatic, romantic |
| Temperature | Coolest of the day | Comfortable morning air | Warm, cools after dark |
| Best For | Solo, couples, photographers | Families, shoulder season | Couples, groups, first-timers |
| Best Months | Dec, Jan, Feb | Mar, Apr, Oct | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Camp Experience | Desert dawn, cool air | Morning camp, midday return | Full evening - stars, fire, coffee |
Sunrise Camel Trekking - Best in October to March
The sunrise slot means arriving in the Al Khatim Desert before the sun is fully up. The air is at its coolest, the light is extraordinary - deep orange and pink across the dunes as the sun breaks the horizon - and the desert is completely quiet. There are fewer people in the desert at this hour, the silence is absolute, and the contrast between the cool air and the warming golden light creates something genuinely difficult to describe.
Desert Holiday Tours' Sunrise Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is the right option for travelers who want the most peaceful, atmospheric version of the camel trekking experience. Best months: December, January, February.
Morning Camel Trekking - Best in March, April, and October
The morning slot picks you up from your hotel around 8:00 AM and returns you by midday. You ride in the cooler early-morning air, the desert is active but not at peak heat, and the light has a clarity and sharpness that the later afternoon lacks.
Desert Holiday Tours' Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is ideal for families with young children, travelers with afternoon commitments, or anyone who prefers the desert before full heat. Best months: March, April, October.
Sunset Camel Trekking - Best in November to February
The sunset slot is Desert Holiday Tours' most popular option, and it is the one most people remember. You ride into the desert as the sun drops towards the horizon and the dunes turn from gold to amber to copper to a deep, burning red.
After the trek, the Bedouin-style camp welcomes you with Arabic coffee, traditional tea, dates, and sweets. As the sky darkens, the camp activities begin. The temperature is comfortable. The stars appear. The evening extends into something far larger than just a camel ride.
This is the version of the Abu Dhabi desert experience that travelers come home and describe to everyone they know.
For the most complete sunset experience, consider combining with the Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - adds dune bashing, BBQ dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing. Best months: November, December, January, February.
04
What to Wear - Season by Season
Getting your clothing right makes a real difference to how comfortable the trek is.
November to February (Winter)
- Loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs
- A jacket or fleece for the camp experience after sunset - temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down
- Closed shoes or flat sandals
- Hat and sunglasses during the day
- Sunscreen year-round
March and October (Shoulder Season)
- Lightweight long clothing
- Sunscreen is essential - the desert sun in these months is strong
- A light layer for the return journey if the trek runs into the evening
- Water bottle
April to May (If Trekking Early Morning)
- Very lightweight, breathable clothing - loose fit
- Sunscreen from the moment you step out - the sun rises quickly in these months
- Hat and plenty of water
05
Planning Your Booking With Desert Holiday Tours
Desert Holiday Tours operates camel trekking tours in Abu Dhabi daily, with hotel pickup from all Abu Dhabi city hotels, malls, residences, the Airport Premier Inn hotel lobby, and the port.
The standard camel trekking tour includes one hour of riding, dune bashing, sandboarding, Arabic costume photoshoot, and welcome refreshments at the traditional Bedouin-style camp. The full experience - including pickup and drop-off - runs approximately three hours.
Practical Booking Notes
- Book at least 48 hours in advance. Popular sunset slots in December and January fill quickly, particularly around holidays and long weekends. For peak-season dates, booking a week ahead is sensible.
- Children under five years of age are not permitted to ride the camels. All children participate under parental supervision throughout the tour.
- The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for individuals with heart conditions, serious back or neck problems, or other significant medical conditions.
06
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi?
November to March is the best season, with December and January offering the most comfortable conditions. Daytime temperatures between 18°C and 27°C make outdoor desert riding pleasant for the full duration of a standard one-hour trek.
Can you go camel trekking in Abu Dhabi in summer?
Summer trekking (June to September) is not recommended due to extreme heat above 42°C–45°C. Some operators offer very early sunrise sessions, but the standard experience is not available in comfortable conditions during these months. Desert Holiday Tours recommends planning your visit in the winter season for the full experience.
What is the best month specifically for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi?
December and January are the peak months. December offers the best overall combination of temperature, light, and atmosphere. January is the coolest month and is particularly good for overnight experiences and stargazing at the camp.
Is October a good time for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi?
The second half of October is a good option - temperatures have dropped to manageable levels and the sunset slot becomes comfortable again. Early October remains quite warm and morning slots are more advisable.
What time of day is best for camel trekking in Abu Dhabi?
The sunset slot is the most popular and most visually spectacular, particularly in winter months. The sunrise slot offers the coolest temperatures and the most peaceful desert atmosphere. Morning slots are ideal for families or shoulder-season visitors. Afternoon treks are not recommended even in winter due to midday heat.
How far in advance should I book a camel trek in Abu Dhabi?
Desert Holiday Tours recommends booking at least 48 hours in advance. For December, January, and UAE public holidays, booking 5–7 days ahead is advisable to secure the preferred slot.
Is camel trekking in Abu Dhabi suitable for families?
Yes. Children aged five and above can participate. Younger children are not permitted to ride. The camp activities and atmosphere after the trek are enjoyable for all ages.
07
The Verdict - When to Book
If you are planning a visit to Abu Dhabi and want to go camel trekking, the window you want is November to March. Within that, December and January are the strongest months for the full experience - comfortable temperatures, exceptional light, and a desert atmosphere that matches exactly what most travelers come here for.
If your schedule only allows a shoulder-season visit, October (second half) and March (first three weeks) are solid alternatives, particularly for morning slots.
Avoid June, July, August, and September for camel trekking unless you are able to commit to a very early sunrise departure and understand that conditions will be warm even at that hour.
The desert is always there. The right conditions to enjoy it properly exist for about five months of the year. Plan around those months and the experience delivers everything people say it does - and usually more.
Desert Holiday Tours offers camel trekking daily throughout the season. Hotel pickup from all Abu Dhabi locations. Morning, sunrise, and sunset slots available.
08
Explore More Desert Experiences
Looking to make a full day of your desert visit? These tours work perfectly alongside camel trekking:
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - Combines camel trekking with dune bashing, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment - all from your hotel. From AED 199.
- Sunrise Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - The most atmospheric desert experience - arrive as the first light breaks over the dunes. From AED 149.
- Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - Ideal for families and shoulder-season visitors. Back by midday. From AED 149.
- Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - Sleep under the Arabian stars. The most immersive desert experience available. From AED 349.
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi - All Packages - Browse every desert experience and find the right fit for your visit.
