Image credit: Getty Images
The winter season officially began astronomically in the Northern Hemisphere in the last third of December, specifically on December 22, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
The seasonal transition has already brought noticeably cooler temperatures across the UAE, marking a shift in prevailing weather patterns that will shape conditions nationwide over the coming months. The lowest temperature recorded across the country was 4°C in Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah, at 00:00 UAE local time, underscoring the arrival of colder air masses, particularly in mountainous regions, a WAM report said.
According to the NCM, the Siberian high-pressure system is considered the dominant surface-level weather system during winter. This system frequently extends toward the Arabian Gulf region and is typically accompanied by northwesterly winds, which can be active at times, or northeasterly winds.
Read more-GCC weather: Match cancellation, flight disruptions, snowfall disrupt events
These conditions result in the influx of cold air masses, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the country, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours. In some inland and mountainous areas, temperatures can fall below 0°C, highlighting the intensity of winter cooling in elevated terrain.
In addition to high-pressure influences, the UAE is affected during winter by several low-pressure systems originating from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as by the extension of low-pressure systems from the east. These weather systems contribute to increased cloud cover and rainfall during the season.
Fog formation is also a common winter feature, particularly under stable atmospheric conditions combined with high humidity and light winds. Fog is most likely to occur during early morning hours, potentially reducing visibility in coastal and inland areas.
Diverse geography drives varied winter conditions
The UAE’s diverse topography plays a critical role in shaping its winter climate. Spanning the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea to the east, and the Empty Quarter desert, the country experiences varied local conditions throughout the season.
In desert and inland areas, winter weather is typically cool to cold at night and in the early morning, while daytime temperatures remain mild. Mountainous and highland regions experience cooler conditions most of the time, with colder temperatures overnight due to higher elevations. For example, Jebel Jais reaches approximately 1,800 metres above sea level, making it one of the coldest locations in the country.
Coastal areas generally enjoy moderate winter conditions, with most days remaining mild. Wave heights in these regions typically range between one and two feet, creating suitable conditions for marine activities and water sports throughout much of the season.
Occasional rainfall during winter enhances outdoor conditions, although heavy rainfall in limited areas can lead to runoff in mountainous valleys. Authorities continue to advise caution and recommend avoiding wadis during such weather events.
Winds during winter are usually light to moderate, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities and camping, with stronger winds limited to a few days throughout the season. Relative humidity levels are generally comfortable, although elevated humidity combined with calm conditions can increase the likelihood of fog formation during early morning hours.
The NCM has noted that the UAE’s winter climate and weather diversity support a wide range of sports and recreational activities, contributing to increased outdoor engagement during the season.
Winter climate averages in the UAE include:
- Average maximum temperature: 24–27°C
- Average minimum temperature: 14–16°C
- Average relative humidity: 55–64 per cent
- Average wind speed: 11–13 km/hr
NCM issues detailed forecast as winter conditions develop
As winter conditions take hold, the National Center of Meteorology has issued its weather bulletin for Monday, December 22, 2025, corresponding to Rajab 02, 1447. The forecast is valid from 8:00 a.m. on Monday until 8:00am on Tuesday.
According to the NCM, the country is currently being affected by an extension of a surface low-pressure system, accompanied by a weak upper-air low-pressure system. These atmospheric conditions are expected to influence weather patterns across the UAE over the coming days.
For Monday, weather conditions are forecast to be fair to partly cloudy in general. Low clouds are expected to appear over islands and some western regions. Humidity levels will increase overnight and into early Tuesday morning, particularly over western coastal and internal areas, raising the possibility of mist formation.
Winds will be light to moderate, becoming stronger at times during the daytime. Sea conditions are expected to be rough initially, gradually becoming moderate to slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
Temperature variations will be evident across different regions. Coastal and island areas are expected to see maximum temperatures ranging from 20°C to 24°C, with minimum temperatures between 9°C and 14°C. Internal regions will experience daytime highs of 22°C to 26°C, while nighttime temperatures may drop to between 6°C and 10°C. Mountain areas will remain cooler, with maximum temperatures of 15°C to 18°C and minimum temperatures between 4°C and 9°C. Relative humidity levels may reach up to 90 per cent in some areas, particularly overnight.
Winds across coastal, internal, and mountainous areas will generally blow from southeasterly to northeasterly directions, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/hr and occasional gusts reaching 35–40 km/hr, especially in coastal and island areas.
Outlook through the week
Looking ahead, Tuesday, December 23, is expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds forming over islands and western regions. Humid conditions will persist overnight into Wednesday morning, maintaining the possibility of mist formation. Winds will remain light to moderate, and sea conditions are forecast to stay slight to moderate.
On Wednesday, December 24, cloud cover is expected to increase overnight and into Thursday morning, with a chance of light rainfall over islands and some coastal areas. Increased humidity may lead to fog or mist in internal regions. Winds will shift from northeasterly to northwesterly and may strengthen at times.
Thursday, December 25, is forecast to bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions at times, with light rainfall possible over northern and eastern areas. Humidity overnight could again result in fog or mist, while winds will shift from southeasterly to northwesterly and occasionally freshen. Sea conditions may become rough at times in the Arabian Gulf.
By Friday, December 26, conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy at intervals. Humidity will increase overnight into Saturday morning, with a chance of fog or mist forming in internal areas. Winds will continue to be light to moderate, and sea conditions are expected to range from moderate to slight.
Residents are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions, particularly reduced visibility during fog or mist and rough sea conditions during periods of stronger winds.
