UAE weather for Eid Al Fitr 2026: Moderate conditions, scattered rain forecast across country
Cooler days and pleasant nights expected through March 24
DUBAI – With Eid Al Fitr 2026 now officially set to begin on Friday, March 20, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is heading into the holiday period under generally moderate weather conditions, with the possibility of scattered rainfall in several parts of the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast mild daytime temperatures and pleasant conditions at night and during the early morning from Thursday, March 19, through Tuesday, March 24. At times, clouds are expected to build across the country, bringing rain of varying intensity over scattered areas.
Fresh winds reaching 40 Km/hr and rough sea at times in Oman Sea with wave height reaching 6 FT, from 17:30 Wednesday 18/03/2026 until 01:00 Thursday 19/03/2026. pic.twitter.com/00we8eBY55
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 18, 2026
The holiday date was confirmed on Wednesday, March 18, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the UAE. The Presidential Court announced that Thursday, March 19, would be the final day of Ramadan, making Friday, March 20, the first day of Eid Al Fitr. The decision followed the traditional moon-sighting process carried out by the Moon-sighting Committee for Shawwal 1447 AH, affiliated with the UAE Council for Fatwa, during its meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Eid weather forecast
The wider weather pattern over the Eid period points to a run of partly cloudy to cloudy days, with convective cloud formation likely to trigger rainfall in some locations. According to the NCM, temperatures are expected to ease further during the forecast window, with a more noticeable drop likely on Sunday and Monday. That could bring a more comfortable feel to the holiday break, particularly for those planning outdoor visits, family gatherings and evening activities.
Winds are expected to blow from southeasterly to northeasterly directions, remaining light to moderate for much of the period but freshening at times with cloud activity. In exposed areas, especially where the terrain is open, these stronger winds may kick up dust and sand and reduce horizontal visibility. That raises the possibility of changing road and travel conditions during one of the busiest movement periods of the holiday.
Rain chances
For Thursday, the NCM expects partly cloudy to cloudy skies at times, with a chance of light rainfall over some western and coastal areas as well as islands. Winds are forecast to range from 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 35 km/h at times. Sea conditions are expected to be moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Sea of Oman.
On Friday, which marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the UAE, the weather is forecast to remain partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with rainfall possible over scattered areas. Winds are expected to strengthen slightly, ranging from 15 to 25 km/h and reaching up to 40 km/h in some places. The sea is likely to be moderate and may become rough at times in the Arabian Gulf, while remaining slight in the Sea of Oman.
The forecast also indicates that sea conditions across both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea may turn slight to moderate generally, becoming rough at times when cloud activity intensifies. That is particularly relevant during the Eid break, when beaches, waterfront destinations and marine leisure spots tend to draw large crowds across the emirates.
Cooler spell
The expected fall in temperatures later in the forecast period could shape the wider feel of the long holiday. While the daytime weather is set to stay mild overall, the cooler spell expected on Sunday and Monday may bring a more settled and pleasant atmosphere, especially in the evenings and early mornings. Combined with cloud cover and occasional rainfall, the conditions point to an Eid stretch that is less about early summer heat and more about variable spring weather.
The timing of the forecast is significant as residents and visitors prepare for Eid prayers, family visits, shopping trips and outdoor entertainment across the UAE. Weather conditions that shift between sunshine, cloud, rain and stronger winds could influence activity patterns from one emirate to another, particularly in open-air venues and coastal areas.