# Dur Al Thamanin: UAE Winter Weather Explained for February
The UAE has officially entered Dur Al Thamanin, one of the most dynamic and culturally significant weather periods in the country's winter calendar. Running from February 1 to 12, this traditional season is recognised for centuries by local communities as a time of powerful winds, cooler temperatures, and unsettled skies.
What Is Dur Al Thamanin?
Dur Al Thamanin, also called "the Eighty" in local weather folklore, marks the peak of UAE winter intensity. The name is tied to the strongest north-westerly winds of the year, known locally as Shamal winds.
A traditional saying captures the period's character well: "If the north wind strikes during the Eighty, it makes even a horse bleed." That vivid metaphor speaks to the biting chill and relentless gusts that define these twelve days.
How Does Dur Al Thamanin Affect UAE Weather?
During this phase, residents across the UAE can expect a range of weather impacts:
- Powerful north-westerly winds, sometimes peaking around dawn - Increased cloud cover and occasional rainfall as low-pressure systems move in from the west - Higher wave activity at sea following brief calm periods - Light to dense fog, especially in early mornings, with humidity averaging a maximum of 83% - Dust events that can reduce visibility during the strongest wind spells
Meteorologists expect February 2026 rainfall to come in at or slightly above the long-term average of 6.2mm, while temperatures are forecast to hover near the national mean of 20.1°C — though fluctuations are expected as weather systems pass through.
Historical UAE February Weather Records
February during Dur Al Thamanin has produced some of the UAE's most extreme weather on record:
- Highest rainfall: 317mm in Al Huwailat (1988) - Highest temperature: 39.8°C at Al Jazirah Border Post (2009) - Lowest temperature: −5.7°C on Jebel Jais (2017) - Strongest wind speed: 141 km/h at Jebel Mabrah (2010) - Foggiest February: 18 days of dense fog (2021) - Most frequent dust events: Eight recorded at Sharjah International Airport (1973)
Despite the cooler, cloudier conditions, solar radiation remains significant. Dubai recorded a daily total of 322 watts per square metre in February 2017 — proof that winter sunlight in the UAE is still strong.
What to Expect During Dur Al Thamanin
For the coming days, residents and visitors should prepare for:
- Chilly, windy mornings and evenings, with occasional bursts of stronger gusts - Variable cloud cover, alternating between sunshine and potential rain showers - Foggy conditions near inland and coastal areas during early mornings - Dust and sand activity, particularly in open areas during windy spells
A Cultural Marker, Not Just a Weather Event
Dur Al Thamanin is more than a meteorological phenomenon. It is a living reminder of the UAE's deep connection to its natural environment and the rhythms of the traditional winter season. For generations, communities have used these seasonal markers to plan fishing, farming, and daily life.
While the winds can feel biting and the mornings unusually grey, Dur Al Thamanin also signals the beginning of the end of winter — a dynamic, changeable stretch before milder spring weather returns to the UAE.
