The heat hasn’t hit full blast yet, but summer in the UAE is quietly making its approach
If you stepped outside today – whether to drop your children at the school bus or head to work – you might have noticed it felt a little warmer than usual. Temperatures in Mezaira (Al Dhafra region) already touched 40°C on April 20, 2026, according to the National Center of Meteorology.
If you’re among those who dread the summer, you’re probably already wondering, “When does it actually start getting hot in the UAE?”
Well, according to astronomical calculations, summer in the UAE will officially begin on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
It is defined by the summer solstice – the day that brings the longest stretch of daylight and the shortest night of the year in the hemisphere.
What exactly is the summer solstice?
Summer Solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere (the half of the earth that is north of the equator) receives more sunlight than on any other day of the year. Astronomically, this is when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky.
Since this is the longest day of the year, it only makes sense that it will also be the shortest night of the calendar year. The day is expected to last 13 hours and 48 minutes.
Humans may have observed the summer solstice as early as the Stone Age and cultures around the world still celebrate the day with feasts, bonfires, picnics and songs. It is also known as the June solstice.
*UAE weather update: Cooler temperatures and a chance of rain this week*
So, does this mean that it will be the hottest day of the year?
Thankfully, no. According to National Geographic, on the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives more sunlight than on any other day of the year – but that doesn’t mean the first day of summer is also the hottest. The solstice marks the height of the sun, but the hottest weather comes a month or two later.
Temperatures in the UAE are already pretty toasty, and in the past, we have witnessed temperatures above 50 degrees in the UAE.
The hottest temperature ever recorded, an official record for the UAE, was an eye-sweating 52.1ºC (125.78ºF). It was recorded in the shade by specialist calibrated equipment back in July 2002. Phew…
Images: Getty Images
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