UAE Astronomy Center: Autumn Dawns on September 22, Bringing Noticeable Temperature Drop
Sara KhaledUAE's Autumn Season Set to Begin with Gradual Temperature Drop and Prime Stargazing Conditions
The UAE will officially enter autumn on September 22, 2025, at 10:20 PM, marking the beginning of a three-month period characterized by steadily declining temperatures, reduced humidity, and exceptional astronomical viewing opportunities. This seasonal transition promises relief from the intense summer heat while offering some of the year's best conditions for observing meteor showers, bright stars, and distant galaxies.
Temperature Relief on the Horizon
According to Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the UAE Astronomy Association and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, the country can expect significant temperature variations throughout the autumn months. The season begins with daytime temperatures averaging 37°C and nighttime lows of 23°C in late September.
By mid-November, conditions become notably more comfortable, with daytime highs dropping to 32°C and nighttime temperatures falling to 18°C. The season concludes in late December with the most pleasant weather of the year—daytime temperatures of 26°C and nighttime lows of just 14°C.
Humidity and Precipitation Patterns
Humidity levels remain relatively high during September and October before beginning a gradual decline by mid-November. Rainfall remains minimal throughout most of the season, with October receiving less than 2mm, November seeing 5-6mm, and December recording the highest precipitation at 16-18mm.
Prime Stargazing Season Approaches
Autumn represents one of the UAE's premier astronomical observation periods, combining cooler temperatures with extended periods of darkness. Daylight hours progressively shorten from 12 hours and 18 minutes at the season's start to just 10 hours and 55 minutes by late December.
New Moon Phases Enhance Viewing Conditions
Several new moon phases during autumn create ideal dark-sky conditions for deep-space observation. Key dates include September 21 (Rabi' al-Akhir), October 21 (Jumada al-Awwal), and November 20 (Jumada al-Akhirah). During these periods and roughly three days before and after, minimal moonlight interference significantly improves visibility of comets, stars, and distant galaxies.
Meteor Showers and Celestial Events
The season features several major meteor shower peaks, with the Orionids reaching maximum activity on the evenings of October 21-22. November brings the active Taurid meteor shower, known for producing bright fireballs that create spectacular displays across the night sky.
Optimal viewing conditions occur after midnight in areas with minimal light pollution, making the UAE's desert regions particularly suitable for astronomical observation.
Prominent Star Formations
Autumn evenings showcase some of the year's most recognizable stellar formations rising in the eastern sky. The Summer Triangle, consisting of Vega from Lyra, Altair from Aquila, and Deneb from Cygnus, dominates the early evening sky.
Later in the season, observers can witness the rise of Orion (known to Arabs as "Al-Jawza"), Cassiopeia (called "Al-Naqah" or "the Camel"), Andromeda, and Pegasus. The latter forms the prominent "Autumn Square," traditionally known in Arabic astronomy as "Al-Dalw" (the Bucket).
Implications for Tourism and Outdoor Activities
These favorable autumn conditions position the UAE advantageously for astrotourism development and outdoor recreational activities. The combination of comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and reduced humidity creates optimal conditions for camping, desert excursions, and astronomical tourism—sectors that could benefit significantly from the country's geographic location and minimal light pollution in remote areas.
Unlike 2024, the 2025 autumn season will not feature any lunar or solar eclipses, allowing consistent observation opportunities throughout the three-month period without major celestial interruptions.
