Best Times to Visit Dubai: A Month-by-Month Guide
With its location in the Arabian desert, it’s no surprise that Dubai has only two settings on its thermostat: warm and hot. In the months when much of the Northern Hemisphere is shivering, Dubai makes a great getaway for winter sun. However, in the sweltering summer months, anyone who is brave enough to stay in the city is hustling between air-conditioned patches of cool.
High Season: November to April
Best time for outdoor urban adventures
When much of the Northern Hemisphere is bundled up in winter coats, Dubai is blossoming. Moderate temperatures bring in major festivals and events, with outdoor dining lasting late into the night. Accommodation rates are high, and outdoor activities, along with excursions into the desert, are best done during this time of year.
Shoulder Season: May, September, and October
Best time for quiet beach holidays
The days in shoulder season are hot, while the nights are balmy. Moreover, since winter crowds have disappeared, these months provide an excellent opportunity for quiet beach holidays, with sea temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C). Pleasant temperatures also allow for camping in the desert.
Low Season: June to August
Best time for budget travelers and indoor shopping
During the hot and humid summer months, travelers on a budget can more easily access Dubai’s five-star accommodations due to significant discounts. Life predominantly shifts indoors, as summer sales entice shoppers into the air-conditioned malls.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
January is a blissful month in Dubai, with daytime temperatures averaging a pleasant 77°F (25°C). Consequently, it’s still Dubai’s coldest month, so a light jacket is recommended for evenings out.
Key events: Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Marathon
February
February is another warm and inviting month, featuring sun-kissed weather and plenty of outdoor events. It is advisable to pack a pashmina for al fresco evenings.
Key events: Dubai Jazz Festival, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Food Festival
March
Although Dubai’s weather in March heats up slightly, it remains near-perfect for beach activities and swimming, with enough space on the sand to enjoy.
Key events: Festival of Literature, Art Dubai, Sikka Art Fair, Taste of Dubai, Dubai World Cup, Middle East Film and Comic Con, Burj Al Arab Swim, Dubai International Boat Show
April
The spring weather in Dubai remains warm rather than blistering, but school breaks around Easter lead to increased tourist numbers. April is great for beach enthusiasts and fashion advocates.
Key events: Fashion Forward, Al Marmoom Heritage Festival, start of Ramadan
May
In May, Dubai can reach temperatures of 95°F (35°C) or more, and most visitors have cleared out of the city in anticipation of the summer heat wave. Beach clubs and indoor shopping centers offer relief during the day.
Key events: Al Gaffal Dhow Race
June
Summer has arrived, bringing with it blistering heat. As temperatures rise, life shifts indoors to air-conditioned malls and museums, with swimming opportunities available as relief from the heat.
Key events: Dubai Summer Surprises
July
July is Dubai’s hottest month, characterized by average temperatures reaching 105°F (40°C). Flight prices and hotel rates significantly drop during this period, providing visitors with affordable travel options. Enjoy cooling off at the city’s indoor slopes like Ski Dubai.
Key events: Eid Al Adha
August
In August, Dubai continues to experience high temperatures, with most tourist attractions tending to be quiet, especially toward the end of the month as schools resume.
September
As summer temperatures begin to fall in September, it becomes a good time to be near the sea. Excursions into the desert become feasible again, and the pleasant evenings are perfect for stargazing under the desert sky.
October
In October, Dubai experiences a gradual coolness, although humidity persists. The pleasant, cooler evenings are ideal for a stroll and for outdoor dining.
Key events: Diwali
November
By November, the summer heat has largely dissipated, attracting visitors from colder areas to enjoy Dubai’s pleasant temperatures. Furthermore, much of life transitions outdoors.
Key events: Diwali, Dubai Rugby Sevens, DP World Tour Championship, Global Village
December
The end of the year typically marks the peak tourist season, characterized by warm seas, clear air, and pleasant evenings for outdoor dining.
Key events: UAE National Day, Dubai International Film Festival
