Deciding the best time to visit Dubai in the Middle East really depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Do you dream of riding a camel across ochre-red sands on a desert safari? Or maybe watch the glistening sun set over the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Majestic towering architecture sits alongside Bedouin culture and traditional souks. The country really does have a lot to offer visitors.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, enjoys a warm climate year-round. Located on the Arabian Peninsula, it has two main seasons, Summer and Winter.
This post outlines the best time of year to visit Dubai weather-wise, and also answers common questions such as:
- Should you visit Dubai in the summer months or winter months?
- Which is the holy month of Ramadan?
- When is the cheapest time to go to Dubai?
When you’ve decided the best time to travel to Dubai, take a look at our guide to the free things to do in Dubai.
- CHOOSING THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI
- BEST SEASON TO VISIT DUBAI
- DUBAI IN SUMMER
- DUBAI IN JUNE
- DUBAI IN JULY
- DUBAI IN AUGUST
- DUBAI IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
- DUBAI IN WINTER
- DUBAI IN NOVEMBER
- DUBAI IN DECEMBER
- DUBAI IN JANUARY
- DUBAI IN FEBRUARY
- DUBAI IN MARCH
- DUBAI IN APRIL & MAY
- FAQ'S – BEST TIMES TO VISIT DUBAI
- PLANNING A DUBAI TRIP SOON?
- BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI CONCLUSION
CHOOSING THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI
You will have a great time traveling to Dubai at any time of the year, but knowing what the monthly temperatures in Dubai are, will help pin down the right time for you.
This guide will help you plan your trip accordingly so that you can experience everything on your bucket list. Lets begin by considering the monthly temperatures for Dubai, as shown in the table below:
BEST SEASON TO VISIT DUBAI
- Summer In Dubai: June, July, August
- Autumn In Dubai: September, October (transition period)
- Winter In Dubai: November, December, January, February, March
- Spring In Dubai: April, May (transition period)
- Peak Season In Dubai is November-March
- Shoulder Season in Dubai is April-May | September-October
- Off-Peak Season in Dubai is June-August
DUBAI IN SUMMER
Summer in Dubai is during the months of June, July and August, with average temperatures reaching the early 40’s°C (~100° F). Perfect blue skies come with scorching hot days. With blistering temperatures Dubai activities move indoors.
Reasons To Visit: Beaches are less busy as it’s too hot for many visitors. Great deals on accommodation and food up for grabs. Indoor spaces have air-conditioning, so plenty to see and lots of shopping to do.
If you are looking for luxury travel Dubai has some amazing resort and high-end hotels, which can be affordable during the hotter months.
Reasons Not To Visit: Dubai summer temperatures are too hot for beach-lovers and outdoor activities.
DUBAI IN JUNE
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Indoor shopping and budget travellers
Marked by no rain and escalating humidity and high temperatures, its best to hit the shopping malls and Hotel bars. There is little chance of outside activities unless you are extremely hardy, although it will be quieter.
Dubai Mall is a great place to hang out, shop, dine and go to the aquarium.
DUBAI IN JULY
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Lower flight prices and accommodation deals
July is a scorcher, with average temperatures of 40°C ( 105°F). If you can stand the heat or want to go shopping, you will be rewarded with cheaper flights and hotel costs. This could be the time to bag a room at the iconic Burj Al Arab!
One of the best places to visit in Dubai to cool down is Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski park in the Middle East when it opened.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Summer Surprises – your chance to experience amazing bargains and incredible entertainment throughout the city.
DUBAI IN AUGUST
Best Time To Go To Dubai For A Great break without the crowds
Persistent high temperatures and humidity means most (if not all) activities will be inside. Many tourists stay away as the weather is far too sticky and uncomfortable. Great hotel deals can be had and there is still plenty to keep you busy indoors.
Dubai’s theme parks and waterparks are a great water-based activity to cool off and take advantage of shorter queues.
DUBAI IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Desert excursions, quiet beach holidays and less crowds
Dubai weather in September marks the start of Fall Season and is a great time for a holiday. Days are long and sunny with clear skies. Sea temperatures average 28°C (82°F) which is ideal for a swim.
Temperatures and humidity begin falling making the weather feel less oppressive and pleasant, especially for doing outdoor activities.
Average temperatures are still on the higher side, but drop significantly in the evening. People start dining outdoors again. Fewer numbers of tourists makes sightseeing feels more relaxed.
DUBAI IN WINTER
Winter in Dubai marks the start of falling temperatures and an ideal climate for a trip. During these times Dubai comes alive with visitors enjoying outdoor activities. Temperatures are in the mid-twenties while evenings are chillier.
Perfect to enjoy outdoor activities in and around the city. Warm temperatures guarantee a pleasant time walking around and there are numerous festivals and events to attend.
Reasons To Visit: This season’s temperatures make it comfortable and easy to walk around the city and explore all of Dubai’s top attractions. Families will have a pleasant experience at theme parks such as Dubai Parks and Resorts or IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Reasons Not To Visit: Winter is Dubai peak tourist season. Higher accommodation costs, flight prices and tourists.
DUBAI IN NOVEMBER
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Desert excursions, quiet beach holidays and less crowds
The weather in Dubai in November is much more manageable with warm temperatures. It’s an ideal time for wandering the souks, Dubai Marina, Dubai Frame and Miracle Garden Dubai. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi and explore stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Design Week – a week-long festival showcasing the growth of the creative community in the UAE.
DUBAI IN DECEMBER
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Escaping winter weather at home and celebrating New Year
December is a good time to visit Dubai and one of the most popular months. The relatively short flight time to Dubai and the promise of glorious winter temperatures in the 70s, sees an influx of global visitors.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Rugby Sevens – Sponsored by Emirates Airlines, Dubai hosts the first round of the World Rugby Sevens Series. UAE Independence Day – December 2 marks National Day and the unification of all seven Emirates into one nation. Dubai International Film Festival offers works from independent and art-house filmmakers.
DUBAI IN JANUARY
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Shopping Bargains
Weather in Dubai in January brings low humidity, mild temperatures and the start of the sun peeping, making January a perfect month for your visit. Enjoy blue skies, plenty of sunny days and the cheapest prices during the end of peak season.
The chance of a little rain is low enough not to hinder your enjoyment.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Shopping Festival – expect huge discounts on clothing, electrics, accessories and more, plus shows, giveaways and fireworks. Dubai Desert Classic – a prestigious international golf tournament
DUBAI IN FEBRUARY
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Jazz lovers and desert safaris
Dubai weather in February brings cooler evenings, a slim chance of rain with temperatures starting to creep up. This month is still an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as desert safaris and relaxing by the beach.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Jazz Festival – performances by leading jazz icons.
DUBAI IN MARCH
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Festivals, events and great temperatures
The average temperature in March is around 28°C with plenty of daylight hours to enjoy plenty of Dubai activities and attractions. You may experience mild rainfall and moderate winds.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai World Cup – deemed the richest horse race in the world. Art Dubai – displays of innovative artwork by local talents.
DUBAI IN APRIL & MAY
Best Time To Go To Dubai For Foodies
Weather in Dubai in April is still warm with 10 hours average sunlight hours but temperatures are creeping up to the low 90s. Beach lovers will love the perfect sea temperatures as winter moves into spring.
Dubai weather in May marks the start of summer and sizzling temperatures. With clear blue skies and unrelenting sun, activities move indoors. Crowds start to thin out as summer approaches.
Peak winter accommodation rates start coming down with good discounts to be found.
Key Events & Festivals: Dubai Food Festival – celebrates all things food related in this gastronomy event held in May.
FAQ’S – BEST TIMES TO VISIT DUBAI
What Is The Hottest Month In Dubai?
With temperatures above 104F July and August can be unbearably hot. For many, it is too hot to sit on the beach or walk around outside.
What Is The Coldest Month In Dubai?
Temperatures in Dubai in January average 24 degrees Celsius, which certainly isn’t cold, but is as bad as it gets!
When Is Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the ninth month in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the specific dates of Ramadan changing every year. In 2022 the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on April 2 and end on May 1.
Tourists will find shops closed during the day and some cafes and restaurants may only open in the evening.
Check out our post on the Do’s and Don’t in Dubai before your trip.
What Is The Worst Time To Visit Dubai?
Avoid May to September if you want to spend time outdoors, as it will be too hot. The winter months bring milder temperatures meaning more visitors and higher accommodation costs.
What Is The Best Time To Go To Dubai?
The best season to visit Dubai is Winter.
- Best month to visit Dubai for sightseeing – November
- Best time to visit Dubai for shopping – January
- Best time to visit Dubai theme parks – July and August to avoid queues
- Best time to visit Miracle Garden Dubai and Dubai Frame – During winter months and come early!
Which Is The Rainiest Month In Dubai?
Dubai rarely sees rain and what little rainfall that does occur is between December and April.
PLANNING A DUBAI TRIP SOON?
We have several interesting articles for you to read:
WHY VISIT DUBAI? | Why visit Dubai? For these great reasons
USING DUBAI TRANSPORT | How to use Dubai public transport with ease
DOS AND DONTS IN DUBAI | What are the dos and don’ts in Dubai
FREE THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI | Incredible free things to do in Dubai to save money
DUBAI TOURS | Best Dubai tours for an epic trip
Be sure to check out our instructive destination guide for Dubai which provides all the general travel information you need for this innovative country.
Use this travel guide and the numerous travel tips to plan your ideal trip!
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI CONCLUSION
Hopefully you have enjoyed this post and now know not only the best month to visit Dubai, but also the different temperatures for Dubai summer and winter.
Ideally the best time to travel to Dubai depends on what you actually want to do in the city. Are you coming on your honeymoon, for beach weather, to go on a Dubai desert safari, go shopping or plan to experience lots of activities.
To really enjoy your time Dubai winter is the best time to enjoy a trip. Plus it’s a great time for festivals and events.
Looking for more destinations to check out? Head to our DESTINATIONS Page for some inspiration!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. This income goes towards the sites running costs and enables us to provide our readers with free content. Read our Disclosure.