Are you thinking of a trip to Dubai, but you don’t know when is the best time to go? Great, you are in the right place! In this guide you will find out what is the best time to visit Dubai, which are the most popular months and the best attractions month by month!
Read the complete guide, or go straight to the point:
- What is the best time to visit Dubai?
- What is the best season to visit Dubai and what should I expect?
- What are the best months to visit Dubai and what is the weather like?
- What is the cheapest time to go to Dubai?
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is from the end of October to the beginning of April, because in this period you will find pleasant temperatures, clear and sunny skies, and you will be able to fully enjoy all the incredible attractions of Dubai and its surroundings.
However, Dubai is a vibrant and modern city, and deserves to be visited at any time of the year. The difference between the various seasons is mainly a matter of temperatures and crowding, so I thought I’d give you all the details about each month, so that you can find out the best time for you.
What is the best time for outdoor activities?
The best time to fully enjoy the many outdoor activities you can do in and around Dubai is between October and June.
From July to September the weather is quite muggy, so during the hottest hours it is best to enjoy indoor activities, such as climbing the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame, enjoying a drink or dinner at the Burj Al Arab, and especially if you are traveling with children, enjoy the many attractions of the Dubai Mall.
What is the best time to go to the beach?
Temperatures are perfect for going to the beach and splashing in the ocean from March to June and September to November. At other times it is still ok, but temperatures may be too hot (in summer) or you may feel a little cool (in winter).
What is the best time to go shopping in Dubai?
January and July are the months when most shopping centers offer sales. From the end of December to the beginning of February the Dubai Shopping Festival is held in Dubai, full of events, shows, concerts and exhibitions dedicated to the world of shopping. And obviously the malls are very busy, due to the sales.
When is Ramadan 2023 in Dubai and What Should I Expect?
Ramadan 2023 in Dubai is expected from 22 March 2023 to 21 April 2023. Travelers to Dubai at that time must respect some simple rules of conduct: here you will find everything you need to know about Ramadan in the UAE.
What is the best season to visit Dubai and what should I expect?
High Season in Dubai starts from mid-October and ends in April. During this period the temperatures are pleasant, mild, and you will be able to fully enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.
Hotel prices could be higher, and attractions more crowded. It is good to book tours and tickets in advance, otherwise you risk wasting many hours queuing at the ticket offices.
Low Season in Dubai coincides with the heart of summer, particularly the months from July to September, when the scorching sun and rather high temperatures discourage many visitors.
This is the best time for backpackers or those traveling on a budget, as you can find great fares on flights and hotels.
The city is less crowded with tourists during this time, but you can still enjoy all of its attractions, theme parks and things to do. You just have to put up with some heat, bring good sunscreen, and pack some good travel insurance.
What should I expect when visiting Dubai in Spring?
Spring is a season that practically does not exist in Dubai: the United Arab Emirates are located quite close to the Tropic of Cancer, in the middle of the desert.
So when traveling to Dubai in Spring you will find good weather, similar to the summer one, but not excessively hot and muggy.
From March to May the weather in Dubai is perfect for visiting the city and enjoying the many things to do.
What should I expect when visiting Dubai in the Summer?
Summer in Dubai runs from May to the end of September, with the peak in July and August.
The weather in Dubai in the summer is quite muggy, with temperatures that can exceed 40 °C. It will be best to enjoy outdoor activities in the cooler hours of the day, in the late afternoon or early morning. On the other hand, you will find better prices, and much less crowds.
What should I expect when visiting Dubai in Autumn?
From the end of September to the beginning of November, the temperatures start to get milder, and Dubai is once again a perfect destination for outdoor activities.
Don’t expect autumn weather, just something similar to summer, but milder and much more pleasant.
What should I expect when visiting Dubai in Winter?
If you expect snow, well, you’ll only find it in Ski Dubai.
Traveling to Dubai in Winter you will find mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like desert safaris, and a rather vibrant atmosphere, full of events and festivals.
You can leave your umbrella at home, usually in Dubai in the winter the sun shines, and it’s warm enough to walk around wearing just a t-shirt.
What are the best months to visit Dubai and what is the weather like?
Discover the month-by-month guide to visiting Dubai: by clicking on each month you can find out what weather to expect and other useful information for your trip, such as temperatures, sunrise and sunset times, and the best tips from locals on how to dress and what to do in that month.
Dubai in January
January is one of the coldest months in Dubai, but for many visitors used to having cold winters where they live, it might feel like summer. Temperatures are quite mild, and are perfect for enjoying the many outdoor activities to do in and around Dubai. It is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year for desert safaris and road trips through the 7 emirates that make up the UAE.
Dubai in February
February is still a pretty cool month, but temperatures usually remain well above 20 °C. The abundance of clear skies and mild weather make February a perfect month to enjoy Dubai to the fullest.
Dubai in March
In March, temperatures in Dubai begin to rise, so if you are a sea lover you can start splashing in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf. The city is quite lively at this time and is usually not very crowded with tourists. Temperatures are still mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
Dubai in April
In April, the weather already resembles summer, although temperatures are still mild, making it pleasant to enjoy outdoor activities and sunbathe on the beach. The days begin to be longer, and the sun begins to be scorching, so beware of sunburn!
KEEP IN MIND: In Dubai (and the rest of the UAE) medical assistance is not free and can easily lead to very expensive bills. So you should seriously consider packing good travel insurance. Here you can find some tips about it.
Dubai in May
In May in Dubai we are already in the middle of summer! Temperatures can exceed 38 °C, and the weather is quite hot, torrid and characterized by clear and sunny skies. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as a jet ski or speedboat ride (you can do it from Dubai Marina) or a flight on the world’s longest zipline in the Ras Al Kahimah area.
Dubai in June
In June, temperatures begin to get quite high, and the weather is characterized by long days, with clear skies and scorching sun. It is still a good time to enjoy an exciting desert safari, an unforgettable excursion to the scenic Musandam Peninsula or a snorkeling and diving day trip in the Fujairah area. During this period, you may also find advantageous rates for flights and hotels, as it goes towards the low season.
Dubai in July
In July you can feel the typical summer weather of Dubai: temperatures are hot, abundantly above 40°C. The days are long, sultry, and characterized by the scorching sun. The probability of rain is non-existent. During this time you could spend the hottest hours soaking in one of the magnificent water parks, such as the Atlantis Aquaventure or the Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Dubai in August
August is probably the hottest month. The weather is quite similar to July, but even hotter. Temperatures well above 40°C and even in the evening they remain above 30°C. However, it’s a great time for budget travelers, as fares are cheaper and you can still enjoy all the things to do in Dubai as in the rest of the year. You just have to handle the heat.
Dubai in September
In September in Dubai it is still midsummer, even if the temperatures are starting to be more pleasant. At this time of the year the city is still not crowded with tourists, you can still find great deals on hotel rates, and you can enjoy all that Dubai has to offer!
Dubai in October
October is a great month to visit Dubai: temperatures return to being quite mild and are perfect for enjoying Dubai and its attractions to the fullest. It is a perfect time to take a dip in the ocean, to sunbathe and enjoy an exciting desert safari. Furthermore, in the evening it is very pleasant to enjoy an alfresco dinner in one of the Dubai Marina restaurants or aboard a traditional boat (dhow) sailing on the calm waters of Dubai Creek.
Dubai in November
November is the perfect month to discover Dubai and its surroundings. We are again in the heart of the high season, so the rates may be higher and the attractions more in demand (better to book in advance). The weather in this period is delightfully mild, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 31°C. Expect sunny days, with clear skies, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities.
Dubai in December
In December, thanks to lovely weather and incredibly mild and pleasant temperatures, Dubai is one of the most popular holiday destinations. The temperatures always remain well above 20°C, even in the evening. Expect sunny days, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, desert safaris and incredible road trips around Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What is the cheapest time to go to Dubai?
Budget travelers and backpackers might choose to visit Dubai during the summer, which is the cheapest time to go.
The best rates for hotels and flights can be found from June to the end of August.
You can actually find great deals all year round, however during peak periods (November to February) the best hotels and resorts tend to be fully booked, and rates tend to soar.
Also keep in mind that the cooler months are the most popular months for families and groups, so it’s best to book tours and entrance tickets for attractions well in advance.
To save up to 60% on ticket prices for things to do and see in Dubai I recommend you book the Dubai Unlimited Pass or the Go Dubai card. These tourist cards allow you to enjoy Dubai to the full, saving a lot of money and getting free entry to major attractions.
Are you planning your trip? These tips may come in handy:
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBAI
USEFUL TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO DUBAI
GUIDE TO THE BEST CAR RENTALS IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI