Float above golden dunes as the desert slowly wakes beneath you — that’s the magic of a Dubai hot air balloon ride. Most flights take off just before sunrise, between 3am and 5:30am, when desert winds are calmest and visibility is at its best.
All your hot air balloon Dubai timings
Experience
First departure
Flight duration
Total experience
Premium Dubai Hot Air Balloon with Michelin Breakfast & Drone Show
3am
1 hr
~5 hrs
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers
3:30am
1 hr
~4–5 hrs
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 with Transfers
4:30am
1 hr
~4 hrs
Dubai Hot Air Balloon with Private Transfers & Vintage Land Rover Drive
4am
1 hr
~4–5 hrs
Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon in Ras Al Khaimah
5am
1 hr
~4 hrs
The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis
12am & 5am
10 min
~30 min
Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Camel Ride & Quad Biking
3:30am
1 hr
6 hrs
Timing notes & visitor warnings
Flights operate only before sunrise for ideal visibility and stable wind.
Hotel pickups start 60-90 minutes earlier than the listed departure.
Flights may be postponed if winds exceed 18 km/h or visibility drops below 5 km.
Some operators reduce capacity or pause due to high desert temperatures from July to September.
Atlantis Balloon timings depend on marine wind forecasts and hotel event hours.
Timings may vary with sunrise hours and weather conditions.
Always confirm your final pickup and launch time via your operator’s official site or booking message before travel.
Popular routes & flight durations
Location
First departure
Last departure
Avg duration
Notes
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
3am
-
4–5 hrs
Main launch zone for premium and shared flights
Ras Al Khaimah Mountain Route
5am
-
4 hrs
Combines desert + mountain views, longer transfer time
Atlantis The Palm
12am
5am
30 min
Tethered balloon for skyline and night-light shots
Best time to visit for a hot air balloon ride in Dubai
Best months: November to March
Why: Crisp winter air and clear desert skies offer the most stable flying conditions and the prettiest sunrise views.
Tip: This is the peak season, so book early as rides sell out fast!
Best days: Monday to Thursday
Why: Weekdays are calmer with fewer guests, giving you a more relaxed check-in and better chances for your preferred flight time.
Tip: Fridays and weekends see more crowding, especially during winter.
Best time: Around sunrise (3am–5:30am pickup)
Why: Early morning air is cool and still, ideal for smooth flights and incredible desert views as the sun rises over the dunes.
Tip: Wear layers as it’s chilly before sunrise but warms up quickly after take-off.
How long does a Dubai hot air balloon ride last?
Expect a 1-hour flight but plan 4–5 hours door-to-door:
Hotel pickup & transfer: 90–120 min (depending on distance)
Safety briefing: ~30 min before launch
Balloon flight: ~60 min at 3,000–4,000 ft
Breakfast (based on ticket) & return: 60–90 min post-landing
Frequently asked questions about hot air balloon Dubai timings
Hot air balloon Dubai timings typically fall between 3am and 5:30am, depending on the season, sunrise time, and individual operator schedules.
Yes. Hot air balloon rides operate for most of the year, though flights may pause during July and August due to extreme summer temperatures and safety considerations.
Pickup is usually scheduled 60–90 minutes before takeoff, meaning most guests are collected between 2am and 4am, depending on hot air balloon Dubai timings.
Yes. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, flights are rescheduled for safety reasons. Most operators offer flexible rebooking within 12 months at no extra cost.
The best time is October to April, when cooler temperatures, calmer winds, and clearer skies create ideal hot air balloon Dubai timing conditions.
Sunrise occurs at around 6:45am in winter and 5:30am in summer, which directly determines hot air balloon Dubai timings and flight departure windows.
