Best Time to Visit Dubai | Weather, Events, and Things to do

People visit Dubai year-round, but you'll find the most comfortable weather from November to March. Daytime highs typically sit between 23–30°C, ideal for beaches, walking routes, and outdoor dining. Summer (June–August) brings daytime temperatures above 35°C and high humidity; many hotels lower rates then. December–January hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival, with extended retailer hours and major promotions. For desert trips or city sightseeing, plan outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours.

Quick summary

Dubai Creek with traditional boats and city skyline in the background.

🌤️ Best Weather

November–March

Aerial view of Dubai downtown skyscrapers with Burj Khalifa.

🚫 Avoid

June–August, when heat and humidity make midday outdoors difficult

Lotus Mega Yacht sailing in Dubai Marina with cityscape in the background.

💸 Cheapest

May–August

Woman shopping for gold jewelry at Dubai market during festival.

🎉 Must-see events

Dubai Shopping Festival (December–January), Dubai Marathon and major sports events (January), winter desert-tour promotions across multiple operators

Tourist seasons breakdown

SeasonWhenWeather & crowd levelEvents / festivals

High season

November–March

Daytime temperatures mostly 23–30 °C; high visitor volume.

Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec–Jan), Dubai Marathon (Jan)

Shoulder season

April–May & September–October

Warmer days (≈28–35 °C) and moderate visitor numbers.

Dubai Food Festival (April), water-sports season picks up (Sep)

Low season

June–August

Very hot (often >35 °C, sometimes >40 °C); fewer tourists.

Dubai Summer Surprises shopping deals (June–August)

Seasons in the city: What to expect

Dubai Miracle Garden floral structures and illuminated water features at dusk.

🌸 Spring [Mar–May]

Spring warms up quickly. March stays comfortable, while April and May climb into the low-30s. Outdoor activities still work in the morning and evening, but plan indoor options during hotter hours.

  • Avg. temp: 26–34 °C
  • Weather: Warm to hot, low humidity early in the season
  • Events: Food-related festivals, Ramadan or Eid depending on the year
  • Travel tips: Book excursions with shaded or indoor segments; carry water
  • Top things to do: Morning desert visits, boat tours, indoor attractions
  • Why go: Longer daylight, good beach conditions in March and early April
Family kayaking in double kayaks at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

☀️ Summer [Jun–Aug]

Summer in Dubai is intense. Daytime temperatures often exceed 38 °C, and humidity rises. Hotels and airlines offer lower rates, and indoor attractions become the focus for most visitors.

  • Avg. temp: 35–41 °C
  • Weather: Hot, humid, possible heat spikes into the mid-40s
  • Events: Dubai Summer Surprises (Jun–Aug)
  • Travel tips: Schedule outdoor time at sunrise or after sunset; choose air-conditioned transport and stays
  • Top things to do: Theme parks, malls, indoor sports centers, aquariums
  • Why go: Lowest accommodation prices and the widest range of indoor activities
Camel ride during evening desert safari with tourists in the sand dunes.

🍂 Fall [Sep–Nov]

Autumn marks Dubai’s transition back to outdoor life. September remains hot, but October and November feel far more comfortable. Beach clubs, waterfront areas, and desert camps reopen for the cooler season.

  • Avg. temp: 30–38 °C
  • Weather: Hot in September, warm and dry by November
  • Events: Fitness Challenge (Oct–Nov), early winter event launches
  • Travel tips: Swim early in the season; book desert tours from late October onward
  • Top things to do: Evening walks, beach days, desert activities
  • Why go: Great balance of manageable weather, active event calendar, and lighter crowds than winter peak
Colorful pavilions and lively crowds at Global Village Dubai, showcasing diverse cultures and attractions.

❄️ Winter [Dec–Feb]

Winter brings the most comfortable weather in Dubai. Daytime temperatures stay in the mid-20s, and outdoor plans—beaches, desert trips, al fresco dining—work well throughout the day. The city stays busy during the Dubai Shopping Festival, so plan ahead for popular activities.

  • Avg. temp: 23–27 °C
  • Weather: Mild, dry, cooler evenings
  • Events: Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec–Jan), Dubai Marathon (Jan)
  • Travel tips: Carry a light jacket for evenings; book desert tours in advance
  • Top things to do: Beach days, walking routes, outdoor markets
  • Why go: Ideal conditions for sightseeing, water activities, and outdoor dining

Dubai through the months

best time to visit Dubai- Dubai in January

January 

January offers the most comfortable weather of the year. Beaches, outdoor markets, and desert trips work well all day.

Avg. temp: 23–26 °C
Weather: Mild days, cool evenings
Key events: Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Beach clubs, walking routes, desert safaris
Travel tip: Book popular attractions early during DSF
Style tip: Light layers for evenings
Verdict: Ideal for beach days, city walks, and outdoor dining

Dubai in January
best time to visit Dubai- February

February 

February stays pleasant with warm days and cooler nights. Outdoor plans remain easy to schedule.

Avg. temp: 24–27 °C
Weather: Mild, dry
Key events: Continued DSF activities, art exhibitions
Crowd level: Medium–high
Top things to do: Marina walks, dhow cruises, outdoor cafés
Travel tip: Morning desert trips offer the most comfortable conditions
Style tip: Light jacket for evenings
Verdict: Great for open-air plans without winter crowds

Dubai in February
best time to visit Dubai - March

March

March warms up but stays manageable for beaches and outdoor sightseeing.

Avg. temp: 26–31 °C
Weather: Warm, dry
Key events: Fitness challenges, seasonal food events
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Beaches, boat tours, early morning desert visits
Travel tip: Reserve water-based activities ahead
Style tip: Breathable fabrics
Verdict: Good for beaches and active days outdoors

Dubai in March
Best time to visit Dubai - April

April 

April moves into hotter conditions, especially midday, but mornings and evenings remain comfortable.

Avg. temp: 29–34 °C
Weather: Hot afternoons, warm evenings
Key events: Food-related festivals; Ramadan or Eid depending on the year
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Beach mornings, indoor attractions
Travel tip: Plan indoor breaks around midday
Style tip: Sunhat, sunscreen
Verdict: Good mix of warm beach weather and manageable crowds

Best Time to Visit Dubai - May

May 

May brings strong heat. Outdoor time works best early or late in the day.

Avg. temp: 32–38 °C
Weather: Hot, dry
Key events: Pre-summer promotions
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Indoor theme parks, aquariums, early beach sessions
Travel tip: Book activities with shade or indoor segments
Style tip: Light, breathable clothing
Verdict: Ideal if you prefer quieter attractions and warm seas

Dubai in May
best time to visit Dubai - june

June 

June marks the start of Dubai’s low season. Days grow hotter and more humid.

Avg. temp: 35–40 °C
Weather: Hot, humid
Key events: Dubai Summer Surprises begins
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Malls, indoor parks, evening waterfront walks
Travel tip: Use metro or air-conditioned transport whenever possible
Style tip: Light clothing, hat
Verdict: Best for indoor activities and discounted hotel rates

Dubai in June
best time to visit Dubai  - July

July 

July is one of the hottest months. Most visitors focus on indoor attractions.

Avg. temp: 36–41 °C
Weather: Hot, humid
Key events: Summer Surprises continues
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Indoor skiing, museums, aquariums
Travel tip: Avoid midday outdoors; carry water
Style tip: Breathable fabrics
Verdict: Ideal for budget stays and indoor adventures

Dubai in July
best time to visit Dubai - August

August 

August stays extremely hot. Humidity peaks, and indoor plans dominate.

Avg. temp: 36–41 °C
Weather: Hot, humid
Key events: Final month of Summer Surprises
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Indoor theme parks, spa days, evening marina walks
Travel tip: Book indoor activities in advance on weekends
Style tip: Lightweight clothes
Verdict: Best for low prices and indoor attractions

Dubai in August
best time to visit Dubai - September

September 

September remains hot, but evenings begin to improve.

Avg. temp: 33–38 °C
Weather: Hot days, warm evenings
Key events: Early-season events start to return
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Evening beaches, waterfront dining
Travel tip: Plan earlier activities near the coast for cooler breezes
Style tip: Light layers for indoor A/C
Verdict: Decent transition month with improving evenings

Dubai in September
Best Time to Visit Dubai - October

October 

October offers more comfortable weather and marks the return of outdoor activity season.

Avg. temp: 30–34 °C
Weather: Warm, dry
Key events: Dubai Fitness Challenge
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Cycling routes, beaches, desert camps
Travel tip: Book desert tours from late October onward
Style tip: Breathable fabrics, light jacket for A/C
Verdict: Great for outdoor plans and active travelers

Dubai in October
Best Time to Visit Dubai - November

November 

November brings ideal conditions for beaches, walking routes, and desert activities.

Avg. temp: 27–31 °C
Weather: Warm, dry, cooler nights
Key events: Fitnes Challenge final events; early winter programming
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Desert safaris, markets, marina walks
Travel tip: Reserve prime-time attractions
Style tip: Light layers
Verdict: One of the best all-round months to visit

Dubai in November
Best Time to Visit Dubai - December

December 

December is lively with cooler days, long event schedules, and steady crowds.

Avg. temp: 24–28 °C
Weather: Mild, breezy evenings
Key events: National Day (Dec 2), winter markets, DSF launch
Crowd level: High during holidays
Top things to do: Winter markets, outdoor dining, beach clubs
Travel tip: Book holiday activities early
Style tip: Light jacket at night
Verdict: Ideal for events, beaches, and festive atmosphere

Dubai in December

Ready to explore Dubai?

Hacks & tips to visit Dubai

Plan your days

  • Weekdays are quieter at major attractions.
  • Outdoor activities work best early morning or after sunset from May to September.
  • Check Ramadan dates before you travel; opening hours and dining options change during the month.

Getting around

  • Buy an NOL card at the airport for metro, bus, and tram travel.
  • Use the metro for peak-hour trips; roads get busy around Downtown and Marina.
  • Taxis are widely available and metered.

Dress and customs

  • Light, modest clothing works best in public spaces and malls.
  • Bring a scarf if you plan to visit mosques or cultural centers.
  • Public beaches allow swimwear; cover up when you leave the beach area.

Eating and budgeting

  • Hotel restaurants are often more expensive. Food courts and local restaurants offer better value.
  • Many malls run weekday lunch deals.

What to do

  • Desert safaris operate year-round; choose morning tours in hotter months.
  • Visit malls for shops, indoor parks, and attractions; Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are the largest.
  • Walk through Dubai Creek areas for souks and historic neighborhoods.
  • Nightlife options cluster around Downtown, Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.

Frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Dubai

What is the peak tourist season in Dubai?

Peak season runs from November to March, when daytime temperatures stay comfortable for outdoor activities.

When is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?

May to August offers the lowest hotel and flight prices due to high heat and humidity.

What’s the best weather in Dubai?

You’ll find the most comfortable weather from December to February, with daytime highs around the mid-20s.

Is it too hot to visit Dubai in summer?

June to August is extremely hot. Outdoor plans work only at sunrise or after sunset, but indoor attractions run normally.

Is winter a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes. Winter has mild weather, long event calendars, and ideal beach conditions.

Are there closures in August?

Most attractions stay open. Some outdoor venues reduce hours due to heat, but malls and indoor parks operate as usual.

When should I book tickets for top attractions?

Book ahead from November to March, especially for Burj Khalifa prime hours, desert safaris, and weekend activities.

What’s the best month for food lovers in Dubai?

February and March often feature food festivals and seasonal menus across major venues.

When is the best time to go swimming in Dubai?

October through April offers comfortable sea temperatures and manageable weather.

What can I do in Dubai in winter?

Beaches, desert tours, walking routes, outdoor dining, and winter markets all run at full capacity.

What can I do in Dubai in spring?

Beach days, boat tours, early-morning desert trips, and indoor attractions during hotter afternoons.

What is the best time to visit Dubai with kids?

November to March works best for outdoor parks, beaches, and family attractions without extreme heat.