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A Guide to Visiting Dubai in May | Attractions, Malls & More

Visiting Dubai during its off-season in May can be a wonderful way to see the sights of this magnificent city, without the crowds of tourists at every attraction. Since this is the turn of the season, a host of options open up with fun activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, and skydiving. Apart from witnessing Dubai’s prime attractions like the Dubai Frame, the Burj Khalifa, and Ain Dubai, you can also visit one of the city’s premier water parks or check out the many adventure theme parks as well.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Dubai?

As one of the most popular Middle Eastern tourist destinations, Dubai has a range of attractions and activities. Visiting during the off-season is a great way to experience this modern-day oasis, without the usual throngs of tourists.

Why You Should Visit 

  • May marks the beginning of the off-season in Dubai as the peak tourist season begins to die down and the crowds retreat, leaving the city’s popular attractions relatively less packed and open for convenient exploration.
  • This means that you can avail some great deals on even high-end hotels during May since prices usually drop as temperatures begin to rise and the tourists stop pouring into the city around this time of the year. 
  • Since Eid al Fitr is set to take place on May 1st this year, it will be a great opportunity to taste the traditional delicacies and experience the charm of Dubai’s cultural roots.
  • If you plan to spend your time shopping inside the air-conditioned malls, or “wining and dining” in the city’s finest restaurants - this is the best time of year to visit and avoid the heated outdoors.

What to Look Out For

  • If hot weather bothers you, then the primary disadvantage of visiting Dubai in May is the rising temperatures and heat.
  • But this is a discomfort that can be easily averted if you dress in light, airy clothing with regular hydration and head coverings when out of doors.
  • Additionally, you can beat the heat by taking advantage of the vast array of indoor activities that Dubai offers with its air-conditioned shopping malls and range of restaurants with diverse culinary options.
  • May is also the month of Ramadan, so please be respectful of those who are fasting. Avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. There will be plenty of restaurants and cafes open late into the night, so there will be plenty of food to eat.

Overview of Weather in Dubai in May

Dubai in May - Weather

With the lengthening days and rising temperature, Dubai grows hotter in May as it experiences summer. Days are as long as 13 hours with about 11 hours of sunshine.

Average Temperature: High- 37°C | Low- 23°C
Average Rainfall: 2.54 mm
Daily Wind Speed: 0.2 mph. Mild winds from the West.
Temperature of the Sea: 26°C to 30°C

Best Time to Visit Dubai

More About Weather in Dubai in May

How hot is Dubai in May?

May herald the start of the summer season in Dubai. So it can get a bit hot during peak afternoon hours of the day, with the maximum temperature reaching about 37°C.

Can You Swim at Beaches in Dubai in May?

It is a great idea to go swimming at Dubai’s beaches in May. When you’re not indoors, this is a wonderful way to beat the heat during the day and cool off in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Does it rain in Dubai in May?

The rate of precipitation in May is next to negligible, at 2.54 mm.

Is Dubai Windy in May?

It can get mildly windy during May, with a breeze flowing from the west.

Best Things to do in Dubai in May

1. Burj Khalifa

City Landmark | World's Tallest Building

The Burj Khalifa is one of the skyscrapers that has come to define the Dubai horizon and is a major tourist attraction. As the world’s tallest building, this site is always flooded with tourists and packed with winding queues. Visiting Dubai in May comes with the leisure to avoid the jostling crowds and instead, enjoy the spacious observation decks of this incredible towering structure, at your own pace.

May Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday - 10 AM to 10 PM
Thursday - 10 AM to 12 AM
Friday to Saturday - 5:30 AM to 12 AM

from AED 154.50

2. Desert Safari

Adventure Activities | Traditional Activity

May is the perfect time to get the full desert safari experience in Dubai. This is the time of year when the heat is just tolerable enough for an expedition into the Middle Eastern desert. We recommend planning either a rejuvenating morning safari or heading into the dunes in the evening. You can choose from a range of activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, falconry, and many more!

from AED 70

3. Dhow Cruise

Sightseeing | Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a 1-hour cruise down the serene Dubai Creek, also known as the “lifeline of Dubai”. This is the perfect activity for May as it offers magical views of Dubai’s majestic landmarks while coasting over the cool waters of the creek. You will have an unforgettable experience of seeing Dubai aboard this modern version of a traditional Arabian dhow.

May Timings: Hourly departures starting at 10:30 AM. Last departure at 5:30 PM

from AED 64

4. Dubai Safari Park

Zoo | Learning Experience

Head out on an adventurous trip to Dubai’s Safari Park and meet the diverse wildlife housed within this 119-hectare large sanctuary. The park is perfect for a summer day out. You can explore the various zones in special, solar-powered vehicles. With separate, dedicated sections for kids’ entertainment, the Dubai Safari Park is a great way to spend your morning with your family. We suggest reaching as the park opens and completing your exploration before the sun reaches its peak and the day grows hot.

May Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

from AED 50

5. Dubai Aquarium

Aquarium | Learning Experience

A visit to Dubai is incomplete without checking out the famed Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can dive with the sharks, take a glass-bottomed boat ride, or watch animal feeding presentations and shows. Since the Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo are both located within the Dubai Mall, it is a great excuse to escape the heat of the outdoors and experience the unparalleled joy of interacting with the majestic aquatic animals housed within the premises.

May Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 10 PM (last admission at 9:15 PM)
Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM to Midnight (last admission at 11:15 PM)

from AED 135

6. Ski Dubai

Adventure | Skiing


Enter the wintery wonderland of this standalone Ski Park in Dubai where you can escape the warmth of the daytime hours in May. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of snow and enjoy this premium indoor winter experience in the otherwise warm climate of this Middle Eastern city. Enjoy the Mountain Thriller, build a snowman with your family, or ride the Chairlift over the pristine snowy slopes. The choices are endless!

May Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Thursday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Friday and Saturday: 9 AM to 12 AM

7. Dubai Frame

City Landmark

This artistically designed structure that frames the Dubai skyline is a must-see in May for the unmatched views it offers. Head to the Sky Deck from where you get to see the combined beauty of the modern, as well as the historic sides of Dubai, all from one vantage point. Take a stroll on the glass bridge between the towers and enjoy the splendor and majesty of this fabulous city.

May Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

from AED 50

8. Jet Ski on Jumeirah Beach

Adventure | Watersport

Dubai is well-known for its adventure sports options. One such activity is jet-skiing, which offers a refreshing way to see this city’s landmarks while cooling off in the pleasant waters of the Arabian Gulf. After completing the 1-2 day training course, you’ll be able to jet ski across the waters of Jumeirah Beach and snap pictures in front of Dubai’s glittering skyscrapers. This is certainly the perfect activity for when you visit Dubai in May.

May Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

9. Ride the Ain Dubai Wheel

City Landmark | Tourist Hotspot **

Experience unparalleled views of the gem of the Middle East, and feel the thrill of being suspended 250m in the air inside luxurious, air-conditioned cabins on the Ain Dubai observation wheel. During your ride on the Ain Dubai wheel, you’ll be able to catch sight of the desert in the distance and choose from a luxurious selection of food and beverages. Make the most of a summer day in Dubai with this amazing opportunity to see Dubai from a bird's eye perspective.

May Timings:
Thursday and Friday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 12 PM to 6 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 AM to 9 PM

10. Go Kayaking in Burj Lake

Kayaking | Adventure Activity

Paddle along in kayaks and navigate the cool waters of the expansive 30-acre Burj Lake to refresh your spirits on a warm May day in Dubai. Kayaking at Burj Lake allows you to get up close to the Dubai Fountain, which is the highest performing fountain in the world, reaching a height of 900 ft when operational. During the course of your 30-minute round, try to spot the Ibn Battuta Mall and the iconic Burj Khalifa.

May Timings: 12 PM to 9 PM

11. Wild Wadi Waterpark

Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dubai. It is an amusement waterpark that is located in Bur Dubai, opposite the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The park was opened in 1999, and it has been a favorite for both locals and tourists alike. Some of the attractions in the park include the Jumeirah Sceirah, which is a speed slide that drops you down from a height of 33 meters. There is also the Flood River, which is a family-friendly ride that takes you through twists and turns.

May Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed: Tuesday

from AED 259

12. Top Golf Dubai

Sports | Golf

Top Golf Dubai is a popular tourist destination in Dubai for its world-class golfing facilities, it's no wonder why this place is a hit amongst tourists and locals alike. There's also a great food and beverage selection here, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or not, Top Golf is definitely worth a visit when in Dubai! Some of the activities you can do at Top Golf Dubai include golfing, playing arcade games, and enjoying a meal or drink at one of the on-site restaurants or bars.

May Timings: 10 AM - 1 AM

Saturday: 9 AM - 2 AM

Sunday: 9 AM - 1 AM

Events in Dubai in May

UK Pink Floyd Experience

Venue - Dubai Opera
Date - 13th May 2022
With impressive video projections and a breathtaking light show, the UK Pink Floyd Experience is an authentic atmospheric recreation of a live Pink Floyd performance. Sing along to their hit numbers and be wowed by the spectacular visuals.

Shopping in Dubai in May

You can’t experience the true charm of Dubai without visiting the outdoor Souks for some window shopping and unique finds. We recommend wearing loose-fitting, modest clothes for your excursion to these traditional Arab markets. Do carry a reusable water bottle to avoid dehydration, as well as a tote bag to store your market finds. Even if jewelry isn’t your cup of tea, you certainly shouldn’t skip visiting the Gold Souk as it is considered to be the largest Arabian gold bazaar and is Dubai’s most well-known market. You may also want to consider stopping at the colorful spice souk, the textile souk, the fragrant perfume souk, and Souk Madinat for some unique boutique buys.

Know Before You Visit Dubai in May

Hacks & Tips to Visit Dubai in May

  • Since Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates, it is recommended that you dress conservatively while outdoors to respect cultural norms. 
  • If you’re packing skirts and shorts, ensure that they reach your knees.
  • Carry a light shrug, shawl, or overshirt if you’re planning to wear sleeveless tops, in order to maintain modesty, and since it can get windy at night.
  • Remember to keep hydrating yourself with water and refresh your lips with chapstick from time to time, to remain moisturized.
  • Applying generous amounts of sunscreen whenever you’re stepping outdoors.
  • Don’t underestimate the usefulness of sunglasses and hats since the sun can be quite harsh in the Middle East.
  • Try to plan your outdoor activities during the earlier or later parts of the day, so that you can spend the majority of the afternoon indoors and away from the heat.
  • Carry a portable hand fan and some rosewater in a misting bottle to cool yourself down while you’re out in the summer heat of the city.

All Your Questions About Visiting Dubai in May Answered

May is a great time to visit Dubai since the city experiences its off-season, which leaves the popular tourist attractions free from crowds and queues.