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Best Time to Visit Dubai: Complete Guide

Team AckoFeb 1, 2024

If you're a fan of jaw-dropping man-made wonders, then Habibi, come to Dubai. From the stunning architecture to the meticulously designed urban spaces, Dubai is a true marvel of human creativity and engineering. But before you book your tickets, it's important to know the best time to visit Dubai. You see, Dubai's weather can be a bit extreme, with hot summers and mild winters. But no worries; we’re here to help you figure out the best time and season to visit Dubai so that you can have an unforgettable experience.

Let’s dive in.

Contents

Best time to visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. You'll love the weather during this time - it's usually excellent, with just a little bit of rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in December and January. Plus, you'll get the chance to experience the Dubai Shopping Festival, where you can snap up some incredible bargains on electronics, gold, and more.

And, if you're lucky, you might even get to witness the Dubai World Cup! Even better, the tourist spots won't be too crowded, so you can enjoy them to the fullest. Just make sure to plan your trip and book your stay in advance (ideally 1 to 2 months earlier) to get the best possible rates.

Now, of course, the best time to visit Dubai depends on what you want to experience and where you want to go. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a detailed breakdown of the best months to visit Dubai that'll come in handy when you're planning your trip.

The best month to visit Dubai

Dubai in January

Set in peak season, January is the perfect time to get booted and suited for unlimited fun and play. Expect temperatures to average 20°C (67°F) in January, so be sure to take a light coat or scarf/shawl. According to Lonely Planet, Dubai is definitely the shopping haven of the world. The Dubai Shopping Festival happens city-wide across malls, shopping centres, and participating stores. It starts in December and goes on until January.

Temperature - 20°C (67°F)

Events

New Year's Events around Dubai
Global Village
Dubai Shopping Festival

Reasons to visit

The weather starts becoming pleasant, and there are a wealth of outdoor activities to explore.

Know before you go

Wear light coats and shawls to stay warm during the cooler desert night.

Dubai in February

The weather starts warming up in February, as activities and outdoor attractions are in full swing. Plan your itinerary by visiting the magical lost world of Atlantis at The Palm, Jumeirah. Take a dip at Dubai's gamed beaches as the waters warm up. February is Dubai's only rainy season, so pack an umbrella and rain gear.

Temperature - 21°C (70°F)

Events

Global Village
Taste Dubai food festival, February 3-5, 2023
Jackson Wang magic show, February 4, 2023
IIFA Awards 2023

Why should you visit this month?

Pleasant temperature compared to the rest of the year.
The days are sunny, and the evenings are perfectly cool.

What to know before you travel

Pack swimwear and rain gear together to enjoy water from above and water down on Earth.

Dubai in March

You haven't visited Dubai if you haven't experienced a traditional desert safari! March is the best time to visit Dubai from India when you can plan a desert safari with your family. Expect a mini "dune bashing" trip across meandering sand valleys as you make your way to an evening of exotic music, delightful food, and extravagant entertainment.

Temperature - 24°C (74°F)

Events

Global Village
Dubai Desert Safari
Stand Up Comedy, March 4, 2023

Why should you visit this month?

As spring turns into summer, the weather is still just right for the last of the outdoor activities, such as desert safaris

What to know before you travel

Spring is an ideal time to enjoy Dubai's beaches, as the sun isn't scorching hot yet

Dubai in April

Temperature - 24°C (74°F)

Events

Global Village
Joanne Mcnally - Live in Dubai, April 29, 2023

Why should you visit this month?

Warmer days, still pleasant evenings, beaches are fun to enjoy and it's not too hot .

What to know before you travel

Summer in Dubai starts next month, but be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen and summer fun gear.

Dubai in May

Dubai's infamous summers start peaking from May onwards. May is smack in the middle of the off-season and ideal for travellers looking for a leisurely trip. Make sure you pack sunscreen, hats and hydrate often. Try to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, around midday. If you want to hit the beaches, aim for the afternoons.

Temperature - 32°C (90°F)

Events

Most of the exciting events come to a close, so consider visiting these tourist attractions:

Top of Burj Khalifa
Jumeirah Kite Beach
Al Seef indoor market
Dhow Cruise

Why should you visit this month?

The weather is pleasantly warm, making it an ideal time for a dip in one of Dubai's many pristine beaches

What to know before you travel

Check out Al-Khan Beach and Jumeirah Kite Beach

Dubai in June

As the mercury soars, outdoor activities start slowing down. Opt for cool indoor activities such as the Ski World in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. Locals favour long, loose, and light clothing when summer approaches to beat the heat and stave off dehydration.

Temperature - 34°C (94°F)

Events

Most of the exciting events come to a close, so consider visiting these tourist attractions
Dubai Eye/Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Dubai

Why should you visit this month?

If you enjoy warm weather and beach vacations, this is the best time for you to travel.

What to know before you travel

Hydrate! One of the biggest dangers to travellers is dehydration when travelling to a hot destination during peak summer.
Wear loose, light clothing with a hat or cap on top that allows air to circulate around your body.
Try to stay indoors, Dubai has limitless indoor fun and play.

Dubai in July

Summer starts peaking this month, so you'll want to beat the Dubai heat with indoor activities. This is one of the best months for the budget traveller, as it is the off-season. If you're venturing out, choose the cooling excitement of extravagant water parks such as Wild Wadi.

Temperature - 36°C (97°F)

Events

Most of the exciting events come to a close, so consider visiting these tourist attractions:

Top of Burj Khalifa
Jumeirah Kite Beach
Al Seef indoor market
Dhow Cruise

Why should you visit this month?

Schools are out for the summer holidays; make the most of it at indoor attractions across Dubai.
Cheap travel and accommodation rates city-wide.

What to know before you travel

Hydrate! One of the biggest dangers to travellers is dehydration when travelling to a hot destination during peak summer.
Wear loose, light clothing with a hat or cap on top that allows air to circulate around your body.
Try to stay indoors; Dubai has limitless indoor fun and play.

Dubai in August

With temperatures that can cross 50°C, it's advisable not to venture out during the hottest part of the day. Tourists will enjoy the warm summer nights by bodies of water, such as by the beach, near the Burj Fountain, and creeks. August is the best month for finding the best deals on hotels and restaurants.

Temperature - 37°C (98°F)

Why should you visit this month?

Affordable hotel and travel prices
Off-season is less crowded, and you can find the best deals

What to know before you travel

Hydrate! One of the biggest dangers to travellers is dehydration when travelling to a hot destination during peak summer
Wear loose, light clothing with a hat or cap on top that allows air to circulate around your body
Try to stay indoors, Dubai has limitless indoor fun and play

Dubai in September

September is still quite hot in Dubai. Temperatures during the day often go above 35°C (95°F), and humidity levels can be high, making it less comfortable to be outside. You can still enjoy Dubai's beautiful beaches even though it is hot outside. There are public beaches as well as private beaches that many hotels offer. Just make sure you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not too hot.

Temperature - 35°C (93°F)

Events

Dubai sometimes hosts sports events in September, such as tennis championships, golf tournaments, and other competitions.

Why should you visit this month?

If you like shopping, cultural experiences, staying inside, and a more relaxed travel experience that might save you money, September could be a great month to go to Dubai.

Tips

Remember to drink water and put on sunscreen.

Also Read: Places to visit in Dubai

Dubai in October

The weather starts becoming pleasant, dropping from summer's scorching 40-50° C to bearable temperatures that hover around 30°C. While still warm most of the day, you can enjoy swimming at the beach and indoor activities by day and exploring Dubai's food and fun scene by night. The most-awaited event of the year, Global Village, opens in October and stays open until around April.

Temperature - 30°C (87°F)

Events

Global Village
Reopening of Expo 2020 Dubai venue to the general public

Why should you visit this month?

Dubai's winter begins in October; get ready to enjoy outdoor events and cooler nights

What to know before you travel

The sun still shines for around 10 hours every day, but not as aggressively as in the summer. Have a fun night and day in October!

Dubai in November

The best time to visit Dubai for honeymoon couples is from November to March/April. From sun, sand, and surf to shopping, Dubai is the ideal honeymoon locale. Newlyweds can revel in winter honeymoon magic by exploring Dubai's nightlife, savouring tantalizing meals at the finest restaurants, and unwinding at the best hotels in the world.

Temperature - 26°C (78°F)

Events

Global Village
Gumball 3000
Ripe Market

Why should you visit this month?

Many of Dubai's hottest events and activities begin in and from November onwards.
Winter is the best time to visit Dubai in 2023, as it is cooler and offers a wealth of tourist events.

What to know before you travel

Winter is here; make sure you pack warmer clothes, even though the sun is out for around 10 hours daily, but much less hot.

Dubai in December

The biggest shopping in the world happens in Dubai. December and January are when the Dubai Shopping Festival happens when shopaholics can shop until they drop into Dubai's rejuvenating dining and relaxation scene.

Temperature - 21°C (71°F)

Events

Global Village
UAE National Day, December 2
NYE Celebrations at Burj Khalifa and Atlantis
SOLE Dubai, music and arts festival

Why should you visit this month?

December is the best month to visit Dubai, with events throughout the cooler months of the year. Make sure to head out for National Day celebrations and New Year's Eve festivities!

What to know before you travel

Pack warmer clothes, socks, and a scarf for cooler nights that hit around 18°C/60°C

Best Season to Visit Dubai

Dubai doesn't have the iconic 4 seasons, but there are 3 travel seasons to identify before you travel. If you want to travel off the beaten path, Dubai is your place in the off-season. Love following the crowd? Visit during peak season! And finally, if you want the perks of the peak season without the crowds, choose the shoulder season in Dubai. Let’s find out the best season to visit Dubai!

Peak Season

The peak season for the desert wonderland that is Dubai is during winter and spring, from around November and ending in April. Peak season is when travellers flock to Dubai to enjoy the best weather and some of the finest events in the world. Not surprisingly, this also happens to be the most expensive time to visit!

Dubai's peak season is the best time to visit Dubai, weather-wise, to immerse yourself in Dubai's exciting outdoor experiences. Conde Nast Traveller notes that whether you're an adventurer or enjoy the finer side of life, Dubai has an event, activity, or experience for you.

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is the period of time between Dubai's peak season and off-season. Dubai's shoulder season is spring and fall, which are April and May and September and October, respectively. You can dodge the scorching Dubai sun and the freezing desert winter during these ideal months.

Low Season

Dubai is a desert; its scorching summers make it hot and humid, and perhaps the worst time to visit Dubai is from around June to August. Travel-wise, Dubai's low, or off, season is during summer, which also happens to be one of its cheapest seasons. Even though Dubai's hottest summer days can exceed temperatures of 43°C (109°F), the desert city knows how to handle the heat. With air-conditioned malls and indoor activity centres, there's still plenty to do in Dubai.

The cheapest time to visit Dubai

June to August are the best months to visit if you're on a budget. During the summer, most tourists avoid Dubai because it can get pretty hot outside. But the good news is that this is also the cheapest time to visit! Travel prices and tourism packages are more affordable during the low season, so you can save some money while still having an amazing time in Dubai.

Expensive time to visit Dubai

Peak season, from November to April, is the most expensive time to visit Dubai, as demand is high. Expect crowds at major tourist attractions and low availability at hotels, events, and activity destinations as holidaymakers crowd the city.

Prioritizing safety, you should consider securing comprehensive and affordable travel insurance like Acko International Travel Insurance to protect against unexpected incidents and hospital expenses in foreign countries. To gain a detailed overview of our offerings, please refer to our - Travel Insurance.

Have a great trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How many days are enough for a Dubai visit?

Trying to squeeze the biggest holiday destination in the world into your itinerary? Ideally, you need at least 4-5 days to experience Dubai!

When is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?

If you want to travel to Dubai on a budget, the best time to visit would be in the shoulder and off-season which runs from April to around October.

What is the best time to travel to Dubai for shopping?

Shopaholics love December and January for the Dubai Shopping Festival. Expect prices to be slashed on your favorite products all throughout Dubai.

What should I wear in Dubai?

Do in Dubai as the Dubai locals do! Dressing "modest" is not enforced but stays in accordance with Dubai's culture. Wear loose, light, and flowy clothing, to keep heat at bay and allow air to circulate. If you're a female tourist visiting a mosque, you will need to cover bare arms and legs, as well as your hair.

Can I consume alcohol in Dubai?

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public, but travelers can do so at licensed restaurants and bars.

What are Dubai's COVID-19 travel rules and regulations?

RT-PCR requirements have slowed down since February 2022.
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a pre-boarding test or to undergo quarantine in Dubai.
Wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory, but suggested.

Can I eat during Ramadan?

Although Dubai is a more modern Emirate, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is frowned upon. You can still buy food and drink and eat at restaurants however.