A month-by-month guide to Dubai

Dubai doesn’t just raise the bar – it builds a whole new one. It’s a city where you’ll find skyscrapers rising from the desert, futuristic malls that feel like mini metropolises and a world map sculpted from sand. Here, extravagance isn’t the exception – it’s the rule.

With so much to explore, it’s worth figuring out the best time to visit Dubai. That’s where this month-by-month guide comes in. We’ll spotlight the seasons, weather and must-see events to help you plan your journey like a pro. From the golden days of winter and the buzzy energy of spring to the sizzling heat of summer and the balmy charm of autumn, here’s how to get the most out of Dubai at any time of the year.

Quick Links

• Dubai in winter
• Dubai in spring
• Dubai in summer
• Dubai in autumn

Dubai in winter

Winter in Dubai runs from December to February and is a great time to escape the chill back home, with daytime temperatures ranging from 24 - 26°C. The city comes alive during winter, with events like the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations drawing large crowds.

While this is peak tourist season and prices tend to be higher, the mild days are made for lounging on the beach, taking to the dunes on a desert safari or testing your haggling skills in the outdoor markets.

December

Dubai isn’t a city that does things by halves, so you can only imagine what Christmas is like here. In December the city sparkles with festive decorations, from twinkling lights adorning the streets to lavish displays in the luxury hotels and malls.

The world-famous Burj Khalifa puts on spectacular seasonal light shows, while the Dubai Mall hosts a range of winter-themed activities and pop-ups. Late December marks the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival, a month-long extravaganza featuring unbeatable discounts, live concerts and dazzling firework displays.

January

January in Dubai is all about outdoor adventures, starting with a desert safari. Picture dune bashing in 4x4s and evenings spent at a traditional Bedouin camp, complete with belly dancing performances, henna art and a feast of Middle Eastern delicacies under a starlit sky. The Global Village outdoor market features a maze of pavilions representing over 90 countries – expect to find handcrafted treasures, exotic spices and flavour-packed street food stalls.

February

Dubai in February is cool and comfortable, ideal for uncovering the city’s more authentic side. A cruise along Dubai Creek serves up picturesque views of traditional dhows set against the strikingly modern skyline, while a stroll through the historical Al Fahidi District offers a glimpse into old Dubai’s heritage, revealing charming wind towers and cultural treasures.

Dubai in spring

Before the punishing summer heat sets in, Dubai becomes a playground for outdoor thrills and al fresco dining. Imagine sipping cocktails at Shimmers, accompanied by stunning views of the Burj Al Arab and the soothing sound of the waves.

Spring also brings a packed calendar of events, from world-class sports competitions to cultural festivals that showcase the city’s global flair. Book during spring to explore the bustling markets of Global Village or catch a thrilling match at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

March

March in Dubai means warm, sunny days and cooler evenings – glorious for teeing off at world-class courses like the Emirates Golf Club. This month also marks the Dubai Food Festival, an epic celebration of the city’s diverse culinary scene. From street food faves like juicy shawarma and crispy falafel to grilled seafood and rich biryani, make sure to come hungry.

April

Dubai in April is the sweet spot between the cooler months and the intense summer heat. Temperatures are rising but still manageable, hovering somewhere between 20°C and 30°C, making it an excellent time to dip your toes in the sand on Jumeirah Beach or visit The Palm’s stylish Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. Feel like royalty as you relax on the private beach or cool off in one of the six swimming pools.

May

May signals the arrival of Dubai’s hotter months, but you can still make the most of the city with a bit of planning. This is the time to get up close and personal with the sharks and stingrays at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is blissfully free from crowds. Hotels often offer fantastic deals during this month too.

Dubai in summer

Running from June to August, Dubai summers are known for their scorching temperatures, often exceeding 40°C. While the heat can be intense – meaning time outdoors is strictly limited – this off-peak season does come with a few advantages.

Summer means fewer tourists, so there are shorter queues at the jaw-dropping attractions and better hotel deals. The city’s larger-than-life shopping malls, aquariums and waterparks also provide plenty of respite from the heat. For those after a quieter, more budget-friendly visit, summer could be the time to book.

June

June marks the start of the low season, meaning you can make killer savings on hotel rates. Beat the heat at the Wild Wadi Water Park, where you can get your adrenaline fix on the hair-raising Jumeirah Sceirah slide or float down the lazy river. For air-conditioned comfort, head to the gargantuan Dubai Mall, where you can pick up something from Cartier or Louis Vuitton or take a spin on the year-round ice rink.

July

July is one of the hottest months in Dubai, but it’s also when Dubai Summer Surprises takes centre stage. This city-wide festival offers huge discounts at Dubai’s top malls, along with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and exclusive promotions at attractions like Aquaventure Waterpark and Dubai Parks and Resorts. For a room with a serious view, book into the JA Ocean View Hotel.

August

August’s searing heat means indoor fun is the order of the day. Take the kids to IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, where they’ll roar with delight on dinosaur-themed rollercoasters and get the chance to meet their favourite superheroes. Foodies can take their pick of Michelin-starred restaurants like Nobu and underwater hotspot Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.

Dubai in autumn

Autumn, from September to November, brings some welcome relief from the summer heat, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C. This is a great time to take to the desert, hit the beach or sign up for some thrilling water sports. Autumn also marks the beginning of the high season but without the peak winter crowds, making it a more chilled time to visit.

September

September is a month for sitting poolside at resorts like JA Palm Tree Court. During this period the city starts gearing up for its busy season, with events like the Dubai International Film Festival and the Dubai Rugby Sevens on the agenda.

October

Dubai in October is a firm favourite with travellers, offering comfortable temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. Dive into outdoor fun at sun-soaked Jumeirah Beach or the lush Dubai Creek Park. It’s also the start of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a month-long celebration of health and wellness, featuring free events like outdoor boot camps, cycling sessions along the Dubai Water Canal and fitness classes at the Burj Khalifa Plaza.

November

November is one of the best months to visit Dubai, when the temperatures back home are starting to plummet, but the sun here shines all day long. Come to soak up that vitamin D at the Miracle Garden – home to a staggering 150 million flowers – or set sail on a sunset dhow cruise and admire the golden glow on those world-famous skyscrapers.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

The busiest time of year in Dubai is from December to February, coinciding with winter holidays and the city’s milder weather. Meanwhile, the quietest period is during the scorching summer months of June to August. Those on the hunt for decent weather and more manageable crowds should book during the shoulder months of March, April or November.

This feature was created on 28th November 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.