The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating country with a rich culture, history, and modernity. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall. However, choosing the best time to visit UAE as a tourist can be a challenge, given its arid desert climate, which can be harsh during the summer months.
If you are planning to visit UAE soon, this guide will help you decide the best time for you taking into consideration various factors such as the weather, public holidays, special events, and festivals. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trip, this guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure a memorable experience in the UAE.
Best Time To Visit Dubai:
The best time to visit Dubai depends on your personal preferences. The most popular time for tourists to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and mild, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, beach trips, and desert safaris. However, due to peak season, prices for flight tickets and hotels are significantly higher during these months.
On the other hand, the summer months in Dubai, from June to September, are scorching hot, with temperatures soaring as high as 45°C (113°F) during the day and 30°C (86°F) at night. The humidity is also high, making it uncomfortable to be outdoors for extended periods. However, this is the time when you can find good deals on hotel rates and other tourist activities, making it an ideal time for budget travelers. Summer also sees many exciting indoor activities and festivals, including Dubai Summer Surprises, that can be enjoyed if you plan to visit during these months.
Visiting Dubai soon? We’ve curated an exclusive 5 & 7 Day Dubai itinerary for you! Check it out here. (link)
Things To Do In Dubai During Different Seasons:
Although the summer can get quite hot, Dubai is truly an all-year-round destination, with a wide range of activities throughout the year, depending on the season. Here are some of the things you can do in Dubai during different seasons:
Winter (November to March):
This is the peak tourist season in Dubai, with moderate temperatures and clear skies. You can go on desert safaris, explore the historical sites, take a dhow cruise, visit the theme parks, and attend the Dubai Shopping Festival. Some of Dubai’s top attractions, like Global Village and Miracle Garden, also open their doors during winter. If visiting in December, you can also enjoy the city’s Christmas and New Year festivities.
Spring (April to May):
This is a good time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking just before summer begins and attend the Dubai Food Festival.
Summer (June to September):
This is the low season in Dubai, with scorching temperatures and high humidity. However, you can still enjoy indoor activities such as shopping, visiting museums and theme parks, and attending the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival. Note that outdoor attractions like Dubai Safari Park and Global Village are closed during this time.
Fall (October to November): Like April-May, this is also a good time to visit Dubai, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds as the weather begins the improve while there is still a summer breeze in the air. You can go on outdoor activities such as desert safaris, and hot air balloon rides and visit the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Find the top things to do in Dubai with our full guide. (link)
Places Closed During Summer In Dubai:
Although Dubai is a year-round destination, some attractions may close during summer due to extreme weather conditions. Here are some of the places that are closed during the summer in Dubai:
Global Village: This popular cultural and entertainment destination featuring pavilions from different countries showcasing their art, food, and music is closed during the summer and opens only from October to April.
Miracle Garden: The world’s largest flower garden, featuring over 45 million flowers in various shapes and sizes, is closed during summer due to extreme heat and opens only from November to May.
Dubai Safari Park: This is a wildlife park that houses over 2,500 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. It is closed during the summer months and opens only from October to April.
Dubai Garden Glow: A family-friendly attraction that features illuminated sculptures, installations, and performances. Dubai Garden Glow is closed during the summer months and opens only from October to April.
Looking for things to do during summer in Dubai? Check out our full guide. (link)
Average Temperatures In Dubai:
Dubai has a desert climate, which means that it is hot and dry throughout the year, with little rainfall. The average temperature in Dubai varies depending on the season, with the highest temperatures in the summer and the lowest temperatures in the winter. Here are the average temperatures in Dubai throughout the year:
January: 24°C (75°F)
February: 25°C (77°F)
March: 27°C (81°F)
April: 31°C (88°F)
May: 34°C (93°F)
June: 37°C (99°F)
July: 39°C (102°F)
August: 39°C (102°F)
September: 37°C (99°F)
October: 34°C (93°F)
November: 30°C (86°F)
December: 26°C (79°F)
When planning your trip, make sure to check the average temperatures and pack accordingly.
Public Holidays In Dubai:
Dubai celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, which may affect your travel plans. Some of the major public holidays in Dubai are:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Eid Al Fitr: The end of Ramadan (date varies every year)
- Eid Al Adha: The feast of sacrifice (date varies every year)
- National Day: 1st-3rd December
- Islamic New Year: The first day of Muharram (date varies every year)
Many government offices, businesses, and tourist attractions may be closed on public holidays or have limited hours. However, some tourist attractions may have special events or extended hours to celebrate the occasion.
Special Events and Festivals In Dubai:
There are many exciting events and festivals that take place throughout the year in Dubai that celebrate different aspects of Dubai’s culture, history, and modernity and offer a unique experience to tourists. Here are some of Dubai’s major events and festivals that you can expect to experience during your visit.
Dubai Shopping Festival: Probably the most popular festival of the year, DSF is one of the largest shopping festivals in the world, featuring discounts, promotions, and entertainment activities across various malls and shops in Dubai. It takes place from late December to late January every year and makes thousands of visitors flock to the city to redeem the special discounts as it is the best time to visit Dubai for shopping.
Dubai Summer Surprises: Focused on making the hot summer months exciting, DSS is a summer festival that offers discounts, promotions, and entertainment activities across various malls and shops in Dubai. It takes place from June to September every year and features many exciting indoor shows and activities for both kids and adults.
Dubai Food Festival: Perfect for food lovers, this is a culinary festival that celebrates Dubai’s diverse food scene, featuring food tours, celebrity chef appearances, and food markets. It takes place between February to May each year and offers some of the best discounts on top Dubai restaurants.
Ramadan Markets: During the holy month of Ramadan, many markets and pop-up stalls open up across Dubai, offering traditional foods, clothes, and souvenirs. This is a great opportunity for tourists and residents to experience the local culture and cuisine.
National Day Celebrations: UAE’s national day takes place on 2nd December, and the country celebrates with a 3-day holiday from 1st-3rd December. The celebrations feature many exciting activities and shows throughout the country, including spectacular fireworks displays in various locations. Shops also hold special discounts during the public break, so redeeming good offers is a good time.
Find the top events happening in UAE right now and buy tickets from Platinimlist. (link)
Visiting Dubai During Ramadan:
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims worldwide, and it is also observed in Dubai. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and many restaurants and cafes may be closed during the day. However, most tourist attractions remain open; some may have extended hours or special events to celebrate the occasion.
If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan, it is important to respect the local customs and traditions. This means dressing modestly, refraining from eating or drinking in public during the day, and being mindful of religious practices. You can also attend the Ramadan markets, visit the mosques, and experience the iftar (breaking of the fast) dinners, which are usually grand feasts with traditional dishes.
Learn more about Ramadan in Dubai with our full guide. (link)
Holiday Season in Dubai:
Dubai also celebrates Christmas and New Year holidays with great enthusiasm. Although Christmas is not a public holiday in Dubai, it is still celebrated by many people in the city, especially the expat community. Many hotels and restaurants offer special menus, decorations, and events for Christmas, and you can also find Christmas markets and fairs across the city.
As we all know, New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a spectacular event, with fireworks displays and light shows across the city. The most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai and the world is the Burj Khalifa Firework display witnessed by millions of people worldwide. The NYE celebration in Dubai is a true extravaganza with epic parties, multiple fireworks displays, and more. Other popular New Year’s Eve celebrations locations in Dubai include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City, and Dubai Creek.
Tip: New Year’s Eve is the most popular time in Dubai, which means that hotels and NYE celebrations get booked out way in advance. If you are planning to spend the new year in Dubai, plan and book a few months in advance to bag good deals for your stay.
Find the best places to watch fireworks displays in Dubai on New Year’s Eve with our full guide. (link)
Things To Know Before Visiting Dubai:
Before you plan your trip to Dubai, there are a few things you should know to make your experience more enjoyable and hassle-free:
- Visa Requirements: You may need a visa to enter Dubai, depending on your nationality. You can check the visa requirements and apply for a visa online before your trip.
- Dress Code: It is important to dress modestly in public places, especially when visiting religious sites. It is recommended to avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing unless you are visiting the beach.
- Drinking Laws: Drinking alcohol is allowed in Dubai but is prohibited in public places. You can only consume alcohol in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels.
- Currency: The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). You can exchange your currency at the airport or at currency exchange offices across the city.
- Transportation: Dubai has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and metro. It is recommended to use public transportation or hire a car to explore the city. Upon your arrival, you can issue a NOL card from any metro station that can be recharged and will allow you to access the public metro and bus for commuting.
Visiting Dubai Soon? Check out our guides to help you plan the best trip of your life! (links)
- The Ultimate 5 & 7 Day Dubai Itinerary
- The Best Things To Do For Tourists In Dubai
- The Best Things To Do With Kids In Dubai
- The Best Views In Dubai
- Michelin-Star Restaurants In Dubai
- Best Adventure Activities To Do In Dubai
- The Best Places To Celebrate Birthdays In Dubai
- The Best Museums In Dubai
- The Best Waterparks In Dubai
- The Best Things To Do In Dubai Mall
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dubai
- What is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is based on personal preference. The most popular time to visit Dubai is during the winter months (Nov-March), as the weather is pleasant. However, prices for hotels and flights are usually lower during the summer months.
- What is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?
Tickets and hotels are usually the cheapest in Dubai during summer (May-September) as the weather is very hot and visitors are off-peak.
- What is the hottest month in Dubai?
The hottest months in Dubai are between July and August when temperatures can rise to 50 degrees Celsius.
- What is the coldest month in Dubai?
The coldest months in Dubai are between December and January when the temperatures can drop down to 10 degrees Celsius.
- Can I visit Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes, Ramadan is a good time to visit Dubai, as you will be able to experience the special festivities, night markets, and Ramadan tents that take place during the month. However, be mindful of restrictions like reduced work timings when visiting during Ramadan.
- How many days in Dubai is enough?
Depending on your plan, you should plan at least a 5 or 7-day trip to Dubai. If you plan to visit other emirates like Abu Dhabi, you can extend the trip by a few days.
- What is peak season in Dubai?
Due to the pleasant weather, the winter months (October-February) are the peak season months in Dubai. December is the busiest month due to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
- Are any places closed during summer in Dubai?
Yes, a few popular outdoor attractions like Global Village, Miracle Garden, and Dubai Safari Park are closed during the summer months due to high temperatures. Some waterparks may also be closed for maintenance.
