Winter in Dubai is a magical time when the heat gives way to pleasant, cooler temperatures. It’s the perfect season to step out of your air-conditioned bubble and enjoy the great outdoors. From exciting parks to breathtaking beaches and thrilling adventures, there is plenty to do in Dubai during the cooler months.
With the temperature finally dropping, it’s time to make your winter bucket list to make the most out of the season.
Here are some outdoor activity ideas to add to your list.
Things To Do In Winter In Dubai
Explore Al Seef
Al Seef is a beautifully designed waterfront promenade that combines the charm of old Dubai with modern amenities. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the creek, dine at various restaurants, and explore traditional Emirati architecture and culture. The “Heritage Area” of Al Seef offers a glimpse into Dubai’s history with its reconstructed old buildings and narrow alleys.
Visit Global Village
Kickstart your outdoor winter adventures in Dubai with a visit to the Global Village. This multicultural carnival comes alive during the cooler months, boasting pavilions from around the world, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
Global Village is a fun time for the entire family with exciting rides, food hotspots, and special performances. Explore the diverse cultures, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and take a journey that will transport you across the globe.
Picnic at Al Qudra
Al Qudra Lakes, surrounded by sand dunes and wildlife, offers a serene picnic spot in the heart of the desert and is one of the best places to visit in Dubai during winter. Grab your picnic basket and enjoy the cool winter breeze while observing the diverse bird species. You can also get a bike to explore the Al Qudra Cycling Track, which runs alongside the lakes.
Visit Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the world’s biggest flower parks and it comes alive every winter. Stroll through the vibrant gardens adorned with millions of flowers, including stunning displays and intricate sculptures made entirely of blooms. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike. Don’t forget to check out their “Lost Paradise” section, featuring sculptures and structures covered in flowers, providing a surreal experience.
Explore Dubai Garden Glow
Just adjacent to the Miracle Garden, you’ll find the Dubai Garden Glow, one of the best winter attractions in Dubai. As the sun sets, this magical place comes to life with dazzling light displays and 3D artworks. It’s a fantastic family-friendly attraction that’s best enjoyed during the crisp winter evenings. The “Art Park” section, in particular, showcases impressive installations inspired by famous artists and artworks, creating a unique visual spectacle.
Have A Beach Day
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a beach day with family and friends at one of Dubai’s many pristine beaches. Whether you prefer the lively JBR Beach or the serene Kite Beach, you can relax, swim, or even try some water sports. Don’t forget to watch the mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Gulf.
Looking for the best beaches in Dubai? Here’s our full guide.
Visit Public Parks In Dubai
Dubai boasts numerous well-maintained public parks. Pack a picnic, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a game of frisbee in one of these green oases. Safa Park, Mushrif Park, Zabeel Park, and Creek Park are great options to reconnect with nature. MushrifPark, in particular, is a haven for picnickers and joggers, with its lush greenery and serene lake.
Find out everything you need to know about the best parks in Dubai with our full guide.
Aventura Park
For adrenaline junkies, Aventura Park is a must-visit. Nestled inside Mushrif Park, this adventure park offers thrilling zip lines, obstacle courses, and tree-surfing experiences and is one of the best winter activities in Dubai.
It’s an excellent way to challenge your limits while enjoying the winter weather. The “Ninja Warrior Course” and “Aerial Adventure” sections are particularly popular among adventure seekers. The best part about Aventura Parks is that it’s suitable for both kids and adults and is the perfect destination for a fun family day out.
Go Camping
Dubai’s surrounding desert offers an unparalleled camping experience during the winter months. Set up your tent under the starlit sky, enjoy a bonfire, and revel in the tranquility of the desert. Companies like Arabian Adventures offer guided camping trips for those seeking a more structured experience. You can also consider camping in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for a more pristine and eco-friendly experience.
Visit Hatta
A scenic drive from Dubai takes you to Hatta, a mountainous escape with picturesque landscapes. As the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to explore Hatta Dam, embark on hiking trails, or rent a kayak and paddle through the serene Hatta Dam Lake. Don’t miss a visit to Hatta Wadi Hub, where you can experience thrilling activities like mountain biking and axe throwing.
Visit a Waterpark
If you seek thrilling aquatic adventures, Dubai’s waterparks won’t disappoint. Waterparks like Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm and Wild Wadi Waterpark are perfect for families and adrenaline seekers alike. You can choose to have a relaxing day as you bask in the winter sun in the many lazy rivers, pools, and beaches in the waterparks, or choose to go all out and enjoy some of the best water rides in the world at Dubai’s top waterparks.
You Might Also Like: The Best Waterparks In Dubai.
Go Cycling
Dubai has a network of well-maintained cycling tracks, such as the Al Qudra Cycling Track, Kite Beach Cycling Track, and Nad Al Sheba Cycling Track, where you can rent bikes and explore the city from a different perspective. The cooler winter temperatures make it an ideal time to pedal your way through the city. You can either bring your own cycle or rent one from the Careem cycle stands that are available at most locations.
Take Part In the Dubai Fitness Challenge
Every year, the Dubai Government hosts the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual event that encourages residents and visitors to embrace an active lifestyle. Throughout the month, there are many fun and exciting fitness activities like yoga on the beach, exercise classes, and more across the city where residents can participate for little to no cost. The highlight of the month is the famous Dubai run that takes place on Sheikh Zayed Road. If you’re looking for something adventurous to do this winter, don’t forget to join the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Go On A Desert Safari
Desert Safari is one of the best activities to do in Dubai. During winter, it’s even more fun as the weather is perfect for dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and enjoying a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. You can opt for a morning desert safari to witness the sunrise over the dunes, creating a mesmerizing sight, or go for a classic evening safari and experience a winter sunset in the desert.
You Might Also Like: All You Need To Know About Desert Safari In Dubai.
Experience a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
Winter is the perfect time to experience something new and exciting, like a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Drift gently above the desert landscapes as the sun rises over the horizon in a hot air balloon. It’s a truly incredible way to start your day in Dubai.
You’ll soar above the rolling sand dunes and get an amazing view of the desert below. It’s a calm and peaceful experience, almost like flying. Along the way, you might learn interesting things about the desert and its history from the experienced balloon pilot who will be with you.
Looking for more things to do in Dubai? Check out our full guide to the best places to visit in Dubai
