Dubai has two real seasons: a warm, sunny winter that feels like a perfect European summer, and a very hot, humid summer when the temperature regularly passes 40°C. When you go makes a huge difference — to your comfort, to what you can do outdoors (desert safaris, beaches, Global Village) and to how much you pay for your hotel.
This guide explains the best time to visit Dubai month by month, with average temperatures, sea temperatures, crowds and prices, plus the best time for families, for a budget trip, for travellers from India, and what changes during Ramadan. Weather figures come from The Better Vacation (July 2026) and sea temperatures from TwoContinents (May 2026).
Dubai weather by month
| Month | Avg. daytime high | Sea temp. | Crowds & prices | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ~24°C | 22°C | Peak season, high prices | Coolest month; Dubai Shopping Festival runs into mid-January |
| February | ~26°C | 23°C | Peak season | Perfect weather; Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in early-to-mid February |
| March | ~29°C | 25°C | Peak, easing slightly | Great all-round month; Eid al-Fitr celebrations after Ramadan |
| April | ~34°C | 27°C | Shoulder, moderate prices | Hot afternoons, ideal beach and pool weather |
| May | ~38°C | 29°C | Shoulder, prices falling | Seasonal outdoor attractions close at the end of the season |
| June | ~40°C | 31°C | Low season | Very hot; plan indoor sightseeing |
| July | 41–42°C | 33°C | Low season, cheapest | Hottest period with humidity; best hotel deals |
| August | ~42°C | 33°C | Low season, cheapest | Hottest month, warmest sea |
| September | 39–40°C | 30°C | Low season | Heat starts to ease at the end of the month |
| October | ~36°C | 28°C | Shoulder, prices rising | Global Village and outdoor attractions reopen |
| November | ~31°C | 27°C | Peak season begins | Lovely weather, busy events calendar |
| December | ~26°C | 24°C | Peak; highest prices at holidays | Dubai Shopping Festival, New Year’s Eve fireworks |
Averages; individual days vary. Winter evenings drop to about 14–18°C. Rain is rare and usually falls in short showers between November and March.
The best months to visit Dubai
November to March: the best time to go to Dubai
This is Dubai’s high season for a reason. Days are sunny and warm, evenings are cool enough for outdoor dinners, and everything is open: beach clubs, desert camps, Global Village, outdoor markets and parks. January and February are the coolest time to visit Dubai, with highs of about 24–26°C (source).
Downsides: it’s the busiest and most expensive time. Hotel rates can double or more from mid-December to early January (source), so book early.
Best month to visit Dubai
- For the weather: January or February.
- For a balance of weather and prices: March or November.
- For festive atmosphere: December, with the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.
- For beach and sea: April or late October — hot sun and a warm sea, with lower prices than winter.
Shoulder season: April, May and October
These months are a good compromise. Afternoons are hot (34–38°C), but mornings and evenings are manageable, the sea is warm (27–29°C) and hotel prices are noticeably lower than in winter. Seasonal outdoor attractions close after May and reopen in October (source). Global Village, for example, opens on 14 October 2026 for its new season (Khaleej Times).
Visiting Dubai in summer (June to September)
Summer is the low season: highs reach 40–42°C, humidity is high and the sea is like a warm bath at 31–33°C (source). It’s not ideal for walking around — but it’s the cheapest time to visit Dubai, with summer hotel and flight prices roughly 40–50% below winter (source).
Summer can work well if you:
- stay in a resort with a big pool and plan to relax;
- focus on indoor attractions: malls, aquariums, indoor theme parks, the Burj Khalifa;
- do outdoor activities only early in the morning or after sunset — an evening desert safari is still possible;
- use the air-conditioned Dubai Metro and taxis instead of walking.
Dubai month by month
Dubai in December and January
Warm days (24–26°C), festive lights, the Dubai Shopping Festival and the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa. Perfect weather, but the most expensive period — book flights and hotels months ahead, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Dubai in February and March
Still lovely, slightly warmer and often a little cheaper than the holiday season. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin in February (the exact date depends on the moon), which changes the rhythm of the city — see below.
Dubai in April and May
Getting hot, but great for beach holidays. Prices start to fall, and outdoor attractions close at the end of the season.
Dubai in June, July and August
Very hot. The best deals of the year at luxury hotels; summer shopping events and plenty of indoor entertainment.
Dubai in September and October
The heat slowly eases. October is a smart time to go: prices are still moderate and seasonal attractions reopen.
Dubai in November
The start of high season: highs around 31°C, warm sea, and a full calendar of events. One of our favourite months.
Best time to visit Dubai with family
For families, November to March is best: kids can enjoy the beach, parks, Global Village and the desert without the heat. If you’re tied to school holidays:
- Winter holidays (December): great weather, but book early and expect high prices.
- Spring holidays (March–April): warm, with slightly lower prices.
- Summer holidays (July–August): very hot — choose a resort with pools and a waterpark, and plan indoor activities like aquariums and indoor theme parks.
See our Dubai itinerary with kids and where to stay in Dubai with family.
Best time to visit Dubai from India
Dubai is only a short flight from most Indian cities, so the weather and prices matter more than the flight time. The best time to go to Dubai from India is the same as for everyone: November to March. Flights and hotels are most expensive around Diwali, Christmas and New Year, and during Indian school holidays, so compare dates if you’re flexible. For the lowest budget, travel in summer and plan mostly indoor activities.
Ramadan in Dubai: good to know
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. In 2027 it’s expected to begin in February (depending on the sighting of the moon). Dubai stays open for visitors, but:
- some restaurants change their hours during the day, and bars at desert camps close (source);
- be respectful and discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight;
- evenings are lively, with iftar meals and special Ramadan tents;
- hotel prices are often lower, and Eid at the end of Ramadan is festive.
When is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?
June to August. Luxury hotels are often far cheaper than in winter, and many attractions run summer deals. The cheapest weeks are usually in July and August. The trade-off is the heat. For better weather at a moderate price, choose late April, May, late September or October.
What to do in Dubai in each season
| Season | Best activities | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Desert safaris, beaches, Global Village, walking in Old Dubai, outdoor dining, Abu Dhabi day trip | Last-minute bookings around the holidays |
| Shoulder (Apr–May, Oct) | Beach and pool days, evening safaris, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina cruises | Long walks in the midday sun |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Malls, aquariums, indoor theme parks, waterparks, spa days, hotel deals | Outdoor sightseeing between 11 am and 5 pm |
What to pack for Dubai
- Winter: summer clothes for the day, plus a light jacket or sweater for evenings, the desert and very cold air-conditioning.
- Summer: the lightest breathable fabrics (linen, cotton), a refillable water bottle and high-SPF sunscreen.
- All year: modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for malls, souks and mosques, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear for the beach or pool only.
Tips for any season
- Dress code: light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees in malls and souks; swimwear only at the beach or pool.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat even in winter.
- Weekends in the UAE are Saturday and Sunday — attractions and beaches are busier.
- Get online on arrival: a UAE eSIM helps with maps and ride-hailing.
- Insurance: compare travel insurance for Dubai.
Plan your Dubai trip
- Dubai itinerary: 3, 4 and 5 days
- Desert safari Dubai: prices and tips
- Burj Khalifa tickets
- Where to stay in Dubai
- Dubai Airport to the city
- Dubai travel guide
Ready to book? Compare hotels in Dubai and find cheap flights to Dubai.
FAQ: Best time to visit Dubai
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, with daytime highs of about 24–31°C and comfortable evenings.
What is the coolest time to go to Dubai?
January and February, with average highs around 24–26°C and cool evenings.
What is the best month to visit Dubai?
January or February for the weather; March or November for a balance of weather and prices; December for festivals and New Year’s Eve.
What is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?
June to August, when hotel and flight prices are roughly 40–50% lower than in winter — but temperatures reach 40–42°C.
Is it too hot to visit Dubai in summer?
It’s very hot and humid, but possible if you stay in air-conditioned places, enjoy pools and indoor attractions, and go out early or after sunset.
When is the best time to visit Dubai with family?
November to March, when kids can enjoy beaches, parks and outdoor attractions comfortably.
Can you swim in Dubai in winter?
Yes. The sea is about 22–24°C from December to February — refreshing but swimmable — and most hotel pools are heated.
Book your trip: our favourite tools
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
