When is the best time to visit Dubai? From November to March: highs range from 24 to 31 °C (75 to 88 °F) at Dubai airport, nights are mild and the beach remains pleasant. From May to September the heat is extreme: more than 38 °C (100 °F) on average in the afternoon, with nights that do not drop below 30 °C (86 °F) in July–August and high humidity on the coast. This extreme May-to-September heat also applies to the capital of the Emirates: see things to do in Abu Dhabi, ideally in winter.
It almost never rains in Dubai: a few tens of millimeters a year, mostly between December and March, sometimes as violent thunderstorms. What makes the difference is therefore temperature, crowds and prices. Winter is the high season, summer the season of promotions. Here is how to choose, based on the official climate normals for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. These three emirates are shown on our map of the United Arab Emirates.
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Safety: what the UK and US governments say
- The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026) says the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable: travelers should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and travel disruption, and it states that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. Check the current advice before booking and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
- Boating: the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026) notes a long-standing UAE–Iran dispute over jurisdiction of Abu Musa, about 20 miles (32 km) from Dubai, where fishing or sailing may result in seizure of vessels and detention. GOV.UK adds that the authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering sensitive areas near the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs. These islands are not tourist destinations: keep your distance on boat and fishing trips.
- Read the FCDO and State Department pages just before departure, and sign up for the FCDO’s travel advice email alerts.
When to go to Dubai at a glance
- Best time November to March
- Most pleasant months December, January and February (24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F) in the afternoon)
- Best compromise on weather, prices and crowds early November, late February–March (outside school holidays)
- Avoid if you dislike heat June to September (40 to 42 °C (104 to 108 °F) average maximum)
- Rain rare, about 80 mm (3.1 in) a year, concentrated from December to March
- High season year-end holidays and winter school holidays
- Good to know Ramadan, whose date moves forward by about 11 days each year, changes the rhythm of the city (eating in public, opening hours)
When to go to Dubai by priority
- Best weather: November to March, with December to February the most pleasant months
- Cheapest: May to September, if you accept the heat; otherwise early November and late February–March outside school holidays
- Fewest crowds: May to September; April and October in the shoulder season
- Events: National Day on December 2, Dubai Shopping Festival usually from December to January; Ramadan on variable dates
For things to do on the ground, see our guide to what to see in Dubai. February is one of the best months: compare with our ideas for where to go in February.
Dubai: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Dubai in February · Dubai in December
✅ Best months: January, February, March, November, December
❌ Period to avoid: may, June, July, August, September
Climate and weather in Dubai, month by month
The table below uses the normals from the Dubai International Airport station, in the city, a few kilometers from the coast. They are representative of the districts where most travelers stay (Deira, Downtown, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina). Seaside districts are a little more humid, the inland desert hotter by day and cooler at night.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.4 °C (76 °F) | 15.3 °C (60 °F) | 20.8 mm (0.8 in) | Very high | High | ✅ Mild, ideal for the city and the desert |
| February | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 16.4 °C (62 °F) | 9.9 mm (0.4 in) | Very high | High | ✅ Excellent, winter holidays |
| March | 28.9 °C (84 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 21.7 mm (0.9 in) | High | High | ✅ Warm and pleasant, thunderstorms possible |
| April | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 3.3 mm (0.1 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Already hot in the afternoon |
| May | 38.2 °C (101 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 0.1 mm (0.0 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Strong heat |
| June | 40.0 °C (104 °F) | 28.0 °C (82 °F) | < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Extreme heat |
| July | 41.5 °C (107 °F) | 31.2 °C (88 °F) | 1.1 mm (0.0 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Extreme heat and humidity |
| August | 41.9 °C (107 °F) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | Low | Low | ❌ The hottest month |
| September | 39.5 °C (103 °F) | 28.9 °C (84 °F) | < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Still very hot |
| October | 35.9 °C (97 °F) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 1.5 mm (0.1 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Heat easing, very warm sea |
| November | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 5.9 mm (0.2 in) | High | High | ✅ Pleasant temperatures return |
| December | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 14.8 mm (0.6 in) | Very high | Very high in late Dec. | ✅ Ideal, holiday prices |
Note: the rare rains often fall within a few hours, as thunderstorms. The city, poorly equipped to drain water, can then see localized flooding, as in April 2024. GOV.UK also notes that heavy rain in the UAE can cause flooding and advises checking forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology.
The seasons in Dubai: pros and cons
Dubai has a hot desert climate with two distinct seasons: a mild winter from November to March and a torrid summer from May to September. April and October are transition months, still or already hot in the afternoon but bearable in the morning and evening.
Winter (November to March): the high season
Highs hover around 24 to 31 °C (75 to 88 °F) and lows around 15 to 21 °C (59 to 70 °F). This is the season for outdoor activities: beach, desert safari, walks along the creek, terraces and markets in the evening. Most of the city’s big events are also held in these months.
- Pros: ideal temperatures, pleasant swimming, desert accessible in the daytime, busy cultural and sports program
- Cons: flight and hotel prices at their highest, especially over the year-end holidays; cool evenings in the desert in January; rare thunderstorms
- Our tip: aim for the first half of November or March, outside school holidays, for the same weather at slightly lower rates
Summer (May to September): extreme heat
From June to September the average maximum exceeds 39 °C (102 °F) and the minimum stays close to 30 °C (86 °F) in July–August. Staying outdoors in the middle of the day becomes unpleasant, even risky for children, older people and vulnerable people. Life moves indoors: malls, museums, water parks, indoor ski slopes.
- Pros: much cheaper hotels, including at the high end, fewer people, promotions in the shops
- Cons: stifling heat and humidity, beach only early in the morning or late in the day, very warm sea water, limited desert excursions
- Who is it for? A short city stay or a stopover, centered on air-conditioned activities and the hotel pool. Hydrate and avoid effort during the hot hours.
The shoulder seasons (April and October)
In April, highs already exceed 33 °C (91 °F); in October they come back down to around 36 °C (97 °F). Mornings and evenings stay pleasant, crowds are moderate and prices start to drop (April) or have not yet risen (early October). A decent option for a beach-and-pool stay, provided you plan outdoor visits early in the morning.
When to go to the Emirates by region
The seven emirates share the same seasonal rhythm. Abu Dhabi, farther south-west, is a little hotter than Dubai in summer; Ras Al Khaimah, in the north, has cooler winter nights and gets slightly more rain, thanks to the nearby Hajar Mountains. Comparison of the official normals:
| Month | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.4 °C (76 °F) / 20.8 mm (0.8 in) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) / 12.5 mm (0.5 in) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) / 28.2 mm (1.1 in) |
| February | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 9.9 mm (0.4 in) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 8.1 mm (0.3 in) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 19.9 mm (0.8 in) |
| March | 28.9 °C (84 °F) / 21.7 mm (0.9 in) | 29.7 °C (85 °F) / 12.9 mm (0.5 in) | 30.3 °C (87 °F) / 30.3 mm (1.2 in) |
| April | 33.7 °C (93 °F) / 3.3 mm (0.1 in) | 35.0 °C (95 °F) / 5.2 mm (0.2 in) | 35.8 °C (96 °F) / 6.6 mm (0.3 in) |
| May | 38.2 °C (101 °F) / 0.1 mm (0.0 in) | 39.6 °C (103 °F) / 0.3 mm (0.0 in) | 40.9 °C (106 °F) / 0.1 mm (0.0 in) |
| June | 40.0 °C (104 °F) / < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | 41.4 °C (107 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 42.0 °C (108 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) |
| July | 41.5 °C (107 °F) / 1.1 mm (0.0 in) | 42.5 °C (109 °F) / 0.7 mm (0.0 in) | 43.3 °C (110 °F) / 0.7 mm (0.0 in) |
| August | 41.9 °C (107 °F) / < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | 43.4 °C (110 °F) / 0.1 mm (0.0 in) | 43.0 °C (109 °F) / 0.2 mm (0.0 in) |
| September | 39.5 °C (103 °F) / < 1 mm (< 0.04 in) | 40.9 °C (106 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 41.1 °C (106 °F) / 0.2 mm (0.0 in) |
| October | 35.9 °C (97 °F) / 1.5 mm (0.1 in) | 36.6 °C (98 °F) / 0.2 mm (0.0 in) | 37.5 °C (100 °F) / 1.7 mm (0.1 in) |
| November | 30.7 °C (87 °F) / 5.9 mm (0.2 in) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) / 2.4 mm (0.1 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 7.6 mm (0.3 in) |
| December | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 14.8 mm (0.6 in) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 7.8 mm (0.3 in) | 27.4 °C (81 °F) / 20.2 mm (0.8 in) |
Dubai
This is the climate of the main table. Best window: November to March, with an optimum from December to February. For the beach (Jumeirah, JBR, Kite Beach), November and March offer warmer water than the heart of winter.
The sail-shaped hotel dominates the shoreline on these Jumeirah beaches: our page on visiting the Burj Al Arab covers how to get in.
Abu Dhabi
The capital is slightly hotter than Dubai from April to October (43.4 °C (110 °F) average maximum in August) and a little drier. The ideal calendar is the same: November to March. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi can be visited all year, but the sun-baked surroundings are grueling in summer.
Ras Al Khaimah and the Hajar Mountains
In the north, Ras Al Khaimah is the coolest of the three cities in winter (12.2 °C (54 °F) minimum in January) and the wettest, with about 30 mm (1.2 in) in March. Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country, has lower temperatures than the coast: it is a popular outing from November to March, and a relative escape from the heat in summer. We do not have public official normals for the summit, so we do not show them.
When to go to Dubai by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First stay (city and beach) | November to March | Downtown, old Dubai, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina |
| Beach and swimming | November, March–April, October | Jumeirah, JBR, Palm Jumeirah |
| Desert safari, night in a camp | November to March | Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Liwa |
| Hiking and mountains | November to March | Hatta, Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah) |
| Shopping and sales | December–January (shopping festival), summer (promotions) | Malls, Deira souks |
| Budget | May to September (accepting the heat), late April, early October | Deira, Bur Dubai |
| Family trip | Autumn, winter and spring school holidays | Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Yas Island (Abu Dhabi) |
| Stopover of a few days | All year, ideally October to April | Downtown, old Dubai |
| Honeymoon | November, February–March | Palm Jumeirah, desert, Ras Al Khaimah |
Major events to build into your trip
Most of the major events are concentrated in winter. Exact dates change every year: check them on the official sites before booking.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Depends on the lunar calendar (around February–March in 2026 and 2027) | Ramadan, then the Eid al-Fitr holiday | Nationwide |
| December 3 to 6 in 2026 (late November or early December depending on the year; dates announced by the Emirates News Agency, WAM) | Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix | Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi |
| December 2 | UAE National Day (fireworks, parades) | Nationwide |
| Usually December to January | Dubai Shopping Festival: promotions, concerts, entertainment | Dubai |
| December 31 | New Year’s fireworks around the Burj Khalifa | Downtown Dubai |
| Usually from October–November to spring | Global Village season, a park of pavilions and shows | Dubai |
| Usually in July–August | Dubai Summer Surprises: summer promotions | Dubai |
Traveling during Ramadan: Dubai remains open to visitors. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026) says it may cause offence to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, many restaurants and cafés stay open during the day for people who are not fasting. Evenings, after the fast is broken (iftar), are lively. As Ramadan moves forward by about 11 days every year, it now falls in the middle of winter, the best season: check its dates before fixing yours.
Dubai month by month: weather from January to December
January: The coolest month: 24.4 °C (76 °F) in the afternoon, 15.3 °C (60 °F) at night. Ideal for walking in the city and heading into the desert. Cool water for some. Dubai Shopping Festival usually under way, high prices in early January.
February: Excellent: 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon, very little rain (9.9 mm (0.4 in)). Heavy crowds during winter school holidays. Ramadan may begin in February: check the dates. These 26 °C (79 °F) and the school-holiday crowds are detailed on our Dubai in February page, with Ramadan dates to check.
March: Warm and pleasant (28.9 °C (84 °F)), but also one of the wettest months, with thunderstorms possible. A very good month for combining beach and sightseeing.
April: The heat sets in (33.7 °C (93 °F)). Pleasant mornings and evenings, prices falling after the spring holidays. Good for a beach-and-pool stay.
May: More than 38 °C (100 °F) in the afternoon: outdoor activities happen early in the morning. Start of the low season, cheaper hotels.
June: 40 °C (104 °F) average maximum, 28 °C (82 °F) at night. A stay is possible if you stay mostly indoors. Low rates.
July: Extreme heat (41.5 °C (107 °F)) and high humidity. For fans of promotions and air-conditioned activities only.
August: The hottest month: 41.9 °C (107 °F) in the afternoon, 31.5 °C (89 °F) at night. The least pleasant month of the year to be outside.
September: Still very hot (39.5 °C (103 °F)). Prices stay low. The end of the month is a little more bearable in the evening.
October: The heat recedes (35.9 °C (97 °F)). The sea is still very warm, terraces reopen in the evening. A good month to enjoy the last shoulder-season rates.
November: The return of the fine season: 30.7 °C (87 °F) in the afternoon, 21 °C (70 °F) at night. One of the best months, with the sea still warm. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of the month in some years.
December: Ideal temperatures (26.5 °C (80 °F)). National Day on the 2nd, then heavy crowds and peak prices for Christmas and New Year.
When to book your trip to Dubai
For the year-end holidays and winter school holidays, book your flights and hotel 3 to 5 months ahead: this is the most in-demand period and rates climb quickly. For November or March outside school holidays, 1 to 3 months is usually enough. In summer, last-minute promotions are frequent.
Planning your trip to Dubai
- Entry requirements: for visa rules, passport validity and arrival procedures, see our page on the entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates.
- Time difference: the UAE is on UTC+4 all year (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: the UAE dirham (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health: GOV.UK says you must have a certificate proving a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026). Protect yourself from the heat: water, a hat, and no exertion during the hot hours.
- Medication: many prescription and over-the-counter medications are prohibited in the UAE, and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026) advises seeking prior approval, via an online form on the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s website, before carrying certain medications. Keep them in their original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
For help organizing your stay on the ground, see our Dubai guide: what to see, where to stay and itineraries. For a comparable winter sun destination, also see when to go to Jordan or when to go to Egypt.
What to pack for Dubai
- Light, covering clothes: decent dress is expected in the city and in malls; in mosques, women must cover their hair, arms and legs.
- A sweater or light jacket: for evenings in the desert in winter (about 15 °C (59 °F) average minimum in January) and for the air conditioning indoors.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle, all year.
- A swimsuit: for the beach and the pool only.
- Your medication with the prescription, in its original packaging, and the import authorization if one of them is considered a controlled substance in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Dubai?
December, January and February offer the most pleasant temperatures, 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F) in the afternoon. November and March are a good compromise, with warmer sea water and, outside school holidays, slightly lower prices.
When is it too hot in Dubai?
From May to September. According to the 1991–2020 normals for Dubai airport, the average maximum exceeds 38 °C (100 °F) in May and reaches 41.9 °C (107 °F) in August, with nights around 31 °C (88 °F) and high humidity.
Can you go to Dubai in summer?
Yes, provided you organize the stay around indoor activities, the pool and outings early in the morning or in the evening. Hotels are then much cheaper. It is not recommended for vulnerable people and young children who cope badly with heat.
Does it rain in Dubai?
Very little: about 80 mm (3.1 in) a year at the airport, mostly from December to March. The rain sometimes takes the form of violent thunderstorms that cause localized flooding.
Should you avoid Ramadan to visit Dubai?
Not necessarily. The city stays open, many restaurants serve people who are not fasting during the day, and evenings are lively. You should, however, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day. The dates change every year: check them before booking.
What is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?
From May to September, during the hot season. Late April and early October often offer a good compromise between shoulder-season rates and heat that is still bearable in the morning and evening.
What is the weather like in Dubai in February?
It is one of the best months: about 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon and 16 °C (61 °F) at night, with very little rain (9.9 mm (0.4 in) on average at Dubai airport, 1991–2020 normals).
Is the weather good in Dubai in April?
Yes, but it is already hot: about 34 °C (93 °F) in the afternoon and 22 °C (72 °F) at night, with almost no rain. Plan outdoor visits early in the morning or in the evening.
What is the weather like in Dubai in December?
Mild and dry: about 26.5 °C (80 °F) in the afternoon and 17 °C (63 °F) at night. It is also the month of National Day (December 2) and of the highest prices for Christmas and New Year.
Can you go to Dubai in August?
Yes, but it is the hottest month: about 42 °C (108 °F) in the afternoon and 31.5 °C (89 °F) at night, with high humidity. The stay then centers on air-conditioned activities, in exchange for low prices.
What about the rest of the Emirates?
Dubai combines easily with Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi), Sharjah, the Hatta mountains or Ras Al Khaimah and the east coast at Fujairah. To plan an itinerary across the country, see our United Arab Emirates travel guide.
Our sources
- Dubai: 1991–2020 normals for the Dubai International Airport station (WMO station 41194), published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive)
- Abu Dhabi: 1991–2020 normals for the Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport station, published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive)
- Ras Al Khaimah: 1991–2020 normals for the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport station (WMO station 41184), published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive)
- Safety, health and local-law information read on October 26, 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026), and U.S. Department of State, United Arab Emirates country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
