An all-season guide to the best time to visit Dubai

Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis is nothing short of remarkable. The city boasts stunning architecture, from the towering Burj Khalifa to the colossal Dubai Mall. Luxury meets leisure, showcasing a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation.

The best time to visit Dubai depends on the weather but also about immersing yourself in Dubai’s long list of things to do. Whether it’s a day trip to Hatta Heritage Village in April, indoor skiing in the middle of summer, or hiding from the heat at the Green Planet, this month-by-month guide to Dubai covers it all.

Choosing the best time to go to Dubai

Best time for outdoor lovers

For outdoor lovers, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. During these cooler months, with temperatures around 68-82 F (20-28 C), you can enjoy desert safaris, hiking in Hatta, and long beach days.

Best time for cultural experiences

Dubai’s winter months, from January to March, are perfect for cultural activities, with highlights such as the Dubai Shopping Festival. It’s also a great time to explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and events at Al Marmoom.

Best time for sightseeing

Sightseeing in Dubai is best from December to February when the weather is mild and sunny. This time is perfect for visiting landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and the Dubai Marina.

Dubai throughout the seasons

Spring in Dubai

March to May

Spring in Dubai has perfect temperatures around 75-93 F (24-34 C). Events like Art Dubai and the Dubai Food Festival can be thoroughly enjoyed without the intense summer heat, as can the city’s beaches, desert safaris, and outdoor markets.

Summer in Dubai

June to August

Summer in Dubai is scorching, with temperatures soaring to 106 F (41 C) and beyond. While outdoor activities are limited, Dubai Summer Surprises offers indoor shopping deals, and attractions like Ski Dubai and The Green Planet are cool escapes.

Fall in Dubai

September to November

In the fall, Dubai starts to cool down, with temperatures dropping to a more manageable 82-95 F (28-35 C). Outdoor events such as the Dubai Fitness Challenge resume, Jumeirah Beach, and the Marina are the places to be.

Winter in Dubai

December to February

Dubai’s winter is mild and sunny, with temperatures around 68-77 F (20-25 C). The winter season is full of events, from New Year’s Eve fireworks to the Dubai Shopping Festival, making it the peak tourist season for outdoor activities.

January in Dubai

Can't stand the heat? Then visit Dubai in January, during winter — if you can call it that. It’s perfect for beach days on Jumeirah Beach or a daytime desert safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The Dubai Shopping Festival is in full swing, so head to Downtown Dubai for major sales. Foodies can find delicious dishes in Souk Madinat or dine outdoors at Al Seef. Or take a hot-air balloon ride 4,000 feet (1219 meters) above the Arabian desert—the conditions at this time of year are ideal.

Weather

The average temperature is 66 F (19 C), sunny and mild with rare rain showers. Pack a light sweater for cooler evenings.

February in Dubai

February is the best time to explore Dubai’s incredible outdoor events. Head to the Dubai International Boat Show for yacht envy, or visit the Emirates LitFest if you’re a bookworm. For an adrenaline rush, take the plunge at Skydive Dubai, which has views of the Palm Jumeirah. Catch the Dubai Food Festival as street eats take over JBR and City Walk., or unwind with a sunset at La Mer.

Weather

The average temperature is 70 F (21 C), mostly sunny, great for outdoors.

March in Dubai

March is warm without the summer intensity. Don’t miss Global Village’s open-air cultural pavilions and get lost in the Miracle Garden’s flower displays. Tennis fans can watch big names in the Dubai Duty Tennis Free Tennis Championships. Take a day trip to Al Ain, known as the Garden City, for natural beauty with an oasis feel. Check out Jebel Hafeet for panoramic views or stargazing at Al Qudra while the evenings are still cool.

Weather

The average temperature is 75 F (24 C), mostly sunny with cooler evenings.

April in Dubai

If you're unsure of what to do in Dubai in April, this is the last month to enjoy Dubai’s outdoor brunches at Business Bay and The Walk. Go to Hatta for an adventure-filled day in the mountains. Explore hiking trails, kayak on Hatta Dam, and visit the Hatta Heritage Village to see traditional Emirati culture. The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre has routes for all skill levels.

Weather

The average temperature is 29 C/84 F, with warm days and mild evenings.

May in Dubai

The beaches are still pleasant for sunbathing in May, especially in the early morning at Kite Beach. Hit up indoor hotspots such as Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates for something a little cooler. Early May is still cool enough for evening boat cruises along Dubai Marina, so don’t miss those.

Weather:

The average temperature is 93 F (34 C), warm with increasing humidity.

June in Dubai

June marks the beginning of proper Dubai summer, with temperatures soaring to 100 F. Indoor activities are the way to go—a great excuse to explore Dubai’s luxury malls, such as the Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall. Get adventurous at VR Park, or take the whole family to IMG Worlds of Adventure, a massive indoor theme park. Evening desert safaris are still possible, and Dubai Opera hosts shows indoors to escape the heat. The light show at the Dubai Fountain near Burj Khalifa is another spectacular thing to do at night.

Weather:

The average temperature is 100 F (38 C), hot and sunny.

July in Dubai

Expect serious heat in July. Luckily, it’s easy to keep cool at Aquaventure Waterpark on The Palm or head to The Green Planet in City Walk, a lush indoor rainforest. Dubai Summer Surprises starts with shopping deals city-wide, so it’s the perfect month for indoor retail therapy. Dubai Ice Rink offers a surreal escape from the heat, and you can dine at Atlantis on The Palm with an underwater view.

Weather:

The average temperature is 104 F (40 C), boiling and sunny.

August in Dubai

You won’t find many people outdoors in the daytime during August in Dubai. Ski on real snow at Ski Dubai, or go diving in the indoor pools at Deep Dive Dubai, the deepest pool in the world. The end of Dubai Summer Surprises means last-minute shopping bargains. The city lights up at night with cool spots along Sheikh Zayed Road, while the hotel pools in the Marina and JBR offer evening swims with skyline views.

Weather:

The average temperature is 41 C/106 F, scorching hot.

September in Dubai

September brings relief as the heat dips slightly to around 100 F. Early morning beach visits become bearable again—Kite Beach and JBR are popular for watersports in Dubai. It’s the best time to hit Alserkal Avenue’s art spaces as they launch new exhibitions. Try the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Dubai Marina Mall for a fun family outing.

Weather:

The average temperature is 100 F (38 C), still hot, but with cooler evenings.

October in Dubai

October’s a welcome relief, with cooler days bringing back that outdoor magic. The Dubai Fitness Challenge starts now, with the city working out at pop-up gyms, running tracks, and events at places like Kite Beach and JLT. Oktoberfest celebrations are on, with German-themed events at venues across the city. Catch the start of the season for alfresco dining along the Marina and in Downtown Dubai. For a thrill, take an edge walk at the Sky Views Observatory, which offers unmatched skyline views.

Weather:

The average temperature is 95 F (35 C), with warm days and pleasant evenings.

November in Dubai

November in Dubai is one of the best months for beach days. La Mer and Al Mamzar Beach Park are ideal spots to soak up the Arabian sun. The DP World Tour golf event kicks off, so golf fans can catch the pros in action. The Dubai Rugby Sevens also brings a weekend of sporty fun. November is ideal for desert camping, too—stay in Al Qudra Lakes for a scenic night.

Weather:

The average temperature is 82 F (28 C), sunny and comfortable.

December in Dubai

Christmas is widely celebrated in December in Dubai. Play carnival games under the giant Christmas tree at Winter Fest at Habtoor Palace, browse the Christmas markets at JBR, and events in Downtown Dubai bring holiday cheer to the desert. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is world-famous, with Burj Khalifa’s magnificent fireworks illuminating Downtown at midnight. Dubai Shopping Festival begins at the end of the month—a great time to save even more on luxury items.

Weather:

The average temperature is 70 F (21 C), sunny with cool evenings.

Best time to visit Dubai: FAQs

What’s the best month to go to Dubai?

March is the best month to visit Dubai. Temperatures hover around 75 F (24 C), making it ideal for exploring outdoor spots like the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the Dubai Miracle Garden, which are open in full bloom. Cultural events like Art Dubai and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature also happen in March, so there’s plenty to explore. Still, a month-by-month guide to Dubai covers all bases.

What’s the cheapest month to go to Dubai?

August is typically the cheapest month to visit Dubai. With temps reaching 106 F (41 C), flights and hotels are often discounted. While it’s hot outside, attractions like Ski Dubai, the Dubai Mall’s VR Park, and the IMG Worlds of Adventure indoor theme park make great indoor escapes. Visit Dubai’s air-conditioned malls or try unique indoor spots like Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest diving pool.

What’s the best time to visit Dubai with kids?

For families, November offers the perfect mix of comfortable temperatures and kid-friendly activities. Dubai Parks and Resorts—home to Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland—is a fun stop on the itinerary for children. Also, don’t miss Green Planet for a taste of rainforest life, activities in the Dubai Mall, or kid-approved outdoor spots like Al Mamzar Beach Park.

Which months should I avoid in Dubai?

It’s best to avoid Dubai from June to September due to the intense summer heat. Daytime temperatures often scorch at around 100-106 F (38-41 C), making outdoor activities challenging. While Dubai has world-class air-conditioning in every indoor venue, summer months can make trips to unmissable landmarks in Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa’s outdoor decks, the Dubai Fountain, and beaches uncomfortable.

Which season is best for Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is from December to March when the weather is cool and comfortable. If you’re wondering what to do in Dubai in December, it’s the perfect month for outdoor activities like desert safaris and dune bashing, and they also coincide with the exciting Dubai Shopping Festival. During this period, temperatures typically range between 60 F to 79 F (16 C and 26 C). It’s also a great time to visit attractions such as the Dubai Frame and City Walk or head to Jumeirah Mosque for an architectural tour, all with more relaxed crowds.

When can I beat the crowds in Dubai?

September and early May are quieter months. While the weather can be warm, it’s more bearable, and you’ll avoid the high-season rush. Get off the beaten track in Dubai and visit Al Seef for a relaxed day along Dubai Creek, or check out Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, at Bluewaters Island without the usual long lines.