The ultimate guide to visiting Dubai in January

Dubai in January is lit up with sunshine as the new year starts out with endless possibilities. Explore iconic Dubai landmarks under a blue sky while lower temperatures encourage you to take part in outdoor adventures. The Dubai Shopping Festival fills malls with bargains, and elite golfers show off their skills during the Dubai Desert Classic.

In January, you’ll find a city with outdoor cafés buzzing with conversation, while desert excursions become magical rather than tolerable. From joining cultural festivals in Alserkal Avenue to watching marathon runners stream through downtown, you’ll find endless things to do in Dubai when you visit in January.

Why go to Dubai in January?

Cooler weather makes sightseeing and outdoor activities enjoyable

January brings Dubai’s most comfortable temperatures, with daytime highs around 75°F (24°C) and refreshing evenings around 65°F (18°C). This perfect weather lets you explore outdoor attractions like Miracle Garden and Global Village without the summer’s scorching heat.

January is the best month for desert camping and stargazing

Dubai desert adventures in January mean comfortable evenings around a campfire watching traditional dance performances before temperatures drop enough to reveal spectacular star visibility. The cooler sand makes activities like dune bashing and sandboarding enjoyable rather than heat endurance tests.

Explore Old Dubai in balmy weather

Dubai in January offers mild weather that lets you properly explore historic districts like Al Fahidi and the textile souks at your own pace. Wander through narrow sikkas (alleyways) and browse open-air market stalls without the constant need for air conditioning.

Dhow cruises along Dubai Creek and Marina are more pleasant

Traditional wooden dhow (canoe) cruises become more enjoyable in January when you can relax on the deck in the pleasant evening breeze. The comfortable temperatures let you fully appreciate stunning skyline views. Many cruise operators add extra departures during this peak season, offering sunset, dinner, and evening options with entertainment programs featuring traditional music and dancing.

What’s the weather like in Dubai in January?

The Dubai weather in January is the most comfortable climate of the year, with pleasantly warm days and cool evenings that make outdoor activities more enjoyable. The skies remain predominantly clear with excellent visibility, though you might experience occasional morning fog. Pack light layers for daytime, a light jacket or sweater for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. And don’t forget your swimwear, as the heated pools and relatively warm sea temperatures make swimming pleasant despite being winter.

• Average day temperature: 75°F (24°C)
• Average night temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average days of rain: 5 days
• Average sunshine: 8 hours daily

Top things to do in Dubai in January

1. See New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa

If you’re planning your first time in Dubai over the New Year period, you’ll see one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays illuminating the world’s tallest building. The Burj Khalifa light show combines fireworks and LED screenings that transform the tower into a spectacle that’s visible across much of the city.

For the best experience without breaking the bank, arrive early to snag a free spot along the Dubai Fountain promenade or Jumeirah Beach, where you’ll have panoramic views. The celebrations continue into early January with nightly light shows, making this one of the best things to do in Dubai in January, even if you miss the actual New Year’s Eve event.

Address

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Shop the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

The Dubai Shopping Festival is the definition of a retail paradise throughout January, with discounts reaching 75% off everything from luxury boutiques to electronics megastores. You’ll find special DSF sections in every major mall marked by distinctive signage highlighting the best deals.

Evenings have plenty of free entertainment, including fashion shows at Dubai Mall and drone light displays over Dubai Creek. Bring an extra suitcase for your finds or ship purchases home through services available at most malls. This combination of savings and entertainment makes DSF one of the best things to do in Dubai in January for shopping enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers.

Address

Dubai Mall - Downtown Dubai

Opening hours

Monday–Thursday 10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Friday–Sunday 10:00 AM–12:00 AM

3. Cheer on the Dubai Marathon runners

The Dubai Marathon is a time of celebration, when over 30,000 participants, from elite international runners to first-time marathoners, take to the streets. You’ll feel the energy even as a spectator when you join the cheering crowds along the flat course that winds past iconic landmarks like Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab. Plus, the January weather creates perfect running conditions, with morning temperatures around 64°F (18°C).

Discover what Dubai is like in January: a city buzzing with outdoor energy during its most comfortable weather season. Even if you’re not a runner, the festival atmosphere surrounding the event makes this a memorable experience.

4. Attend the Quoz Arts Fest in Alserkal Avenue

The industrial warehouses of Alserkal Avenue become a cultural hub during the Quoz Arts Fest, when Dubai’s best art galleries open their doors for a weekend of exhibitions and performances. During this festival on the last weekend of January, you’ll discover emerging regional artists along with international names while visiting open studios. The festival’s relaxed atmosphere lets you have conversations with artists and curators, making fine art approachable regardless of your knowledge level.

Address

17th St - Al Quoz - Al Quoz Industrial Area 1

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM

5. Watch elite golf at the Dubai Desert Classic

The Emirates Golf Club hosts the Dubai Desert Classic each January, as the world’s top golfers tackle the challenging Majlis Course with the city skyline as their backdrop. Unlike many professional tournaments, you can get remarkably close to the action as players follow the desert-landscaped golf course. When visiting Dubai in January, you get to enjoy the perfect weather for watching outdoor sports with sunny days and gorgeous temperatures.

Address

17/2, Al Naseem street Emirates Golf Club, Al Thanyah 3, Hadaeq Mohammed Bin Rashid

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM