Dubai in summer: how to make the most of your summer

Surviving summer in Dubai is usually about finding ways to avoid the scorching desert sun, but you don’t have to hide indoors with the AC cranked up. There are plenty of ways to make the most of the summer months, and you may discover things about Dubai you didn’t know before. The city offers plenty of ways to beat the heat, from water parks and shopping festivals to nighttime desert safaris. This round-up of the best things to do in Dubai in summer is the ultimate guide to keeping cool and having fun.

Dubai’s best summer activities at a glance:

The best water park to cool off in: Don’t miss Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of Dubai’s largest water parks.

Unique events in Dubai in summer: The Dubai Summer Surprises festival is a summer-long shopping sale.

Unusual summer activity in Dubai: Try indoor skiing on real snow at Ski Dubai.

1. Splash around at Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai’s heat can make you feel like you’ve entered a slow roast, and that’s your cue to head to Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the best things to do in Dubai in summer. With fun water slides, including the iconic Leap of Faith drop that launches you straight through a shark-filled lagoon, it’s the perfect way to cool off. Plus, it’s part of Atlantis The Palm, so you can spend the day pretending you live in luxury.

Why do it in summer?

The blazing sun makes jumping into the lazy river feel like a heavenly dip, and you can escape the desert’s wrath for a few hours. There are also fewer tourists during these hot months, so lines are shorter for the best slides.

Address and opening hours:

Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Open daily from 9:30 AM–6:00 PM.

2. Shop ‘til you drop at Dubai Summer Surprises

It’s not summer in Dubai without the annual Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Think Black Friday, but all summer long. From malls to outlets, there are huge discounts everywhere, plus you’ll find entertainment shows, raffles, and giveaways.

Why do it in summer?

Summer is peak shopping season, and with the killer deals during DSS, it’s the best time to snag those luxury items on your wish list. Air-conditioned malls like the stunning Dubai Mall are a welcome retreat from the scorching sun.

Address and opening hours:

DSS runs from June to August, with mall hours typically from 10:00 AM til midnight during the festival.

3. Get soaked at Wild Wadi Waterpark

If being launched out of a giant water cannon or riding a wave pool sounds like a good time, Wild Wadi is calling your name. Another top stop in any summer guide to Dubai, and right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab, this park is packed with rides and a lazy river that will keep you cool and entertained for hours.

Why do it in summer?

Wild Wadi offers everything from thrilling rides to chill pools, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to speed down a water slide with views of one of the world’s most iconic hotels?

Address and opening hours:

Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai. Open daily from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

4. Go on an evening desert safari

A daytime desert safari is a hard pass in Dubai’s summer, but when the sun dips below the horizon, it’s a different experience. Head out to the desert for dune bashing and dinner under the stars.

Why do it in summer?

You experience the desert with an evening breeze, which makes the adventure all the more comfortable.

5. Catch the waves early at Kite Beach

Before the sun turns the sand into lava, head to Kite Beach for early-morning water sports, like wakeboarding or jet skiing. The water is warm, the waves are smooth, and you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the day by 9:00 AM. No one else is awake yet, so the beach is all yours.

Why do it in summer?

Dubai summer mornings are your best friend. You can get your adrenaline fix before the city heats up and then relax with a fresh juice from one of the beachside cafés.

Address and opening hours:

Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Open daily, from 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.

6. Sail away at night on a Marina cruise

An evening in Dubai Marina is nothing short of magical. A nighttime cruise around the Marina on a traditional dhow boat offers views of the beautifully lit skyscrapers without the sweat of the daytime heat — it’s one of the best things to do in Dubai at night.

Why do it in summer?

When the sun is down, Dubai Marina is a whole different scene. A cool breeze and a chilled cruise through the city's heart is the perfect way to end a summer day.

7. Build a snowman on the indoor slope at Ski Dubai

When it’s 104°F outside, the last thing you expect to do is hit the slopes, but in Dubai, anything is possible. Ski Dubai is one of the most fun and unique things to do in Dubai in summer, offering the surreal experience of skiing and snowboarding while it’s boiling outside.

Why do it in summer?

Ski Dubai’s 24.8°F temperatures are a literal breath of fresh air. You’ll forget you’re in a desert as you zip around the indoor mountain.

Address and opening hours:

Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Open daily from 10:00 AM–11:00 PM.

Dubai in summer: FAQs

What are the best summer activities in Dubai?

Water parks such as Aquaventure and Wild Wadi are must-visit spots to cool off, while indoor attractions such as Ski Dubai are a frostier escape. Desert safaris and evening cruises around the Dubai Marina are best in the cooler evenings, and shopping malls are packed with entertainment, from cinemas to indoor beaches.

What are some of the best day trips from Dubai in summer?

Head to the cooler mountains of Hatta for a day of kayaking, hiking, and exploring the Hatta Dam. Al Ain is known for its greenery and cultural heritage sites, including the Al Ain Oasis and Jebel Hafeet. For a beach getaway, the East Coast offers the scenic beaches of Fujairah, where the temperatures are often milder.

What should I pack for a summer trip to Dubai?

Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, loose pants, and sundresses. While it's hot outside, many indoor spaces like malls and restaurants can be pretty chilly, so throw in a light jacket or shawl. Don't forget high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun. Bear in mind that the UAE has values of modesty, so while beachwear is suitable for the beach and pool, you should aim to dress modestly in other public spaces.

What can I do with kids in Dubai in summer?

You’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities in Dubai to entertain the kids. Indoor theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and the VR Park in The Dubai Mall offer endless hours of fun. Aquaventure and Legoland Water Park are great for cooling off with slides and lazy rivers.

Are there any summer events or festivals in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai hosts the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a months-long shopping and entertainment festival packed with massive discounts, live performances, and prize draws. Another event to look out for is the indoor Dubai Sports World, offering everything from football to tennis in air-conditioned facilities.