“When is the best time to visit Dubai?” is one of the questions our tour guides hear most often. The short answer is from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny but comfortable. The longer answer depends on what you want from your trip, your budget and how well you handle heat. Here is our honest, month-by-month guide.
Dubai weather at a glance
Dubai has a hot desert climate with sunshine almost every day of the year. The temperatures below are long-term averages recorded at Dubai International Airport.
- January: around 24°C in the day and 15°C at night
- February: around 26°C in the day and 16°C at night
- March: around 29°C in the day and 19°C at night
- April: around 34°C in the day and 22°C at night
- May: around 38°C in the day and 26°C at night
- June: around 40°C in the day and 28°C at night
- July: around 41°C in the day and 31°C at night
- August: around 42°C in the day and 31°C at night
- September: around 39°C in the day and 29°C at night
- October: around 36°C in the day and 25°C at night
- November: around 31°C in the day and 21°C at night
- December: around 26°C in the day and 17°C at night
Rain is rare and falls mostly in the winter months, usually as short showers. Summer humidity near the coast can be very high, which makes July and August feel even hotter than the numbers suggest.
November to March: peak season
This is Dubai at its best. Days are sunny and pleasant, evenings are perfect for dinner outdoors, and it is the ideal time for desert safaris, city tours, Old Dubai walks and day trips to Abu Dhabi.
The winter season is also full of events. The 32nd Dubai Shopping Festival runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, with promotions, raffles, concerts and fireworks across the city. Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden are open during the cooler months, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa draw visitors from all over the world.
The sea is cooler in January and February, at around 21°C, which some swimmers find refreshing and others find chilly.
Things to know: this is the busiest and most expensive time of year. Book hotels, flights and popular tours early, especially for Christmas, New Year and school holidays.
April and May: warm and quieter
Spring brings rising temperatures, but mornings and evenings are still very manageable. Hotel prices start to drop, attractions are less crowded and beach days are excellent. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon, and enjoy indoor attractions such as museums, malls and observation decks in the middle of the day.
June to September: summer
Summer is very hot, with daytime temperatures often above 40°C. Even so, many families visit during school holidays, and there are real advantages: hotel rates are usually at their lowest, and many hotels and attractions offer summer deals. Dubai is built for the heat, with air-conditioned malls, metro stations, indoor theme parks and ski slopes.
Our advice for summer visitors: plan city tours in air-conditioned vehicles, keep outdoor activities to early morning or after sunset, drink plenty of water and choose evening desert safaris rather than morning ones.
October: the season begins
October is still warm, but the heat eases as the month goes on. It is a good “shoulder” month, with fewer crowds than winter and many seasonal attractions reopening, including Global Village. It is a smart choice if you want good weather without peak-season prices.
A note on Ramadan
The dates of Ramadan move about 11 days earlier each year, because they follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Dubai remains open to visitors during Ramadan, and it can be a special time to experience the city’s culture, from evening iftar meals to beautifully lit mosques. Visitors should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours, as a sign of respect. Some restaurants and attractions change their opening hours, so check before you go.
So, when should you visit?
- For the best weather: December to February
- For events and festivals: December and January
- For good weather with fewer crowds: late October, November and March
- For the lowest prices: June to August, if you are comfortable with the heat
Plan your Dubai trip with local guides
Whatever month you choose, our team of licensed guides can help you make the most of it, from the right time for a desert safari to the best order for your sightseeing. Message Noor Al Manzil Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 55 806 3185 with your travel dates, and we will happily suggest tours that suit the season.
