Dubai is known for its urban landscape and colorful nights. Whether you wish to enjoy the view of Dubai from Burj Khalifa’s observation deck, sunbathe at Palm Jumeirah beach, or shop in the souks, it is important to plan your visit to Dubai at the right time of the year or the right month. Here, you will learn about Dubai’s high season, low season, and shoulder season, which will help you decide the right time to visit Dubai.
Dubai Through the Year
High Season in Dubai
November to March is the high season in Dubai, when thousands of tourists flock to this city. As the climate is favorable, tourism is at its highest. Temperatures during this time range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, making outdoor adventure and sightseeing possible. However, being the high tourist season, the prices for flights and accommodation are higher. Moreover, popular attractions are crowded as well.
Low Season in Dubai
The time from June to August is a low season in Dubai as the temperatures rise higher than 40 °C (104 °F). It is extremely hot, which makes enjoying outdoor activities uncomfortable. As adventure and sightseeing are unpleasant, the footfall is very low. Enjoy the indoor attractions such as the Dubai Mall, Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and Indoor Ski. You can also get a lower price on flights and accommodations. So, plan your visit to Dubai for a budget trip.
Shoulder Season in Dubai
If you want pleasant weather and fewer tourists around, the best months to visit Dubai are April through May and September through October. The temperature during these months varies from 25-35 degrees Celsius (77-95 Fahrenheit). You can make the most of your free time by engaging in both indoor and outdoor activities. The shoulder season is the best time to travel to avoid high prices and crowds.
Best Season to Visit Dubai
Dubai in Spring
Spring in Dubai is from March to May. This time of the year is the best season to visit Dubai. The temperature, as compared to other seasons of the year, is mild. This makes engaging in most outdoor activities suitable for visitors. Moreover, March and April are perfect when popular events and festivals are observed in Dubai. Enjoy the Dubai Food Festival or the Dubai World Cup. The season is ideal for beach picnics, desert safaris, and strolling in the city’s parks and gardens.
Dubai in Summer
June to August is summer in Dubai with extremely hot and humid temperatures. As days are long, outdoor activities are limited. Explore the popular attractions early in the morning and late in the evening. Shop at the malls, entertain yourself at indoor theme parks and indoor skiing, and have cultural experiences visiting museums. You can grab great shopping deals during this period.
Dubai in Autumn
Autumn in Dubai is from September to November. With the city experiencing normal temperatures, you can engage in outdoor adventures without any discomfort. Besides adventures, exploring landmark attractions and beaches is also fun in autumn. Another reason that makes this season perfect to visit is the opportunity to enjoy the Dubai International Motor Show and the Dubai Ruby Sevens.
Dubai in Winter
Winter is the most-preferred season to visit Dubai, which starts in December and goes up to February. The cool and pleasant weather during this month makes engaging in outdoor adventures and sightseeing comfortable. Moreover, December is also good to enjoy the Dubai Shopping Festival. Along with shopping, exploring beaches, cultural sites, and other landmarks of Dubai is also a pleasant experience in winter.
Plan Dubai Visit Month-Wise
1. January in Dubai
January in Dubai is cool and pleasant, perfect for soak in outdoor adventures. You can go skydiving, beach hopping, zip lining, desert safari, and take a hot air balloon ride. The crowd is fewer as tourists start leaving the city after enjoying the New Year. Take full advantage of the Dubai Shopping Festival and entertain yourself watching amazing shows at La Perle Dubai, live music, and art installations at Quoz Arts Festival.
2. February in Dubai
February in Dubai is cool and pleasant. With sunny days and comfortable temperatures, you can enjoy outdoor activities. One of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in February is a desert safari. You can make your evening memorable by soaking in a beautiful cityscape illuminated at night by taking a Dhow Cruise. Further, there are also options for enjoying world-class operas and ballets at Dubai Opera. In February, Dubai hosts two other well-liked events: the Dubai Jazz Festival and the Dubai Food Festival.
3. March in Dubai
The temperature in March in Dubai starts warming up, but it is still comfortable. You can indulge in all the outdoor activities and the incredible diversity Dubai offers. Enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and sunbathing, along with swimming at the JBR Beach and Kite Beach. Embark on a desert safari, explore Dubai Miracle Garden, participate in the International Horse Fair, experience Dubai’s culture, and shop gold at the Dubai Gold Festival. There are plenty of cultural and entertainment events held in March in Dubai.
4. April in Dubai
April is when summer starts in Dubai. The city experiences warm but bearable temperatures with longer and hotter days and cooler evenings. There are fewer crowds at beaches, which makes swimming comfortable and safe. Accommodations throughout the city are cheaper, and there are also discounts for shopping. April is best for water attractions and participating in the Comic Con Festival. The city also hosts a Movie Marathon at the Akil Cinema for movie lovers.
5. May in Dubai
Summer is at its peak in May in Dubai. Being an off-season, this period is suitable for budget travelers as flights and accommodations prices are lower. Due to the harsh weather, it is good to enjoy indoor activities. Evenings are cooler, and you can go for a dhow cruise and go for an evening or overnight desert safari. To enjoy shopping and beat the heat, visit the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai, and utilize the morning time by taking a Burj Khalifa tour for enjoying the entire city from a different perspective.
6. June in Dubai
June is Dubai’s hottest month. During the day, it is really uncomfortable to go outside. Remaining indoors is the best way to make the most of your June vacation in Dubai. In the evening, take a dolphin cruise along the Dubai Marina and soak in the sunset view. Then, visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. In addition, take in the breathtaking Dubai Fountain, enjoy skiing in Ski Dubai, and visit the Museum of the Future. Take your children to KidZania Dubai if you are traveling with your family.
7. July in Dubai
July is similar to June when it comes to temperatures that reach 42.1C in the daytime and drop to 29.2C after sunset. However, there are best options to escape the heat. One such best place is the Green Planet Dubai. For families and kids, the city offers OliOli, which is an interactive museum. As there are fewer crowds, you can enjoy strolling the empty streets and soaking in attractions at leisure. Try to explore attractions in the evenings, as daytime is extremely hot.
8. August in Dubai
Summer is at its peak in August and makes engaging in outdoor activities unbearable. With no scope for outdoor activities during the daytime, you can make your Dubai trip in August enjoyable by taking indoor activities. Nevertheless, the best way to beat the heat and enjoy outdoor is by spending a day at Aquaventure Water Park in Dubai. The city features numerous malls where you can enjoy shopping and also beat the heat. There are museums where you can have cultural experiences and entertainment complexes.
9. September in Dubai
September is the onset of autumn, when the temperatures start getting a bit cooler. As this month provides some respite from the heat, it makes indulging in a variety of activities comfortable. The most enjoyable activity to do in Dubai in September is a desert safari. The safari is good to enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, cultural and traditional experiences, and traditional Bedouin-style dinner. You can also enjoy live shows like La Perle Dragone and operas and theaters at Dubai Opera House.
10. October in Dubai
October in Dubai is when the temperatures cool down further. As such, it makes it quite comfortable to engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing. As the sea temperatures are pleasant, the beaches become ideal spots for enjoying swimming and water sports. In fact, October is the best time to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities simultaneously. You can enjoy a magical evening taking a desert safari and a dhow cruise. The city also celebrates Halloween events at the IMG Worlds of Adventure.
11. November in Dubai
Pleasant weather and a host of events in the city make November the best time to visit Dubai. To make your trip enjoyable, explore beaches and enjoy water adventures. Experience the magical Arabian desert by taking a desert safari and basking in a lifetime of memories with dune bashing and witnessing the region’s culture, as well as savoring a delicious BBQ dinner. The sunny days are also perfect for skydiving and hot air balloon ride. However, November is a high tourist season, so plan in advance.
12. December in Dubai
If you love cooler weather and warm sunny days, then December is the best time to visit Dubai. Besides mild weather for rejoicing in outdoor adventure, this month also holds lots of festivals and events. You can attend Dubai International Film, participate in Dubai Fitness Challenge, and marvel at the festive decorations and hordes of special events during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In short, December is perfect time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and soaking in festivals and celebrations.
Regardless of the season or month of the year, you can make the most of your Dubai visit; there is always something different to expect given the varied attractions and experiences the city offers. This guide on the best time to visit Dubai should help you plan your visit according to your choice.
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Dubai to experience pleasant weather
and outdoor activities?
If you don’t mind the crowd and paying a little extra for everything, the high season from November to March is the best time to visit Dubai. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant weather and outdoor activities comfortably.
2. What is the best time to enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Dubai?
Consider the low season from June to August for a budget-friendly Dubai trip. However, high temperatures can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during this time.
3. What are the key events and festivals that Dubai holds?
Dubai’s calendar is full of events and festivals around the year. In January, the city holds the Dubai Shopping Festival; in February, the Dubai Food Festival; in March, the Dubai World Cup; in April, the Comic-Con Festival; in autumn, the Dubai International Motor Show; and in December, the Dubai International Film Festival.
4. What can I do at the Dubai Frame, and when is the best time to visit?
Inside the Dubai Frame, there is a walkway and a revolving restaurant on the top that offers views of modern Dubai, a museum that displays Dubai’s evolution, and a Future Dubai Gallery. The best time to pay a visit to the Dubai Frame is in the evening to capture a sunset view.