Last checked: November 2026
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March, when daytime highs are comfortable for walking, beaches and desert trips. Summer is very hot and humid, and most activity moves indoors. Your best month depends on the trip you want, as the sections below explain. For route ideas, see the Dubai itineraries.
Direct answer: Visit between November and March for highs of roughly 24 to 31 degrees Celsius and the most pleasant outdoor weather. April and October are warm but workable. From June to September, highs often pass 40 degrees with high humidity, so plan short outdoor stops and use air-conditioned venues.
Dubai Weather Month by Month
Figures below are typical daytime highs, rounded. The National Center of Meteorology publishes live forecasts.
| Month | Typical high | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | About 24 C | Cool evenings, clear days, busy season |
| February | About 26 C | Comfortable outdoors, occasional rain |
| March | About 29 C | Warm, good for beaches and the desert |
| April | About 34 C | Hot afternoons, fewer crowds |
| May | About 39 C | Strong heat, outdoor sites quieter |
| June | About 41 C | Very hot and humid |
| July | About 43 C | Peak heat, plan indoors |
| August | About 43 C | Peak heat and humidity |
| September | About 40 C | Still hot, humidity high |
| October | About 36 C | Heat eases, outdoor season returns |
| November | About 31 C | Pleasant, beach weather |
| December | About 27 C | Comfortable, holiday crowds |
Weather by Area
The coast is humid, especially in summer. The desert is drier, with warm days and cool nights in winter. Hatta, in the Hajar Mountains, is usually a little cooler than the city. Rain is rare and mostly falls between December and April, although heavy storms can flood roads, as in April 2024.
Festivals, Holidays and Closures
- Global Village: the 2026 to 2027 season opened on 14 October 2026 and runs to May 2027, so it overlaps the whole winter season.
- Ramadan 2027: expected to begin in early February and end in early March, with exact dates set by moon sighting. Daytime hours are quieter, many cafes open later and evenings are lively.
- UAE National Day: 2 December, with events and public holidays.
- School holidays: late December and early January bring crowds and higher hotel demand. Summer holidays send many residents abroad.
- Attraction seasons: Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Safari Park run on seasonal schedules, so check their sites.
Airline schedules are also restoring in stages, so check seat availability early for winter. The flights to Dubai page has the latest airline notes.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees for malls and older districts.
- Swimwear for beaches and pools.
- A light jacket for air-conditioned venues and desert nights in winter.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Best Months by Trip Type
- Beach holidays: November to April.
- Sightseeing and walking: December to February.
- Desert and Hatta: November to March.
- Lower hotel rates: June to September, with a trade-off in heat.
- Families: winter school holidays, with early booking.
To match these months with sights, read the best places to visit in Dubai.
Common Mistakes
- Planning long outdoor walks between 11am and 4pm in summer.
- Assuming every attraction is open all year.
- Booking Ramadan travel without checking opening hours.
- Leaving winter trips until late, when hotels fill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai too hot in summer?
Summer is hard outdoors from late morning to late afternoon, but malls, hotels and indoor attractions are cooled. Visit early or late in the day and drink water often.
Is Ramadan a good time to visit?
It can be, if you accept quieter days and different hours. Eating and drinking in public during the day is discouraged, and evenings are social with iftar meals.
When are hotel rates lowest?
Rates usually fall in the hot months, from June to September. Compare the final totals, because fees and taxes are added.
Does it rain in Dubai?
Rain is uncommon, mostly from December to April. Short heavy showers can disrupt roads, so allow extra travel time on wet days.