Dubai is like a playground for adults and there is a lot to love about it. Firstly, the weather is great all year round, almost every day is a sunny one.

Then there's the shopping scene. A trip to Dubai is the chance to wander round traditional souks and high-end designer stores. And then there’s the food. Dubai is a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world so whether you like fancy fine dining or street food, you’ll always find something that you like.

To add to this there's the iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, plus, Dubai is always buzzing with events and activities.

And then there’s the legendary nightlife, from fancy rooftop bars to busy nightclubs, Dubai knows how to party.

Overall, a trip to Dubai is an unforgettable experience, you’ll find there’s something for you to enjoy whatever it is you like to do.

Dubai UAE skyline

So when is the best time to visit Dubai?

Let’s look at the weather in Dubai as it can get very hot!

Weather in Dubai 

Dubai, is in the United Arab Emirates and is well known for having a hot desert climate. Generally, the weather in Dubai is hot most of the year, with temperatures during the summer months soaring!

Here's a breakdown of the weather in Dubai by season:

  • Winter (December to February), is probably the nicest time to visit Dubai, as temperatures are relatively cooler so more comfortable. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while at night time temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
  • Spring (March to May) is when the temperatures starting to rise, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The weather is generally sunny with occasional breezes.
  • Summer (June to August) in Dubai is scorching hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and occasionally reaching as high as 45°C to 50°C (113°F to 122°F). Humidity levels can also be quite high during this time, making the heat feel even more intense. It's really important to stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned places during the hottest parts of the day if you visit during these months.
  • Autumn (September to November) in Dubai sees temperatures gradually cooling down from the summer, typically ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with cooler evenings and occasional rainfall towards the end of the season.

In general the best time to visit Dubai if you want to get outside and do things is during the winter months when the weather is more comfortable for getting involved in activities.

However, if you want to go to Dubai to spend time exploring the city's indoor attractions and don't mind the heat then visiting during the summer months is possible and may even be a bit cheaper.

Let’s look at the seasons in more detail

Peak season in Dubai – November to April

Dubai's peak season runs from November to April when the weather is cooler and this is why it’s the peak season as it’s the best time to visit. The city is busy with tourists from all over the world who come for the dry, warm weather and the endless blue skies and the fact that there is a lot to do.

The temperatures during the peak season range from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit), and there is little to no rainfall so the perfect time for going exploring.

Since it's the busiest time of the year, hotels, restaurants and other attractions are often crowded but there’s is a vibrancy in the air, with lots going on including international art exhibitions to food festivals and lots of places to shop.

As it's the most popular time to visit, prices for accommodations and activities are likely to be higher compared to other times of the year. But if you don't mind the crowds and want to experience Dubai at its liveliest, the peak season is definitely the way to go!

Things to do in Dubai during the Peak Season

  • Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The views from the observation decks on the higher floors are breathtaking, especially during sunset and the coloured waterfalls that surround it dance to classical music!.
  • Explore the Dubai Mall, it’s an experience that you are likely to have had so far! The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping destination but a whole entertainment hub. From luxury brands to indoor skiing at Ski Dubai to the aquarium on the bottom floor, there's something for everyone.
  • Experience Desert Safari and venture into the Arabian Desert for an fabulous desert safari experience. Go dune bashing, camel riding and get involved in traditional entertainment like belly dancing, and have a lovely barbecue dinner under the stars.
  • Relax at Jumeirah Beach with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, Jumeirah Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and go sunbathing. You can go water skiing, jet skiing and parasailing and maybe have a ride on a camel.
  • Visit the Dubai Fountain Show located right outside the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. The choreographed water, light, and music show is definitely worth seeing, especially after sunset.
  • Explore Old Dubai to get a glimpse of Dubai's rich history and culture. There’s the Dubai Museum where you can see a model of the original Dubai, just a few nomadic tents in the desert, oh how it has changed! There’s also the Bastakiya Quarter, and the souks (markets) like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
  • Beat the heat by going skiing at Ski Dubai, its an indoor ski resort that you can find within the Mall of the Emirates.
  • Go to a Theme Park as Dubai is home to several world-class theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts (featuring Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park), and Wild Wadi Waterpark.
  • There’s plenty of fine dining restaurants in Dubai that have food from all over the world. From Michelin-starred establishments to local eateries, Dubai has it all.
  • Take a Dhow Cruise at the end of your day and travel along Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. You can also have a fancy dinner onboard while taking in the stunning skyline views of Dubai's illuminated buildings.

Desert adventures 4 x 4 Dubai

Low season in Dubai – June to August

The low season in Dubai is during its summer months, from June to August. This is the time when the weather in Dubai can get extremely hot, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F) and sometimes even reaching 50°C (122°F).

Visiting Dubai during the low season can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the downside, the ridiculously high temperatures can make outdoor activities and sightseeing extremely uncomfortable, if not unbearable, especially during the peak hours of the day. Also, some outdoor attractions may close or have limited hours because it’s too hot.

There are some benefits though and one major advantage is that you’ll probably be able to get some good deals on accommodations, flights and many of the attractions compared to the peak tourist season, so if you’re travelling on a budget and don’t mind the heat then it might be a good time for you to go...you may however have to spend a lot of time indoors, though there’s plenty to do inside and its all wonderfully air conditioned.

Overall, visiting Dubai during the low season can be a mixed bag, with the extreme heat being the main downside. However, if you so want to save money and don't mind the heat, it can still be a good experience, especially if you plan your activities well.

Things to do in Dubai during the low season

  • Go to the Indoor Skiing slope and beat the heat at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located within the Mall of the Emirates. It's a weirdly unique experience to ski or snowboard in the middle of the desert.
  • Visit the Museums to explore Dubai's rich history and culture. There’s the Dubai Museum and the Etihad Museum and you'll learn lots about the city's heritage and how its gone from a nomadic country to the massive place it is now.
  • Take advantage of the low season discounts and shop till you drop at the city's famous malls, such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. From high-end fashion to traditional souvenirs, you'll find it all.
  • Stay cool and have a blast at water parks like Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm or Wild Wadi Waterpark. There are fabulous rides and attractions for everyone.
  • Go on a cruise for a relaxing dinner and along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina on a traditional dhow boat. You can see the city skyline lit up at night while eating some lovely food.
  • Go on a Desert Safari in the evening when the weather is a lot cooler. You can go dune bashing, camel riding and experience some traditional Arabian entertainment under the stars.
  • Explore the underwater world at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located inside the Dubai Mall. You can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colourful fish.
  • You can go on a Cultural Tours: Join guided tours to explore Dubai's old neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi Historical District and Bastakiya Quarter. You'll get to see traditional architecture, visit art galleries, and enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine.
  • Theme Parks: Have a fun-filled day at theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. With various themed zones and rides, they offer entertainment for the whole family.
  • Relax on the Beach: Take it easy and soak up the sun at Dubai's beautiful beaches like Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, or go kite surfing and jet skiing.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Dubai

Does Dubai have a Shoulder season?

Dubai does have what you could consider a shoulder season. It usually falls between the scorching hot summer months and the peak tourist season in the winter so the spring months, from March to May, and also the autumn months, from September to November. These are the months when the weather is generally more moderate compared to the extreme heat of summer and the slightly cooler temperatures of winter and you might find better deals on accommodation and activities since it's not as busy with tourists as the peak season. So, if you're looking for weather that’s generally more comfortable and you also want to avoid the crowds then the shoulder seasons in Dubai could be a good time to go.

Is Dubai a safe place to visit?

Dubai is generally considered a safe place to visit and the authorities in Dubai take safety and security seriously, so there are robust measures in place to make sure that residents and visitors are safe. Crime rates are relatively low, and the city is well-policed, so there is a sense of security for people who visit. Of course, like anywhere else it's also a good idea to take care and be aware of your surroundings, but overall, Dubai is a very welcoming and safe place to travel to.

Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

In Dubai, drinking alcohol is allowed but there are regulations around it because of cultural and religious sensitivities in the area.

Alcohol is served in licensed venues like hotels, bars and restaurants that have a permit to sell it but be very aware that being drunk and drinking alcohol in public is not allowed and the consequences can be serious. Also the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.

Camel rides in Dubai desert

What is Dubai’s hottest month?

Dubai's hottest month is usually July and it can get well above 40 degree Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). July is the peak of summer in Dubai and definitely feel the full force of the desert heat so if you're planning to visit during this time be careful of the intense heat and stay hydrated.

What month is the cheapest to visit Dubai?

The cheapest month to go to Dubai in general will be when it’s too hot, particularly in June, July and August and this is because it's scorching hot during these months so much less attractive for people who visit. As a result, hotel rates are likely to drop significantly during this time so you should be able to find better deals on flights and tourist attractions in general. If you can handle the heat though and fancy saving some money then summer could be a good time for you to go maybe?

How easy is it to get arrested in Dubai?

While Dubai is known for being modern and tolerant there are certain behaviours that may be ok in other countries but can lead to legal consequences there. For example, public displays of affection, consuming alcohol without a license or displaying disrespectful behaviour towards religion or their culture could land you in trouble with the authorities.

So to stay on the right side of the law in Dubai, it's definitely a good idea to use some common sense, respect local customs, don’t drink too much and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities. Also be aware of your surroundings and don’t get involved in any activities that could be seen as unlawful and it will go a long way to make sure you stay safe in Dubai.

What to wear in Dubai?

Visit our blog post "What to wear in Dubai"

Conclusion

Dubai has a diverse array of experiences all year round, so a fantastic destination no matter when you go. Whether you're looking for sun, desert adventures, or cultural exploration, Dubai has all of this and more. From the mild winters to the scorching summers, each season has a unique charm. So, whenever you decide to pack your bags and head to Dubai, you will hopefully have an unforgettable time. Have a goodtrip!