Are you worried about ruining your vacation by booking at the wrong time and ending up roasting in stifling heat of nearly 50 degrees in the shade? To ensure your trip is a success, we'll guide you step by step to identify the best time to visit Dubai, combining mild weather, ideal temperatures, and unmissable festive events. Get ready to find the perfect window of opportunity that combines bright sunshine, pleasant swimming, and a controlled budget, because here we reveal the secrets to enjoying the emirate without maxing out your credit card.
The essentials: the best season for a trip to Dubai
From November to March, perfect weather
Looking for the best time to visit Dubai without suffering from the heat? Don't hesitate to aim for the period from November to March. This is the only window when the climate is truly mild, with gentle sunshine.
As for the thermometer, daytime temperatures hover around 24-25°C, ideal for the desert or the beach. Nights are cooler, sometimes dropping to 15°C. We can finally breathe easy after the summer heat.
What about swimming? Rest assured, even in the middle of winter, the sea remains very inviting with temperatures ranging between 21 and 23°C.
Dubai's climate month by month
We provide this summary table to show you why certain months are preferable. A quick glance is all it takes to plan your trip.
| Month | Average Maximum Temperature (°F) | Average Minimum Temperature (°F) | Sea temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 15° | 21° |
| February | 25° | 16° | 21° |
| March | 28° | 18° | 22° |
| April | 33° | 21° | 25° |
| May | 38° | 25° | 28° |
| June | 40° | 28° | 31° |
| July | 41° | 30° | 32° |
| August | 41° | 31° | 33° |
| September | 39° | 28° | 32° |
| October | 36° | 24° | 30° |
| November | 31° | 20° | 27° |
| December | 26° | 17° | 23° |
Can you see the contrast between the mild winter and the scorching summer? This summary will help you avoid the hottest months.
Finding the right accommodation for the high season
Ideal weather inevitably means peak tourist season. It is therefore advisable to plan ahead. A good place to stay is key to enjoying the city.
Don't wait until the last minute to browse our selection of accommodations in Dubai and find that rare gem. A comfortable apartment changes the whole dynamic of your stay.
There is a wide selection, but be aware that the best options are snapped up very quickly!
Summer in Dubai: between scorching heat and great deals
What to expect between June and September
Let's be honest, the heat isn't just high, it's brutal here. The thermometer climbs happily above 40°C and sometimes flirts dangerously with 50°C. Add to that a humidity level climbing to 95%, and the air becomes literally unbreathable. It's a real oven.
Forget about going outside between noon and midnight—it's unthinkable. Social life retreats entirely indoors, to the coolness of shopping malls and air-conditioned attractions. We literally live under a bell jar.
The Shamal, a dust-laden north wind, also often joins the party. It triggers intense sandstorms that completely obscure the horizon.
The summer exodus: a local reality
The heat is so intense that many locals are throwing in the towel. Expatriates are fleeing the city en masse to find a milder climate elsewhere in Europe or Asia. The city is running at half speed.
This is not just an impression; the figures speak for themselves. Moving companies record their peak activity in July, confirming a veritable summer exodus to escape the heat. This is the exact time when everyone packs their bags. You have been warned.
The only advantage: rock-bottom prices
However, paradoxically, this is the best time to visit Dubai for your wallet. Summer marks the low tourist season, with drastically reduced prices on everything. Flights and luxury hotels suddenly become affordable. It's the perfect opportunity for those on a tight budget.
If you decide to take a chance, stick to air-conditioned indoor venues. Head to museums, huge shopping malls, or the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai. Outside, it's really off-limits.
The smart compromise: the transitional seasons
If the high season budget scares you and the July heat puts you off, I have just what you need. The transitional seasons are my favorite time to travel smart.
October–November: the return of good weather
Summer is finally coming to an end. The stifling heat is giving way to breathable air, even if the thermometer is still showing high temperatures. It's the calm before the December tourist storm, so enjoy it while it's quiet.
The water is simply perfect, ranging between 27 and 30°C. It's a dream swim without shivering.
As for your wallet, it's a jackpot. You avoid the exorbitant high-season rates while enjoying affordable luxury before prices skyrocket for the holidays.
April-May: the last days of mild weather
Here, the mercury climbs, flirting with 91-99°F. It's hot, sure, but it's a far cry from the unbearable summer heat. The city slowly empties of its winter visitors, leaving you with much more space to breathe.
This is your last chance to visit the desert. After May, venturing into the dunes becomes more of a survival challenge than a pleasure, so don't delay.
- The weather is still very pleasant for strolling outside without melting.
- Reduced crowds at major tourist sites.
- Often more attractive prices on flights and accommodation.
The ideal option for a balanced stay
Let's be clear: these pivotal months offer the best value for money. In my opinion, this is the best time to visit Dubai if you want to combine mild weather and a controlled budget without sacrificing the overall experience.
To make the most of it, choosing the right location is key. A well-placed apartment guarantees easy access to the city and a cool retreat. Go Find your vacation rental in Dubai now.
When to go to Dubai for partying and shopping
The climate is one thing. But Dubai is also a city of events and festivities, and the calendar is a deciding factor.
Winter, the season of major events
Forget the summer heat. The best time to visit Dubai is when the mercury drops, between November and April. This mild weather allows the city to launch its craziest outdoor festivals.
At the end of the year, the atmosphere becomes electric. Christmas decorations appear everywhere, and New Year's Eve is celebrated with a level of extravagance found nowhere else.
The Dubai Shopping Festival: a shopper's paradise
If you love shopping, save the dates for December and January. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) literally transforms the city into a huge playground for shopaholics.
But beware, this isn't just about sales. It's a real urban festival that takes over the streets with concerts, colorful parades, and entertainment that continues nonstop every day.
- Significant discounts in thousands of stores.
- shows and concerts with international artists.
- Fireworks almost every day.
- Lotteries with extravagant prizes.
The vibrant cultural scene
We don't necessarily think about it, but winter isn't just for shopping enthusiasts. It's also a time when the cultural scene explodes, attracting collectors and curious visitors from all over the world.
The highlight? That would undoubtedly be Art Dubai. Recognized as the most important contemporary art fair in the Middle East, it brings together the cream of artistic creation. An unmissable event if you are looking for a little depth.
Traveling to Dubai during Ramadan: what you need to know
Finally, there is a particular period that raises many questions among travelers: the holy month of Ramadan. Forget the preconceived notions; here is what it is really like.
Rules of respect to be observed during the day
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. As a visitor, the key is to strictly observe local customs. It's simply a matter of good manners.
One non-negotiable rule applies: eating, drinking, or smoking in public is prohibited from sunrise to sunset. This is mandatory for everyone, according to official recommendations.
Rest assured, most restaurants offer hidden areas for non-fasters. You will always find a discreet place to have lunch without offending anyone's sensibilities.
The magic of evenings: iftar and nightlife
But when night falls, the city comes alive with incredible energy. It's time for Iftar, the festive meal that breaks the fast and brings everyone together. The atmosphere becomes electric.
Shopping malls and restaurants extend their hours late into the night. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the sumptuous Iftar buffets and experience the city in a different way.
A different kind of trip, more authentic and economical
Traveling during Ramadan means accepting a few constraints in exchange for unique evenings. It's a bold choice if you're looking for the best time to visit Dubai for an immersive experience. You'll discover a more authentic side of Emirati culture.
Another significant advantage is that flight and hotel prices are often lower during this period. Your vacation budget will thank you.
- Discover the unique atmosphere of Iftar evenings.
- Enjoy lower rates on stays.
- Enjoy a deeper and more authentic cultural experience.
Ultimately, the perfect time to fly to Dubai depends mainly on what you want to do. Looking for cool weather and excitement? Winter is the time to go. Prefer bargains or a quieter atmosphere? The shoulder seasons or summer will appeal to you. So, when will you choose to take your next getaway? By following our tips, you'll have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. Ready to pack your bags for this adventure?
FAQ Best time to visit Dubai
When is the best time to settle down in Dubai?
Without hesitation, we recommend the period from November to March. This is truly the magic window when the climate is at its mildest. Gone is the stifling heat, replaced by gentle sunshine and temperatures hovering around 25°C during the day. It's the perfect time to stroll outdoors, enjoy the beach, or go on a desert excursion without suffering from the heat.
When is the best time to go to pay less?
If your budget is the number one criterion, aim for summer, specifically between June and September. As the thermometer soars (often exceeding 40°C), this is the low tourist season. As a result, prices for luxury hotels and flights melt away like snow in the sun. This is your chance to treat yourself to a palace at bargain prices, provided you favor indoor activities and air conditioning.
When is the low tourist season?
The "off-season" corresponds to the hottest months of the year, from May to September. The city empties out a little as visitors (and even some residents!) flee the summer heat. If you're not afraid of extreme temperatures and humidity, this is a very quiet time to visit museums, large malls, or enjoy indoor amusement parks.
Should we be concerned about the rainy season in Dubai?
Don't worry, your umbrella will probably stay at the bottom of your suitcase! There is no rainy season. There are just a few scattered showers during the winter, mainly in January and February. These rains are rare, brief, and often welcome to cool the atmosphere, so nothing that will spoil your stay.
How are the seasons organized locally?
There are essentially two main seasons in Dubai. On the one hand, winter (November to April) offers spring-like weather that is ideal for us Europeans. On the other hand, summer (May to October) is characterized by intense heat and high humidity. The intermediate seasons, such as October and May, are short transition periods when the temperature changes rapidly.
When is the best time to shop the sales?
For shopping enthusiasts, the Dubai Shopping Festival is an unmissable event. It takes place every year in the middle of winter, usually from December to January. Much more than just sales, it's a real city-wide celebration with huge discounts, concerts, and fireworks. It's definitely the best time to grab a bargain while enjoying the electric atmosphere.
