Best time to go to Dubai Average weather of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Dubai?
Dubai is a destination that will delight sun and heat lovers, especially when winter is approaching at home. The best time to visit Dubai is between mid-October and mid-April. The weather is ideal during this period with moderate temperatures, dry weather, and clear skies.
However, from late April, the climate becomes difficult to bear for tourists. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) and the humidity levels sometimes reach 90%, especially from June to September.
Some travelers may consider a trip during the months just before or after this period. While it may be slightly less hot and humid, activities can be challenging due to the still very high temperatures.
Additionally, one should also consider traveling during Ramadan. The dates change each year based on the lunar calendar. If you are wondering when to visit Dubai, know that Ramadan is an interesting period. However, businesses and shops often have specific hours during the day, and many restaurants only open after sunset. Furthermore, the majority of bars and nightclubs remain closed.
Ultimately, in Dubai, many travelers escape the winter cold, which is why December and January are the busiest months. Hotels fill up quickly, and prices are higher.
On the other hand, if you are considering a stay away from tourists, note that the city is quieter during the summer. Hotels and many services reduce their prices to attract more visitors. Additionally, Dubai is a city where you can choose from numerous indoor activities to enjoy the air conditioning. A compromise is therefore possible for those looking to travel on a budget and/or during the off-season.
Finally, for swimming, the water temperature is suitable all year round, ranging between 20 and 30°C (86°F) .
So, when is the best time to go to Dubai? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Dubai are January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December
- On average, the warmest months are May, June, July, August and September
- Dubai has dry periods in February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December
- The best months for swimming are May, June, July, August, September, October and November
Annual weather in Dubai
Weather details in Dubai month by month
Weather and climate in Dubai
A separate state within the United Arab Emirates, the emirate of Dubai enjoys a subtropical climate that can be described as desert-like. Throughout the year, heat is present and it is rare for temperatures to drop below 20-25°C. Precipitation in the area is low and quite irregular.
The weather in Dubai experiences two distinct seasons:
- a hot and arid period in the summer
- and a milder, more enjoyable period in the winter
However, the climate differences remain small throughout the year compared to other countries.
Hot Season in Dubai
In Dubai, the hot season extends from mid-April to late October. During this time of the year, temperatures range between 30 and 40°C (104°F) , similar to neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar. At the peak of summer, between June and September, temperatures can reach 50°C (122°F) in the middle of the day.
Moreover, during this season, humidity is very high on the coast, making the heat even more challenging to bear. The air is difficult to breathe, and it's understandable why even bus stops are air-conditioned.
In this arid period, don't expect rain to bring some relief to the climate. However, sandstorms are possible as the wind can blow strongly during the summer. It's clear that this is not the most pleasant time of the year in terms of Dubai's climate.
Mild Season in Dubai
There isn't a cold season per se in Dubai. However, between the months of November to mid-April, temperatures drop slightly and a milder period is experienced. This is the ideal time to plan your stay.
During these months, the weather in Dubai is characterized by pleasant warmth ranging from 23 to 28°C (83°F) on average. Precipitation is slightly more frequent than during the hot season but still very rare, similar to neighboring cities like Abu Dhabi or Ajman. You definitely won't need to pack your umbrella for your vacation in the United Arab Emirates.
It's worth noting, however, that while the sun is shining, the sky is rarely blue in Dubai due to pollution.
Finally, during this season, nights can be cool, especially in the desert. So, don't hesitate to pack a sweater or two in your suitcase.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Dubai
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Dubai: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Dubai
Find out when Dubai has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Dubai
- Very low season in Dubai
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: June and July. - Low season in Dubai
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April, May, August and September. - High season in Dubai
The number of visitors to Dubai is high in: January, February, October and November. - Peak season in Dubai
The largest number of tourists visiting Dubai is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Dubai month by month
Best time for low prices in Dubai
Average prices of hotels in Dubai month by month
Generally, July is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Dubai. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, December is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Dubai
A return flight between London and Dubai is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 563 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 300 more for your airline ticket to Dubai if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight
Average price of hiring a car in Dubai
On average, it costs $ 30 per day to hire a car in Dubai. This price varies by $ 4.5 depending on the month. In july, hiring a car costs an average of $ 26 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in february is $ 31.
Other cities and places near Dubai
Best time to go to the United Arab Emirates
Dubai
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