The truth is, there isn’t a single “best time” to visit Dubai. The right season for your trip really depends on what you’re looking for. Are you looking to save money? Or is your goal to enjoy the coolest weather? Or do you want to experience some special events in Dubai?

You see, this amazing city called Dubai can best be described as one of contrasts. Summers here can be scorching yet affordable. Winters on the other hand are pleasant but very busy. And the months in between often give you the best balance.

So in this guide, I’m going to try my best to break down each season and help you decide when to go based on your budget and your comfort level or even based on the activities you plan to enjoy.

And by the way, I’ve lived in Dubai for a few years, so I’ve seen firsthand how different the city feels from one season to the next.

Tourists at Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai during sunset

Enjoying the view of Dubai’s skyline. After living here for a few years, I’ve seen how the city transforms with every season.

Dubai Winter Travel (November – March)

This is the most popular time of year for tourists trooping to Dubai. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities because around this time, temperatures usually range between 17°C and 30°C (63°F to 86°F). You can comfortably explore landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and take desert safaris without having to deal with the intense heat. For example, if you really want to enjoy strolling around the iconic Dubai Marina, then the winter season is the best.

But there are major trade-offs that accompany visiting Dubai during the winter months. Flights and hotels are usually at their most expensive around this time.

Major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks also attract huge crowds. If you don’t mind the higher costs and busy attractions, winter is the ideal time for sightseeing and experiencing Dubai’s best outdoor lifestyle.

Advantages

  • Ideal temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
  • Major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, and cultural festivals.
  • Long days with plenty of sunshine, perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time outdoors.

Disadvantages

  • High prices everywhere. Hotel rates and airfares rise very significantly. Even some attraction prices also increase due to high demand. If you’re traveling on a budget, this can be a challenge.
  • Attractions around this season are crowded. Burj Khalifa observation decks, malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and even public beaches are packed. Expect long lines and less personal space.
  • Advance bookings are often required. Whether it’s desert safaris or dinner cruises, reservations often need to be made weeks (sometimes months) ahead.
  • There’s usually very limited last-minute flexibility. Because of the crowding, spontaneous plans are harder thanks to the fact that tickets for shows or special dinners often sell out fast.
  • Roads and public areas, especially around Downtown Dubai and Marina, can get congested, leading to longer commute times.

Dubai Spring Travel (April – May)

Traditional dhow boat cruising along Dubai Marina with modern skyscrapers in the background

Spring is what I describe as the transitional period in Dubai. It is the time when the cool winter temperatures start to give way to the heat of summer. During this transitional period, daytime highs can range from around 28°C (82°F) in April to well over 35°C (95°F) by late May. For many travelers, this season strikes a balance between good weather and fewer crowds compared to the winter months. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of visiting around this period.

Advantages

  • You will enjoy a warmer but still manageable weather. April is still comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and desert safaris, though by May outdoor activities are best enjoyed in the early mornings or evenings.
  • You enjoy better hotel deals. Prices begin to naturally drop as the peak tourist season winds down. What does this mean? It means you can easily score discounts on accommodations and flights.
  • The crowds are smaller by this time. Attractions like Dubai Mall and Global Village are less packed than during the winter rush.
  • Depending on the Islamic calendar, Ramadan sometimes falls in this period. If it does, visitors get to witness a different side of the city with night markets and iftar feasts.

Disadvantages

  • By late May, the heat can be intense, especially during midday. Outdoor sightseeing automatically becomes less comfortable.
  • You have to deal with shorter “comfort window”. Activities like desert safaris or walking tours need to be timed earlier in the day or in the evening.
  • Possible Ramadan restrictions are also real. If your visit coincides with Ramadan, public dining in the daytime may be limited, though the city more than makes up for it with incredible night markets.

Dubai Summer Travel (June – September)

Summer in Dubai is not for the faint of heart. Trust me! With temperatures frequently soaring above 40°C (104°F) and humidity that can make the air feel even heavier, this is the most extreme time to experience the city. Outdoor activities become very limited, but this is also when Dubai leans heavily on its world-class indoor attractions.

Advantages

  • You get to enjoy huge, huge discounts during the summer on things ranging from hotels to resorts to even flight tickets. Prices of the aforementioned are often at their lowest rates of the year due to the drastic reductions in demand. You can sometimes stay in luxury properties for a fraction of the winter price.
  • You enjoy a Dubai with fewer crowds. Tourist hotspots like the Burj Khalifa observation deck and aquariums naturally see fewer visitors, meaning shorter lines and more space.
  • A ton of indoor entertainment to partake in. From Ski Dubai (an indoor ski slope) to massive shopping malls to indoor theme parks, the city is designed to keep you entertained without stepping into the heat.
  • If your trip coincides with summer sales festivals, you’ll find incredible bargains across the malls.

Disadvantages

  • Of course the extreme heat is the biggest disadvantage when it comes to visiting Dubai during the summer months. Stepping outside in the middle of the day can feel overwhelming, and even short walks may leave you drained.
  • The humidity can also be crazy. The Gulf’s summer humidity makes it feel hotter than the thermometer shows.
  • You have to deal with very limited outdoor experiences. For example, fun activities like desert safaris or walking tours are either cut short or avoided altogether.
  • Then there is the risk of heat exhaustion. If you are someone who is unused to such high temperatures, you can quickly feel unwell if you don’t take an abundance of caution.

Dubai Autumn Travel (October)

October is often seen as the “welcome back” month in Dubai. After months of blistering heat, the weather finally begins to cool around this month. Starting from October, daytime highs tend to average around 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F). It’s still warm by most standards, but compared to summer, it feels much more manageable. It is around this time that the city starts to wake up again and outdoor events return. Dubai’s beaches start to get busier and the tourism season slowly builds momentum.

Advantages

  • You enjoy a more comfortable weather. While it’s still hot during the day, mornings and evenings are very pleasant. By mid-to-late October, outdoor sightseeing feels much more enjoyable.
  • October is a time where there are fewer tourists than peak winter. You get many of the benefits of good weather without the heavy winter crowds.
  • You enjoy mid-season pricing. Hotels and flights are still cheaper than December and January. I consider October the sweet spot for value.
  • Outdoor concerts, food festivals, and seasonal markets usually start in October, giving visitors to the city a more lively atmosphere.

Disadvantages

  • The heat still lingers on around this time – especially early in the month: During the first half of October, you can still feel uncomfortably hot especially if you are not used to desert climates.
  • October is still not fully peak season yet. Owing to this, while there’s plenty to do, some large-scale festivals and events are scheduled later in the year (November to December).
  • The sea can still be very warm in October therefore making it less refreshing than travelers expect.

Honest Verdict on Dubai’s Best and Worst Seasons

As you have seen from the above, Dubai is a city that offers something different in every season but that doesn’t mean every season suits every traveler. The cooler months bring out the best of the city and the shoulder seasons reward flexible travelers. As for the summer… well, it is brutally hot. For the average tourist, it’s simply the worst time to visit Dubai.

That’s not to say it’s impossible. For example, some people do come for the bargains and the quieter attractions. But if you dream of strolling along Jumeirah Beach or heading out into the desert, you’ll be disappointed trying to do it in July or August.

My honest advice is to avoid summer unless you know exactly what you’re signing up for. Every other part of the year offers a far better way to experience the city.

Of course, all that being said, the ‘best’ time to visit often comes down to your wallet as much as the weather. That’s why I created a personal budget guide for Dubai, where I share how much money is enough for a comfortable trip.
Kojo Enoch

Traveler. Storyteller. Curious about how people live around the world. I created Explore With Kojo to share real stories from the places I visit and to inspire smart, honest travel.

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