Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Dubai has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) with two seasons: a warm, pleasant winter (November-March) and a brutally hot, humid summer (May-September). Rainfall is very rare, averaging just 75 mm per year — most falling in winter months. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days per year and humidity from the Arabian Gulf can make summer heat feel even more intense.
Best time to visit
Best: November to March
Best Reason: Daytime temperatures are pleasant (22-30°C), skies are blue, and all outdoor attractions are fully operational. The city is at its most vibrant with events, festivals, and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Peak Season: December to January
Avoid: June to August
Avoid Reason: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40-45°C with high humidity making outdoor activities near impossible during the day. Everything moves indoors and many residents leave the city.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
24°C/75°F (avg high), 16°C/61°F (avg low)
Peak season with ideal weather. Dubai Shopping Festival runs throughout the month. Cool evenings and warm sunny days.
February
25°C/77°F (avg high), 17°C/63°F (avg low)
Still excellent conditions. One of the driest and clearest months. Dubai Marathon and other events.
March
28°C/82°F (avg high), 20°C/68°F (avg low)
Warming up pleasantly. Still good for outdoor activities. Last month to comfortably hike in Hatta.
April
33°C/91°F (avg high), 24°C/75°F (avg low)
Warm but manageable. Some sandstorms possible. Beaches still comfortable for swimming. Miracle Garden closes end of April.
May
38°C/100°F (avg high), 28°C/82°F (avg low)
Getting very hot. Outdoor activities best limited to early morning. Last chance before summer heat sets in.
June
41°C/106°F (avg high), 31°C/88°F (avg low)
Summer begins. Extremely hot and increasingly humid. Outdoor sightseeing not recommended midday. Large hotel discounts available.
July
42°C/108°F (avg high), 33°C/91°F (avg low)
Peak summer heat with high humidity. DSF Summer promotions. Lowest tourist numbers of the year. Indoor attractions only.
August
42°C/108°F (avg high), 33°C/91°F (avg low)
Hottest and most humid month. Many residents travel abroad during this period. Hotels at their cheapest.
September
39°C/102°F (avg high), 30°C/86°F (avg low)
Slowly cooling but still very hot. The cheapest hotel rates of the year available. Early September remains brutal.
October
34°C/93°F (avg high), 26°C/79°F (avg low)
Autumn arrives and conditions improve significantly. Global Village and Miracle Garden season reopens. Good value on hotels.
November
29°C/84°F (avg high), 22°C/72°F (avg low)
Excellent conditions returning. Beach season begins. Good restaurant reservations still available before peak season.
December
25°C/77°F (avg high), 18°C/64°F (avg low)
Peak season begins. Dubai Shopping Festival, New Year's fireworks at Burj Khalifa, and festive atmosphere throughout the city.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Temperatures warm rapidly through spring. March and April are beautiful with warm days (25-35°C) and low humidity. By May temperatures are reaching 38-40°C and it's the last comfortable month for outdoor activities.
Summer
Months: Jun-Sep
Extreme heat with average highs of 40-45°C and humidity making conditions feel even hotter. Most outdoor attractions are closed or operate minimal hours. Air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions are where life happens.
Fall
Months: Oct-Nov
October marks the return of pleasant weather. Temperatures drop to 30-35°C and become increasingly comfortable. October also sees Global Village and Miracle Garden reopen for the season.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Dubai's finest season with daytime highs of 22-28°C, cool evenings, and near-zero humidity. The city is at its most active with the Dubai Shopping Festival, New Year celebrations, and a packed events calendar.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December-February (best weather, most events, highest prices)
- Shoulder Season
- March-April and October-November (good weather, moderate crowds)
- Low Season
- May-September (extreme heat, far fewer tourists, bargain prices)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Dubai Airshow
The world's biggest aerospace and defence event at DWC airport
Dubai Shopping Festival
Month-long retail and entertainment extravaganza with massive discounts and live events
New Year's Eve Fireworks
World-record fireworks display at Burj Khalifa attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators
Global Village Season
Multicultural entertainment park featuring 90+ country pavilions
Miracle Garden Season
World's largest flower garden open exclusively during cool season
Dubai Marathon
One of the world's richest marathons along the Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai Food Festival
Two-week celebration of Dubai's extraordinary dining scene
Ramadan
Holy month transforming the city's rhythm with late-night Iftar dinners and reduced daytime services