Dubai famous for tall buildings, luxurious lifestyle, thrill, adventure, and lots more, is a place which can be visited any time of the year. But the best time to visit Dubai depends on what you want to see and do, and your tolerance level for the heat. This Dubai month-wise travel guide covers the best time to visit Dubai as per the weather and events in the city. It will help you to choose between the hot summer months to cooler winter months and when to go for a Dubai desert safari.
January – The Heart of Winter in Dubai
Dubai in winter offers pleasant weather conditions enabling visitors to engage in outdoor activities without the discomfort of heat. The mild temperatures between 15°C to 25°C are suitable for outdoor activities like Dubai desert safari, and city sightseeing.
Events & Festivals:
- Dubai Shopping Festival: To enjoy New Year, the Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the best festivals that offers great shopping deals and a lot of fun and thrill for visitors.
- Dubai Marathon: To stay fit and healthy, Dubai organizes a marathon that attracts health-conscious from all over the world. Participating in this marathon allows to enjoy picturesque scene and the win great prizes.
- Dubai Desert Classic: This is a golf tournament in which professional world golfers participate.
Travel Tips:
- When planning for your trip make sure that you book early so that you get the best rate as it’s a busy season.
February – Mild and Pleasant
February is the best time to visit Dubai and explore outdoor activities. The days are warm and evenings cool. It’s the ideal month to enjoy historical sights, go beach hopping, and enjoy adventure like a desert safari.
Events & Festivals:
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: If you’re a fan of tennis, don’t miss this championship that takes place in the mid weeks of February with world’s best players in action.
- Valentine’s Day: Dubai is one of the best cities to celebrate this special day.
- Dubai Literature Festival: If you’re a book lover, this festival is for you. No matter what taste and language you prefer, there is something for all. This festival is graced by eminent authors, musicians, filmmakers, and artists and there are talk shows and debates.
- Chinese Year in Dubai: If you cannot go to China during New Year, celebrate it in Dubai in February. Attend the Grand Temple Fair held at the Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Travel Tips:
- Book your accommodation in advance as it is a tourist season
- Use light, breathable clothing, and a light jacket for cooler evenings
- Plan your visit during non-peak hours to enjoy popular attractions at leisure
March – The Transition to Warmer Days
March is the beginning of the warmer weather. The temperatures during this month start to rise. Nevertheless, it is a good month to engage in outdoor activities.
Events & Festivals:
- Dubai World Cup – With a $10 million prize tag, this horserace event is hands-down the biggest in the world.
- Dubai Food Festival – An extravaganza of cuisine that draws foodies from all over the world.
- Art Dubai – An excellent exhibition of contemporary art.
Travel Tip:
- Dubai is hot. Therefore, it is recommendable to book a Dubai desert safari late in the evening to see the sunset when the desert atmosphere is cool.
April – The Start of Summer Heat
April sees increase in temperatures that rises to 33-degree Celsius. During this month, the outdoor events are tough, but fortunately, indoor attractions like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are best to escape the heat.
Events & Festivals:
- Comic Con Festival – This festival held at the Dubai World Trade Center is perfect for lovers of movies, video gamers, TV shows, and comic books. It attracts gamers and cosplayers from all the world.
- Easter Egg Hunt – This festival is observed during the Easter period at the Dubai Parks and Resorts with Easter Sunday Brunches. There are also other family events at this venue.
- Al Marmoom Heritage Festival – If you want to experience the true Emirate culture, don’t miss this festival that comprises food, music, crafts, and camel racing events.
Travel Tips:
- Plan your trip around cultural events or festivals taking place in April by doing some research in advance.
- Take advantage of Dubai’s reliable public transport system or use ride-sharing services for convenient and affordable travel.
- Book popular activities and restaurants ahead of time to ensure availability.
May – Rising Heat, Fewer Visitors
The heat in Dubai in May is at the peak with soaring temperatures touching around 38.8C. Due to the intense heat, tourism takes a back seat, and the city experiences an off season. Those who don’t mind heat can find good deals on hotel accommodation and flights.
Events & Festivals:
- Taste of Dubai – Dubai celebrates food and drinks with entertainment. It’s a three-day event that sees world’s best chefs presenting their culinary specialties for food lovers.
Travel Tips:
- Opt for indoor attractions like the Dubai Aquarium or plan your Dubai desert safari for early morning or late evening.
- Choose indoor attractions where you can escape heat. Dubai Aquarium is one of the best options. For outdoor adventure, book your either Morning Desert Safari or Evening Desert Safari.
June – The Start of Peak Summer
The weather in Dubai in June is extremely hot with the temperatures regularly clicking 40°C. Stepping out for sightseeing or adventure is possible only in the morning or late evening. However, indoor attractions, luxury malls, and spas offer relief from heat.
Events & Festivals:
- Dubai Sports World
Travel Tips:
- June can be extremely hot. So, spend the day at water parks and engage in indoor activities.
- When availing public transport in Dubai, don’t indulge in forbidden acts like chewing gum, and taking a nap.
- To engage in some sports activities, there are age, weight, and height restrictions. So, make prior inquiries.
July – The Hottest Month of the Year
Dubai touches the highest temperatures in July, making it difficult for tourists to step out. The entire month is hot with average temperatures rising above 40 °C. If you intend to travel in July, avoid outdoor activities and plan for indoor activities.
Events & Festivals:
- La Perle by Dragone – This live show with stunning displays of acrobatics, aerial stunts, and synchronization of light and sound in a magical aqua theatre is a visual spectacle. The show runs for the entire month.
Travel Tips:
- Plan your day with a focus on indoor attractions.
- Wear lightweight and breathable fabrics. Sheild yourself from the sun using sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Step out either early in the morning or late in the evening for adventure and outdoor activities.
August – Hot and Humid
August is also hot with scorching days and the temperatures reach a maximum of 42.3C. Visitors avoid this month as the weather is not suitable for adventure and sightseeing. But engaging in fun activities at the Dubai Mall or the Green Planet is ideal during this period.
Events & Festivals:
- Dubai Summer Surprises – This fashion shopping festival will be entering its 28th year in 2025. So, like all the years, expect thousands of shopping deals throughout the month.
- Music Concerts – For music lovers, August is the best month to travel to Dubai and enjoy live performances by renowned artists from around the world.
Travel Tips:
- Grab a staggering 50% discounts on hotel booking by researching in advance. Try to book a hotel with an indoor swimming pool.
- Make use of venues that are open till midnight. So, relax for the entire day and make good of longer days.
September – A Slow Cooldown Begins
The temperature in September in Dubai drops a bit. However, it is still warm but a bit cooler than August. If heat is not an issue for you, then this month is a suitable time to travel. As a shoulder-season, you can experience thinner crowds and even grab better travel deals.
Events & Festivals:
- Music Concerts and Movie Awards Show: Traveling to Dubai in September is best if you love music and movies. The city holds many music concerts and the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA).
Travel Tips:
- Dress modestly with light, breathable cotton pants, tops, and trousers
- Use scarves, sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses
- Use metros, monorails, buses, waterbuses to travel around the city
October – Outdoor Activities Resume
October is the start of tourist season as the weather turns to be pleasant as the maximum temperatures in the city reach a maximum of 36.3C. As temperatures start to drop, engaging in outdoor activities becomes easy and fun.
Events and Festivals:
- Dubai Fitness Challenge – In the last week of October, Dubai invites all health freaks to participate in free event held across the city.
- Cultural and Art Events – October brings the cultural and art scenes of Dubai alive as there are a few interesting events for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Travel Tips:
- October marks the end of summer season, but it’s still hot. You may feel a slight discomfort if you don’t belong to a tropical country. So, try to stay hydrated if visiting Dubai in this month.
- Keep indoor activities for the day. Engage in outdoor adventure in the evening like a desert safari.
November – Peak Tourist Season Begins
The Dubai weather in November is pleasant and flavorful for exploring the city’s attractions and taking a desert safari. The climate in Dubai during this month is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. The pleasant weather also makes visiting beach an enjoyable experience.
Events and Festivals:
- Dubai Design Week – This week-long festival is being held in Dubai Design District (D3). This event is attended by local talents and world-famous art connoisseurs, designers, and architects
- DP World Tour Championship (golf) – This is a golf tournament held at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
- The Speciality Food Festival – This gourmet extravaganza attracts all food enthusiasts from around the world and offers local delicacies and international dishes to enjoy a culinary journey.
Travel Tips:
Being a tourist season, finding accommodation can be tough. To avoid high prices, book well in advance.
December – Festivities and Cool Weather
Dubai in winter is favorable to enjoy outdoor activities. December in Dubai is one of the cooler months that attracts visitors on a huge number. Weather conditions are better for outdoor adventures such as a Dubai desert safari, and the lining up of festival in this month adds to the charm.
Events and Festivals:
- National Day – This is a national event that celebrates the merging of the 7 emirates into one national.
- Dubai Rugby Sevens – This rugby tournament is held at the Sevens Stadium in which 16 international teams shows their strength, stamina, and skills to win the cup.
- Christmas Festival and NYE Celebrations: December is best to enjoy Christmas and NYE. The festive spirit experienced in the city is worth drenching in.
Travel Tips:
- Book your flights and accommodation well in advance as December is a peak tourist season.
- Plan your itinerary by including outdoor activities such as desert safaris, city sightseeing, and beach visit.
- Do visit traditional souk to shop for gold, spices, handicrafts, and textiles.
No matter whether you’re visiting Dubai during the hot summer months or cool winter months, there are many attractive opportunities in the city to enjoy. From shopping to food festivals and outdoor adventures like Dubai desert safaris, Dubai is a tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year. We hope this Dubai month-wise travel guide can help you get great deals and plan a perfect itinerary to make the most of your trip. While you can enjoy Dubai on a tight budget during summer months, the best time to visit Dubai is between November and March.
