The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, when daytime highs of about 24 °C to 31 °C make it easy to enjoy the beaches, the desert and the city on foot. From June to September, temperatures regularly pass 40 °C, so summer suits travellers who plan to stay mostly indoors or by the pool.
This month-by-month guide uses long-term climate averages for Dubai to show what to expect in each season. It also covers UK school holidays, Ramadan in 2027 and the entry rules for British visitors.
At a glance
- Best overall: December to February, warm days and cool evenings.
- Best for October half-term: hot but bearable, with highs around 36 °C.
- Hottest months: July and August, with average highs above 41 °C.
- Rainiest months: January to March, though rain is still rare.
- Ramadan 2027: expected to begin around 8 February.
Dubai’s seasons at a glance
Dubai has a hot desert climate with two main seasons: a pleasant winter from November to March and a very hot summer from May to September. April and October are shoulder months, warm enough for the beach but not yet at the peak of summer heat.
Winter: November to March
This is Dubai’s high season. Average highs range from about 24 °C in January to 31 °C in November, and nights cool to around 14 °C to 20 °C. Long sunny days, low humidity and comfortable evenings make it ideal for sightseeing, beach days, golf and desert trips.
Shoulder months: April and October
April and October are warm, with average highs of about 34 °C to 37 °C. Mornings and evenings are pleasant, and the sea is warm enough for long swims. Many UK families travel at October half-term, when hotels are busier than in September but the heat is easing.
Summer: May to September
From May, the heat builds quickly. July and August are the hottest months, with average highs above 41 °C and night-time lows around 30 °C. Humidity can be high near the coast, and walking outside in the middle of the day is uncomfortable for most visitors.
To get a feel for the city’s neighbourhoods before you choose dates, see our Dubai destination guide.
Dubai weather by month
The table below shows average monthly conditions from 1991 to 2020 climate averages. When you choose the best time to visit Dubai, compare the daytime highs, because rain is rare in every month.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0 | 14.3 | 18.8 | 251 |
| February | 25.0 | 15.5 | 25.0 | 241 |
| March | 30.0 | 18.3 | 22.1 | 270 |
| April | 34.0 | 21.7 | 7.2 | 306 |
| May | 37.5 | 25.1 | 0.4 | 350 |
| June | 39.9 | 26.9 | 0.2 | 345 |
| July | 41.7 | 30.0 | 0.8 | 332 |
| August | 42.1 | 30.4 | 0.2 | 326 |
| September | 39.5 | 27.7 | 0.0 | 309 |
| October | 36.5 | 24.1 | 1.1 | 307 |
| November | 31.0 | 20.1 | 2.7 | 279 |
| December | 26.0 | 16.3 | 16.2 | 254 |
January and February
The coolest months, with highs of about 24 °C to 25 °C and chilly evenings by Dubai standards. These are also the rainiest months, but that still means only around five rainy days a month. Pack a light jumper for desert evenings and outdoor dinners.
March and April
Spring warms up fast. March is perfect for most visitors, with highs of about 30 °C, while April is hotter but still enjoyable for the beach. Easter often falls in this window, so expect more UK families.
May to September
These months are hot and almost completely dry. Plan sightseeing for the early morning or evening, and spend the middle of the day indoors, at the pool or in the air-conditioned malls and attractions.
October to December
October is still hot, but November brings a welcome drop to highs around 31 °C. By December, the weather is close to perfect, with highs of about 26 °C, and the festive season brings a busy social calendar.
Best time to visit Dubai for different trips
The best time to visit Dubai depends on what kind of trip you have in mind. A beach break, a family holiday, a desert adventure and a shopping weekend each have slightly different sweet spots.
Beach and pool holidays
For sunbathing without extreme heat, choose late October to April. The sea is warmest in August and September, but the air temperature then makes beach days hard work. In midwinter the sea is cooler, though many visitors still swim comfortably.
Families and UK school holidays
February half-term offers ideal weather for children, with highs around 25 °C. October half-term and Easter are warmer but still good, especially at hotels with shaded pools. The UK summer holidays fall in the hottest months, so plan a pool-and-attractions trip rather than a city break.
Desert safaris
Desert trips are best from November to March, when evenings in the dunes are cool and clear. In summer, operators often move activities to the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.
Shopping and events
Dubai’s big shopping festival is usually held over December and January, and many outdoor events, markets and concerts take place in the cooler months. Global Village, a huge cultural and shopping park, also opens in the cooler season. For ideas on what to see, read our guide to the best things to do in Dubai.
Value
Hotel prices are usually lowest from June to August, when demand falls with the heat. If you are happy to stay mostly indoors, summer can be a good-value time for a luxury hotel stay.
Couples and honeymoons
For a romantic break, November to March is hard to beat. Warm days suit the beach, and cool evenings are perfect for rooftop dinners, dhow cruises on the creek and desert camps under the stars. Many couples also add a few nights in Dubai before or after a Maldives stay.
Golf, running and outdoor sport
Golfers, runners and cyclists should aim for December to February, when early mornings are cool and fresh. In the hotter months, outdoor sport is best kept to the hour after sunrise.
Visiting Dubai in summer
Visiting Dubai in summer is possible, but you need to plan around the heat. With average highs above 40 °C from June to September, the trick is to stay indoors at midday and enjoy the outdoors early and late.
Dubai is well prepared for summer. Malls, the metro, museums and many attractions are fully air-conditioned, and some outdoor sights open late into the evening. Hotels often add extras in summer, such as late check-outs or meal credits.
Summer survival tips
Drink plenty of water, wear a hat and high-factor sun cream, and book desert trips for the early morning. Use taxis or the metro rather than walking between sights in the afternoon heat.
Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan in 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, depending on the sighting of the moon, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 or 10 March. Visiting during Ramadan is perfectly fine, and many travellers find it a special time to see the city.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. As a visitor, show respect by not eating, drinking or smoking in public places during daylight hours, and by dressing modestly. Hotels and many restaurants still serve food to non-fasting guests, often in screened areas.
After sunset, the city comes alive with iftar meals, when families and friends break their fast together. Many hotels host iftar buffets, and the evenings have a warm, social atmosphere. Some attractions change their opening hours, so check times before you visit.
Good to know
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year, so in the next few years it falls in Dubai’s cooler months. Check the expected dates before you book a winter trip.
Planning your trip from the UK
A direct flight from London to Dubai takes around 7 hours, and Dubai is 4 hours ahead of GMT, or 3 hours ahead during UK summer time. Short time differences and frequent flights make Dubai an easy winter-sun choice from the UK.
As of October 2026, British citizens get a free visitor visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive. Our guide Do you need a visa for Dubai? explains the rules in full, and the latest details are on GOV.UK’s UAE entry requirements page.
| Holiday | Typical weather | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October half-term | Hot, highs around 36 °C | Busy, great for pools and water parks |
| Christmas and New Year | Warm days, cool evenings | Peak demand, festive events |
| February half-term | Mild, highs around 25 °C | Ideal for sightseeing with children |
| Easter | Warm to hot | Popular, good beach weather |
| Summer holidays | Very hot, above 40 °C | Indoor attractions, best hotel value |
Compare departure airports and times on our flights from London to Dubai page.
How long to stay
Four to five nights is enough for the main sights, a desert trip and a couple of beach days. A week suits families who want time at a water park and a relaxed pace. Dubai also works well as a stopover of two or three nights on the way to the Maldives, Mauritius or the Far East.
What to pack for each season
Pack light, breathable clothes for every month, plus a layer for air-conditioned malls and cooler winter evenings. Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is useful for mosques, souks and some public places.
- November to March: a light jumper or jacket for the evenings, especially for desert trips, and a scarf for mosque visits.
- April and October: sun hat, high-factor sun cream and a reusable water bottle.
- May to September: loose cotton or linen clothes, sunglasses and a light layer for chilly indoor air conditioning.
Whatever the month, comfortable shoes help, because Dubai’s malls, souks and waterfronts involve plenty of walking.
Our verdict on the best time to visit Dubai
For most travellers, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, with December to February the most comfortable months of all. October and April are good compromises for beach lovers, while summer works best for indoor-focused trips and good hotel value.
SkyWays Hub plans tailor-made Dubai holidays and city breaks from UK airports, with flights, hotels and transfers arranged to suit your dates.
Plan your Dubai trip with us
Tell us when you would like to travel, who is going and the kind of hotel you want. We will match flights, location and extras to the season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Dubai?
December, January and February are usually the best months to visit Dubai. Average highs range from about 24 °C to 26 °C, evenings are cool and rain is rare. These months are ideal for sightseeing, desert trips and beach days, but they are also popular, so book early.
How hot is Dubai in August?
August is Dubai’s hottest month, with average highs of about 42 °C and night-time lows around 30 °C. Humidity near the coast can make it feel even hotter. Most visitors spend the middle of the day indoors or by the pool and plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.
Is Dubai good for October half-term?
Yes. October is still hot, with average highs of about 36 °C, but it is cooler than the summer months. It is a good time for pools, beaches and water parks. Plan city sightseeing for the mornings and evenings, and book early, because half-term is a busy week for UK families.
Is it OK to visit Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes. Visiting during Ramadan is fine, and many travellers enjoy the iftar evenings. Be respectful by not eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight and by dressing modestly, although hotels still serve food to guests. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, and some attractions change their hours.
When is the cheapest time to go to Dubai?
The cheapest time is usually June to August, when the summer heat reduces demand and hotels offer lower rates or extras. The most expensive periods are Christmas and New Year and the UK school holidays in the cooler months. Booking early helps if you need to travel at peak times.
Does it rain in Dubai?
Rarely. Dubai averages under 100 mm of rain a year, mostly between December and March. Even in the wettest months there are only around five rainy days. Occasional heavy downpours can cause local flooding and traffic delays, so check the forecast if you have a tight connection.
Can you swim in the sea in Dubai in winter?
Yes, many visitors swim in the sea in winter. The water is cooler than in summer but still pleasant on sunny days, especially from November and in March. If you prefer warmer water, choose a hotel with a heated pool, which many beach resorts offer during the cooler months.
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
A direct flight from London to Dubai takes around 7 hours. Dubai is 4 hours ahead of GMT, or 3 hours ahead during UK summer time, so jet lag is usually mild. Direct flights also run from several other UK airports, which makes Dubai an easy winter-sun destination.
Sources
- GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates entry requirements (checked October 2026)
- Dubai climate averages, 1991 to 2020 (checked October 2026)
