
Deciding when to visit Dubai? I've lived here for years and watched tourists melt in August and shiver in January (yes, really - desert nights get cold). Here's the honest breakdown of Dubai's weather by season, so you can plan the perfect trip.
November to March is the sweet spot. Temperatures hover between 20-30°C (68-86°F), perfect for outdoor sightseeing. But here's the trade-off: everyone else knows this too, so expect higher prices and crowds.
If you're flexible, late October or early April offer a good compromise - still pleasant weather but fewer tourists and better hotel rates.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Temp (°F) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15-24 | 59-75 | ✅ Ideal - Cool evenings, pack a jacket |
| February | 16-25 | 61-77 | ✅ Ideal - Similar to January |
| March | 18-28 | 64-82 | ✅ Great - Warming up, still comfortable |
| April | 22-33 | 72-91 | ⚠️ Warm - Getting hot, morning tours best |
| May | 27-38 | 81-100 | 🔥 Hot - Beach & indoor activities |
| June | 29-40 | 84-104 | 🔥 Very Hot - AC essential |
| July | 31-42 | 88-108 | 🔥 Peak Heat - Budget season |
| August | 31-42 | 88-108 | 🔥 Peak Heat - Indoor activities |
| September | 28-39 | 82-102 | 🔥 Still Hot - Cooling slightly |
| October | 25-35 | 77-95 | ⚠️ Transitional - Good for evening tours |
| November | 21-30 | 70-86 | ✅ Ideal - Peak season begins |
| December | 17-26 | 63-79 | ✅ Ideal - Perfect touring weather |
This is when Dubai shines. Literally - the sky is clear, humidity is low, and you can actually enjoy being outside. The Dubai City Tour is perfect during these months because you can comfortably walk around outdoor attractions like the Gold Souk, Madinat Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina walk.
Pro tip: January evenings can drop to 14°C. I've seen tourists in shorts shivering at desert BBQ dinners. Pack a light jacket.
These months are the transition periods, and honestly, they're underrated. April is when locals start bracing for summer, and October is when we finally feel relief from the heat.
Early April is still manageable (around 28-32°C). Schedule outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon. The top Dubai attractions are less crowded, and you'll get better photos without the tourist swarms.
The heat is breaking but not gone. Late October (after the 15th) is noticeably cooler. Great for evening activities like desert safaris - our evening desert safari is especially popular as temperatures drop to comfortable levels by sunset.
Let's be real: summer in Dubai is brutal. Temperatures regularly hit 40-45°C, and stepping outside feels like opening an oven. But here's the thing - if you can handle the heat (or plan around it), you'll find incredible deals.
If you visit during summer, adjust your schedule:
For detailed tips on handling the heat, check our guide on managing weather during your Dubai trip.
Ramadan dates change each year (moves 11 days earlier annually). During Ramadan:
Dubai gets busy during:
Yes, but differently:
City Tours: Best November-March when you can walk comfortably. The private Dubai city tour includes air-conditioned transport, so summer is doable if you don't mind brief outdoor stops.
Desert Safaris: Surprisingly, evening safaris work year-round. Even in summer, desert temperatures drop after sunset. The best time for desert safaris is similar to city tours, but don't rule out summer evenings.
Considering both cities? Our guide on Dubai vs Abu Dhabi city tours covers the differences between the two experiences.
First-time visitors: Come November-February. Yes, it costs more, but you'll experience Dubai at its best.
Budget travelers: Late April or early October. Good weather, lower prices, manageable crowds.
Bargain hunters who can handle heat: June-August. Stay indoors during the day, explore at night, save 50%+ on accommodation.
Whatever month you choose, Dubai delivers. The city is designed for tourists, with world-class AC everywhere you need it. Just pack accordingly, stay hydrated, and you'll have an incredible trip.