With a scorching desert sun and soaring temperatures all year round, Dubai is a hot new travel destination in more ways than one. The most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is situated on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Located in the northern desert area of the Middle East, where Asia, Africa and Europe intersect, Dubai is marked with sandy dunes, coastal plains and scorching heat.
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Dubai’s location in the Arabian Desert makes the city’s climate an arid subtropical one. This means that Dubai is hot, dry and under constant sunny blue skies, with very little rainfall or cloud cover.
🏝️ When to go to Dubai
The best season for holidays in the UAE is from October to March. During this period the weather is very pleasant, the sun is not as hot as at summertime, and the humidity is low. Here is a graphic of a seasonal range of temperature.
As you can see, average temperatures in Dubai are around 30° C (or 86 °F) through most of the year. Dubai summers, which last from June to September, can see highs of 45° C (114 °F), with lows in the mid 80s (26 °C). Even the ocean reaches a hot 40° C (104 °F). The coolest time of year in Dubai is from December to March, when highs are in the 80s (26° C) and lows in the mid 50s(10° C) on the nights.
The best months for vacations by the sea are October and November. These months the exhausting heat is already gone, but at the same time dry sunny days and warm sea water. The usual summer in Dubai proves unbearable to most visitors, as well as many Dubai residents, who often plan their own vacations during this time. Dubai weather is most pleasant during the winter, and peak tourist season as I told before is from December to March.
Although January and February can be a little breezy, particularly in the evenings, Christmas in Dubai is the perfect time to explore the city. The climate is very comfortable for long walks and exciting tours around the country.
Yes, the sea is quite cool, but some shallow beaches are still warm and good for swimming. For example Jumeirah beach. Anyway, in the wintertime, I advise choosing hotels with a heated swimming pool.
Jumeirah beach in January – it’s sunny and enjoyable.
Also in the winter months in Dubai there are many festivals and events. Check the calendar to find something interesting for yourself. for your own interest.
From May to September the climate in Dubai resembles a sauna. In July and August the average daytime temperature ranges around +43° C, with humidity reaching 85%. In some parts of the Arab Emirates the temperature rises to +48° C and the humidity reaches 95%.
The water temperature in the sea during these months warms up to 37 ° C – just like a steamy milk. But during such unbearable heat you don’t want to go to the beach, let alone go for a walk. The main attraction is the giant shopping malls with cool air-conditioned air.
☀️ Weather in Dubai by months
Weather in Dubai in January
Daytime temperatures range between +22 and +26 degrees. On the shores of the Persian Gulf – in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, it’s much warmer. At night the temperature in these cities rarely drops below +15° C. So it’s a good idea to pack a light windbreaker or at least a sweater for an evening stroll.
Dubai weather in February
The average daytime February temperature is +25° C and the humidity is 35 mm. At the same time the sea temperature is quite cool, about +22°C. But the most unpleasant thing is the windy weather. Therefore, very often sea waves are high and swimming is prohibited by lifeguards.
The weather in Dubai in March
The average daytime temperature is +28° C and the climate is warm enough. The humidity is about 27 mm, it’s just a couple days a month. At the beginning of March, the temperature of the sea is +23° C (not quite warm after the winter), but by the end of March it becomes more comfortable for bathing.
Weather in April
April in Dubai is hot, the average daytime temperature already ranges around +33° C. The humidity also increases, but rainfall is very seldom. The average temperature of the sea in April is +26° C … +28° C. From mid-April the sea can be covered with stinging jellyfish.
Weather in Dubai in May
The weather in May is getting higher every day and the average temperature is +39° C. There is no rain, but the air is humid because of the evaporation in the Persian Gulf. At the beginning of May it is not very comfortable to be outdoors, and by the end of the month there is no desire for any walks. The heat is unbearable.
June, July and August – the hottest months in Dubai
The weather in June, July and August is characterized by the high level of humidity and the average temperature is +42° C (and even more some days). The temperature of the sea water is higher than +33° C.
Weather in September
September brings some “coolness”. At least the daytime temperature is around +37° C. Rains in September also bypass the region. The sea water temperature is +32° C. But in my opinion, this is still not a good season for traveling to Dubai.
October in Dubai
October is a fresher month than previous, when the daytime temperature is about +36° C. The sea after summer is still warm, its temperature is about +31° C. Unfortunately, you can still find jellyfish in the water. Another important thing for a trip to Dubai this month is that the main tourist sites are open from October to March, and all the activities and events start.
Weather in the Arab Emirates in November
November begins to welcome tourists from the cold countries with its mildness. The average daytime temperature is +31° C, rainfall is rare, and the water in the sea is about +29 degrees C. This is the most favorable season for a holiday in the Arab Emirates. It is especially a great time for a family vacation by the sea with children.
Weather in Dubai in December
It is also quite warm in December. The daytime temperature in Dubai is about +26° C and sometimes even less. The average temperature of the sea in December is +24 to +26°C. By the end of December, the climate gets a bit cooler. But anyway, Christmas and New Year’s in the Arab Emirates is a magnificent time.
🧢 What to wear in Dubai
Despite Dubai’s extreme heat, Dubai’s Muslim residents must adhere to Muslim dress codes, and visitors are expected to dress in a manner that is not offensive to the area’s customs as well. This means that women in particular must avoid clothing that is very short, low cut or in any way revealing. Loose layers and breathable fabrics are recommended, as are more modest fashions.
A year-round most comfortable daytime garment is a T-shirt and linen trousers. Only on some nights in winter you have to wear a vest or light jacket.
In this photo Mike wears a vest on a cool January morning.
The excessive heat and strong desert sun in Dubai pose several threats. High UV rays can prove harmful to the eyes, and, without sunscreen, a Dubai sunburn can be very severe. Dehydration is a concern due to the heat, as well.
So I recommend our Packing List for travel to Dubai with kids:
- Hats;
- Sun cream;
- t-shirts;
- light jeans and trousers;
- dresses;
- sandals;
- underwear;
- bathers;
- bottle (for drinking water or infant formula).
Plus more clothes for winter in Dubai:
- pajamas for a cool nights;
- thin jacket or vest for evening walks;
- long-sleeved shirt;
- jumpers;
- sneakers;
- socks.
And something for parents:
- sunglasses;
- hand sanitizer;
- hair brush;
- deodorant.
Visitors may wear typical Western swimwear in Dubai, though bathing suits should not be worn to public areas other than the pool or the beach.