Best Time to Visit Dubai

Dubai is the mother of fun, and it's rare to get bored in this magical city given its beauty and the number of events that attract thousands of tourists. But knowing when to go is just as important as travelling. So, read on...

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Dubai Buildings | © Aleksandar Pasaric

The great thing about Dubai is that every month it surprises us with different events, fairs and festivals which, together with the variations in the weather, leave us simply bewildered. It's no wonder that many say that the only way to get to know the city of Dubai very well is to stay for a whole year, but since that is difficult, let's try to make the most of our trip.

Of course, I recommend that you not only look at when it is high season and when the weather is better, but also at what you would like to see, even before planning your trip. I say this because, while it's hard to get bored in this pearl of the United Arab Emirates, it's always best to stick to a plan and leave the sightseeing behind. It's always best to stick to a plan and leave room for improvisation when you want to, not when it's forced upon you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

Dubai by Night| ©Maher Najm
Dubai by Night| ©Maher Najm

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Dubai is between November in Dubai and March in Dubai. Why? Quite simply, Dubai experiences primarily two seasons: spring and summer; but be warned, Dubai's summer is a real handful! We're talking temperatures in the high 50s and sweltering humidity. However, sightseeing in the summer is not a big deal, as all of Dubai's shopping centres, hotels and restaurants are air-conditioned, and in some cases, equipped with the latest technology, not to mention the fact that the number of tourists is usually lower.

However, the best time to enjoy the city like a delicacy is in December and January. This is because the weather is great for sunbathing on the beach or soaking in the sea or pool at these times.

However, as our ancestors told us, all that glitters is not gold, as prices are generally higher, accommodation is scarce and crowds can interfere with your experience, so expect plenty of company at Jumeirah Beach and at most major events! After all, enjoying the warmth of the UAE's desert climate while avoiding the temperature spikes comes at a cost.

But don't worry, in this article we'll go through the details by date depending on what you might be interested in; for example, it doesn 't make much sense to go to Dubai in January if you're interested in enjoying the sunny weather, or attending Word Art Dubai.

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Best month to visit Dubai if you want to do some shopping

Visiting the Outlet Mall in Dubai| ©Abbas Khorshidi
Visiting the Outlet Mall in Dubai| ©Abbas Khorshidi

Dubai, on the trendy Persian Gulf, is a shopper's paradise all year round, but the shopping reaches an exaggerated level with the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January. It's something akin to a luxury version of the Christmas sales, and where you can pick up greatbargains on just about everything. We're talking designer gear, electronics, jewellery and more.

The discounts even extend to the Outlet Mall, where last season's clothing and accessories are sold at reduced prices.

And best of all, you can get exaggerated discounts of up to 70% off. January is undoubtedly the best month to buy quality clothing or luxury goods, as, given the high competition, you will see discounts applied to almost all brands.

What to consider if you decide to visit Dubai in January?

While January is a month when everything makes sense, from partying to attending a music concert to enjoying a quiet morning on the beach, it's also one of the months where the cost of living tends to rise due to the high number of tourists who choose to take advantage of Dubai's peak season. So, if you want to make the most of the January deals, try to act early and book accommodation well in advance.

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Best time to visit Dubai with kids

Kids enjoying a stroll in the desert| ©Viator.com
Kids enjoying a stroll in the desert| ©Viator.com

In the case of Dubai, almost any time of year, any month is perfect to visit this magical city with children. What's more, as Dubai is a city with a strong Arabian culture, family plans are quite popular and, therefore, very numerous.

Moreover, most of the leisure activities reserved for children take place in enclosed and airy places. However, if you want to do something outdoors, it's best to look for a month where the average temperature is not a problem.

In short, if you plan to visit Dubai with children, don't worry too much about the time of year, as most attractions are open all year round. If I were you, I'd find out more about the tourist numbers, the weather, the cost of living, and so on.

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Best time to visit Dubai and save money

Making a Booking| ©Christina Morillo
Making a Booking| ©Christina Morillo

Dubai's peak travel season is between October and March, when the weather is at its best and the city is buzzing with activity. But the summer months are the ideal time to visit if you're on a budget. You'll find great deals on hotels, lower airfares and discounts at the best shopping malls and attractions.

While the weather warms up, you can still make the most of your trip, as many of Dubai's top attractions are indoors and air-conditioned.

In addition, you can also enjoy year-round sunshine at one of the **emirate'**s many luxury beach resorts at bargain prices during the off-season months. Summer is also the time for the second largest shopping festival of the year, Dubai Summer Surprises, which is usually held during July and August. Expect discounts of up to 90%!

Best time to visit Dubai if you want to sunbathe on the beach

People enjoying the beach in Dubai| ©Keith Parker
People enjoying the beach in Dubai| ©Keith Parker

This portion of the Middle East doesn't seem to feel cold; in fact, in Dubai, winter almost doesn't exist, as temperatures rarely drop below 14 degrees Celsius. This means that sunbathing is as much an everyday activity as taking the dog out. However, if you want the best time in the sun, try to go in the spring.

So, if swimming and getting a tan are your main priority when visiting Dubai, then it's wise to go in the months of March and April or so. This is because the crowds are lower than in the more touristy months allowing you the luxury of not feeling like a prisoner on the beach. Added to this is the low cost of travelling to Dubai at these times. And best of all, the radiation in spring is comparable to that of a normal summer in the Mediterranean area.

Of course, Dubai is adept at springing surprises on tourists, as if it has a conscience and enjoys making life miserable for those who love spontaneity. So always go to the beach with sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops and plenty of water!

As for places to eat in spring, you needn't worry, Dubai's beaches are full of places to satisfy your hunger, but if you want to eat somewhere exquisite, it's best to call ahead and book in advance.

Why isn't summer the best time to sunbathe in Dubai?

While Dubai boasts an impressive selection of beaches, its coastline is fringed by platinum-coloured sand and lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Persian Gulf; it's not recommended in summer, as the scorching sun is too intense for an enjoyable sunbathing session.

Best month to visit Dubai for museum-going

Exterior of the Jumeirah Mosque| ©Laurent Gass
Exterior of the Jumeirah Mosque| ©Laurent Gass

Museum-hopping in Dubai is as famous an activity as visiting the Burj Khalifa or the Jumeirah Mosque given the sheer number of museums of all types and for all tastes. However, the best month to make the most of this experience is in November.

November is a month well known for the numerous discounts on cultural events that are made available to the public to encourage both local and international art in this great city.

Such is the artistic prominence of this month that there is even an annual art exhibition inside the Burj Khalifa. Of course, the museum you should visit in November is the Dubai Frame, as you can get in for free! November is not only perfect for museums, but also for getting out and about and enjoying the great walking weather.

Best month to visit Dubai if you want to get a taste of Dubai culture

Dubai's Deira Quarter| ©Guilhem Vellut
Dubai's Deira Quarter| ©Guilhem Vellut

Although the temperatures in May are not the best for strolling around the Deira neighbourhood, remember that this is a very cultural month in Dubai and you can feel like a Dubaiti.

It's the month of the Ripe Market, where culturally and religiously significant items are on sale, and one of the months when local cuisine is at its best, with delicacies such as kabsa and chebab.

If it weren't for the high temperatures at midday and in the afternoon, it would be an incredible month. But you don't have to worry too much, as May also sees a number of evening cultural events in the desert.

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Best month to visit Dubai if you want to go with your partner

Enjoying the Dubai Jazz Festival| ©Kevin Sebastian
Enjoying the Dubai Jazz Festival| ©Kevin Sebastian

You're probably already thinking about February, and yes, you've got it right! However, you may lose your illusion when I tell you that it is not exactly Valentine's Day, but for other events that do not happen on February 14th.

In order to go in parts and not leave anything out, we must remember that February is a perfect month in terms of weather in Dubai, not so cold and not so hot, although, well, it is already a law that it is not so cold in Dubai.

The events that take place in the second month of the year in Dubai are diverse and mainly focus on three areas: music, gastronomy and entertainment(the three commandments to enhance the pleasure of going to Dubai as a couple). Among the events are:

And if that wasn't enough, you have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride with music and a recorded video. What more do you want? And let's not even mention it if you combine it with anight-time flightin the desert of Dubai.

However, for more information, and so that you don't miss anything along the way, I highly recommend you to visit the guide of what to do in February in Dubai; there I will inform you more in depth about the events that take place in this romantic month of the year in Dubai. Also, if the desert is something that appeals to you, I suggest you take a look at our desert tours.

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Best time to visit Dubai for the best views from the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa from the Dubai Mall| ©Maher Najm
The Burj Khalifa from the Dubai Mall| ©Maher Najm

The best time to enjoy the incredible Burj Khalifa inDubai is in the spring, which is April in Dubai and May in Dubai. It's perhaps a bit of a shock that these are low season months, but there is an explanation.

Although the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, its peak pierces the clouds of a cloudy sky and has 163 floors, don't forget that a building is, after all, a building. This means that when there are many tourists your experience will be affected, especially if you are one of those people who appreciate tranquillity and comfort, believe me! Enjoying a 360-degree panoramic view from the observatory has a very special flavour when there is less hustle and bustle inside the building.

With more freedom inside the building, you will be able to appreciate the famous Dubai Fountain, see the planes taking off and landing at Dubai International Airport; all from the Burj Khalifa observatory. Plus, as it's springtime, you won't have much to do outside either given the high temperatures that can appear when you least expect them.

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