the UAE
The best time to visit
When to go to the UAE
Go in the cooler months, November to March, for warm, sunny days perfect for the beach, the desert and the outdoor sights. Summer, June to September, brings brutal heat and humidity, best spent indoors.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Dubai. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Extreme heat.
In short
The year at a glance
The UAE is a desert on the Gulf, so the season is all about the heat. These ratings follow Dubai, where the winter months from November to March bring warm, comfortable, sunny weather, the pick of the year, and summer becomes punishingly hot and humid.
In the cool season the city, the beaches and the desert are all at their best, which is why it is the peak for tourism and big events. Summer pushes life indoors, into the malls, museums and air-conditioned attractions, though hotel prices fall sharply to compensate.
Month by month
the UAE month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Dubai.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 18 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Dubai hotels in January |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 25 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Dubai hotels in February |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 22 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Dubai hotels in March |
| April | 33°C / 91°F | 21°C / 70°F | 7 mm | Ideal 80 | Hot and dry. |
| May | 38°C / 100°F | 25°C / 77°F | 1 mm | Good 45 | Very hot and dry. |
| June | 40°C / 104°F | 27°C / 81°F | 0 mm | Fair 32 | Very hot and dry. |
| July | 41°C / 106°F | 30°C / 86°F | 0 mm | Avoid 25 | Very hot and dry. |
| August | 41°C / 106°F | 30°C / 86°F | 0 mm | Avoid 25 | Very hot and dry. |
| September | 39°C / 102°F | 27°C / 81°F | 0 mm | Fair 39 | Very hot and dry. |
| October | 35°C / 95°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | Great 66 | Very hot and dry. |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 3 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Dubai and the coast
Warm, sunny winters, November to March, for the beaches, the skyline and the outdoor scene. Summers are extreme.
The desert and Abu Dhabi
Desert safaris and dune drives are at their best in the cool season. Summer heat makes them all but unbearable.
The Hajar Mountains and east coast
A little cooler and good for hiking in the winter, with the east coast offering quieter beaches and diving.
Go for
Best time to visit the UAE for
Beaches and the city
November to March for warm, sunny days on the beach and out exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Desert safaris
The cool season, when dune drives and overnight desert camps are comfortable rather than scorching.
Events and shopping
Winter, when the calendar fills with festivals, sport and the big shopping events.
Cheaper months
The summer months, hot but heavily discounted, for cheap luxury hotels and empty attractions.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Cool season, Nov to Mar
The comfortable window for the beach, the desert and the outdoor city.
Winter festivals, Dec to Feb
Shopping festivals, sport and concerts fill the cool-season calendar.
Extreme heat
May to Oct.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the UAE
Compare hotels and rentals around Dubai, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions