gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Extreme heat.
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.
the UAE month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Dubai.
JanuaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 18 mm
Warm and dry.
FebruaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 25 mm
Warm and dry.
MarchWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 28°C / 82°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 22 mm
Warm and dry.
AprilHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 7 mm
Hot and dry.
MayVery hot and dry.Good 45
- Daytime high
- 38°C / 100°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 1 mm
Very hot and dry.
JuneVery hot and dry.Fair 32
- Daytime high
- 40°C / 104°F
- Overnight low
- 27°C / 81°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
JulyVery hot and dry.Avoid 25
- Daytime high
- 41°C / 106°F
- Overnight low
- 30°C / 86°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
AugustVery hot and dry.Avoid 25
- Daytime high
- 41°C / 106°F
- Overnight low
- 30°C / 86°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
SeptemberVery hot and dry.Fair 39
- Daytime high
- 39°C / 102°F
- Overnight low
- 27°C / 81°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
OctoberVery hot and dry.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 35°C / 95°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 1 mm
Very hot and dry.
NovemberHot and dry.Ideal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall
- 3 mm
Hot and dry.
DecemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
Warm and dry.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Extreme heat
May to Oct.
Where to stay in the UAE
Compare places to stay around Dubai. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
Your travel month helps with planning. Enter your own dates on the booking site.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
How hot is summer in the UAE?
When is the cheapest time to visit?
Plan another month or destination
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