Dubai, the City of Gold, changes a great deal with the seasons. This guide sets out what travelers can expect in each one, so you can pick the best time to visit Dubai for your interests and your tolerance for heat.
Winter in Dubai
Winter runs from December to February, with mild, pleasant weather that suits outdoor plans. The Dubai Miracle Garden has millions of flowers arranged in displays. The Dubai Shopping Festival brings open-air markets and deals, alongside seasonal favourites like the city's festive winter gardens. Outdoor dining is at its best, with global cuisines under the clear, starry skies.
Camping and BBQs in Dubai’s desert are another winter option. See our guide to the best things to do in Dubai's desert for more ideas. You can leave the city behind and camp under the stars in the desert. A BBQ dinner brings traditional Arabian hospitality, with grilled dishes and entertainment such as belly dancing and henna painting. Cool winter evenings make it comfortable to be outside, and it is a good way to see Dubai’s natural side.
Spring in Dubai: A Season of Festivals
Spring brings moderate temperatures and a run of events. March, with its comfortable Dubai temperature in March, has cultural events and festivals, such as the Taste of Dubai. The season suits cultural events and outdoor activities without the harsh heat.
Summer in Dubai: Indoor Activities and Nightlife
In the summer months the city heats up, and indoor activities make more sense. Malls like the Dubai Mall offer cool interiors and plenty of entertainment. Nightlife is busy, with many venues offering late-night entertainment to avoid the daytime heat. For some, this may be the worst time to visit Dubai because of the extreme temperatures.
Autumn: Sports and Leisure in Dubai
Autumn brings a slight cool down in temperatures, especially noticeable with the Dubai temperature in October. The milder weather suits outdoor sports and leisure, including golf tournaments and outdoor fitness events. More tourists arrive in this season to enjoy the more temperate climate.
Dubai Weather by Month
Dubai has a hot desert climate with two real seasons: a mild winter and a long, hot summer. These are long-run averages for 1991 to 2020, rounded to the nearest degree. Individual days vary.
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 14°C |
| February | 25°C | 16°C |
| March | 30°C | 18°C |
| April | 34°C | 22°C |
| May | 38°C | 25°C |
| June | 40°C | 27°C |
| July | 42°C | 30°C |
| August | 42°C | 30°C |
| September | 40°C | 28°C |
| October | 37°C | 24°C |
| November | 31°C | 20°C |
| December | 26°C | 16°C |
Rain is rare. Under 100 mm falls in a typical year, most of it between December and March. The sea reaches about 32 to 33°C in July and August, so a swim offers little relief. On windy days in summer, dust can cut visibility. If you want comfortable outdoor days, plan for November to March.
Events and What Is Open
- October to May: the seasonal outdoor attractions run. Dubai Miracle Garden opens its 15th season on 8 October 2026, and Global Village opens season 31 on 14 October 2026. Both run to May 2027 and close for the summer.
- 31 October to 29 November: the Dubai Fitness Challenge, with 30 days of free classes and events across the city.
- December to January: the Dubai Shopping Festival. The last edition ran from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. We found no official dates yet for the next one.
- February to March: Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, with Eid al Fitr around 9 or 10 March. Opening hours shift, and evenings are the busy time.
- 15 June to 15 September: outdoor work in direct sun stops from 12:30pm to 3pm. Dubai Summer Surprises ran from 2 July to 30 August this year, with sales, indoor concerts and hotel deals. Our list of family-friendly things to do in a Dubai summer helps with the heat.
Hotel Prices Through the Year
Winter is peak season and is priced that way. STR data from CoStar shows Dubai hotels averaged 84.3% occupancy and AED 1,042 a night in December 2025, the best December in nearly two decades. On New Year's Eve the rate reached AED 2,287 at 94.1% occupancy, and for nine nights from 23 December the market stayed above 80% occupancy and AED 1,000. The average rate from January to August 2025 was AED 526.
2026 is different. After the regional conflict began on 28 February, hotel occupancy fell to 36% in March. By August it had recovered to 66%, about 89% of the August 2025 level, according to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. The ceasefire came on 8 April. Winter rates may not match last year's, so check current prices and cancellation terms before you book.
For Residents and Property Buyers
If you are travelling to view property, avoid 23 December to New Year, when rates are highest. November and the weeks after New Year are easier on the budget and comfortable for walking an area. Our guide to buying property in Dubai remotely covers what you can do before you fly.
Winter is the best time to judge outdoor space, parking and walkability. A summer visit shows how a flat copes with heat, including the balcony, shade and the walk from the car. Dubai prices are about 3 to 4% below a year earlier, so there is no need to rush a decision on a short trip. For a straight view on areas, see the locations we cover or book a consultation. To compare coastal areas, start with the best beaches in Dubai.
Conclusion: If this is your first trip, our guide to must-see places for first-timers pairs well with this seasonal overview. Each season has its own draw: winter festivities, spring cultural events, summer indoor activities and autumn sports. Shopping, food and outdoor activities are available year-round, though in summer the heat limits how much time you can spend outside. Choose the season by what you want from the trip.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, when average highs run from 24°C to 31°C. December to February is coolest. Hotel rates peak from 23 December to New Year, so November and January are easier on the budget.
Does it rain in Dubai?
Rarely. A typical year brings under 100 mm, most of it between December and March.
Is Dubai worth visiting in summer?
Yes, if you plan for indoor days and evenings. Malls, hotels and indoor attractions stay open, and Dubai Summer Surprises adds sales and hotel deals. Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are closed until October.
When is Ramadan in 2027?
It is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting, with Eid al Fitr around 9 or 10 March.
