Best time to visit Dubai

Being the coldest month, January is perfect for exploring Dubai. At this time, the heat is not that devastating—the temperature doesn’t exceed 23°C (73°F), and the humidity is moderate (up to 59%). The most comfortable time of the day is morning as, by noon, the temperature rises a bit. But even under the sun, you won’t feel the overwhelming heat. On the contrary, warm but mild sunshine creates pleasant conditions for walking around and enjoying the city. You may consider carrying a light jacket for evenings as it might get windy at night. And there are no reasons to worry about an umbrella: January is a dry month with no sudden rainshowers.

In February, the temperature drops a bit, and the weather gets splendid: mild mornings and evenings, warm sunny days, clear cloudless sky. If you had an idea to visit the desert, February should be your choice. You won’t suffer from the heat and abrupt winds, and visibility of over 10 km (6.2 mi) gives you an unprecedented opportunity to see as far in the desert as your sight allows. Back in the city, you can enjoy a cool evening and feel the warm sea breeze from the Persian Gulf.

The days become longer and warmer. During the night, the temperature is still relatively low, so your first morning breathes would pleasantly refresh you. However, by the middle of the day, the heat increases rapidly, and the weather conditions might start to feel uncomfortable. The thermometer still shows no more than 29°C (84°F), but for the most sensitive, staying outside could already be trouble. If you belong to this group, think in advance about a shelter where you could hide and wait until the evening. After sunset, the weather again becomes tolerable and welcomes you to stroll around Dubai.

April is a transition month from a relatively mild spring to withering summer. The beginning of the month resembles March with its fresh mornings and evenings, but by mid-April, you’ll feel that summer is here. The first sun rays bring heat, and in an hour after sunrise, the temperature outside is hard to tolerate. April is the month when sightseeing starts to be advisable only in the evening. During the day, it’s not recommended to spend much time under the sun. If you go out, put on sunscreen, sunglasses and cover your head. Also, try to think of relaxing indoor activities to keep you busy until the evening.

In May, the hot season officially starts. The heat level keeps on rising and brings more discomfort. From the window of an air-conditioned hotel room, the weather looks ideal with its clear sky and white sun. But outside, it’s not that pleasant. The temperature is still bearable, and if you are courageous enough, you may do some sightseeing. The only rule you have to stick to in Dubai is whenever you leave the shelter, you have to cover your skin and stay hydrated properly. May is a good time for swimming in Dubai. Although it might be tempting to spend an entire day on the beach as the water is seductively warm, at noon, you’d better stay away from the sun.

The cloudless sky has no mercy over Dubai, and during the day the temperature climbs up to 40°C (104°F). The proximity of the Persian Gulf causes high humidity: it keeps up to 95% till September and makes the heat even harder to tolerate. Besides, the weather won’t indulge you with a single drop of rain, so there is no hope for a refreshing shower. In June, the only time relatively bearable is night. You don’t have much time after sunrise to enjoy the weather as the temperature rises abruptly, and you’ll feel the heat even after sunset.

If you thought it couldn’t get hotter, July would surprise you. On average, the temperature rises to 42°C (108°F). With over 13 hours of sunshine, Dubai in July is not an excellent destination for tourism as the heat brings inconveniences. You may consider going to the beach. As the water is warm, it’s not that refreshing. Also, you can stay at home and take a nap during the hottest hours of the day. And the best option you have is to hide in an air-conditioned location and spend days avoiding being outdoors. Luckily, Dubai faces no scarcity of such spaces.

August threats you with the highest temperature in the entire year. The heat reaches its peak, and even mornings are sizzling hot. About an hour after sunrise, the thermometer shows over 30°C (86°F), and it keeps on increasing throughout the day. Generally, August is not recommended for visits to Dubai. If you have an option to choose another time, you should pick a date. But if you find yourself in Dubai in August, take care of your safety. Stay inside, preferably in air-conditioned places, put on sunscreen, cover your head, wear sunglasses, and consider using an umbrella to hide from the sun. Neglecting this advice could be harmful to your health.

In September, the heat starts to recede gradually. It’s still unbearably hot outside; not a single cloud hides the city from the sun for a minute; not a single drop of rain falls. The very word “freshness” loses its meaning in Dubai by September. The only time when you could notice how the weather differs from the previous month is morning. Nights become more chill, and at sunrise, you can sense the first signs of autumn. It’s still better for you to spend time indoors, but as the conditions get a bit more sparing, walking the city is no longer that risky.

October is a transition month when the heat finally decreases to a sane level. The beginning of the month is still devastating and dangerous, but as the days pass, the temperature becomes more and more tolerable. By mid-October, it drops to 30°C (86°F), and the weather gets milder. For tourists, it’s a perfect time to come to the city. Not only sightseeing is possible again without the risk of fainting on the street, but also spending a day on the beach is safe. The sea is as warm as the air, so you can spend entire days swimming and sunbathing.

In November, the weather conditions resemble those in October. If you stay away from the sun at noon, the rest of the day won’t bother you with heat. The temperature is still high, but bearable, and you don’t necessarily have to hide indoors till dusk. The cloudless sky is no longer a threat, but rather an opportunity for lazy sunbathing and a precondition for a perfect day on the beach. The only drawback of the improved weather is the crowds of visitors flooding the city—November is a peak tourist season in Dubai.

The first winter month proves that nature has some mercy. The temperature keeps falling and decreases to relatively comfortable 25°C (77°F). Even the most sensitive visitors may come to Dubai and enjoy their stay. The sun gets milder; occasionally, you may even see a cloud in the sky or feel the drops of rain on your skin. Mornings and evenings could seem chilling compared to the rest of the year, and you may put on that light jacket you’ve seen last time in January. In December, the swimming season is over, but you can spend days exploring the city and finally seeing it under the midday sun.