The weather in Dubai carries its own reputation. Logic-defying summer temperatures, winters like a European summer, and an assumption that everything in between is shorts and t-shirt time. The truth is somewhere in the middle, and you’d be surprised by how Dubai is a city that can be enjoyed all year. 

In this blog, we’ll go into detail about the weather in Dubai, the seasonal changes across the year, temperature ranges, and some handy clothing tips for the time of year. Let’s talk sunshine. 

Dubai experiences the same weather seasons as other countries across the world, with the only real difference being that some seasons are considerably warmer. 

In this blog, we’ll lean on our experiences with the Dubai weather to give you the most comprehensive breakdown of what to expect if you’re travelling to the UAE. No matter the time of year, Dubai is a city that has a very appealing climate – let's jump into the specifics. 

Winter in Dubai 

• Average temperatures: December average: 19c; January average: 17c; February average: 19c 

• Highest recorded temperature: 38c (February); Lowest: 1c (January) 

• What to expect: Early sunsets, cool Christmas, breezy pool days 

• Clothing tips: Pack an extra layer, and be ready for rainfall. Half of Dubai’s average rainfall days occur during the winter, with the others actually occuring in spring. 

For the uninitiated, you may think that winter in Dubai provides a beautiful sunshine break at a traditionally cooler period worldwide. However, Dubai has its own cool climate which can easily catch you by surprise! 

While Dubai is mostly cool and pleasant throughout the winter months, it would be wrong to underestimate the extent to which the city has cool periods. Temperatures regularly fall to the mid-teens during evenings, and on the coolest days you’ll be reaching for a coat and, sometimes, an umbrella. 

However, the winter period is a time of year when no activity is off-limits, making it ideal for lovers of the outdoors. If you’re spending time by the pool, you may need to double up on towels to keep you warm! However, by the time mid-February arrives, you’ll be able to enjoy frequent warm sunshine. 

It’s worth noting that Dubai does experience the occasional thunderstorm during the winter months. They’re generally limited to around 2 per year, and while the weather can keep people indoors for a day or two, disruption doesn’t tend to last too long. The transition between winter and spring is an enjoyable time of year. 

Spring in Dubai 

• Average temperatures: March average: 22c; April average: 27c; May average: 30c 

• Highest recorded temperature: 47c (May); Lowest: 7c (March) 

• What to expect: Rising mercury, warm sunshine and cool shade 

• Clothing tips: Jeans and a t-shirt, long dresses, shorts at the ready 

As winter turns to spring, you’ll feel an extra touch of warmth in the sunshine and a pleasant balance between cool evenings and warm afternoons. In spring, finding a corner of shade provides the most rewarding respite from the sunshine, as temperatures between sun and shade are noticeable. 

By the end of spring, you’ll feel the humidity of summer starting to have an impact on the overall feel outside. However, the clear difference between spring and summer is the feeling of respite – there will be cooler moments during spring that will take the edge off the overall heat.  

Spring is a wonderful time of year for warm evening activities and days by the pool. Make sure you apply your suncream, too! 

Summer in Dubai 

• Average temperatures: June average: 40c; July average: 42c; August average: 43c 

• Highest recorded temperature: 50c (August); Lowest: 18c (June) 

• What to expect: Heat, humidity, more heat and more humidity 

• Clothing tips: Suncream, hats, shades, cool clothes 

Ahh, the notorious Dubai summer. You’ve probably read a lot about summertime in the Middle East, and tried to avoid it as much as you can based on what you’ve read. There’s no denying that it’s a very hot time of year, but life certainly doesn’t stop during summer in Dubai. 

We wanted to dispel one myth about summer in Dubai here. Temperatures on your thermometer are not what make Dubai such a hot place to be during the summer months – it is, in fact, the humidity. Reaching up to 90% almost every day, levels of humidity like this make summer a bit sweaty. 

However, Dubai is built to handle the heat. And, a morning on a sunbed, taking a dip in the pool to take the edge off the heat, is a beautiful feeling reserved for the summer. If that’s not your thing, the hundreds of malls and indoor activities have plenty of fun to keep you, your family and friends entertained, all within air-conditioned bliss. 

Autumn in Dubai 

• Average temperatures: September average: 39c; October average: 35c; November average: 31c 

• Highest recorded temperature: 46c (September); Lowest: 8c (November) 

• What to expect: Summer relief, reducing humidity, more outdoor activities 

• Clothing tips: Shorts, suncream, shades 

The beginning of autumn does essentially feel like summer lite. September packs a temperature punch that’s similar to August and the latter side of July. However, by the time October comes around, humidity will subside and you will begin to enjoy cooler evenings.  

The transition between September and October is a pleasant one, and you’ll start to notice a lot of outdoor activities beginning their seasons in October – notably the ever-popular Global Village. 

There is a feeling across Dubai in autumn that the good times are coming. Each day is cooler than the last, and you’ll get to enjoy the day that the wind turns from warm to cool – that’s a great day! 

What is the weather like in Dubai during the peak tourist season? 

Dubai is such a popular tourist destination that the line between peak and off-peak is starting to get a lot shorter. However, the traditional peak tourist seasons tend to be in the winter months and cooler periods, which typically fall between October and April.  

How often does it rain in Dubai? 

Rain is very rare in Dubai. Throughout the year, you’re only like to experience a handful of days where rain passes through the city. If you're going to experience rain, you're most likely to expect it during the winter months – if at all. 

Is winter a good time to visit Dubai? 

Winter is an excellent time to visit Dubai, as the climate feels closer to the weather experienced in the more pleasant months across Europe.

Can I enjoy outdoor activities during summer in Dubai? 

Outdoor activities are not advised during the peak of the day in the Dubai summer. However, if you’re by the pool and can cool yourself off with a quick dip, you should be fine to enjoy the temperatures. In the evenings, the sun’s edge is taken away, so you can enjoy outdoor activities as normal – make sure you’ve got plenty of water with you though, and that you don't mind your clothes getting a bit sticky from the humidity.  

Can I visit the desert during winter? 

Absolutely! In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit the Dubai desert. The one word of advice we always give to our guests during winter however is to not underestimate the coolness of the evenings! Make sure you pack an extra layer or two, and prepare yourself for a cold night.  

What should I wear in Dubai in March? 

Dubai in March is a very pleasant time of year, with temperatures averaging around 22 degrees. Daily highs can get close to 30 degrees, however that is in the peak of the day. You could comfortably wear a t-shirt and jeans, or a light dress throughout the day.

How common are sandstorms in Dubai, and when do they typically occur? 

Being surrounded by miles upon miles of sand means Dubai is open to experiencing a sandstorm from time to time, but they are infrequent overall. They are most likely to occur in the summer, and the later parts of spring.