When planning a vacation, the weather is an important factor. The climate in Dubai is very different from the weather conditions in Germany. The summer months are therefore not necessarily the best time to visit Dubai. Unusually high temperatures can make a vacation in the Emirates less than enjoyable. We provide information on the best time to travel and recommend the best times for various activities in this destination.

Climate in Dubai

Dubai’s climate can be summed up in a few words: It’s always hot. The average annual temperature in Dubai is 27 degrees Celsius. In the height of summer, the thermometer often nears the 40-degree mark. Dubai’s location plays a major role in determining its climate.

The emirate is located on the Persian Gulf and is largely desert. The coastal region along the Persian Gulf makes up a relatively small portion of the emirate. The coastal areas have an arid climate. Heat, dryness, and very little precipitation characterize the region. While there is virtually no rain in the summer, statistically speaking, it rains one day per month in the winter. In the height of summer, humidity rises to as high as 80 percent.

Summer vacation in Dubai?

Vacation plans usually fall during the summer months. You should reconsider the best time to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The heat and high humidity create conditions that German vacationers often find difficult to tolerate. Downtown Dubai gets extremely hot in the summer. The sea warms up to 32 degrees Celsius and offers little relief from the heat.

If you’re not used to such high temperatures, frequently suffer from circulatory problems, are older, or plan to travel with small children, you should avoid spending your vacation in Dubai during the height of summer. We’ll provide exact figures using a climate table and discuss the best time to visit Dubai in detail.

Moderate prices from June through August make a trip to Dubai in the height of summer an attractive option. Since temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius and neither a cooling off nor rain is expected, travelers should be in good physical condition or consult a doctor before departure. People with cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, or skin conditions should not travel to Dubai during the height of summer.

Best Time to Visit Dubai – An Overview

Generally speaking, the months of November through April are the best time to visit Dubai. The temperatures during this period are roughly comparable to those on a midsummer day in Germany.

A brief overview of each month of the trip:

November:

  • Temperature – 31 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine—nine
  • Water temperature – 27 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 55 percent

December:

  • Temperature – 26 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine – eight
  • Water temperature – 25 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 57 percent

January:

  • Temperature – 23 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine – eight
  • Water temperature – 22 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 59 percent

February:

  • Temperature – 25 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine – eight
  • Water temperature – 22 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 56 percent

March:

  • Temperature – 27 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine – nine
  • Water temperature – 23 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 51 percent

April:

  • Temperature – 32 degrees Celsius
  • Hours of sunshine – ten
  • Water temperature – 25 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity – 48 percent

Beach Vacation in Dubai

The months of November through April are ideal for a beach vacation in Dubai. That’s when temperatures drop, and the sea, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, offers plenty of relief from the heat.

Best Time to Take a Dubai Cruise

The months of November through April are also ideal for spending your vacation on the water. Cruises depart from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are various options available. The flight is often included in the cruise price.

Visiting Dubai – The Best Time to Go for a City Break

Summer is a particularly bad time for a city trip. The heat builds up in the city center, and you can quickly feel lightheaded. It’s nearly impossible to go on extended sightseeing tours. If you time your trip to Dubai right, you’ll be able to fully enjoy visiting the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and other attractions in December, January, or February.

Desert Tour and Travel Season

The winter months are definitely the best time for a tour through the desert. The air feels cooler in the desert, and it’s generally more pleasant than in the city center. At night, the temperature drops significantly below coastal levels.

In the height of summer, desert tours are not recommended for another reason as well. Sandstorms—some of which can be severe—may occur. A desert tour can then become very arduous, requiring frequent breaks. Desert storms are short-lived and rarely last for several days.

Anyone planning a desert tour should check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any warnings about sandstorms. These occur more frequently in the height of summer and can also impair the visibility of drivers traveling to Dubai.

Dubai Climate Table and Best Time to Visit

The detailed climate table for each month of the year provides a good overview of the best time to travel. Based on the minimum and maximum temperatures, it’s easy to calculate an average for each month. Travelers can see how many hours of sunshine they can expect each day and how warm the Persian Gulf gets. Statistically, there is some rain during certain months of the year. However, this fact is unlikely to have any significant impact on choosing the best time to travel to Dubai.

Month minimum temperature in degrees Celsius maximum temperature in degrees Celsius Water temperature in degrees Celsius Hours of sunshine per day Number of rainy days per month
January 13 23 22 8 1
February 14 25 22 8 1
March 17 27 23 9 1
April 19 32 25 10 0
May 24 37 27 11 0
June 26 39 30 11 0
July 30 41 31 10 0
August 30 40 32 10 0
September 27 38 31 10 0
October 23 35 30 10 0
November 18 31 27 9 1
December 16 26 25 8 1

Dubai – Best Time to Visit by Month

Every month of the year has its own charm. Various events liven up the calendar, and there are plenty of things to do and activities to enjoy that can be adapted to the weather.

January

Winter in Dubai offers tourists a number of benefits and excellent opportunities for a varied vacation in the Emirates. The pleasant temperatures are perfect for a relaxing day at Jumeirah Beach as well as for an exciting desert safari. In January, bargain hunters will find plenty to enjoy at the Dubai Shopping Festival. Particularly exciting: a hot-air balloon ride over the Arabian Desert.

Weather Tips:

  • An average of 19 degrees Celsius
  • mostly sunny
  • Short rain showers are possible
  • a little cooler in the evening

February

February is the perfect time to enjoy the wide variety of events and activities offered in Dubai. At the Dubai International Boat Show, you can admire exclusive yachts. The Emirates LitFest offers book lovers new reading material. Culinary delights are served on the streets of JBR during the Dubai Food Festival. Romantics can enjoy the sunset at La Mer.

Weather Tips:

  • An average of 21 degrees
  • usually sunny all day
  • Don’t forget to bring a light sweater for the evening
  • ideal for outdoor activities

March

In March, Dubai is pleasantly warm, but you can still escape the summer heat. The plants in the Miracle Garden are in full bloom. Anyone who’s had enough of the long winter in Germany will be delighted by the beauty of nature in the Al Ain oasis. Sports fans can enjoy the Dubai Duty Tennis Free Championships in March.

Weather Tips:

  • 24 degrees Celsius average temperature
  • mostly sunny
  • low probability of precipitation
  • Temperatures feel like early summer
  • Evenings are still a bit chilly

April

It’s getting warmer in Dubai, but the intense heat hasn’t set in yet. April offers tourists their last chance to enjoy an al fresco brunch at The Walk before the heat of summer sets in. A trip to Hatta promises pleasant coolness. Hiking or mountain biking can be part of the itinerary. A visit to Hatta Heritage Village offers a glimpse into the art and culture of the United Arab Emirates.

Weather Tips:

  • 29 degrees average temperature
  • warm days
  • mild evenings
  • perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing

May

The days in Dubai are now noticeably hotter. A visit to the beach is especially pleasant in the early morning hours, and the sea offers a welcome way to cool off. In the evening, a boat ride along the Dubai Marina is a romantic way to end the day. If you’re looking to cool off during the day, head to the mall to check out Ski Dubai, one of the city’s most fascinating hotspots. Skis and appropriate clothing are available for rent.

Weather Tips:

  • high daytime temperatures
  • Outdoor activities are most enjoyable in the morning and evening
  • Humidity is rising
  • No rain expected

June

Summer in Dubai is in full swing. Anyone planning a vacation in June should expect temperatures around 38 degrees. The sun is rarely obscured by clouds and shines all day long. It can get hot quickly in the city center, so vacationers should opt for indoor activities. The Mall of the Emirates is well-air-conditioned. Families can enjoy fun and excitement at comfortable temperatures at the indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure. For the evening, you can book a desert safari. The shows at the Dubai Opera are also a great way to escape the city’s heat. A popular evening destination is the Dubai Fountain, with its massive fountains and light show. The lounge in the Burj Khalifa offers the most spectacular view of the spectacle.

Weather Tips:

  • Hot and sunny during the day
  • Prefer indoor activities
  • Evening excursions and sightseeing tours are available
  • no precipitation

July

In July, tourists in Dubai can expect intense heat all day long. The sun shines for up to ten hours, and temperatures can rise as high as 40 degrees Celsius. People seek relief from the heat at the Aquaventure Waterpark or experience a rainforest atmosphere at Green Planet. Prices in the malls are often reduced, and there are plenty of shopping deals to be had. Foodies can enjoy a meal at Atlantis on The Palm while taking in views of the spectacular underwater world.

Weather Tips:

  • high temperatures
  • high humidity
  • Avoid the sun
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen
  • Avoid outdoor sports
  • Looking for a way to cool off
  • Prefer to stay indoors
  • drink plenty of fluids

August

In August, the streets of Dubai become remarkably quiet. People escape the intense heat and rarely spend time outdoors. Dubai Summer Surprises offers the last of the bargains. The indoor pools are well-attended, and Ski Dubai is also bustling with visitors, where you can hit the slopes in winter temperatures. In the evening, a dip in the ocean is a great option. The city is impressively illuminated.

Weather Tips:

  • extreme heat
  • Avoid spending time outdoors during the day
  • Looking for a way to cool off
  • drink plenty of fluids
  • Don’t go to the beach barefoot
  • Postpone outdoor activities until the evening

September

The intense heat eases slightly in September. However, with average temperatures around 38 degrees Celsius, it’s still hot. Early in the morning, beachgoers can once again be found on the beaches. In the evening, too, life largely takes place outdoors and by the water. Art lovers celebrate exhibition openings on Alserkal Avenue. Families can plan a trip to the illuminated mini-golf course at the Dubai Marina Mall.

Weather Tips:

  • slightly falling temperatures
  • Cooler in the evening
  • Swimming is available in the morning and evening

October

It’s slowly getting cooler, and life in Dubai is once again shifting outdoors. Meals are finally being served al fresco again. Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are welcoming guests. Beachgoers are once again flocking to the beaches during the day. A welcome surprise for vacationers from Germany: Oktoberfest in Dubai is in full swing. Sports enthusiasts are taking part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge and working up a sweat at gyms or at beach events.

Weather Tips:

  • Pleasant temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius
  • The outdoor season begins in Dubai
  • Meals are once again being served outdoors
  • cooler evenings

November

The best month for a long beach vacation has arrived. Daytime temperatures reach a high of 35 degrees Celsius. Light rain is possible. Sun worshippers head to Al Mamzar Beach Park. Golf pros and their fans gather for the DP World Tour golf event. November is the ideal time for a desert safari. A particularly popular option: overnight stays at the Al Qudra Lakes.

Weather Tips:

  • Climate comparable to that of summer in Germany
  • Beach vacation possible
  • Desert safari available

December

If you’d like to experience Christmas in a different way, Dubai is the perfect destination. With temperatures around 21 degrees Celsius, no one has to worry about getting cold, and you can swap mulled wine for a cocktail under the palm trees. Dubai also hosts Christmas markets. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a truly special experience. At midnight, the Burj Khalifa is spectacularly illuminated by a magnificent fireworks display. Luxury items are sold at bargain prices during the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Weather Tips:

  • pleasant temperatures
  • Sunny during the day, around 20 degrees
  • Cooler in the evening

Photo credit: Depositphotos.com – frantic00 (Eduard Nurgaleev)