Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. It is known for its contrasting mix of cutting-edge architecture and time-honored traditions. The best and most popular time to visit Dubai is from November to March, when temperatures are pleasant, and there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as visiting bustling souks and cafes.
The summer months are considered harmful due to the extreme heat, but Kelvin Cheung, chef and co-owner of Jun’s restaurant and cocktail bar, finds joy in all four seasons. “During the winter months, my son and I bundle up and build sandcastles in the sun, while in the summer, we plunge into jacuzzi temperature water early in the morning or late at night in search of sea life.”
Shoulder season is an overlooked tourist season, with milder temperatures (80 to 90 degrees) and streets less crowded. Isabella Sullivan, founder and editor of Near + Far, an independent travel magazine for Middle Eastern travelers, said: “I truly believe Dubai is a great year-round destination. Of course, the weather in winter is the best, but I like the hot weather, and I like winter best because you don’t need to wear a jacket at night.”
It is the best time to visit Dubai, with fewer tourists
Many tourists fall in love with Dubai because of its people – the city is home to a diverse group of residents that attracts visitors worldwide. That said, during peak tourist season, Dubai can become so crowded that getting tickets to attractions or booking a table at the hottest restaurants can be difficult. If you want to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to go from April to October. This includes the off-season and off-season when residents often leave the country and there are few tourists. In addition, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are better. It’s also the perfect time to watch the sunset at the Burj Khalifa, take a photo without the crowd background at the Dubai Frame, or finally get a ticket to the Museum of the Future.
The best time to go to Dubai to enjoy the good weather
Unsurprisingly, the best time to go to Dubai to enjoy the excellent weather coincides with many tourists. November through February is the best time to visit, as temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. “The winter weather is perfect,” Sullivan said. It’s also the perfect time to experience the city’s diverse terrain. Sullivan added: “The winter weather has been great, and you can be on the beach in one of the most vibrant future cities in the world and then in a few hours into the rolling, tranquil desert dunes.” The weather during these months usually allows for T-shirts during the day and long sleeves or light jackets at night.
The best time to visit Dubai at a lower price
The summer months of June, July, and August – when many people flee the country because of the heat – are when you are likely to get the best deals on hotels in Dubai. It’s also the perfect time to explore Dubai’s indoor attractions, from the numerous aquariums and museums to the sprawling Mohammed bin Rashid Library. “I think it’s only recently summer has become a season to visit. In the summer, when you can take advantage of hotel deals, it’s perfectly possible to sit by the pool or swim outside, “Sullivan said. “The city is not crowded so you can reserve a seat at the most coveted restaurants or beach clubs. I think summer in Dubai will only become more attractive as time goes on.”
The best time to travel to Dubai for festivals and events
Festivals and events occur all year round, hot, warm, and mild, so the best time to visit depends on your interests. Sullivan said she admires Dubai for going out of its way to create events for people. One example is Dubai Summer Surprises, a city-wide shopping festival that offers a range of deep discounts and special offers during the off-season, as well as concerts and other events.
Many people like to visit one of the city’s most anticipated festivals in December, UAE National Day when Emiratis celebrate the country’s independence anniversary with fireworks, cultural shows, falconry displays, and much more. Others like to stay in the city during Ramadan, which Origin’s tourism product manager, Dean Hayter, says brings the town to life. “There’s a wonderful festive feeling. The buildings are covered in lights, and there are plenty of good places to meet friends for Iftar, a meal that breaks the fast. This has always been my favorite time in Dubai.”
The worst time to visit Dubai
Unlike most places in the world, June through August are the worst months to visit the city, as temperatures are almost unbearable, with highs above 105 degrees and lows only in the mid-90s. In addition to heat, high humidity can also make you feel hot and sweaty. Although this may be the most uncomfortable time to visit, Haidt said there are plenty of ways to escape the heat. “I spend every summer in Dubai, and if you know where to go and how to avoid the heat, you can still have an amazing experience. Fortunately, air conditioning is everywhere (even the bus stops).”
Sullivan noted that Dubai struggles to accommodate residents and visitors during this terrible season. “They know it’s hot in the summer, and people often leave to go somewhere else, so they build indoor sports centers and facilities and have summer activities,” Sullivan said. For example, you can ski at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates in the middle of summer or skate at the Dubai Mall all year round. You won’t get hot while exploring the Dubai Dive Wonder, the world’s deepest indoor diving pool.
