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The best time to visit Dubai for comfortable weather is November to March. In these months, daytime highs usually sit between the mid-20s and low 30s°C. June to August is very hot, with average highs above 40°C.
Summer is harder for sightseeing, but hotel demand drops, so it can offer better value. The right month for you depends on what matters more: easy outdoor weather or a lower price.
This guide covers the Dubai weather by month, the sea temperature, humidity and rain. It also shows how each season should shape the kind of Dubai holiday you book from the UK.
Dubai has two main seasons: a warm winter and a very hot summer. The months in between change quickly.
Best overall weather: December to February. Days are warm, nights are mild and humidity is easy to cope with.
Best for winter sun: November to March. This is when the UK is cold and dark.
Best for beach weather: November and March to April. The air is warm and the sea is pleasant to swim in without feeling like bath water.
Best for sightseeing: December to February, when you can walk around outdoors in the afternoon.
Best potential value: June to August, and parts of May and September, when fewer people visit.
Best for families: October half-term, Christmas, February half-term and Easter. Each has trade-offs, which are explained below.
January and February usually have Dubai's most comfortable weather. Average highs are about 24–26°C (75–79°F), nights are mild and the sun is gentle enough for sightseeing all day. December and March are also very pleasant, though March brings a little more heat.
If you want warm beach days as well as easy sightseeing, November and March are strong choices. Both are warmer than midwinter, and the sea is more comfortable in November.
Dubai is usually most affordable in summer, from June to August, when high heat lowers hotel demand. Prices still depend on your dates, your hotel and how busy flights are. UK school holidays can push fares up even when hotels are cheaper.
For many UK travellers, June and September strike the best balance. Both fall outside the main school holidays, and hotel demand is still lower than in winter. Late April and early May can also offer good value.
Dubai has a hot desert climate. It sits on the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, so it is sunny all year, rain is rare and summers are humid.
The table below uses long-term averages. Different datasets vary slightly, so treat each figure as a typical guide rather than a promise.
| Month | Avg daytime high | Avg night low | Avg humidity | Sea temperature | Typical conditions |
| January | 24°C (75°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 65% | 21°C (70°F) | Coolest month, occasional showers |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 64% | 21°C (70°F) | Warm days, fresh evenings |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 61% | 22°C (72°F) | Warming up, some showers |
| April | 34°C (93°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 54% | 25°C (77°F) | Hot afternoons, very little rain |
| May | 38°C (100°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 50% | 29°C (84°F) | Very hot, dry |
| June | 40°C (104°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 55% | 31°C (88°F) | Very hot, humid |
| July | 42°C (108°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 55% | 32°C (90°F) | Hottest period, muggy nights |
| August | 42°C (108°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 53% | 33°C (91°F) | Hottest period, warmest sea |
| September | 40°C (104°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 59% | 32°C (90°F) | Still very hot and humid |
| October | 36°C (97°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 60% | 30°C (86°F) | Cooling slowly, warm sea |
| November | 31°C (88°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 61% | 27°C (81°F) | Warm, dry, comfortable |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 65% | 23°C (73°F) | Mild, occasional showers |
Air temperatures are based on 1991–2020 WMO climate normals for Dubai International Airport. Humidity and sea-temperature figures are approximate long-term averages and can vary by location, dataset and year.
Two points matter when you read this table. First, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is close to the coast. Inland areas, including desert safari camps, are often hotter by day and cooler at night. Second, the average humidity figure hides how sticky summer feels. The humidity section below explains why.
January is the coolest month in Dubai. Days average about 24°C (75°F) and nights about 15°C (59°F). To a UK visitor, it feels like a warm late-spring day.
This is the easiest month for walking around Downtown Dubai, the old souks and outdoor markets at midday. The sea is about 21°C (70°F), which feels fresh. Many people swim in heated hotel pools instead.
January is one of the wetter months, but that still means only a few rainy days on average. Pack a light jumper or jacket for evenings, especially for a desert safari, where it can feel cold after sunset.
Suits: first-time visitors, sightseers and couples. Hotels are busy just after New Year, so the second half of the month can be easier to book.
February brings warm days of about 26°C (79°F) and nights of about 16°C (61°F). It is one of the most comfortable months of the year.
Outdoor dining, beach walks and trips to the Burj Khalifa viewing decks are all pleasant. The sea is still cool at about 21°C (70°F), so younger children may prefer a pool.
February half-term makes this a popular month for UK families, and prices usually rise that week. Ramadan is expected to begin in February 2027. Daytime dining and entertainment may be quieter then, but many visitors enjoy the calmer mood and evening iftar meals.
Suits: families at half-term, couples and anyone who wants reliable warmth without strong heat.
March warms up to about 29°C (84°F) by day. Nights average about 19°C (66°F). It is the last month when afternoons feel comfortable for most visitors.
The sea warms to about 22°C (72°F). Beach days feel more summery, especially at JBR and on Palm Jumeirah. March can bring short, heavy showers or a sandstorm, but most days are sunny.
Pack summer clothes with one light layer for evenings.
Suits: beach and sightseeing combined, couples and Easter trips when Easter falls in March.
April is when Dubai starts to feel hot. Highs average about 34°C (93°F) and nights about 22°C (72°F). Mornings and evenings are still pleasant, but midday sightseeing becomes tiring.
The sea reaches about 25°C (77°F), which is ideal for swimming for many people. Rain is rare, though not impossible. In April 2024, an exceptional storm caused widespread flooding across the UAE, including Dubai. Dubai International Airport recorded about 144mm of rain in 24 hours.
Plan outdoor trips before 11am or after 4pm. Use the afternoon for the pool or indoor attractions such as the Dubai Mall.
Suits: beach lovers, Easter families and travellers looking for better value than winter.
May is very hot and dry, with highs around 38°C (100°F). Nights stay warm at about 26°C (79°F), and rain almost never falls.
The sea is about 29°C (84°F), warm and calm. Outdoor sightseeing is best kept to early morning, sunset and after dark. A resort with a big pool and shaded areas makes a real difference this month.
Wear loose, light clothing and sun protection. Hotel demand usually starts to ease this month, so value can improve, especially on beach resorts.
Suits: pool-and-beach holidays, adults comfortable with heat and May half-term families who plan around the sun.
June averages about 40°C (104°F) by day and 28°C (82°F) at night. Humidity starts to rise, so it feels hotter than the figure suggests.
The sea is about 31°C (88°F). That is warm enough that it may not feel refreshing. Most visitors spend the middle of the day in air-conditioned malls, museums, indoor theme parks or resort pools.
Early June and late June sit outside UK school holidays. This can make June one of the better-value months for flights and hotels together.
Suits: budget-minded couples, luxury-hotel stays at lower demand and travellers who mainly want to relax.
July is one of Dubai's two hottest months, with average highs around 42°C (108°F) and nights around 31°C (88°F). Humidity is high, so even evenings feel hot and sticky.
In extreme spells, "feels like" temperatures can reach exceptionally high levels. Walking outside in the afternoon is not practical. You will rely on air conditioning, taxis rather than walking, and indoor attractions.
The sea is about 32°C (90°F), more like a warm bath than a cool dip. UK school holidays begin in late July, so flight prices can rise even though hotels are quieter.
Suits: travellers happy to stay mostly at the resort and people chasing lower hotel rates.
August is as hot as July, with highs of about 42°C (108°F) and the warmest nights of the year, around 32°C (90°F). The Dubai sea temperature peaks at about 33°C (91°F).
Plan the day around the heat. Do outdoor activities just after sunrise, spend the afternoon at the pool or indoors, and go out again in the evening.
A hotel close to where you want to go saves time in the heat. Half board or all inclusive also makes sense, because you will eat more meals at the hotel.
Suits: UK school-holiday families who want guaranteed sunshine and pick a resort with strong indoor facilities.
September is still summer in Dubai. Highs average about 40°C (104°F) and nights about 29°C (84°F). It is only a little cooler than August, and humidity stays high.
Many UK travellers think of September as early autumn, but in Dubai the weather is much closer to August than October. The sea stays around 32°C (90°F).
Because schools have gone back, demand for flights usually falls after the first week. That makes September a good option for couples and adults travelling for value.
Suits: couples and solo travellers looking for value, and resort-based holidays.
October is the month the heat breaks. Highs average about 36°C (97°F) early on, easing through the month. Nights fall to about 25°C (77°F).
Late October feels much better than early October. The sea stays warm at about 30°C (86°F), so beach days are excellent. Evenings are comfortable for outdoor dining again.
October half-term is popular with UK families, which raises demand for that week. Early October is quieter and often better value.
Suits: beach holidays, families at half-term and couples who like warm sea and hot sun.
November is one of the best all-round months to visit Dubai. Highs average about 31°C (88°F), nights about 21°C (70°F), and the sea is still about 27°C (81°F).
It combines warm beach weather with comfortable sightseeing, especially from mid-November. Rain is uncommon. You can pack mostly summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-conditioned rooms.
Winter demand builds through the month, so compare dates and hotels early if you want the most choice.
Suits: almost everyone, especially couples and travellers who want beach and sightseeing in one trip.
December is mild and sunny, with highs around 27°C (81°F) and nights around 17°C (63°F). It is a classic winter-sun month for UK travellers.
The sea cools to about 23°C (73°F), still swimmable for most adults. Outdoor sightseeing, desert trips and beach days are all comfortable.
The Christmas and New Year period is one of Dubai's busiest times, and prices usually peak then. Early December is often better value.
Suits: winter-sun couples, festive family trips and first-time visitors.
Dubai winter weather is warm by UK standards. Daytime highs run from about 24°C to 31°C, and nights from about 15°C to 21°C. Humidity feels easy, and the sun is strong but manageable.
This is the season for walking tours, outdoor dining, desert safaris and full beach days. It is also Dubai's busiest period, so holiday prices are usually highest, especially at Christmas and February half-term.
For a winter trip, location matters more than hotel facilities. Downtown, Dubai Marina and JBR let you walk to restaurants and sights. Room only or bed and breakfast suits travellers who will eat out often.
Winter is one of Dubai's busiest travel periods. Comparing departure airports and hotels early helps you see what is available. You can compare Dubai holiday packages from the UK around your preferred winter dates.
Dubai's cooler weather usually starts in late October and settles in November, when average highs drop to about 31°C. It keeps cooling into January, the coolest month, before warming again from March.
Dubai does not have a sudden change like a UK autumn. The heat eases a little each week. Early October can still feel like summer, while late October is noticeably kinder.
These four months sit between winter and summer, but they are not all the same.
April: hot afternoons (about 34°C) but pleasant mornings and evenings, with a comfortable sea. This is the gentlest shoulder month.
May: very hot (about 38°C) and dry. Sightseeing becomes a morning and evening activity. Hotel demand often starts to fall.
September: still full summer (about 40°C) and humid. It is only shoulder season in terms of demand, not weather.
October: hot at first (about 36°C), then easing, with a very warm sea. Late October is much more comfortable than early October.
In short: April and late October suit travellers who want warmth without extreme heat. May and September suit travellers who put value ahead of outdoor comfort.
Dubai summer weather is extreme. Average highs are 40–42°C, nights rarely drop below 28°C and humidity makes the air feel heavy. The UV index can reach very high to extreme levels. Rain is very rare.
Summer can still work well. Hotels are quieter, pools are warm and many large resorts have shaded pools, kids' clubs and restaurants on site. Air-conditioned attractions such as the Dubai Mall aquarium, indoor theme parks, ski slopes and museums fill the afternoons.
For a summer trip, choose a hotel for its facilities rather than its walkability. Look for a large pool with shade, indoor activities and a pre-booked airport transfer. If you plan to stay at the resort most of the time, half board or all inclusive often works better than room only.
If you are comfortable with the heat, you can compare what summer dates offer, including an all-inclusive Dubai holiday package from the UK.
Dubai is very hot in July and August, with average highs around 42°C and humid nights. It is not too hot for a resort-based holiday, but outdoor sightseeing is limited. People who dislike heat, or who want to explore on foot, should choose November to March instead.
Summer suits:
couples and families who mainly want pool time and hotel facilities
travellers looking for lower hotel demand
visitors happy to use taxis and indoor attractions
Cooler months suit:
first-time sightseers
older travellers or anyone sensitive to heat
families with babies or toddlers
If you go in summer:
plan outdoor visits before 9am or after sunset
drink water often, even when you don't feel thirsty
use high-factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
avoid long walks between attractions and take a taxi instead
book an evening, not afternoon, desert safari
The Arabian Gulf around Dubai is shallow, so water temperatures change with the seasons. Around Dubai, sea temperatures are typically in the low 20s°C in winter and around 30–33°C through the summer.
| Month | Sea temperature | Swimming comfort |
| January | 21°C (70°F) | Fresh; many prefer heated pools |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | Fresh; coolest sea of the year |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | Cool but swimmable for most adults |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | Comfortable |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | Warm |
| June | 31°C (88°F) | Very warm; less refreshing |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | Bath-warm |
| August | 33°C (91°F) | Warmest of the year |
| September | 32°C (90°F) | Bath-warm |
| October | 30°C (86°F) | Very warm |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | Warm and comfortable |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | Pleasant for most adults |
A warm sea does not always mean a comfortable beach day. In July and August, the water may be warmer than a swimming pool, and the air is hotter still. For the best Dubai beach weather, look at air and sea together. April, May, October and November give the best mix.
The sea around Dubai averages about 30°C (86°F) in October. It is still very warm after the summer, so you can swim comfortably all day, and the air starts to cool towards the end of the month.
What this means for your trip:
Swimming: easy and pleasant for everyone, including children.
Beach holidays: late October is one of the best times for a beach stay.
Water sports: paddleboarding, kayaking and boat trips are comfortable without a wetsuit.
Families: half-term fits well, with warm water and less extreme heat than summer.
Couples: early October is quieter, with warm evenings for dinners by the water.
Dubai humidity is easy to misread. The average humidity percentage is actually a little lower in summer (about 50–55%) than in winter (about 61–65%). Yet summer feels far more humid.
This is because hot air holds much more water. A better measure of mugginess is the dew point. Dubai's dew point is much higher in summer than in winter, which is why July and August can feel sticky even though average relative humidity percentages do not look dramatically higher.
In practice:
November to March: humidity is rarely a problem. Mornings can be damp or hazy near the coast.
April and May: the heat is dry and strong, and humidity is moderate.
June to September: the highest dew points, so "feels like" temperatures run well above the air temperature, especially near the sea.
Yes. Dubai is very humid in summer, especially in July and August, when high dew points make the air feel sticky day and night. Coastal areas such as Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah feel the humidity most.
Dubai gets strong sunshine all year. Average daily sunshine ranges from about 8 hours in winter to more than 11 hours in early summer.
The UV index can still be high in winter and becomes very high to extreme from spring through summer. Cool air does not mean weak sun, so sun protection is important even in January.
Daylight lasts about 11 hours in December and January, and about 13.5 hours around late June.
Sun protection tips:
use SPF 30 or higher and reapply after swimming
wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
seek shade between 11am and 3pm
drink water regularly, even in winter
choose a hotel with shaded pool areas, particularly for children
Yes, but not often. Dubai gets roughly 80–100mm of rain a year, depending on the dataset. That falls over only about 20–25 days. By comparison, London gets that much rain in a typical six to eight weeks.
Most rain falls from December to March, often as short, heavy showers or thunderstorms. Summer is almost completely dry, though rare summer storms do happen.
An annual average does not mean every rainy day is light. Dubai can get extreme downpours. In April 2024, one storm brought record rainfall and widespread flooding. If heavy rain is forecast during your trip, check your airline and follow updates from the UAE's National Center of Meteorology.
Yes. The sea is around 21–23°C from December to March, so it can feel refreshing rather than warm. Many resorts also heat their pools in winter, which suits children and anyone who prefers warmer water.
Dubai is relaxed about holiday clothing in hotels, on beaches and at pools. In malls, souks and religious or government buildings, cover your shoulders and knees. Swimwear belongs on the beach and at the pool, not in shopping centres. The FCDO's UAE safety and security guidance explains local laws and customs.
November to March
light summer clothes for the day
a light jumper or jacket for evenings and desert trips
comfortable walking shoes
swimwear
one or two modest outfits for mosques, souks and malls
April and October
lightweight, breathable clothes
a thin layer for strong air conditioning
hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
May to September
loose cotton or linen
light colours to reflect the sun
a thin cardigan or shawl for very cold indoor air conditioning
swimwear and a cover-up
high-factor sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
In December, wear light summer clothes during the day and bring a light jumper or jacket for evenings, especially in the desert. Pack swimwear, and keep your shoulders and knees covered in malls, souks and places of worship.
| Season | Daytime | Evening | Recommended clothing |
| Nov–Mar | Warm, 24–31°C | Mild to cool, 15–21°C | T-shirts, light trousers, a jumper, walking shoes |
| Apr & Oct | Hot, 34–36°C | Warm, 22–25°C | Breathable clothes, hat, a thin layer for indoors |
| May–Sep | Very hot, 38–42°C | Hot and humid, 26–32°C | Linen or cotton, sun protection, an indoor layer |
Year-round essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable bottle, and a modest outfit for cultural visits.
These are suggestions based on weather and demand, not fixed rankings.
Sightseeing: December to February. Comfortable afternoons let you walk around Downtown, the souks and Old Dubai without the heat wearing you out. Stay central, near the Metro.
Beach holidays: late October, November, March and April. The air is warm, the sea is comfortable and the sun is strong but bearable. Palm Jumeirah and JBR are the natural bases.
Families: October half-term and Easter. Both usually offer warm sea and manageable heat. Christmas and February half-term have better sightseeing weather but higher demand. Summer holidays work if you choose a resort with indoor activities. An all-inclusive holiday package keeps food costs predictable.
Couples: November, March and early December. You get warm beach days, pleasant evenings for outdoor dining and fewer family crowds outside school holidays. Couples can compare honeymoon packages.
Luxury resort stays: May, June and September. When outdoor demand falls, you have more choice of five-star resorts, and you will spend most of your time at the hotel anyway. Browse luxury holidays or the premium all-inclusive Dubai package.
Lower-cost travel: June, early July and September. Hotel demand is usually lowest, and these months avoid most UK school-holiday airfare peaks. Prices still vary by date, so compare a few options.
Faith-focused trips: in the cooler months, many Muslim travellers pair a pilgrimage with a short stay in the UAE. An Umrah plus Dubai holiday combines both.
Once you know which weather suits you, the choices get simpler.
Winter trips: a central hotel for sightseeing.
Summer trips: a resort with strong facilities.
Shoulder months: a beach hotel that makes the most of the warm sea.
Direct flights leave from several UK airports, including Manchester to Dubai and Birmingham to Dubai. Before you go, check our travel insurance guide for UK travellers, especially if you are travelling in the storm-prone winter months.
When you are ready, you can check Dubai holiday packages with TravelApp by date, departure airport and hotel style. For a quote tailored to your month and budget, send the TravelApp team an enquiry.
Quick answers to common questions. Reach out if you need more help.
July and August are Dubai's hottest months. Both have average highs of about 42°C (108°F) and night lows above 30°C. August has the warmest nights and sea.
January is Dubai's coolest month. Days average about 24°C (75°F) and nights about 15°C (59°F). Desert areas can feel much colder after dark.
Hotel prices are usually lowest from June to August. For UK travellers, June and September often give the best value overall, because they avoid school-holiday flight prices.
Rarely. Dubai gets only about 20–25 rainy days a year, mostly from December to March. When rain does come, it can be heavy.
Yes, especially late October. The heat eases, the sea is about 30°C and beach conditions are excellent. Early October is still hot but quieter.
Yes. December highs are about 27°C (81°F), which is warm enough for the beach, and evenings are mild at about 17°C.
The sea is warmest in August, at about 33°C (91°F). It stays above 30°C from June to October.
Yes. Direct flights take about seven hours, and highs of 24–31°C from November to March make Dubai a popular winter-sun option.
