Dubai Weather & Climate Guide
Month-by-month temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and expert tips for every season — including how to survive the extreme summer heat.
Dubai sits on the Persian Gulf coast in a hyper-arid desert climate zone. Winters are mild and sunny — perfect beach weather — while summers are intensely hot and humid, with temperatures that regularly exceed 45°C. Knowing the seasons before you arrive makes a huge difference to how you plan your visit or your life here.
Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous
Monthly Climate Data
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity | Sun hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 15°C | 10 mm | 65% | 9 hrs |
| February | 26°C | 16°C | 15 mm | 63% | 9 hrs |
| March | 30°C | 19°C | 18 mm | 60% | 9 hrs |
| April | 36°C | 23°C | 5 mm | 55% | 10 hrs |
| May | 41°C | 28°C | 1 mm | 52% | 11 hrs |
| June | 43°C | 30°C | 0 mm | 58% | 12 hrs |
| July | 45°C | 32°C | 0 mm | 60% | 12 hrs |
| August | 45°C | 32°C | 0 mm | 65% | 11 hrs |
| September | 42°C | 29°C | 0 mm | 62% | 10 hrs |
| October | 37°C | 25°C | 1 mm | 58% | 10 hrs |
| November | 31°C | 20°C | 8 mm | 62% | 9 hrs |
| December | 26°C | 16°C | 12 mm | 66% | 8 hrs |
All figures are monthly averages based on historical climate data. Actual conditions vary year to year.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
November – March
The peak season and for good reason. Temperatures of 20–28°C make outdoor activities, beach days, and sightseeing genuinely enjoyable. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, especially around Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec–Jan).
April & October
Shoulder season with fewer tourists and lower prices. Temperatures are warm (30–37°C) but manageable. April can feel quite hot midday; October is comfortable by evening. Good value for money.
May – September
Extreme heat makes outdoor exploration difficult. If you do visit, hotels are significantly cheaper and indoor attractions (malls, museums, theme parks, ski slopes) are at their best. Dubai Summer Surprises offers great deals July–August.
What to Pack by Season
Summer (May–September)
- • Loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing (linen/cotton)
- • SPF 50+ sunscreen — reapply every 2 hours outdoors
- • Polarised sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- • A light layer/cardigan — malls and taxis are heavily air-conditioned
- • Insulated water bottle — drink 3–4 litres daily minimum
- • Comfortable enclosed shoes (pavements reach 70°C in direct sun)
Winter (November–March)
- • Light layers — T-shirts and jeans are perfect for daytime
- • A light jacket or hoodie for evenings (can drop to 14°C)
- • Swimwear — the sea temperature is still 22–24°C in winter
- • Walking shoes for outdoor markets, souks, and parks
- • Sun protection is still needed — UV is high year-round
- • Modest clothing for mosque visits and conservative areas
Summer Survival Guide
Residents who stay in Dubai through summer develop a rhythm around the heat. The key is to shift your schedule: mornings (6–9 am) are the best time for outdoor exercise. Between 11 am and 6 pm, move indoors. Evenings from 8 pm onward are pleasant enough for outdoor dining and walking.
Top Indoor Activities in Summer
- Ski Dubai — real snow ski slope inside Mall of the Emirates, stays at −1°C
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — inside Dubai Mall, world's largest acrylic tank
- VR Theme Parks — VR Park in Dubai Mall, IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Cinema — world-class multiplexes (Reel Cinemas, VOX) with luxury seating
- Dubai Frame & Museum of the Future — world-class cultural experiences, fully air-conditioned
- Indoor pools & spas — five-star hotel day passes from AED 200
- Dubai Opera — world-class performances in a stunning dhow-shaped venue
Beat the Heat at the Beach — At Night
Sandstorms & the Shamal
The Shamal is a northwesterly wind that blows across the Arabian Peninsula, typically in summer and occasionally in spring. It can carry thick clouds of sand and dust that reduce visibility to near zero, ground flights, and coat every surface in a fine orange layer. Shamal events can last from a few hours to several days.
During sandstorms the UAE National Centre of Meteorology issues weather alerts via the NCM app and local news. Residents are advised to close windows, stay indoors, wear an N95 mask if going outside, and avoid driving unless essential.
Sandstorm Tips
- • Download the UAE NCM app for real-time alerts
- • Keep sealed dust masks at home (useful 2–4 times a year)
- • Park your car in a covered space — sand can damage paintwork
- • Allow extra travel time; sand creates traffic accidents
- • Flight delays are common — build buffer time on international connections
Rain in Dubai
Dubai receives an average of just 75 mm of rain per year — less than London gets in a single month. Most rain falls between December and March as short, intense downpours. When it does rain heavily, the city can flood because drainage infrastructure is optimised for a desert climate, not monsoon-style rainfall. Low-lying areas like parts of Satwa, Karama, and some villa communities can experience road flooding after heavy rain events.
In 2024, Dubai experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years in a single day (April 16, 2024), with over 240 mm falling in 24 hours — more than 3 years of average rainfall. While this was an extreme anomaly, it prompted major investment in drainage and flood resilience infrastructure.
Drive Carefully in Rain