Weather in Dubai

About Dubai

Dubai is an act of collective imagination made concrete in the desert. The world's tallest building. An indoor ski slope. But beneath the spectacle there are old spice souks of Deira and a remarkable food scene blending Arabic, Persian, and Indian influences.

Country

UAE

Best months to visit

January, February, March, April, November, December

Currency

AED

Language

Arabic / English

Things to do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa Desert safari Souk shopping Beach clubs Fine dining Yacht trips

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

May

37C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

June

40C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

July

41C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

August

41C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

September

39C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

October

35C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Dubai is what happens when unlimited ambition meets unlimited budget — the world's tallest tower, the world's largest mall, ski slopes inside a shopping centre in the desert, and a coastline of palm-shaped artificial islands visible from space. It shouldn't work and yet it absolutely does, with a genuine warmth from its multicultural population that belies the gleaming artificiality of the skyline. Go for the contrast: dhow cruises on Dubai Creek, spice souks, and shawarma eaten standing up at midnight.

Best areas to stay in Dubai

Downtown Dubai

Home to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the spectacular Dubai Fountain — the hypermodern core of 21st-century Dubai.

Dubai Creek & Deira

Old Dubai at its most atmospheric — the gold and spice souks, traditional abra (water taxi) crossings, and the most authentic street food in the city.

Dubai Marina

A glamorous waterfront district of skyscrapers, yacht clubs, beach clubs, and the excellent JBR Beach — popular with expats and leisure visitors.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

A carefully preserved district of wind-tower houses and galleries offering a glimpse of pre-boom Dubai and housing the excellent Dubai Museum.

Getting to Dubai

✈

Flights

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a major global hub; Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and several budget carriers operate direct flights from London and most UK regional airports.

⏱

From London

~7 hours direct from London

🚕

Getting around

The Dubai Metro is clean, affordable, and covers most tourist sites along Sheikh Zayed Road; taxis and Careem (ride-hailing) are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

November to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (20–28°C) for outdoor sightseeing and beach time. April to October is extremely hot (often 40°C+) and humid — stick to air-conditioned attractions if visiting then.

Do I need a visa for Dubai?

UK passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport, extendable for a further 30 days. No advance application is required.

Is alcohol legal in Dubai?

Alcohol is permitted and widely available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants, but not in public spaces. Behaviour remains regulated — public drunkenness carries serious legal consequences.

How do I get to the top of the Burj Khalifa?

Book 'At the Top' tickets online well in advance — the observation deck on the 124th floor gives extraordinary views over the city and desert. The 148th floor 'At the Top Sky' experience costs more but is less crowded.

Is Dubai expensive?

Dubai can be expensive but is surprisingly varied — luxury hotel deals can be excellent value, souks and street food are cheap, and the metro is very affordable. Alcohol and resort fees inflate budgets quickly.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Dubai at Christmas time is spectacular — perfect weather, festive decorations everywhere, and the New Year's Eve fireworks from the Burj Khalifa are genuinely the most impressive I've ever seen. The Creek district is essential.

Aisha M. · December 2024

★★★★☆

More charming than I expected — the old Creek area and spice souks felt genuinely authentic amongst all the glass towers. The food scene is exceptional and surprisingly affordable if you know where to look.

Paul D. · February 2023

★★★★★

We did a desert safari at sunset and it was one of the most memorable evenings of the whole trip. The dune bashing was exhilarating, the camel ride oddly peaceful, and the traditional dinner under the stars was lovely.

Nina S. · January 2024