Dubai
United Arab Emirates · Asia
Dubai – What you should know
Dubai lies in the Arabian desert — and the climate is correspondingly extreme. From June to September, temperatures as a monthly average reach 40–42°C; on individual heat days even higher values are recorded. Combined with high coastal humidity, outdoor activities at this time are virtually impossible. Life then shifts entirely to air-conditioned malls, hotels and interiors.
The ideal travel time is November to April: temperatures are then pleasant (typically 22–30°C), the sun shines daily, and the sky is deep blue. October, with a monthly average of 36°C, is still too hot for outdoor activities. The winter months also host most events and festivals, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival.
Rain falls so rarely in Dubai that it regularly makes headlines. The city is poorly prepared for precipitation — even moderate rainfall leads to flooded streets and chaos. In winter (January/February), brief rain showers are possible but uncommon.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMax Temp | 25° | 26° | 30° | 34° | 39° | 41° | 42° | 42° | 40° | 36° | 31° | 27° |
MINMin Temp | 17° | 18° | 21° | 25° | 28° | 31° | 33° | 33° | 31° | 28° | 23° | 19° |
☀️Sunshine | 9h | 10h | 10h | 11h | 11h | 11h | 10h | 10h | 11h | 10h | 10h | 9h |
🌊Water Temp | 22° | 22° | 24° | 27° | 31° | 33° | 34° | 35° | 34° | 32° | 28° | 24° |
🌧Rain Days | 1d10mm | 1d7mm | 1d12mm | 1d9mm | 0d1mm | 0d0mm | 0d1mm | 0d0mm | 0d0mm | 0d1mm | 0d4mm | 0d4mm |
Best travel time
The best time to visit Dubai is January, February, March, April, November, and December. In summer, temperatures rise to 42°C; in winter they can drop to 17°C. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Travel Tips
In May, June, July, August, September, and October, temperatures can exceed 34°C — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
May offers great weather in Dubai with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Events & Festivals
January
- Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)Januar bis Februar (ca. 4–5 Wochen)
Das größte Einkaufsfestival des Nahen Ostens: Rabatte von bis zu 75 % stadtübergreifend, tägliche Verlosungen von Gold und Autos, Konzerte und Feuerwerke an der Dubai Fountain.
March
- Dubai World Cupletzter Samstag im März
Das reichste Pferderennen der Welt (Gesamtpreisgelder: 30,5 Mio. USD) auf der Meydan-Rennbahn — das gesellschaftliche Ereignis des Jahres in Dubai, mit Haute-Couture-Tribünen und Konzerten nach dem Rennen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Dubai?
- The best time to visit Dubai is January, February, March, April, November, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Dubai?
- In summer, temperatures in Dubai can reach up to 42°C. In winter, they may drop to 17°C.
- How much rain does Dubai get?
- Dubai has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 0 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, March, April, November, and December.
- How warm is the water in Dubai?
- Water temperature in Dubai ranges from 21°C (February) to 34°C (August). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, November, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
MarNovDec
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebDec
