Dubai in Winter: Why It’s the Very Best Time to Visit!
If you’re planning on visiting Dubai in winter, you’re in for a real treat. Ask anyone who lives here and they’ll tell you that winter in Dubai is absolute paradise. As one of my friends says, “If the weather were always like this, everyone would pick up and move to Dubai.” And I couldn’t agree more!
For those who don’t know, the weather here isn’t always ideal. In the hot and humid summer months, the temperature regularly hits 40°C (104°F) and beyond making being outside pretty unbearable. Summer is so brutal that a lot of popular outdoor attractions actually have to close for the season and the streets are near-deserted because it’s just too hot to walk around. This is why summer is considered the worst time to visit Dubai.
But in contrast, in winter the weather is mild, the sun is shining, outdoor dining resumes, and all of the city’s best attractions are in full swing after the summer closures.
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When is winter in Dubai?
Winter in Dubai is from December to March and this is when the weather is at its most mild. While much of the world is bundled up in winter coats, those of us in Dubai are hanging out at the beach, hiking in the mountains, dining alfresco at restaurants, and overall just relishing the winter weather.
There’s a reason this is the most popular time of year to visit Dubai!
Because the weather is at its best, there are a couple of downsides to visiting Dubai in winter. You can expect the prices of accommodation to go way up in the winter, especially around the New Year’s holiday.
In addition, you’ll find that Dubai’s most famous attractions and activities are much more crowded at this time of year. You’ll just need to make some bookings in advance, if possible. But by no means should the higher prices and crowds put you off of visiting!
Dubai winter weather + what to pack
On average, the temperature will be around 25°C (77°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, give or take. January is the “coldest” month. And, in general, the temperature likely won’t exceed 30°C (86°F) during the winter.
If you’re packing for a winter trip, you’ll want to bring your beach gear but you’ll also want to make sure to pack light layers because the weather can get chilly, especially at night.
If you’re planning the ultimate beach vacation, it is important to note that things can get a little cold and even rainy in Dubai in the winter. While it’s usually prime beach weather, the winter weather can be unpredictable.
In years past, I’ve had friends come visit in both December and March. Unfortunately for them, it was rainy, windy, and cold for much of their vacation. While this is unlikely considering it only rains a few days a year here, you never know what the winter will bring!
Dubai doesn’t have consistently rainy weather, but it does it does get storm systems. So when it does rain in Dubai, it pours! And because the city wasn’t built to handle rain, things can flood very quickly. It can also get quite windy which makes things feel even cooler.
Things to do in Dubai in winter
Winter is by far the best time to visit Dubai. Unlike the summer, everything is open and the world is your oyster. This is also the best time of year to experience the many outdoor activities and attractions in Dubai, like Global Village, Hatta Dam, and Dubai Miracle Garden to name a few things that are off-limits in the summer months.
The Dubai winter weather also allows you to head out into the desert and embark on safaris and even go glamping if you want. Winter in Dubai also brings about the spectacular annual migration of Greater Flamingos (here’s my guide to seeing wild flamingos at Dubai’s Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary), as well as mega sales during the Dubai Shopping Festival from December to January.
For more winter activities, check out my full guide on the best things to do in Dubai in winter!
Is winter a good time to visit Dubai?
If it’s not clear by now, I think winter is a great time to visit this city. Travel to Dubai in the winter, and you’ll be able to walk around and sightsee without overheating, tick off all of Dubai’s best outdoor attractions, experience the natural side of Dubai, go to the beach, and so much more. And hey, if it rains, it’s actually quite the spectacle given how rare rain is here in the UAE!
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