When is the best time to fly to Dubai? The question isn’t as simple as it seems. After all, this is a city where you can ski at +45°C and sunbathe at +25°C. There’s no such thing as bad weather here—there are two completely different seasons, each with its own set of rules, prices, and activities. This guide will help you make the right choice.

Dubai’s two faces: a quick guide to the seasons: To make it easier for you to navigate, we divide the year into two main periods. High season (October–April) offers ideal weather for any kind of vacation, with festivals and outdoor activities in full swing. Low season (May–September) is a time of scorching discounts and entertainment in the cool comfort of futuristic oases, as the city showcases the marvels of its climate engineering.
High Season (October – April): From velvety autumn to warm spring
This is the Dubai that millions fly here for. A time when the desert’s fickle mistress of the weather transforms into your perfect travel companion. The air is so comfortable (steady temperatures between +20°C and +30°C) that the city practically invites you to head outdoors: enjoy a morning coffee on your balcony without air conditioning, take a stroll along the waterfront at noon without risking heatstroke, or have dinner on an open veranda with just a light cardigan.
October–November: the perfect season start
- Weather: The heat subsides, and humidity drops to a minimum. The water in the bay feels like steamed milk (+28–32°C), while the air gently caresses the skin, allowing you to spend entire days at the beach without any discomfort.
- Things to do: This is the best time for beaches, whether it’s the lively JBR or the stylish La Mer. With the comfortable weather, outdoor amusement parks also reopen, inviting visitors for long strolls.
- Events: The season kicks off with the city’s health marathon—the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which motivates residents and tourists to stay active every day.
December–February: pleasant "winter" and peak events
- Weather: These are the “coolest” months in Dubai, with daytime temperatures around +24–26°C. At night, the temperature can drop to +15°C, so a light jacket won’t go amiss for evening walks. Occasionally, there may be rare, brief showers that only freshen the air.
- Things to do: This weather is made for explorers: you can wander for hours through the streets of the historic Al Fahidi district or embark on an exhilarating desert safari without fear of the exhausting heat.
- Events: This period is the epicenter of events. The most prominent of these is the grand Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which transforms the entire city into a fairground with massive sales, concerts by world-class stars, and fireworks. In January, thousands of runners take to the starting line for the Dubai Marathon.

March–April: the last chance before the heat
- Weather: Air temperatures gradually rise but remain very comfortable for relaxation, staying within the range of +28–33°C. The sea warms up perfectly, inviting you to swim from morning until late evening.
- Things to do: This is a great opportunity to enjoy “everything at once”: savor the last truly comfortable days on the beach and take long walks around the city before the summer heat fully sets in.
- Events: Cultural life reaches its peak in March: the region’s leading art fair, Art Dubai, takes place in the city, and food lovers gather at the Taste of Dubai festival. The series of high-profile events culminates with the Dubai World Cup—the most expensive and prestigious horse race in the world.
Low season (May–September): Heat, discounts, and indoor oases
Summer in Dubai is a test of common sense—and the city responds with a futuristic flair. When the asphalt melts outside, life doesn’t come to a halt—it dives into the saving coolness of giant malls, indoor parks, and ice arenas, offering tourists a unique experience and, importantly, the most tempting prices of the year.
Beware of the sun!: The summer heat in Dubai is no joke. Always wear a hat, use sunscreen with a high SPF, drink plenty of water, and don’t even think about taking long walks outdoors during midday hours. Spend your day exploring the amazing indoor attractions.
May and September: transitional months
- Weather: It’s already very hot in May and still very hot in September, but the heat feels slightly more bearable than at the peak of summer. Temperatures consistently hover around +35–39°C.
- Things to do: The focus shifts to water-based activities in water parks and relaxed leisure by air-conditioned hotel pools, which become true hubs of attraction.
- Prices: Hotel and flight prices begin their seasonal decline in May and haven’t yet started to rise again in September, offering great value for a trip.
June–August: peak heat and summer festivals
- Weather: Be prepared for a real challenge: +40–45°C in the shade is the norm here. But the main issue isn’t just the temperature—it’s the high humidity, which makes the air heavy and sticky. Stepping outside during the day feels like walking into a scorching steam room; it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s potentially dangerous.
- Things to do: It’s time to explore Dubai’s exclusively indoor wonders: its giant shopping malls, the Ski Dubai indoor ski resort, the massive aquarium, themed parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, and numerous museums.
- Events: The main event of the summer is the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) shopping festival, which offers big discounts, prize draws, and family-friendly entertainment shows in the cool air of the malls. For fans of virtual worlds, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival brings together gamers from around the globe.

Which Dubai are you choosing? We help you decide
So, it’s a battle of the seasons: perfect weather versus huge discounts. To help you choose your winner, we’ve compiled all the key information into a simple table below, along with personalized recommendations for each type of traveler.
| Parameter | High Season (October – April) | Low Season (May – September) |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Comfortable, +20–33°C | Hot and humid, +35–45°C |
| Prices | High | Moderate / Low |
| Type of Vacation | Beach, sightseeing, active | Shopping, indoor parks, SPA |
| Major Events | DSF, Art Dubai, Dubai World Cup | DSS, Dubai Esports Festival |
- Dreaming of the perfect beach vacation? Book your trip without hesitation for October–November or March–April. You can look forward to a sea as warm as in a fairy tale, gentle sunshine, and endless opportunities for leisure activities—from waterfront promenades to amusement parks.
- Heading out for art and cultural experiences? Your ticket to the heart of the action is March, the time of Art Dubai and many other creative events.
- Do you live for sports and vibrant spectacles? Plan your trip for January–March to catch the marathon, world-class horse races, and other major competitions.
- Is your goal non-stop shopping and family fun?
- For a festive atmosphere and street shows, fly in December–January for the Dubai Shopping Festival.
- For the biggest discounts and a focus on mall-based entertainment, choose July–August and the Dubai Summer Surprises.
- Looking for a way to see Dubai without breaking the bank? June–August is your chance to explore the city while saving significantly. Discounts on hotels and flights during the peak of the low season can reach 60–70%, but always double-check current prices before booking.
Dubai—your climate builder
So is there no “bad” season in Dubai? Exactly. There are only different versions of the city, and it’s up to you to decide which one you want to experience. Will it be Dubai with its golden beaches and bustling terraces, or Dubai that captivates with its man-made coolness and generous sales? Set your priorities, pick a date in your calendar—and the city of the future will craft the perfect trip for you.
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