UAE weather by month: temperatures, sea and what to pack

Dubai is warm all year, but the months feel very different. From November to March days sit roughly between 24°C and 31°C with cool evenings, which makes this the easiest time for the beach, the desert and hiking. From June to September highs average around 40°C to 42°C, the sea is as warm as a bath and humidity can make it feel hotter still, so plan your outdoor time for early morning and after sunset.

Below is a month-by-month table, what each season actually feels like, what to pack and how to stay safe in the summer heat. If you are still choosing dates, our best time to visit the UAE tool helps you match a month to what you want to do.

What is the weather in Dubai by month?

The air temperatures and rainfall below are the long-term averages (1991 to 2020) for Dubai International Airport, from the World Meteorological Organization climate normals published by NOAA. Sea temperatures are approximate monthly averages for the Dubai coast from Weather2Travel. Averages hide hot and cool spells, so always check the daily forecast from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) before you go.

Across a whole year Dubai gets only about 79 mm of rain on average, and most of it falls between December and March. Summer rain is rare on the coast.

What is each season like in Dubai?

Winter (December to February): the comfortable months

This is the season most visitors picture. Afternoons are warm enough for the beach, with highs around 24°C to 26°C, and evenings drop to the mid-teens. That feels properly cool after sunset, especially in the desert, where it gets colder than in the city once the sand loses its heat.

The sea is around 22°C to 25°C. Plenty of people swim happily, but if you feel the cold you may find it fresh. Winter is also when Dubai sees most of its rain. It usually comes as a few short showers, but now and then a heavy downpour floods roads and underpasses because the city is not built for much rain. Early mornings can bring fog that delays flights and makes driving slow, and the NCM issues fog alerts when it happens.

Spring (March to May): warming up fast

March is still pleasant, with highs near 29°C. April climbs to around 34°C and by May the average high is above 38°C. The sea warms quickly, so April and early May are lovely for swimming if you can handle hotter afternoons. Spring can also bring windy, dusty days when the sky turns hazy.

Summer (June to September): hot and humid

Summer in Dubai is serious heat. Average highs sit around 40°C to 42°C and nights often stay above 30°C in July and August. Humidity is the part that surprises people. On the coast, mornings and evenings can feel sticky, and the NCM reported a mean relative humidity of 72% in its outlook for August 2025. In June, its figures show mean maximum humidity between 62% and 87% depending on the station.

Life does not stop, it simply moves indoors and later in the day. Malls, indoor attractions and air-conditioned metro stations are busy, and hotels often offer lower summer rates. The sea reaches around 33°C, which feels more like a warm bath than a refreshing dip.

Autumn (October and November): the shoulder season

October is still hot, with average highs near 36°C, but evenings start to ease. By November highs drop to around 31°C and outdoor life comes back: beach clubs reopen their terraces, desert camps get busy and the sea is at its best, warm but no longer too hot. For many residents, November is the best month of the year.

How humid is Dubai?

Humidity in Dubai depends on where you are and what time it is. The coast is more humid than inland areas, and humidity is usually highest in the early morning and at night. Inland and in the desert, the air is drier, which is why 40°C in the desert can feel less heavy than 38°C by the sea.

A few practical points:

• Sunglasses and camera lenses fog up the moment you step out of air conditioning in summer. Give them a minute.
• Cotton and linen dry faster and feel better than synthetic fabrics in the humid months.
• In winter, humid nights near the coast are what cause morning fog, so allow extra time if you have an early flight.

How do you stay safe in the Dubai summer heat?

The heat is not just uncomfortable, it can make you ill. The UAE takes it seriously enough that outdoor work under direct sun is not permitted from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm between 15 June and 15 September each year, under the midday break rules described on the UAE government portal. That is a good guide for visitors too.

1. Plan outdoor time for early morning or after sunset. Avoid long walks or sightseeing in full sun around midday.
2. Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty. Carry a bottle and refill it often.
3. Cover up. A hat, sunglasses and loose, light-coloured clothing help more than you might expect.
4. Use high SPF sunscreen and reapply after swimming. The sun is strong all year, not only in summer.
5. Know the warning signs. Dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion or stopping sweating are signs of heat illness. Get into shade or air conditioning, cool down and get medical help if you do not feel better. In an emergency in the UAE, call 999 for police or 998 for an ambulance.
6. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
7. Be careful with sand and metal. Beach sand, car seats and playground slides can get hot enough to burn.

What are the best months for the beach, the desert and hiking?

Best months for the beach

For warm sun without punishing heat, aim for late October to April. November and April give you the warmest comfortable sea. December to February is great for sunbathing, though the water feels cooler. In summer you can still swim early in the morning or late in the day, but the middle of the day is too hot for most people. Our guide to the top beaches in Dubai has ideas for where to go.

Best months for the desert

Desert safaris run all year, but October to April is the most comfortable time, and overnight camping really only makes sense from November to March. Pack a warm layer for the evening in winter. In summer, choose a sunrise trip or an evening safari that starts late in the afternoon.

Best months for hiking

Hiking is a winter activity in the UAE. November to March is the season for trails in Hatta and the Hajar Mountains. The mountains are noticeably cooler than the coast, especially at higher points in Ras Al Khaimah. Start early, carry more water than you think you need and avoid wadis when rain is forecast, because flash floods can happen quickly. See our guide to hiking trails in Dubai for routes.

Which events in Dubai follow the seasons?

Many of Dubai’s big outdoor events run in the cooler months for obvious reasons. Two that shape the calendar:

• Global Village: the open-air culture and shopping park closes for the summer and opens for the cooler season. Season 31 opened on 14 October 2026 and runs until May 2027, as reported by Khaleej Times. Read our Global Village guide before you go.
• Dubai Shopping Festival: the 32nd edition runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, with sales, concerts and fireworks across the city, according to TradeArabia.

Because these months are popular, flights and hotels tend to cost more from December to March. If you travel in summer you will usually find better rates, as long as you are happy to spend the hottest hours indoors.

What should you pack for Dubai in each season?

Pack for the heat outside and the air conditioning inside. Malls, cinemas, taxis and the metro can be properly cold. For a list built around your dates and plans, try our packing list generator, and see how to pack for a trip to the UAE for more detail.

Whatever the season, bring something that covers shoulders and knees for visiting mosques, heritage areas and government buildings. Many malls also ask visitors to dress modestly.

Last checked: October 2026. Rules and fees in the UAE change; confirm on the official pages above before you rely on them.