Dubai has a subtropical desert climate with two distinct seasons: a hot summer from May to October and a mild winter from November to April. The city averages less than 100mm of rain annually, nearly all of it falling between December and March. Humidity is the real challenge in summer, with coastal areas hitting 90% relative humidity in August and September. Air conditioning is everywhere and effective, so indoor activities work year-round, but outdoor sightseeing is best reserved for the winter months.
Dubai Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Data
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sea Temp | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24 C (75 F) | 14 C (57 F) | 10mm | 21 C (70 F) | 8 |
| February | 25 C (77 F) | 15 C (59 F) | 40mm | 21 C (70 F) | 8 |
| March | 28 C (82 F) | 18 C (64 F) | 10mm | 23 C (73 F) | 8 |
| April | 33 C (91 F) | 21 C (70 F) | 10mm | 26 C (79 F) | 10 |
| May | 38 C (100 F) | 25 C (77 F) | 1mm | 29 C (84 F) | 11 |
| June | 40 C (104 F) | 27 C (81 F) | 0mm | 31 C (88 F) | 11 |
| July | 41 C (106 F) | 30 C (86 F) | 1mm | 33 C (91 F) | 10 |
| August | 41 C (106 F) | 30 C (86 F) | 1mm | 33 C (91 F) | 10 |
| September | 39 C (102 F) | 27 C (81 F) | 1mm | 32 C (90 F) | 10 |
| October | 35 C (95 F) | 24 C (75 F) | 1mm | 30 C (86 F) | 10 |
| November | 31 C (88 F) | 20 C (68 F) | 4mm | 27 C (81 F) | 9 |
| December | 26 C (79 F) | 16 C (61 F) | 20mm | 24 C (75 F) | 8 |
Winter: January and February
The coolest months with daytime highs of 24-25 C (75-77 F) and nights at 14-15 C (57-59 F). Bring a light jacket for evenings. February is the wettest month with 40mm of rain across 2-3 brief showers. These are the busiest tourism months, with hotel prices at their peak and Burj Khalifa tickets selling out days in advance. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates.
Spring: March and April
March is the sweet spot: 28 C (82 F) days, 18 C (64 F) evenings, hotel prices 15-20% below February. April transitions to 33 C (91 F) with low humidity. Sea temperatures rise from 23 to 26 C (73-79 F). Sandstorms (shamal winds) can hit in March, reducing visibility for 1-3 days. Check the forecast before booking desert activities.
Summer Onset: May and June
May reaches 38 C (100 F) and June 40 C (104 F). Humidity stays manageable through June. Hotel rates drop 40-60% from winter peaks. Outdoor pools remain usable through May. June is the last month for a tolerable morning beach walk. The Gulf hits 31 C (88 F). Indoor attractions like things to do in Dubai operate normally year-round.
Peak Summer: July and August
41 C (106 F) with humidity pushing the heat index past 50 C (122 F). Walking outside between 10am and 4pm is unpleasant. The sea at 33 C (91 F) offers no relief. Hotel rates hit their annual floor at 70%+ discounts. Plan indoor activities exclusively: Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Ski Dubai. Avoid if you have respiratory issues.
Autumn: September and October
September stays hot at 39 C (102 F) but humidity eases. By mid-October, temperatures drop to 35 C (95 F) with pleasant evenings at 24 C (75 F). Outdoor dining terraces reopen and beach season restarts. Hotel prices remain 30-40% below winter rates through October, making this the best time to visit Dubai for value-conscious travelers.
Early Winter: November and December
November at 31 C (88 F) is warm without being oppressive, sea at 27 C (81 F). December brings 26 C (79 F) days. UAE National Day (December 2) features fireworks and air shows. New Year’s Eve sees some of the world’s largest displays with hotel prices at absolute peaks. Check Dubai events and festivals for the December calendar.
