Winter in Dubai: The Greatest Issues to Do Beneath the Desert Solar

How a lot distinction will it make to your Dubai expertise to go to within the cooler months of the yr? Precisely how chilly does it get, and might you count on sunshine or rain? Is it nonetheless seashore climate in the course of the Dubai winter season? What’s occurring throughout winter 2023-24 to make it definitely worth the go to?

Winter in Dubai brings with it gentle temperatures, loads of sunshine, festivals and reside leisure, with a really low likelihood of your winter plans being washed out by inclement climate. Let’s take a deep dive into Dubai’s desert local weather and the perfect winter actions in Dubai and The United Arab Emirates.

Should you’re curious about what to anticipate on the flip facet, you possibly can see our full information to visiting Dubai in Summer time right here – together with our month-to-month guides to Dubai climate & occasions calendar.

When is Winter in Dubai?

Following the northern hemisphere seasons, winter in Dubai falls from December to March. Nevertheless, unlikely a lot of Europe and North America don’t count on snow and freezing temperatures. Dubai likes to blissfully glide into a light winter of blue skies, sunny days, and crisp cool evenings – however hardly ever what most would name COLD.

Reasonably than a conventional 4 seasons, Dubai’s seasons can greatest be described as merely summer time and winter, with enormous levels of warmth variation between the 2 (or sizzling, very popular, and OMG, I can’t imagine it will get that HOT!).

The cooler, extra bearable months of the yr typically run from late October, the place we see a big drop in daytime highs (from the 40’s°C all the way down to the lows 30’s°C in November), by way of to mid-Could, the place the temperatures begin hitting into the 40°C/100°F + realms as soon as extra.

Dubai Winter Temperature: How Chilly Does Dubai Get in Winter?

The best month of the yr for Dubai is January, the place the common temperature is 24.2°C (76°F). The typical in a single day low in January is 14.6°C (58°F), and the common sea temperature of Dubai in January is 23.9°C (75°F).

You possibly can count on, on common, 8 hours of sunshine on a Dubai winter’s day.

There can, after all, be extremes in Dubai at any time of yr, and winter isn’t any exception. Daytime temperatures in January can climb over 30°C (86°F), and nighttime temperatures within the mountains and desert can get as chilly as freezing – snow can happen on the UAE’s highest peak – Jebel Jais – on the coldest of days.

Does it Rain in Dubai within the Winter?

Rain isn’t a each day incidence in Dubai; nonetheless, more and more, rainstorms can happen – normally downpours unexpectedly somewhat than days on finish of rain and drizzle.

On common, you possibly can count on 5 rain days monthly between December and March. It’s arduous to foretell exactly when it’d rain in Dubai quite a lot of days out, so we wouldn’t go planning a winter vacation in Dubai across the climate, nor even pack an umbrella.

Nevertheless, remember it CAN occur and when it does…. oh boy! Flash flooding and site visitors chaos can ensue. It’s greatest if it rains throughout your journey to Dubai to move someplace safely indoors and wait it out till it passes >> see our indoor solutions beneath!

Bear in mind that Dubai additionally engages in cloudseeding, which has resulted in additional frequent rain showers than the UAE has traditionally skilled.

Fog in Dubai

By far, a much bigger problem in Dubai in winter than rain is fog. For a lot of the winter months in Dubai, actually, from at the same time as early as September, you’ll begin to expertise some phenomenal morning fogs descending upon town because of the in a single day humidity.

This low-level fog usually burns off by mid-morning to depart a stupendous, crisp, and sunny day forward. The fog can, nonetheless, trigger air site visitors chaos and issues on the fast-flowing roads. On uncommon events, it may be so extreme as to shut DXB airport.

Issues to Do in Dubai within the Winter

So, on to the enjoyable stuff and why we love winter in Dubai a lot: the cooler climate means a return to our favorite parks and out of doors actions! Winter 2024/25 actually begins with the return of out of doors markets and seasonal favourites like International Village and rolls on with Christmas, New Yr’s Eve, and a lot extra, profiting from the good outdoor.

Dubai Safari Park – Discovered within the Al Warqa 5 space, the park performs host to over 3000 animals, with instructional, conservation, and safety on the core of their mission. This winter, they’re providing a novel night time safari expertise from 13 December to 12 January 2025.

The Stroll & The Seashore JBR – this iconic beachfront space of Dubai has one thing for everybody. Metropolis meets seashore on the bustling waterfront stroll. Get pleasure from cosmopolitan eating places to ice cream stands and youngsters splash parks, camel rides alongside the seashore, and an enormous vary of water sports activities are on supply.

Al Seef – the place outdated meets new alongside the western financial institution of the Dubai Creek. Conventional structure seamlessly blends town’s oldest neighbourhood into this contemporary waterfront vacation spot. Catch your boat excursions from right here or take pleasure in a chunk overlooking the water and stroll the touristy retailers.

You will discover our full information to Dubai’s greatest parks and out of doors areas right here in addition to a information to our favorite public seashores in Dubai.

Desert safaris, dune sports activities and tenting in Dubai in winter

Winter is a perfect time to discover Dubai’s desert. On a night, in a single day safari, or early morning sizzling air balloon experience, you’ll undoubtedly wish to pack a heat jumper/sweater and take lengthy trousers with you, together with closed-toe footwear. You might even need a beanie and scarf if you happen to’re significantly inclined to the chilly, but it surely’s not tremendous chilly. Organised desert camps will offer you the required blankets.

With the cooler day temperatures too, winter is the perfect time for a daytime Dubai desert safari. Operates have re-opened post-Covid-19 with a strict vary of security measures in place to make them a enjoyable and gratifying expertise for all.

A enjoyable desert exercise to take pleasure in within the winter in your adrenaline junkies is a dune buggy tour – try precisely how one can e-book your dune buggy tour in Dubai over right here.

Should you’d want one thing extra sedate and eco-friendly, we strongly recommend you attempt one of many excursions within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the place the main focus is moe on the native wildlife and appreciating the serenity of the desert.

You possibly can see our full information to in a single day tenting and glamping in Dubai right here.

Hit the seashore

While many inns have their very own personal seashores, there are a selection of public seashores and seashore golf equipment across the metropolis providing a wide range of totally different experiences. From refined seashore hang-outs to chilled-out household spots like Kite Seashore,; Dubai actually does have all of it on the subject of seashore experiences.

Most seashore golf equipment shut through the hottest months, and while December and January could not really feel like seashore climate for a lot of residents, temperatures are nonetheless thought of ‘heat’ by many guests. If you wish to search out some winter solar, that is our present alternative of the greatest seashore golf equipment in Dubai (there are at all times new selections being added!)

You will discover out extra about Dubai’s greatest public seashores right here, together with recommendation on what to put on and which seashores are free vs paid

Go to the Theme Parks

Winter is the proper time for theme park followers to go to Dubai with nice climate.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts, with the mixed theme parks of Legoland, Motiongate and actual Madrid World, makes for a wonderful winter alternative.

Day Journey to different Emirates

The cooler days of winter make it a good time to discover the opposite emirates of the UAE (do you know Dubai is certainly one of 7 Emirates of the UAE? Listed here are our high Dubai day journey solutions:

• Adrenaline junkies, head to Ras Al Khaimah! Dwelling to the UAE’s tallest peak Jebel Jais, and the UAE journey capital, that is the place to move for scenic drives, mountain mountaineering and biking, wadi excursions, tenting and any excessive out of doors exercise you possibly can consider!

• The proper combine of out of doors adventures and historical past, head to the far east coast of the nation and discover the emirate of Fujairah. From snorkelling alternatives at Snoopy Seashore to dhow cruises at Dibba, that is our favorite day journey from Dubai in winter for a style of the “different facet” of the UAE, away from the fashionable excessive rises.

Learn this information if you happen to’ll be renting a automotive and driving in Dubai to see if its the suitable match for you or an organised tour could also be higher.

Dubai Water Parks and Water Sports activities in Winter

So, simply how chilly does the seawater get in winter? If you wish to dip within the Arabian Gulf waters in winter, it may possibly drop as little as 22°C (73°F) in the course of winter.

Our super-sensitive desert youngsters would squeal that that is far too chilly, however guests from the depth of European winter will little question discover it positively balmy!

• Water Parks in Dubai stay open nearly all year long, however chances are you’ll discover they shut for a fortnight in some unspecified time in the future within the winter (typically exterior of college vacation occasions). It’s value checking any potential closure occasions earlier than you journey if this is a vital a part of your Dubai journey plans. Aquaventure at Atlantis stays the most important within the Center East, but in addition essentially the most crowded and might undergo from lengthy queues. Additionally contemplate Wild Wadi Waterpark or with littles, Legoland Waterpark.

• Resort swimming swimming pools, however, are way more more likely to be temperature managed, so you will see that them splendidly heated within the winter (actually, swimming pools will begin being heated to keep up a gradual 28°C-30°C water temperature from about October!). Not all resort swimming pools are created the identical on this regard! It pays to examine the advantageous print if you happen to’re reserving a Dubai resort in winter.

• If unsure, why not e-book a resort in Dubai with an indoor pool? Loads of locations supply indoor swimming pools, from lap swimming pools to luxurious indoor spas, for year-round rest at excellent temperatures.

Dubai Cruises and Boat Rides

You’ll undoubtedly be capable of take pleasure in getting out on the water round Dubai in loads of different methods.

• There are a lot of yachts, from Dubai Marina, particularly, the place you possibly can privately constitution a yacht in your celebration, be it a daytime sightseeing cruise or a enjoyable night celebration out on the water.

Keep in mind, it may possibly get chilly within the evenings, so put on acceptable hotter clothes if you happen to’ll be hitting the water at night time.

Dubai’s Seasonal Winter Occasions

Many occasions and Dubai winter points of interest will solely open over the cooler months of the yr, although these “seasons” are regularly creeping longer annually!

Right here’s only a number of our favourites for guests to take pleasure in a special facet of Dubai:

International Village

The crowds and hues of Dubai’s International Village should be seen to be believed. Like an enormous world’s truthful representing over 70 international locations by way of meals, dance, and reside performances.

• You possibly can take pleasure in tremendous low cost entry to this out of doors extravaganza from 16 October 2024 by way of till 11 Could 2025. Be taught extra right here.

Dubai Backyard Glow

A spectacular nighttime gentle show in Zabeel Park, a go to to the Dinosaur Park and even an Ice Sculpture Park, is multi function venue for a magical night.

Dubai Miracle Backyard

The most important flower backyard on the earth by whole blooms sits proper right here in Dubai! Marvel on the floral creations from the enduring A380 everlasting characteristic to the swinging gardens, the floral clock, unbelievable topiary collections, and an annual altering lineup to impress!

• This yr’s season will run from 28 September 2024 to early Could 2025. Be taught extra right here.

Festive Winter Wonderlands in Dubai

Though Christmas isn’t a marked spiritual vacation within the United Arab Emirates, there’s no denying it’s celebrated in a giant means! It could nonetheless be heat exterior, however magical winter wonderlands with snow machines, Christmas bushes, and market stalls for Santa himself will seem throughout town in December.

All the massive procuring malls will probably be in on the motion, together with locations like Souk Madinat, JBR, Winter District, Expo Metropolis, Habtoor Metropolis and Ski Dubai – see our full Christmas in Dubai information right here (plus we share right here our information to in search of out Santa in Dubai if you happen to’re after a festive picture for the household).

Ripe Market

Solely closing now for the most popular few months of the yr, the Ripe Farmers Market has a couple of roving places throughout town through the summer time months. In winter, nonetheless, yow will discover it at Academy Park within the Umm Suqeim space of town each Saturday and Sunday. The sprawling market is a superb place to choose up contemporary natural vegetables and fruit and likewise meet native artisans promoting their hand-crafted merchandise.

• This yr’s dates are 12 October 2024 to early Could 2024

What if it Rains in Winter? What to do in Dubai When it Rains

On uncommon days, it does rain in Dubai, however don’t fear about it ruining your journey plans – Dubai is a metropolis additionally constructed to be loved indoors! Listed here are only a few solutions to fill a wet day in Dubai (with & with out youngsters):

• Dubai Body – rain or not, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in a hen’s eye view beneath the towering Dubai Body – observe the Dubai Creek and Previous Dubai from one facet and the fashionable skyscrapers of Dubai to the west. See our evaluation of the Dubai Body right here.

• Dubai Mall – at all times a fail-safe; regardless of the climate, there’s a lot to see and do in and round Dubai Mall. Make a journey up the tallest constructing on the earth, the Burj Khalifa, or take a tour of the unbelievable Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. (Simply be warned, peak occasions/dates for Burj Khalifa will e-book up FAST!)

• The Inexperienced Planet Dubai – Gives an unbelievable indoor rainforest expertise within the coronary heart of town. Snake your means across the big synthetic tree inside an enormous biodome adjoining to the Metropolis Stroll leisure precinct. There’s now the added characteristic of an outside Nature Park – a big edutainment space that includes a treehouse with viewing platforms, journey trails and slides, plus reasonable animatronics of all method of creepy crawlies (the out of doors exhibit is greatest for dry climate!)!

• The Museum of the Future is an interesting journey to the way forward for area, well being and innovation (although do notice that tickets should be booked many weeks prematurely; you possibly can’t pop in right here as a last-minute plan!) Historical past buffs, although, will discover Etihad Museum a wonderful Dubai rainy-day alternative with out the queues and crowds.

Potential Cons of Visiting Dubai in Winter

Now, it’s undoubtedly true the perfect time to go to Dubai is within the winter, however are there any drawbacks to a winter journey to Dubai? No deal breakers, but it surely’s value contemplating:

• It will get actually busy. Crowds have sadly change into an enormous downside when visiting Dubai within the winter and through peak season. We’d extremely recommend that if you’re planning a go to to Dubai within the winter, pay attention to the busiest durations over faculty holidays (typically the final three weeks of December). When you have flexibility, come on a weekday and outdoors the main faculty breaks to keep away from traces at widespread points of interest.

• It’ll price you extra: Being excessive season (significantly December by way of early January), you’ll discover inns are charging premium costs, and the perfect locations will e-book up quick; there’s little or no likelihood of discovering an awesome deal over the cooler winter season in Dubai.

• It may rain: May is the important thing right here – we’ve had winters and not using a drop of rain, then different years a number of days of deluge and localised flooding – its completely not a deal breaker; you usually tend to get a string of days with blue clear skies, however do have a contingency plan in thoughts, rain is normally forecast a minimum of every week out.

We’re usually stuffed with positivity about visiting Dubai at any time of yr, however see right here our least favorite time to go to Dubai.

So, is it Value Visiting Dubai within the Winter?

Completely! We will’t promise clear blue skies in Dubai each single day, but it surely’s fairly darn near perfection in your mid-winter trip!

You possibly can try precisely what to anticipate every month all through winter right here: