Planning a trip to Dubai but not sure when to go? We’re here to help. While the UAE might be an obvious winter-sun destination, there are so many reasons to visit all year round.
Here’s our guide to when you should book your trip, according to the type of holiday you’re after…
Best for… weather
Dubai boasts dry, sunny weather all year round. But, the summers can get seriously hot, so if you want to spend your time by the pool or beach, pick the cooler months for your trip. From October until April, the temperatures hover around the comfortable 27-degree mark, with bright sunshine almost every day. So you can get out and enjoy Dubai’s outdoor attractions and top up your vitamin D without melting in the heat.
Best for… sightseeing
June to September are the hottest months of the year in Dubai, with the mercury regularly hitting highs of 40 degrees. But, if you can stand the heat, head to the UAE in summer and you’ll enjoy crowd-free tourist attractions and lower prices on flights and hotels. Lots of Dubai’s attractions are indoors and comfortably air-conditioned – including the Burj Khalifa, the malls, the theme parks, and the ski slope – so there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you don’t fancy walking around in the heat. And, you won’t have to endure long queues for the brunches, shows and events too. Win.
Best for… beaches
If sunbathing and swimming in the sea are number one on your agenda, pick Dubai’s shoulder seasons – May, September and October – for your beach holiday. The temperatures are cool enough to spend time outside, and the sea is warm enough for swimming in too (in winter it can get quite cold). Pretty much every kind of watersport is available to try in Dubai, from kitesurfing and wakeboarding to banana boat rides and waterskiing. If you’re feeling brave you can even join a shark safari, and dive down to swim amongst the rays, sharks and colourful fish. Check out our guide to the best beaches in Dubai.
Best for… sports
October, November and December are great months to visit the UAE if you’re a sports fan. Abu Dhabi, which is just an hour and a half away from Dubai, plays host to Formula One in November every year. Watch the exhilarating races and then enjoy the after-race performances from the likes of Pink, Calvin Harris and Sam Smith. Dubai also hosts an annual Rugby Sevens tournament in November every year. And, you’ll find cliff diving events, beach soccer, horse racing and even camel racing throughout the season.
Best for… shopping
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise pretty much all year round. It’s home to the biggest mall in the the world, the Dubai Mall, which boasts over 1,200 stores and all the huge global brands and high street shops in one place. And, if that’s not enough, there’s also the Mall of the Emirates, the Dubai Outlets Mall and loads of souks where you can haggle for a great deal. In January, Dubai plays host to an annual shopping festival where bargain hunters can take advantage of unbeatable discounts. The event runs throughout the whole month and shoppers can snap up amazing designer deals and huge discounts off big name brands, like Chanel and DKNY. You’ll also be treated to catwalk shows, beauty hack demonstrations, celebrity performances, and a huge fireworks display every weekend during the event.
Ready to experience everything Dubai has to offer? The millionaire’s playground has it all – beaches, beautiful architecture, mega malls, and activities you just can’t do anywhere else. Browse our bus routes for more inspiration on what to do in Dubai.
