Dubai has two seasons: rather hot and very hot! So winter in Dubai is actually a great time to visit. Between November and March, the city enjoys blue skies and comfortable climes, making it the perfect weather to explore. The temperature hovers around 27-degrees, so beaches, sightseeing and bus tours can all be on the itinerary. While this does also mean Dubai is on everyone else’s radar at this time of year, the below reasons might just convince you still to visit in winter.
Here are our top things to do in Dubai in winter…
Hit the beach
Winter in Dubai is actually beach season. With the temperature more bearable, it’s the perfect time to hit the oceanfront and chill. And a beautiful stretch of sand isn’t exactly hard to come by on the emirate’s coastline. There are public beaches you can relax on for free, and pricier private beach clubs with sun loungers and refreshments to make your day that bit more comfortable. For a family-friendly beach head to Dubai Marina, or for more exclusive options visit the higher-end hotel strip in Jumeirah. Wherever you choose to park up for the day, you’ll be guaranteed sun, sea and fun. For a list of the beaches we recommend, check out our Best Beaches in Dubai article.
Beach Tour – Green
Venture into the desert
Winter in Dubai is the ideal time to explore the desert. With a Big Bus Deluxe Ticket, we’ll take you to the heart of the desert at sunset, giving you a panoramic tour along the way. You’ll be greeted with traditional hospitality at an Arabian-desert fort, where you’ll enjoy a coffee as the sun sets, and some fun with camels, falcons and horses. You can even get a temporary henna tattoo if you like! Or why not camp out under the stars? It’s a peaceful experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Go skiing
So this is cheating a little, but if you want a holiday destination that offers everything, Dubai is your ticket. You can relax on the beach on day 1, enjoy the sights on day 2, then hit the slopes on day 3. We kid you not. Ski Dubai is a year-round winter wonderland and is the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort. Every day is a snow day here. Practise your ski technique, or enjoy the thrill of snowboarding. Brave the toboggan hills and have a go on the bobsled. Then when it’s time to relax with a cup of cocoa after all the hard work, settle down and enjoy the beautiful mountain view. It’ll feel like a real winter in Dubai.
Tick off the sights
While this may feel like an obvious one, winter in Dubai is the most enjoyable time to see the sights. Impressive architecture and world-class attractions, there’s a whole lot to tick off. Start at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, see the world’s largest choreographed fountain set at the Dubai fountain, then head over to the Dubai Mall, where there’s over 1,300 shops to visit. Have a browse at the Dubai Museum and take a wander through Heritage Village to get a feel of traditional emirate life. Then haggle at the souks for spices, handmade treasures and souvenirs. Venture over to Atlantis on The Palm, a hotel sat atop the famous manmade island. A day out in itself, there’s a waterpark, aquarium and even swimming with dolphins. If you’re wondering how you’re going to pack it all in, hop on a Big Bus tour and we’ll take you to all of the above and more.
Winter in Dubai must be sounding very appealing right now. Hopefully that’s all the inspiration needed to book your trip and discover this city that aims for bigger and better. From ultra-modern architecture to record-breaking rides and a beautiful coastline too, you don’t need to look any further for a holiday destination that has something for everyone. And if you need help filling the rest of your time in Dubai, check out our list of Top 10 Things to Do, or for more idea's of where to visit next, check out our guide to the Best Places Visit in Winter.