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UAE Travel Guide

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When to go? Seasons, climate, festivities

  • December to March

    The winter season in the UAE is December to March, when temperatures generally range between 16°C and 25°C . This is a great time for visiting as the temperature is good for activities, although this does mean there are more people around so activities get booked up fast! Although rainfall is very inconsistent in the UAE, winter is when most of the country's rainfall occurs. Even so, this is usually very short-lived.

  • April to May

    Comparable to spring, April to May is when the seasons start to change. Temperatures rise gradually during this period, increasing to between 26°C and 34°C. Although it is getting hotter, the heat is generally still bearable at this time, particularly in the coastal regions.

  • June to September

    The summer season in the UAE is unforgiving, with temperatures climbing to a sickening 50°C, especially over the southern regions. Generally in the daytimes temps will sit around 32°C to 38°C and you may also find yourself exposed to the swirling dust storms created by Shamal winds. During summer, the minimal rainfalls are even lower, so the heat is very dry. If you plan on visiting during this season, expect to do most of your activities during the early morning and evening time when temperatures are more bearable.

  • October to November

    The second transitional period during which temperatures begin to drop, occurs in October and November. During this time temperatures lower to a delightful 24°C to 30°C. As the heat of summer subsides, the cooler autumn weather sees visitors returning with both inland activities and watersports becoming popular once more.

Temperatures and climate

Min/max temp (°C) / Average rainfall (mm)

  • Dubai

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    14° / 25°
    15° / 26°
    17° / 30°
    20° / 34°
    24° / 39°
    26° / 41°
    29° / 43°
    29° / 50°
    26° / 40°
    23° / 37°
    19° / 31°
    15° / 27°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    17
    15
    16
    4
    0
    0
    2
    0
    0
    1
    3
    10

Holidays and festivities

  • National Day

    December
    UAE National Day marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates as a unified nation. The day is celebrated with a strong sense of national pride through parades, fireworks, cultural shows, and traditional activities held throughout the country.

  • Eid al Fitr

    End of Ramadan
    Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the conclusion of Ramadan. The holiday is a time of joy, featuring special prayers, festive meals, sharing of gifts, and charitable giving.

  • Dubai Marathon

    January
    The Dubai marathon, 10k road race and 4k fun run provide an exhilarating atmosphere throughout the city, with runners competing from all corners of the globe.

  • Dubai World Cup

    January to March
    Not the usual football related world cup, the Dubai World Cup is a high profile horse racing tournament held at Meydan Racecourse every year. The masses turn out in their finest to watch this spectacular event.