Are you planning to visit or settle in the United Arab Emirates? when to go to Dubai to take advantage of the best conditions? This question is far from trivial. Between scorching summers where the mercury regularly exceeds 45°C and perfectly pleasant mild winters, the choice of period directly affects the quality of your experience in this extraordinary city.
Whether you're planning a leisure trip, property scouting or launching your business activity, this month-by-month guide analyses the climate, prices, available activities and major events so you can choose the ideal period to suit your objectives. You'll know exactly when to leave to make the most of your stay in Dubai, whether in terms of weather, budget or business opportunities.
What's the climate like in Dubai?
Dubai enjoys a subtropical desert climate with two distinct main seasons. The city enjoys exceptional sunshine throughout the year, with over 340 days of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest destinations on the planet. Rainfall is extremely rare, concentrated between December and March, with an annual average of less than 100 mm. This arid climate profoundly shapes the local way of life and largely determines when to go to Dubai.
Humidity is the factor most underestimated by travellers. Between June and September, humidity levels can rise above 90 % on the coast, making the heat even more stifling than it already is. This phenomenon turns every outdoor outing into a real physical ordeal, even for regular residents. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes it feel as hot as 55°C in midsummer, a decisive factor in determining the best time to travel.
When to go to Dubai: the best period
The ideal window to find out when to go to Dubai runs from November to March. During this period, temperatures fluctuate between 20°C and 30°C during the day, humidity levels remain bearable and outdoor activities are perfectly feasible. This is the peak tourist season, which means higher prices for flights and accommodation, but also a particularly rich calendar of events with festivals, sports competitions and major trade fairs.
If you're looking for the perfect compromise between pleasant weather and low prices, October and April are excellent transitional periods. Temperatures remain warm without being oppressive, between 28°C and 35°C. Tourist numbers drop significantly and hotel rates are 30 to 40 % lower than at the height of the season. This is the time that many seasoned expatriates recommend for a first exploratory trip to the city.
When to go to Dubai: temperatures and climate month by month
To find out exactly when to go to Dubai according to your preferences, here are full details of the weather conditions for each month of the year. This table allows you to compare minimum and maximum temperatures, sea water temperatures, rainfall and our overall opinion of each period at a glance.
| Month | Min. temp. | Max. temp. | Sea | Rain | Opinion |
| January | 14°C | 24°C | 22°C | 10 mm | ★★★★★ |
| February | 15°C | 25°C | 21°C | 25 mm | ★★★★★ |
| March | 18°C | 29°C | 23°C | 20 mm | ★★★★☆ |
| April | 21°C | 33°C | 26°C | 5 mm | ★★★☆☆ |
| May | 25°C | 38°C | 29°C | 0 mm | ★★☆☆☆ |
| June | 28°C | 40°C | 31°C | 0 mm | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| July | 30°C | 42°C | 33°C | 0 mm | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| August | 31°C | 42°C | 34°C | 0 mm | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| September | 28°C | 39°C | 33°C | 0 mm | ★★☆☆☆ |
| October | 24°C | 35°C | 30°C | 0 mm | ★★★☆☆ |
| November | 20°C | 30°C | 27°C | 5 mm | ★★★★☆ |
| December | 16°C | 26°C | 24°C | 10 mm | ★★★★★ |
This table confirms that the period between November and March offers the most favourable climatic conditions for a stay in Dubai. The sea temperature remains pleasant all year round, never dropping below 21°C, making it possible to swim even in the middle of winter. Conversely, the months of June to August offer extreme conditions that severely restrict outdoor activities in this usually vibrant city.
When to go to Dubai in winter: high season (November to February)
Winter in Dubai is nothing like winter in Europe. With daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, it's the most comfortable time to explore the city on foot, enjoy the beaches and take part in outdoor activities. Evenings are mild, around 15°C to 18°C, so you can enjoy the terraces of restaurants and rooftops without suffering from the heat. The sky is almost always a clear blue, making for exceptional photographic conditions.
It is during this season that Dubai rolls out its most ambitious calendar of events. The Dubai Shopping Festival is held every year between December and January, offering massive discounts in the city's shopping malls. The Dubai Food Festival showcases the local gastronomic scene between February and March. New Year's Eve in Dubai attracts visitors from all over the world for the Burj Khalifa fireworks display, one of the most impressive on the planet. Golf enthusiasts enjoy ideal conditions on world-class courses such as the Emirates Golf Club.
The downside is that prices soar. Return air fares from Paris can reach €550 to €600 during the festive season, and hotel rates in premium establishments double or even triple compared with the summer. It's also becoming difficult to find restaurants that are in high demand without booking in advance. However, for an entrepreneur scouting out the region, this is still a strategic period: economic activity is in full swing and business contacts are facilitated by the density of business events held between November and March.
→ Read: Complete guide to shopping in Dubai
Spring and autumn in Dubai: when to go between two seasons
March, April, October and November are the transitional seasons between the mildness of winter and the heat of summer. These months represent an excellent compromise for those wondering when to go to Dubai without suffering the crowds or the extreme heat. This is the preferred window for experienced travellers who already know the city and want to return in optimum conditions.
In March and April, temperatures gradually rise to between 28°C and 35°C. Humidity remains moderate and the days are long and sunny. This is a particularly good time for water sports: jet-skiing, scuba diving, cruises in the marina, paddle-boarding along the Jumeirah beaches. The desert surrounding the city is still accessible for 4×4 excursions or camel safaris, two emblematic Dubai experiences that every visitor should try at least once.
Autumn, particularly October and November, marks the gradual return to bearable temperatures after the summer heatwave. October remains hot, with highs of 35°C, but the humidity starts to drop significantly. November offers almost ideal conditions for exploring the city, with days of 28-30°C and cool nights of around 20°C. This is often the most under-priced month of the year: prices are still those of the low season, while the climate is once again pleasant, offering unbeatable value for money.
For future expatriates, these shoulder seasons are ideal for scouting out properties. The city is in full swing, you can visit residential areas in realistic conditions and estate agents are more available than in high season. You'll also have time to explore different areas such as JVC, Dubai Marina, Downtown or Business Bay to find the neighbourhood that really suits your lifestyle.
When to go to Dubai in summer: should you really avoid this season?
Let's face it: summer in Dubai is a physical ordeal. Temperatures systematically exceed 40°C between June and August, with regular peaks of 48°C in full sun. The coastal humidity reaches suffocating levels, between 70 % and 90 %, creating a permanent sauna effect as soon as you walk through a door. Just walking from your car to the entrance of a shopping centre is enough to leave you drenched in sweat in a matter of seconds.
However, it would be a mistake to reduce Dubai's summer to a climatic inferno. The city is entirely designed for air conditioning: shopping centres, restaurants, offices and even bus stops are all equipped with high-performance systems. Life simply moves indoors, and Dubai excels in indoor activities.
Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort at the Mall of the Emirates with real snow slopes, sums up the spirit of this city. IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, offers dozens of attractions for all ages. Museums such as the Museum of the Future, giant aquariums and countless spas in the major hotels complete the summer offering.
The clincher when to go to Dubai in summer remains financial. Prices fall dramatically between June and August. A 5-star hotel that charges 400 euros a night in January falls to 100 or 120 euros in July. Flights from France are negotiated at around €200 return, sometimes less with low-cost airlines.
Some upmarket restaurants offer lunch deals at knock-down prices to attract a rarefied clientele. For travellers on a tight budget who want to discover Dubai's luxury without breaking the bank, this is a real opportunity, as long as you are prepared to live mainly indoors.
For entrepreneurs thinking of setting up a company in Dubai, summer is paradoxically a strategic time. Government departments are less congested, processing times for licences and visas are shorter, and property negotiations for your offices or accommodation can be conducted from a position of strength in the face of landlords in a hurry to let their vacant spaces.
→ Read: Setting up a company in Dubai
Going to Dubai during Ramadan ?
Ramadan is a special time that deserves special attention when you're thinking about when to go to Dubai. This holy month of the Islamic calendar shifts by around 10 days each year. In 2026, it should fall approximately between the end of February and the end of March, at the height of the tourist season.
During Ramadan, the rhythm of the city changes significantly. Restaurants are closed during the day or serve behind drawn curtains, alcohol consumption is restricted in public places and nightlife slows down considerably before the fast is broken. On the other hand, the evenings come alive after Iftar and hotels offer special buffets, often sumptuous, at very competitive prices. The atmosphere is unique and warm, offering an authentic cultural perspective rarely available to tourists.
For a tourist, Ramadan is not prohibitive, but it does require some adaptation. You can eat and drink in your hotel room without restriction. Many shopping centres have catering areas open to non-Muslims. On the other hand, observing the fast in public places is compulsory and strictly enforced: eating, drinking or smoking in the street in broad daylight is an offence punishable by fine. More conservative dress is also appreciated during this period.
For entrepreneurs, Ramadan means shorter working hours in the administration and with your local contacts. Administrative procedures slow down considerably and meetings are often held in the late morning or early evening. If you are planning to set up a business or take on important administrative tasks, avoid scheduling critical steps during this sacred period.
When to go to Dubai on a budget
The budget is a decisive factor in determining when to go to Dubai. Price differences between high and low season are considerable, sometimes tripling on accommodation and doubling on air fares.
| Period | Return flight (Paris) | Hotel 4★ / night | Attendance |
| January - February | 350 € - 550 € | 150 € - 350 € | High |
| March - April | 300 € - 450 € | 120 € - 280 € | Medium-high |
| May - June | 200 € - 350 € | 70 € - 150 € | Low |
| July - August | 180 € - 300 € | 60 € - 130 € | Very low |
| Sept. - October | 220 € - 380 € | 80 € - 170 € | Low-medium |
| November - December | 350 € - 600 € | 160 € - 400 € | High |
To optimise your travel budget, aim for the months of May, June or September. You'll benefit from much lower prices while avoiding the July-August heatwave. Indoor activities remain fully accessible, and the city's beaches are accessible early in the morning before 9am or late in the day after 5pm. This is the strategy adopted by many expatriates who bring their families here from France.
If budget is not a constraint and you're looking for the ultimate experience, January and February combine perfect weather, cultural events and a festive atmosphere. This is when Dubai is at its best, with a collective energy palpable throughout the city and exceptional networking opportunities at the many international trade fairs and conferences.
→ Read: Ideal salary for a good life in Dubai
What to do in Dubai depending on the season Must-do activities
High season activities (November to March)
The cooler season opens the door to all the outdoor activities Dubai has to offer. The beaches of Jumeirah, La Mer and Kite Beach are swarming with families and sports enthusiasts alike. The desert surrounding the city becomes the ideal playground for quad bike excursions, sunset safaris and nights under the stars in luxury Bedouin camps.
Water parks such as Aquaventure Waterpark and Wild Wadi are in full swing under a generous but bearable sun. Horse racing at Meydan Racecourse culminates in the Dubai World Cup, one of the richestly endowed events in the world. World-class golf courses, including the Emirates Golf Club, are playable in ideal conditions between December and March.
Low-season activities (April to October)
Summer calls for a strategic retreat indoors, but Dubai excels in this area with one of the world's most impressive offerings of indoor activities. The Mall of the Emirates is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort with real snow slopes and live penguins, a climatic absurdity that perfectly sums up the spirit of this city. IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, features Marvel and Cartoon Network themed zones.
The Museum of the Future offers a unique immersive futuristic experience. The spas at major hotels such as the Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab offer particularly attractive summer packages with discounts of up to 50 %. And for shopping enthusiasts, Dubai Summer Surprises transform the city's malls into a festival of promotions for several consecutive weeks.
How many days can I stay in Dubai?
The ideal length of your stay depends on the purpose of your trip. For a first tourist trip, five to seven days are enough to discover the city's must-sees: the Burj Khalifa and its panoramic view, the marina and its boat rides, old Dubai with its authentic souks, an excursion into the desert and the main shopping centres. This format allows you to enjoy Dubai to the full without getting exhausted, especially if you come during the hot season.
For a scouting trip with a view to expatriation, allow between seven and ten days. This gives you enough time to visit residential areas such as JVC, Dubai Marina, Downtown or Arabian Ranches, to meet estate agents, to understand the school system if you have children and to assess the cost of living in the country. It's also enough time to take the first administrative steps with a specialised local partner.
Entrepreneurs in the process of setting up a business should allow two to three weeks to combine the administrative aspects - business licence, investor visa, opening a bank account - with time for personal exploration. The city reveals itself differently when you stay long enough to go beyond the tourist stage and start living at the local pace, between morning cafés and afternoon business meetings.
→ Read the full expat guide to Dubai
Major events in Dubai: when to go and enjoy them
The calendar of events has a direct influence on the choice of when to go to Dubai. Here are the key events that punctuate the year in this city on the move.
Between October and November, Gitex Global brings together the world's tech and innovation players, a golden opportunity for digital entrepreneurs and investors. Dubai Design Week celebrates contemporary design and architecture with spectacular exhibitions. The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, easily accessible from Dubai in less than two hours, closes the international motor racing season in November.
From December to March, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) kicks off the festivities with massive promotions in all the city's shopping centres. New Year's Eve offers a memorable fireworks display around the Burj Khalifa, visible from dozens of kilometres away. The Dubai Jazz Festival and Art Dubai attract culture lovers from all over the world. The Dubai World Cup in March is the pinnacle of the global horse racing season, with prizes reaching millions of dollars.
In summer, Dubai Summer Surprises offset the heat with aggressive shopping discounts and family entertainment in the malls. The Dubai Comedy Festival and various gastronomic events punctuate the off-season to maintain the city's attractiveness and offer a variety of activities to residents and visitors braving the heatwave.
FAQ : When to go to Dubai ?
When is the cheapest month to go to Dubai?
July and August are the cheapest months to visit Dubai, with hotel and air fares at their lowest. Flights from Paris go down to €180-250 return and 4-star hotels in the city are negotiated between €60 and €130 a night. Restaurants are also offering special deals to attract customers.
Is it always hot in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai is a hot city all year round, but the intensity varies considerably between seasons. In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 24-26°C, a mild and very pleasant climate. In summer, the thermometer systematically exceeds 40°C, with stifling humidity. The difference in feeling between December and August is absolutely radical and totally determines the type of activities you can enjoy.
Can you swim all year round in Dubai?
Absolutely. The sea temperature never drops below 21°C, even in the middle of winter. The best time to swim is between November and April, when the air is cool but the water remains comfortable. In summer, the sea reaches 34°C, which unfortunately makes for a hot bath rather than a refreshing dip. The beaches of Jumeirah and La Mer are nevertheless popular early in the morning.
When should you travel to Dubai with children?
Dubai is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. Children's facilities are everywhere: indoor and outdoor amusement parks, beaches with play areas, dedicated areas in all shopping centres. For families, the best period is December to February, when outdoor activities can be enjoyed without risk from the heat and when the school holidays coincide with the high season.
How far in advance should I book for Dubai?
For the high season (November to February), book your flights and hotels three to four months in advance to benefit from reasonable rates. For New Year's Eve, book at least six months in advance. For the low season, one month is more than enough, and last-minute offers are common, with discounts of up to 60 % on accommodation in the city.
