A city with year-round action, but is there an ideal time to visit Dubai? We look at the seasons and special events in 2026 that you may want to plan your travel to Dubai around.
Is There a Best Season to Visit Dubai?
Dubai doesn’t really work on traditional seasons of the northern hemisphere, moving from mild to hot to very hot to extremely hot!
You are better off assessing Dubai on a spectrum of how much heat you can manage!
Some prefer the late spring when outside conditions are perfect for the beach, whilst others prefer the very coolest winter months of December to February, when there is a plethora of outdoor activities going on, though the beach may be too chilly and crowds are at their peak.
We controversially share what we think is the worst time to visit Dubai here
What to Expect Winter in Dubai
Dubai in the winter is a magical place to be. Packed full of seasonal outdoor events and plenty of hours of sunshine to enjoy with very limited rain.
The coolest months are January to February, where daily maximums usually reach 25°C/77°F, and overnight lows dip to 15°C/59°F. The sea temperature in winter dips on average to 23°C/73°F, which can be a little chilly for some.
Midwinter festivities start from National Day in early December, accompanied by Rugby 7’s and Christmas (yes, even in a Muslim country, it’s still full of festivity). The mild weather sticks around until April; then things rapidly heat up by the end of May.
Winter is the best time of year to enjoy the Dubai desert too and outdoor adventures.
What to Expect Summer in Dubai
Life in Dubai largely moves indoors and to the evenings during the hottest months. Peak summer temperatures can be as high as 50°C (122°F), though average in the low 40°’Cs.
It really starts to heat up by late April and peaks in August/September when the humidity also really kicks in.
Be mindful not only of air temperatures but sea temperatures which can rise to 32-35°C mid-summer – not exactly a refreshing ocean dip! You’ll want to check that your accommodation has a temperature-controlled pool.
By October, the temperatures start to recede, and humidity drops, then by November, you are back to the mild and pleasant winter.
What Weather Should I Expect in Dubai?
You can learn more about the exact weather, including sea temperatures, rainfall, and humidity to expect each month in Dubai here:
- January weather in Dubai
- February weather in Dubai
- March weather in Dubai
- April weather in Dubai
- May weather in Dubai
- June weather in Dubai
- July weather in Dubai
- August weather in Dubai
- September weather in Dubai
- October weather in Dubai
- November weather in Dubai
- December weather in Dubai
Special Events in Dubai – Month by Month For 2025-26
You can also learn more about special events and occasions to be aware of when planning your trip to Dubai here:
- January in Dubai
- February in Dubai
- March in Dubai
- April in Dubai
- May in Dubai
- June in Dubai
- July in Dubai
- August in Dubai
- September in Dubai
- October in Dubai
- November in Dubai
- December in Dubai
You can find a complete Dubai Events Calendar For 2026 here
Common Questions about Dubai Weather
Yes! It might take you by surprise, but rain is possible over the cooler winter months (or it could stay completely dry!). Over the last 10 years, it has rained on average five days of the year – the large exception to this was 2024 where severe rain storms saw large parts of the Emirate flash flood for several days.
There’s no need to pack an umbrella ‘just in case’. If it rains in Dubai, it’s best to stay put if you can until it passes. It’s unlikely to go on for days, but when it does rain, there’s most likely flash flooding, and driving becomes chaotic.
Yes! Dust or sand storms are common in the UAE. They may not be as extreme as those seen in the movies (looking at you, Mission Impossible!) Nonetheless, there can be a lot of dust in the air throughout the year.
Dubai often has a permanent hanging layer of dust spoiling the skyline, but you experience this less so in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates.
The problem in most of the UAE is the fine layer of dust that develops pretty much year-round. A hazard of being in the middle of the desert. Those with severe asthma and other respiratory conditions should keep abreast of the AQI if it’s dusty out.
Yes! The most common atmospheric condition after dust is fog. This can cause havoc, particularly at the major airports in the winter months.
There’s no way of predicting it in advance, but it might be one of those things you might need to factor into your travel plans if it occurs during your visit. Normally, it burns off by late morning, but it can make overnight and early morning driving hazardous (more so than usual!) and delay planes at DXB. 
We would joke that Dubai only saw snow when Ski Dubai arrived!
It has, in fact, snowed in the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah! The last time this was recorded on the country’s tallest peak, Jebel Jais, was in January 2020. Jebel Jais in the Hajar Mountains can experience temperatures up to 10c cooler than the coast.
In Dubai itself, though… very unlikely, but never say never! This is Dubai, after all.
Religion & Religious Holidays in Dubai
As a Muslim country, the Hijri Calendar is observed as well, following the Gregorian calendar.
Note that the weekend has recently changed from Friday/Saturday to Friday afternoon, Saturday & Sunday for the public sector. These days of the week are generally much busier than weekdays.
Public Holidays in Dubai
The main Muslim religious observances in Dubai and the UAE are:
- The Holy Month of Ramadan
- Eid al-Fitr
- Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha
- Hijri New Year
- Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif – the Prophet’s birthday
These dates move forward roughly ten days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. Actual dates are not confirmed until the moon is sighted, and the Government may move the date the public holiday is observed.
Catch our complete guide to Dubai Public Holiday Dates in 2025 here (and 2026 here)- you can also use this tool to convert religious dates on the Hijri calendar to Gregorian dates.
The UAE also celebrates
- New Year’s Day on 1 January annually
- Commemoration Day (previously marked as Martyrs Day on 29 November); 30 November and 1 December have sometime been declared public holidays in observance.
- National Day (recently changed to Eid Al Etihad) on 2-3 December annually
See our guide to special Eid Al Etiahd (National Day) Events in Dubai here
Although not marked as public holidays, there are many international religious events that you will also find observed on a wide scale in the retail and hospitality industries in Dubai, including:
- Chinese New Year (17 February 2026)
- Holi in Dubai (3 March 2026)
- Easter in Dubai Catholic (5 April 2026) Orthodox (12 April)
- Diwali in Dubai (21 October 2025, 6 November 2026)
- Thanksgiving in Dubai (27 November 2025, 26 November 2026)
- Christmas in Dubai (25 December)
Ramadan in Dubai
It’s important to observe each year when the Holy Month of Ramadan – the 9th month on the Hijri calendar will occur (the start date changes by approximately 10 days on the Gregorian calendar each year). This is a period of deep religious reflection for Muslims and is strictly observed.
Ramadan in 1447 will start approximately 18 Februaryans end on approx 20 March 2026.
It used to be a time when strict daytime fasting was observed in the UAE and a much more stringent modest dress code followed. However, in recent years the rules and social norms have become significantly more flexible.
Now that Ramadan falls during the cooler, peak tourism months, you’ll find almost all venues aimed at tourists now stay open throughout Ramadan, as do many daytime dining establishments, to the point where you may not even realise its Ramadan!
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still show respect for those who are fasting around you and moderate your behaviour. Its a fabulous opportunity to join with iftar (the evening breaking of the fast), learn more about the Islamic culture at venues such as SMCCU and partake in overnight festivities such as suhoor and late-night shopping are great reasons to visit at this time of year.
You can read our complete guide to visiting Dubai during Ramadan here.
School Holidays in Dubai
Visitors should be mindful when local school holidays occur in Dubai. Most Dubai schools work on a three-term school year from September to December, January to March, and April to June (though some Asian curriculum schools operate a different school year).
School holidays are now aligned at all MoE and private schools in the UAE as follows:
- Term 1 Mid-Term Break: 13 to 17 October 2025
- Winter Break: 6 December to 4 January 2026
- Term 2 Mid-Term Break: 16 to 19 February 2026
- Spring Break: 14 March to 29 March 2026 (Inclusive of Eid-al-Fitr*)
- Term 3 Mid-Term Break: 26 to 29 May 2026 (inclusive of Eid-al-Adha*)
- Summer Break: From 4 July 2026
The 2026-27 school dates are yet to be announced but will likely follow a similar timing patter to the above.
If you visit at any peak school holiday times, expect hotel accommodation to cost more and attractions to be MUCH busier. At these times, you will want to book in advance and arrange for skip-the-line tickets if possible.
Seeing attractions earlier in the day will always result in fewer crowds than in the evening; Dubai has a very much a stay-up-late and evening culture, even for families.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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