Are you considering visiting Dubai in Winter? In this guide we tell you what to expect from Dubai Winter temperatures, the best things to do and more.
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When is Winter in Dubai?
I always say there are only two seasons in the UAE – Winter and Summer. So what is actually classified as Winter in Dubai?
Well the temperatures in Dubai start to fall in October, however I would say Winter really come into full force in November and runs to around March time.
However saying that Winters in Dubai are unlike Winters in North America and Europe. In fact Winter in Dubai tends to be peak season instead of summer.
Summer in Dubai is excessively hot with the temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees. Whereas the temperatures in Winter are far more pleasant temperatures in Winter and is the main attraction of Dubai in Winter.
So what is the weather like in Dubai in Winter?
Temperatures in Dubai in Winter
The temperatures in Dubai in Winter are very pleasant hovering in the 20C. Of all the months in Dubai, January is the coldest.
However it is worth noting that the temperatures do drop in the evening once the sun goes down with evening temperatures hovering around 12C. Therefore you will need layers for evenings and especially if you have plans to head out into the desert where the temperatures are much cooler once the sun is down.
Does it rain in Dubai in Winter?
Rain is not commonplace in Dubai at any time of year however it is not an impossibility. The rain usually comes in storms when it does come and the effects can be surprising.
Rain in the Middle East usually causes a lot of disruption due to the fact that there is little in the way of drainage. So when rain happens it does cause flooding and traffic issues.
If you do get rain on your visit to the UAE we recommend sticking to one of the many great indoor things to do in Dubai.
Does it snow in Dubai in Winter?
Snow is not something you are likely to experience in Dubai as the temperatures don’t even get close to zero.
However you can experience snow in Dubai. There is a great ski slope in Dubai at the mall of the Emirates where you can ski, sled and even see penguins. So if you are traveling to Dubai and want to experience some Winter weather this is the best place to go.
Also you can find some snow in the UAE on very rare occasions. Back in 2004 the nearby city of Ras Al Khaimah experienced snow at the top of the Jebel Jais mountains .
So now you know what to expect from the weather in Dubai in Winter, what should you pack?
And if you are planning on visiting Dubai and Abu dhabi in the same trip be sure you check out our Abu Dhabi in Winter post too!
What to Pack for Dubai in Winter.
The key to any Dubai packing list is modesty. Dubai is a Muslim country and the local culture should be respected.
Unless you are on a hotel property or beach be sure to keep your knees and shoulders covered. And don’t forget this rule applies to both men and women.
On top of that we recommend packing light breathable fabrics to reduce sweat in the heat as well as layers for the cooler evenings and for visiting the desert.
However for a full guide to what to wear in Dubai check out this post.
Best Things to do in Dubai in Winter
So now we know what to expect from the weather in Dubai in Winter, what are the best things to do?
Dubai Miracle Garden
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Whenever I visit a country I love visiting botanical gardens and flower fields. However due to the extreme heat of Dubai in the Summer you will find that flowers are not commonplace. However if you want to see flowers in Dubai Winter is the perfect time.
And in my opinion the best place to see flowers in the UAE is the Dubai Miracle Garden.
As this attraction is so dependent on the weather, it is only open in Winter and has to be top of your Dubai Winter itinerary in my opinion.
Dubai Glow Garden
Dubai Glow Garden – best things to do in Dubai in Winter
Another Winter only attraction in Dubai is the Dubai Glow Garden . This is an outdoor lantern festival that only runs during the Winter months at Zabeel Park.
Visit Theme and Water Parks
Motiongate dubai with toddler and baby – one of the best indoor things to do in Dubai
Dubai has an array of theme and waterparks including:
- Motiongate
- Legoland Dubai
- Lego Water Park
- Atlantis Water Park
to name just a few.
The pleasant Winter temperatures make it the perfect time to visit and enjoy the waterparks. And while many Dubai theme parks have large indoor components I still find Winter the best time to visit.
Not only can you enjoy the outdoor activities more but you can also see the amazing Christmas decorations.
If you are visiting Dubai with toddlers I would recommend heading to Legoland, however with older childrenI would recommend Motiongate.
Visit the Desert
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Visiting the desert is on top of most people’s Dubai Bucket List. Winter is actually better to visit the desert in Winter than Summer. In Summer it is too hot to really enjoy the desert, but in Winter you can partake in a variety of activities from dune bashing to camel riding more comfortably.
Just be sure to pack plenty of laters if you are staying in the desert after sun down as the temperatures really do drop.
And if you are heading into the desert be sure to check out our desert instagram captions to capture your posts.
Head to the Beach
Visiting Dubai in Winter
The weather in Dubai in Winter is perfect beach weather.
ol. If you are coming to Dubai from a harsh European or American Winter you will definitely want to head to the beach on at least one occasion.
Our favorite beaches in Dubai are at JBR (Jumeriah Beach) and on the Palm. But there are many great beaches all over the city.
Visit Dubai Mall
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Dubai Mall is a must on any Dubai itinerary. You can shop, you can visit an aquarium and of course you can head to the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
We recommend buying tickets in advance. The options for tickets are:
The ticket price will also vary depending on whether you are travelling up at peak time (afternoon – sunset is one of the most pricey times to visit)!
It is worth noting that while your ticket is timed for entry, you are not restricted on how much time you can spend at the top!
For more tips on how to visit the Burj Khalifa check out this post.
And remember, if you are in Dubai for New Years Eve, you will want to make sure you have a view of Burj Khalifa for the amazing New Years Eve fireworks.
Hit the Slopes
Dubai Ski is an amazing ski slope and is a great way to experience snow in Dubai. On top of that you can even meet Santa.
It is a great way to get some traditional Winter weather in Dubai.
Celebrate UAE National Day in Dubai
If you are visiting Dubai in December one of my favorite things to do is celebrate UAE National Day.
National Day is on 2nd and 3rd December in Dubai and is a public holiday. During the UAE National Day it is commonplace to see the flag of the UAE EVERYWHERE.
And on top of that most malls and hotels will host special events including great firework displays. It is a great if not busy festive day in the country and is one of my favorite things to do in Dubai in Winter.
Watch Dubai Rugby Sevens
Another great Dubai Winter event and one that is exceptional popular with UAE expats is the Dubai Rugby Seven Events. If you are a fan of sport this really is a must for your Dubai Winter itinerary.
Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Dubai?
Overall is Winter a good time to visit Dubai? In my opinion it absolutely is! n my opinion Winter is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi because of the combination of of great weather and Winter events.
My absolute favorite month to visit Dubai is December. Dubai is relatively festive and the special events such as UAE National Day make it a special time to visit.
However you should not discount visiting in October, November, January, February or March. These months still have great weather and everything will be open.
Have you visited Dubai in Winter? What is your favorite thing to do?