Dubai Weather

Desert Climate

Dubai has a hot desert climate (Köppen classification BWh) with extremely hot summers and warm winters. The city experiences sunshine year-round with very little rainfall. Summers are characterized by intense heat, high humidity, and temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are pleasantly warm and ideal for outdoor activities.

Temperature Ranges

• Average Annual: 27°C (81°F)
• Hottest Months: July-August (35-48°C / 95-118°F)
• Coolest Months: January-February (14-24°C / 57-75°F)
• Record High: 52.1°C (125.8°F) in July 2002
• Record Low: 2.0°C (35.6°F) in January 1964
• Year-Round Sunshine: Over 3,500 hours annually (world's sunniest cities)

Rainfall & Humidity

• Annual Rainfall: Only 100mm (4 inches) - extremely low
• Rainy Season: December-March (scattered showers)
• Driest Months: June-September (almost no rain)
• Humidity: 30-60% (higher near coast, especially summer mornings)
• Fog: Occasional winter mornings (coastal areas)
• Sandstorms: Possible March-April (usually brief)

Sandstorm Season: March - April (occasional)

Dubai occasionally experiences sandstorms (locally called "Shamal winds") bringing dust and reduced visibility, particularly in spring. While not dangerous like typhoons, they can affect outdoor activities and air travel. The UAE National Center of Meteorology issues warnings when significant dust storms are expected.

Sandstorm Levels & Impact

• Light Dust: Hazy sky, reduced visibility - normal operations continue
• Moderate Sandstorm: Orange sky, visibility 1-5km - outdoor activities not recommended
• Severe Sandstorm: Very poor visibility (<1km) - flights may delay, stay indoors
• Duration: Usually 24-72 hours, can last up to a week

Safety Tips During Sandstorms

• Stay indoors when possible (malls, hotels are sealed)
• Wear sunglasses and mask if going outside
• Keep windows closed in cars and rooms
• Use air purifiers indoors if available
• Drink plenty of water (dust causes dehydration)
• Contact lens wearers: use glasses instead during storms
• Check flight status - airports may delay operations

Impact on Travel

• Light-Moderate: Tourist activities continue, indoor options preferred
• Severe: Flights delayed/cancelled, outdoor attractions may close
• After Storm: Beautiful sunsets (orange/pink skies), clear air returns quickly
• Frequency: 1-3 notable sandstorms per year (usually brief)

🌟 Peak Season (November - March) ⭐ BEST TIME

Why Best: Perfect weather - warm sunny days, cool comfortable evenings, minimal rain
Temperature: 14-30°C (57-86°F)
Humidity: 40-60% (very comfortable)
Pros: Ideal for beach, desert safaris, outdoor dining, all activities
Cons: Higher hotel prices (peak demand), more tourists, book early
Events: Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan-Feb), New Year, Expo City events

💚 Shoulder Season (October & April)

Weather: Warm to hot, decreasing/increasing from summer peak
Temperature: 25-38°C (77-100°F)
Humidity: 40-70%
Pros: Good hotel deals, fewer crowds, still warm for beach
Cons: Can be hot in April, October still warm
Best for: Budget travelers, avoiding crowds

🔥 Summer (May - September) - AVOID IF HEAT-SENSITIVE

Weather: Extremely hot, very high humidity, intense sun
Temperature: 30-48°C (86-118°F) - dangerous heat levels
Humidity: 50-90% (feels even hotter)
Pros: Huge hotel discounts (50-70% off), Dubai Summer Surprises sales
Cons: Unsafe for extended outdoor activities, oppressive heat
Best for: Indoor activities, water parks, mall shopping, serious bargain hunters
Warning: Heat stroke risk is real - plan accordingly

🎯 Recommended Visit Months

Best Overall: November-December, February-March
Why: Perfect balance of weather, events, and reasonable prices
Avoid: July-August (extreme heat), Late December-Early January (peak prices)

January ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 14-24°C (57-75°F) | Rain: Low | Humidity: 45-65%
Conditions: Perfect! Warm days, cool evenings, sunny
Events: Dubai Shopping Festival
Note: Book early - high demand

February ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 15-25°C (59-77°F) | Rain: Low | Humidity: 45-65%
Conditions: Excellent! Similar to January
Events: Dubai Shopping Festival continues
Note: Ideal for all activities

March ⭐ (Great Weather)

Temp: 17-28°C (63-82°F) | Rain: Low | Humidity: 45-65%
Conditions: Warming up, still very pleasant
Note: Occasional sandstorms possible
Good for: Beach, outdoor dining, desert

April (Getting Warmer)

Temp: 20-33°C (68-91°F) | Rain: Very Low | Humidity: 45-70%
Conditions: Hot during day, pleasant evenings
Note: Last month before extreme heat
Tip: Good shoulder season deals

May (Summer Begins)

Temp: 25-38°C (77-100°F) | Rain: Almost None | Humidity: 50-75%
Conditions: Very hot, getting uncomfortable
Note: Outdoor activities early morning only
Tip: Hotel discounts begin

June - August 🔥 (EXTREME HEAT)

Temp: 30-48°C (86-118°F) | Rain: Zero | Humidity: 60-90%
Conditions: DANGEROUSLY HOT - avoid midday outdoors
Events: Dubai Summer Surprises (Jul-Aug)
Note: Biggest hotel discounts, but brutal heat
Warning: Heat stroke risk very high - stay hydrated, limit outdoor time

September (Still Very Hot)

Temp: 28-40°C (82-104°F) | Rain: Almost None | Humidity: 60-85%
Conditions: Very hot, high humidity
Note: Starting to cool very slightly
Tip: Indoor attractions recommended

October (Cooling Down)

Temp: 24-36°C (75-97°F) | Rain: Very Low | Humidity: 50-75%
Conditions: Hot but bearable, improving
Note: Good transition month
Events: Global Village opens (late Oct)

November ⭐ (Excellent)

Temp: 18-31°C (64-88°F) | Rain: Low | Humidity: 45-65%
Conditions: Beautiful! Comfortable for all activities
Note: Peak season begins
Events: UAE National Day (Dec 2)

December ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 15-26°C (59-79°F) | Rain: Low-Moderate | Humidity: 45-65%
Conditions: Perfect winter weather, occasional rain
Events: New Year's Eve (Burj Khalifa fireworks)
Note: Most expensive month - book very early

🔥 Beating the Extreme Summer Heat

• Hydration is Critical: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily (dehydration happens fast)
• Avoid Midday Sun: Stay indoors 11 AM - 4 PM (heat stroke risk)
• Seek AC Constantly: Malls, Metro, taxis - all heavily air-conditioned
• Sunscreen Every 2 Hours: SPF 50+ essential, UV levels extreme
• Heat Exhaustion Signs: Dizziness, nausea, headache - seek shade immediately
• Beach Time: Before 10 AM or after 5 PM only in summer
• Desert Safaris: Only in evening (4 PM onwards) during summer
• Walking: Minimal outdoor walking in summer - use taxis/Metro

🌊 Humidity Management

• Worst Times: Summer mornings near coast (60-90%)
• Shower Often: Multiple showers per day normal in summer
• Antiperspirant: Essential year-round
• Loose Clothes: Avoid tight clothing that traps moisture
• Hotel AC: Keep room cool and dry (mold prevention)
• Electronics: Protect from moisture (cameras, phones)

🏜️ Sandstorm Preparation

• Monitor NCM: National Center of Meteorology forecasts
• Protective Gear: Sunglasses, mask/scarf if caught outside
• Stay Indoors: Malls and hotels completely sealed from dust
• Flight Delays: Check airline status during storms
• Contact Lenses: Use glasses during dust storms
• Cars: Keep windows sealed, use recirculated air

💧 Rain & Flooding (Rare but Intense)

• When: Mainly December-February (occasional)
• Characteristics: Heavy downpours, poor drainage can cause flooding
• Dubai Not Prepared: City built for sunshine, not rain
• Avoid Driving: Roads flood quickly, accidents common
• Stay Indoors: Wait for rain to pass (usually 1-2 hours)
• Wadi Flooding: Flash floods in desert wadis - extremely dangerous

🌡️ Air Quality & Pollution

• Generally Good: Desert air usually clean
• Worse During: Sandstorms (high particulate matter)
• Monitor AQI: Via weather apps or NCM website
• Sensitive Groups: Stay indoors on high AQI days
• Masks Available: Pharmacies stock air quality masks

Official Weather Resources

• NCM Website: www.ncm.ae (National Center of Meteorology)
• NCM App: "UAE Weather" - essential download
• Weather Alerts: Government SMS warnings (register SIM)
• Dubai Municipality: Storm alerts and safety info
• International: Weather.com, AccuWeather (less accurate)

🔴 Heat Stroke Warning Signs

• Early Signs: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea
• Serious Signs: No sweating, confusion, rapid pulse, unconsciousness
• Action: Move to AC immediately, drink water, seek medical help
• Prevention: Limit outdoor time in summer, constant hydration
• High Risk: Elderly, children, outdoor workers
• Emergency: Call 998 (ambulance) if serious symptoms

💧 Dehydration Prevention

• Water Intake: 3-4 liters daily in summer (more if active)
• Signs: Dark urine, headache, fatigue, dry mouth
• Avoid: Excessive caffeine and alcohol (dehydrating)
• Electrolytes: Sports drinks helpful in extreme heat
• Water Everywhere: Free water fountains in malls, buy bottled water

☀️ Sun Protection

• UV Index: Extreme (10-12+) most of year
• Sunburn Risk: Can burn in 10-15 minutes without protection
• SPF 50+ Required: Reapply every 2 hours
• Cover Up: Long sleeves, hat, sunglasses
• Peak UV: 10 AM - 4 PM (avoid exposure)

❄️ AC Shock (Temperature Extremes)

• Indoor-Outdoor Gap: Can be 25°C difference (summer)
• Malls Super Cold: 18-20°C indoors, 45°C outdoors
• Bring Jacket: Light cardigan for malls and Metro
• Colds Common: Temperature shock weakens immunity
• Tip: Gradual transition when possible

🏖️ Beach Safety

• Lifeguards: Present at public beaches
• Water Temp: 22-35°C year-round (warm)
• Jellyfish: Rare but possible (wear water shoes)
• Heat: Sand extremely hot in summer - wear sandals
• Best Time: Morning before 10 AM or after 5 PM (summer)
• Shade: Rent umbrella or find shaded areas

🚑 Emergency Services

• Ambulance: 998
• Police: 999
• Civil Defense: 997 (fire, emergencies)
• Dubai Municipality: 800 900 (weather complaints)
• Tourist Police: 901 (multilingual support)