Dubai — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Dubai.
Dubai climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | 14°C | 5mm | 65% |
| Feb | 25°C | 15°C | 10mm | 64% |
| Mar | 29°C | 18°C | 10mm | 59% |
| Apr | 34°C | 22°C | 3mm | 54% |
| May | 38°C | 27°C | 2mm | 51% |
| Jun | 40°C | 30°C | 0mm | 57% |
| Jul | 41°C | 31°C | 0mm | 60% |
| Aug | 41°C | 31°C | 0mm | 62% |
| Sep | 38°C | 28°C | 0mm | 62% |
| Oct | 34°C | 23°C | 2mm | 62% |
| Nov | 29°C | 18°C | 5mm | 61% |
| Dec | 25°C | 14°C | 10mm | 63% |
Climate overview
Dubai sits on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, at the edge of the Arabian Desert, and its climate is shaped by both. The desert brings intense sunshine, almost no rain and very high summer temperatures; the shallow, warm Gulf adds moisture to the air, which is why Dubai feels far more oppressive in August than its 41°C average high alone suggests.
Under the Köppen system Dubai is classed as BWh, a hot desert climate. In practice the year splits into two very different halves: a pleasant, sunny winter from November to March, when daytime highs sit between 24°C and 29°C, and a long, humid summer from May to September when temperatures rarely drop below 30°C, even at night.
Köppen classification: BWh — hot desert
Dubai through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryThis is Dubai's most comfortable season. Days average 24–25°C with low humidity and clear skies, and nights cool to around 14°C — cool enough that a light jacket is useful for evenings in the desert or on the water. Most of the year's small rainfall arrives now, usually as short, occasional showers; when a heavier storm does hit, roads can flood because the city drains so little rain.
Spring
March – AprilTemperatures climb quickly: March averages 29°C, April 34°C. Early spring still suits outdoor sightseeing and beach days, but by mid-April afternoons become hot. Spring is also when the shamal, a northwesterly wind, is most likely to lift dust and sand, briefly lowering visibility and air quality.
Summer
May – SeptemberSummer is long and extreme. July and August average 41°C by day and 31°C at night, and coastal humidity often climbs above 60%, pushing the 'feels like' temperature well past 45°C. Outdoor activity is best limited to early morning or after sunset; life moves indoors to malls, metro stations and air-conditioned walkways.
Autumn
October – NovemberOctober is a transition month, still hot at around 34°C but drier and easing week by week. By November highs fall to about 29°C, the sea is still warm, and the outdoor season — beach clubs, desert camps, open-air events — gets going again.
What makes Dubai's weather distinctive
Two things set Dubai's weather apart. The first is humidity: because the city is on the coast, summer air is heavy with moisture, and early-morning fog can roll in off the Gulf, occasionally delaying flights. Inland desert areas are hotter by day but drier and cooler at night.
The second is the rarity — and impact — of rain. Dubai averages under 100 mm a year, so drainage was never designed for big downpours. Infrequent but intense winter storms can cause serious local flooding, as happened in April 2024. When a storm is forecast, it is worth checking travel updates before heading out.
Best time to visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai is November to March, when daytime temperatures of 24–29°C make it possible to enjoy the beaches, souks and desert in comfort. December and January are the coolest and busiest months. If you can tolerate heat and plan mostly indoor activities, the summer months are quieter, and hotel prices are generally lower then.
What to pack
- Light, breathable cotton or linen clothing for the day
- A light jacket or sweater for winter evenings and strong air-conditioning
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat all year
- Modest cover-ups (shoulders and knees) for malls, mosques and traditional areas
- A refillable water bottle — dehydration is a real risk from April to October
Frequently asked questions
Does it ever rain in Dubai?
Yes, but rarely. Dubai gets around 94 mm of rain a year, mostly between December and March, spread over just a handful of days. Occasional strong storms can bring a large share of the annual total in a single day.
How hot is Dubai in summer?
From June to September average highs are 40–41°C and nights stay around 30°C. With coastal humidity the heat index often exceeds 45°C, so midday outdoor activity is uncomfortable and can be dangerous.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in winter?
Yes. The Arabian Gulf stays warm all year, typically around 22–24°C in January and February, so swimming is pleasant even in the coolest months.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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