What is the best time to visit Dubai?
Dubai is a hit among visitors from across the globe. Tourists flock to the city to grab the best sales and bargains, soak in the year-round sunshine and of course, spend quality time sightseeing with family. If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Dubai, it’s important to remember that summers in the emirate can be quite warm, especially from May to August. So the best time to visit Dubai, then, is between November and March, as temperatures are much lower and the city has several exciting sales and events during this period, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, National Day Celebrations, New Year events and more.
Of course, the unique architecture of Dubai coupled with innovative indoor attractions located across the city means that you find something to do in the city regardless of the season.
In today’s blog post, we shall discuss what is the best time of the year to visit Dubai for a holiday.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI 2020: AN OVERVIEW
If you consider climate to be the sole factor when it comes to the best time to travel to Dubai, it’s better to opt for the cooler months. Here is the breakdown of travel seasons in Dubai.
WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT DUBAI
November to March/April is Peak Season in Dubai. The temperature is cool but not as chilly as Europe or North America at the same time of the year. That means tourists can bring their swimsuits and take a dip in the heated pools at many of Dubai’s hotels.
Of course, this is also the peak tourist season in Dubai, so prepare yourself for crowded areas and hiked hotel rates and airfare. During these months, you can catch live concerts in Dubai, visit a shopping festival or enjoy an outdoor experience like a dhow cruise or desert safari. Regardless of the weather, don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
From May to August is summer in Dubai. The summer is in full swing, which means you may not be as comfortable while visiting the beaches in Dubai or engaging in outdoor activities during the day. But don’t lose heart. This is also the season for backpackers and those travelling on a budget. Airfare is cheap, and you will find discounts on almost everything since this is the off-peak season in Dubai. Plus, many of Dubai’s famous attractions are indoors and air-conditioned. Read more about travelling to Dubai in summer to learn all about how to enjoy the many delights in the city during warmer climes.
September and October is Shoulder Season in Dubai. This is the time to hit the waters for activities like surfing and wakeboarding in Dubai. You are unlikely to see lots of tourists, which means prices for travelling and lodging will be on the lower end.
WHICH IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT DUBAI?
It is hard to single out a specific month for visiting in Dubai. If you love the outdoors, you can plan on visiting from November to April. Conversely, from April till August is best suited for indoor locations in the city.
If you want to enjoy the beaches of Dubai, the best months are March, April, September and October. During April/May, the sea temperature usually averages 25°C to 28°C. During the winter in Dubai, it can be too chilly to take a dip. While the intense sun and hot sand make it more challenging to head to the beach in summer, especially July and August.
If you are planning a romantic trip or a honeymoon in Dubai, the best months would be December, January and obviously February, when you can ring in Valentine’s Day at some of the most romantic spots in Dubai.
RAMADAN IN DUBAI
Expected dates for Ramadan 2020 in the UAE are April 23 to May 23. Again, this is the off-peak season in Dubai, when you can benefit from lower prices, especially when it comes to food and accommodation. So if you are travelling on a budget, Ramadan is the best time to go to Dubai. You can also learn more about the Islamic festival and be part of the celebrations during Eid Al Fitr.
However, you need to be more respectful of local customs and religious sentiments. This means eating, drinking and even smoking in public during daylight is out of the question. Though there is no problem with eating or drinking at your hotel.
You should also be extra careful regarding how you dress. Regardless of the time of the year, you should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs. Traditional Islamic attire like abayas or even scarfs is not mandatory though. You can read more about dress restrictions in Dubai to avoid uncomfortable encounters.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI FOR SHOPPING
Avid shoppers should ideally plan their trip to Dubai between January and February to catch the Dubai Shopping Festival. It is the largest event of its kind in the region, and along with amazing deals on top brands, you can enjoy live performances, fashion flash mobs and all kinds of fun events.
You can get discounts of up to 75% – 90% on products ranging from electronics to jewellery. Overall, don’t forget that the city is a haven for shoppers with some of the best malls in the world along with street bazaars and traditional souks. Even if you visit during the summers, you can still do some bargaining shopping at Dubai Summer Surprises between July and August.
WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST MONTH TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI?
For budget travellers, the best months to travel to Dubai are May, June, July and August. This is the cheapest time to visit Dubai, and you can still enjoy most of what the city has to offer despite the hot climate. Conversely, the most expensive time to visit Dubai is between December and February as rates peak due to hotels being booked months in advance.
That’s about it. You will now have a good idea of the best time to visit Dubai, so you can plan your trip appropriately. Needless to say, the emirate has lots to offer regardless of the time of the year you are visiting.
If you haven’t been to the city before, we have compiled an essential list of tips for your first Dubai trip. You can also check out our list of things to do in Dubai throughout the year.
