The climate of Dubai
Dubai, being situated in the Northern Desert belt, is characterised by a hot desert climate, described as BWh in the Köppen climate classification. Situated on the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East's
United Arab Emirates, Dubai experiences high temperatures with minimal precipitation throughout the year. Due to this positioning, the city is inherently dry and warm, fluctuating between warm winters and scorching summers.
In terms of temperature variations, the city experiences an average low of 18.8°C (65.8°F) in
January and a peak of 39.4°C (102.9°F) in
July. However, it is not rare to encounter higher temperatures, especially during the peak summer months. The warm temperature is consistent throughout the year, although
November to
March sees a slight drop, creating cool, pleasant winters.
Rainfall in Dubai is minimal and occurs sporadically, with an annual average range from 0mm (0") during summertime to 10mm (0.39") in March. Interestingly, the city experiences almost no rainfall from
May to
September. With regard to humidity, the average percentage throughout the year is above 47%, peaking in January and closely followed by November and
December.
Unique weather patterns in Dubai include a high UV index, especially from May to
August, with the same period witnessing maximum daylight and sunshine hours. Pressure levels are somewhat constant but reach their lowest from May to July. Meanwhile, constant visibility of 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year underscores the clear atmospheric conditions prevailing in Dubai.
The best time to visit Dubai
Temporary relief from the suffocating heat and humidity characterises the period from
November to
March as the most enjoyable time to visit
Dubai. During these months, the average temperature hovers around 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), and the relentless heat gives way to a relatively pleasant climate. This is an ideal time for tourists to explore outdoor attractions such as the Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif and the Dubai Miracle Garden without worrying about harsh sunlight and rising humidity levels.
The worst time to visit Dubai
During the peak summer months from
June to
August, average daily temperatures in
Dubai can soar up to 39.4°C (102.9°F), with June seeing the highest sea temperatures. Combining such elevated temperatures with relatively high humidity levels can make travelling uncomfortable, especially for those unaccustomed to such extreme weather conditions. These months are generally considered as the least favourable time for tourist activities, specifically outdoor sightseeing or adventure sports, due to the extreme heat and harsh sunlight.
Spring weather in Dubai
In
Dubai, the spring season, represented by
March,
April, and
May, is marked by a steady rise in temperature from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 35.3°C (95.5°F). Rainfall during these months reduces significantly, making way for longer sunshine hours. Humidity remains fairly constant with a slight dip in May. Considering the increase in daylight and sunshine hours coupled with distinctively warmer temperatures, Spring takes on a rather heated personality in Dubai.
Summer weather in Dubai
The summer in
Dubai, typically from
June to
August, exhibits extremely high temperatures, peaking to an average of 39.4°C (102.9°F) in
July. During these months, the city experiences the longest days of the year with approximately 13.7 hours of daylight in June. Rainfall is virtually nonexistent, and the sea temperature reaches a peak of 33.5°C (92.3°F) in August. The summer months in Dubai serve as an explicit reminder of the city’s desert climate.
Autumn weather in Dubai
The Autumn season, encompassing
September,
October, and
November, ushers in a somewhat mild relief from the city's intense summer. During these months, the temperature falls gradually from 37.5°C (99.5°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). Rainfall remains insignificant while humidity levels rise. Despite the reduced daylight hours, the amount of sunshine the city receives remains relatively high, typical of
Dubai’s arid climate.
Winter weather in Dubai
December to
February circumscribes
Dubai's winter. While many compare it to a mild summer in other regions, the climate during this time is relatively temperate and enjoyable. The temperature ranges from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). December and
January witness the highest relative humidity of the year, above 56%. Furthermore, these months receive the most annual rainfall. Despite shorter daylight hours, December still boasts 7.6 hours of sunshine per day, making it a radiant winter, characteristic of the desert city.
Weather in January
January reveals a mild climate condition in
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates. This month's characteristic includes cooler temperatures, modest levels of humidity and minimal rain. Coming off
December, the temperature sees a tiny rise in January making it a perfect time to explore the city.
Weather in January » Weather in February
A notable characteristic of
February's weather in
Dubai is the small increase in temperature from that of
January. The city gradually becomes warmer and the days seem longer. This period is known for its clear skies, and moderate levels of humidity making outdoor activities pleasant.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
Dubai during
March transitions to a warmer climate compared with
February. This change draws in beach-goers with the city's warm sand and sea temperatures. Elevated wind speeds and low rainfall make sightseeing and outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Dubai exhibits a rise in temperature from
March, showcasing the city's characteristic warm climate. The increase in temperature combined with longer daylight hours make it an exquisite time for water sports enthusiasts.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, marks the advent of the hotter period. The weather contrasts noticeably from that in
April with soaring daytime temperatures. The city experiences a scant quantity of rainfall and the sea temperature rises appreciably.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is recognized for its hot summer weather in
Dubai. The temperature gets notably hotter from
May and the days become longer. June showcases its typical desert climate with its near absence of rain, high temperatures, and excessive sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the hottest month of the year in
Dubai,
July is renowned for its extreme heat levels. Its weather conditions contrast starkly from
June’s, with intensified warmth and more extended depths of humidity. Extremely high temperatures and ample sunshine define this month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Dubai maintains the trend of sweltering temperatures carried over from
July. This month displays a continuation of the intense heat, low rainfall, and high relative humidity. However, the sea temperature is at its highest, luring people into the water.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Dubai marks the gradual fading of searing summer temperatures. The change in weather from that in
August is subtle, yet the cooler nights are perceptible. The city gradually becomes lesser hot and the days begin to shorten.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Dubai during
October introduces a significant shift towards milder conditions compared to
September. Cooler evenings become more noticeable, making outdoor dining an increasingly popular activity. Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels are anticipated.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November symbolises the onset of gentle winter weather in
Dubai. The temperature drops moderately from
October, permitting pleasant outdoor excursions. Days are usually sunny with typically zero rainfall and lower humidity levels.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Dubai wraps up the year with a tangible decrease in temperature from that in
November. This month features cooler days, chilly nights, and rare occurrences of rainfall. The mild desert winter sets in with optimum weather conditions for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions.
Weather in December »