The best time to visit Dubai is between September and April. During this period it’s sunny but not too hot, the perfect weather for outdoor tourist activities. The city comes to life between January and February due to the Dubai shopping festival, where many tourists throng the festival.
From May to August, when temperatures spike, fewer people are there, and hotel rates are lower. If you prefer intense heat or intend to spend most of your time indoors at air-conditioned shopping malls, this is a great time to travel.
Regardless of when it occurs during the year, Ramadan is often quieter. This may make it an excellent time to travel, but because of the holiday’s limitations, you cannot eat, drink, or smoke in public.
Here’s a month-by-month breakup of Dubai’s weather to help you plan your vacation.
Visiting in January-April
This is a great time to visit Dubai because of the clear blue skies, warm temperatures, and busy festival schedule, though the number of tourists is high. During this period, it’s advisable to look for hotels far from the festivities to avoid the noise.
Festivals and events held during this period include;
The Dubai world cup – Billed as the world’s richest horse race, is the city’s premier social occasion.
Art Dubai – It’s one of the region’s biggest and most important art festivals.
Dubai Jazz festival – Some top performers in the genre give a month-long run of concerts at the Dubai Jazz Festival.
Omega Dubai Desert Classic – The prestigious golf tournament sees the best golfers compete and entertain fans.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – A five-day rally that is a part of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. It features fast cars and motorcycles.
The Dubai shopping festival – The month-long festival is one of the main reasons visitors throng the city during this period. It features substantial discounts in stores, pyrotechnics, daily giveaways of gold bars and vehicles, and extravagant stunts like the world’s longest buffet and incense burner.
May-August
Dubai experiences a scorching hot and sunny summer. The average temperature in Dubai in May is 37 °C, and evening highs only drop to 23 °C. If you don’t mind the high temperatures, the beaches are less crowded because most people seek refuge from the heat in the air-conditioned malls and eateries.
If you want to shop, it’s also a wonderful time. Holiday costs are also lower during this period. Expect 11 hours of sunshine and 13 hours of daylight in these months. Overall, it’s the best time to travel to Dubai cheaply.
September-October
These months are ideal for a beach vacation because the temperatures start to cool off a bit, and the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived.
November-December
As the rest of the hemisphere starts to chill down, the number of visitors starts to soar again. Although some people find the gulf waters too cold to swim in, this is a great time to enjoy sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the hotel pool.
Daytime highs of 25 °C to 28 °C are typical, and overnight lows range from 16 °C to 19 °C. Dubai’s humidity in December typically hovers around the 60% level, and the likelihood of sunshine is around 75%.
There are a lot of significant events as well, such as;
- The first round of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
- The celebration of the independence of the UAE is normally marked with fireworks.
- Dubai International Film Festival it’s a regional event where independent filmmakers present their work.
Dubai Travel Advice
Now that you know the best time to go to Dubai, let’s look at some practical information you might require to plan your trip to this popular destination.
Airport Arrival
Most nations can easily obtain a visa at the airport. However, travelers should confirm their requirements before traveling. There are several useful amenities and options for public transportation at both Dubai World Central (DWC) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Taxis, money exchange services, automobile rental companies, convenience stores, and help desks for general inquiries are all easily accessible.
Language
Although Arabic is Dubai’s official language, English is far more common, and most signage is written in both languages. However, due to the high number of foreign workers, you could occasionally run into hotel staff members who aren’t extremely fluent in English. But learning a few Arabic phrases can really enhance the experience.
Etiquette
Dubai is a welcoming and friendly city, and you will encounter many individuals who will smile and wish you well as they greet you. It is normal to shake hands, but keep in mind that women are typically expected to be the ones to initiate it. Public displays of affection are best kept at a minimum.
Dress Code
As a cosmopolitan city, almost every dress code is acceptable in Dubai. However, conservative dressing is appreciated, especially in ancient neighborhoods and places of worship.
Food and Drinks
One of the top culinary destinations in the world, Dubai is home to several outstanding eateries, many of which are managed by Michelin-starred chefs.
Alongside destination restaurants, chain eateries like Zuma and Nobu have outposts that serve anything from Australian barbeque to exquisite formal French cuisine. Numerous low-cost cafés provide international cuisine in the regions surrounding Al Muraqqabat Road and Al Rigga Road in Deira.
Although Dubai is a Muslim nation, alcohol is readily available. Alcohol is sold in legally operating bars and eateries, most of which are found in hotels.
Many pubs and nightclubs use oblique language to describe the actual drinks they serve to respect cultural sensitivities. For instance, “hops” refers to beer, “grapes” to wine, “bubbly” to prosecco or Champagne.
Festivals and Events
The most significant religious event on Dubai’s calendar is perhaps the month-long holiday of Ramadan. When the city is less busy, it is a fantastic time to travel.
The three-day celebration of feasting that symbolizes the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, can be quite busy in the Middle East and may be a time you want to avoid traveling. Check your calendar because Ramadan rotates throughout the year like other Islamic holidays.
Additionally, there are many secular occasions and events on the calendar. Fireworks, vehicle parades, and other public festivities mark National Day, which honors the nation’s independence from the British. Other events include; the Dubai World Cup and The Dubai International Film Festival, among others.
Tipping
Dubai uses the Dirham(AED) just like the rest of the UAE. Cash is the preferred mode of payment in most parts of the city. Credit cards are also widely accepted, except in the souks.
Tipping is accepted but not compulsory. Generally, consider tipping restaurant personnel between 10% and 15% of the bill, whereas taxi drivers, valets, and bellhops only need to be paid between AED 5 and 10.
For a half-day tour, a gratuity of between 40 and 60 AED is appropriate for your private guide. The daily pay for drivers who don’t serve as guides is approximately AED 15 per person. Feel free to leave a larger tip if you think the service was exceptional.
Final Thoughts
Although Dubai attracts tourists like a magnet, some months witness an upsurge compared to others. Whether you’re looking for a sun-filled vacation, a desert adventure, or a cultural excursion, Dubai is unquestionably a year-round destination. Pick the season that suits you and ensure you get the best experience from your visit.
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