When much of the world turns cold and grey, Dubai enters its finest season. From November to March, daytime temperatures settle into the mid-twenties Celsius, the humidity drops, the sky is clear and blue almost every day, and the evenings are cool enough for a light jacket. The whole city moves outdoors. Beach clubs fill up, outdoor markets and festivals open, desert camps glow under starry skies and restaurants roll back their windows to open-air terraces.
Winter is high season for good reason, and it is the perfect time to experience the Dubai that cannot be enjoyed in summer: long walks in the old town, picnics in the park, mountain hikes, and days on the water without the heat. This guide brings together 25 of the best things to do in Dubai in winter, from seasonal attractions that only open in the cooler months to classic experiences that are simply at their best at this time of year. You will also find what the weather is really like, what to pack and how to plan around the busy season.
Tip: Winter is peak season, so popular experiences such as hot air balloon rides, sunset yacht trips and New Year’s Eve cruises sell out. Book a week or more in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year.
What is the weather like in Dubai in winter?
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sea temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 30°C | 20°C | 27°C | Warm days, pleasant evenings |
| December | 26°C | 16°C | 24°C | Perfect sightseeing weather |
| January | 24°C | 14°C | 22°C | The coolest month, chilly desert nights |
| February | 25°C | 15°C | 22°C | Sunny and mild, occasional wind |
| March | 29°C | 18°C | 24°C | Warming up, still very comfortable |
Rain is rare, but a few short showers usually fall during the winter months, often in January or February. When it rains, it can be heavy for a short time, so keep an eye on the forecast. Desert nights can drop below 10°C in January, much colder than people expect.
Good to know: the sea is still warm enough for swimming for most visitors in December, but by January and February, some people find it refreshing rather than warm. Hotel pools are often heated.
Seasonal attractions that open only in winter
Several of Dubai’s best-loved attractions open only in the cooler months, roughly from October or November to April or May. If you visit in winter, these should be at the top of your list.
1. Global Village
Global Village is a huge outdoor festival park with pavilions representing around 90 cultures from across the world. Each pavilion sells food, crafts and products from its country, and there are stage shows, fairground rides, fireworks on weekends and a floating market. It opens in the late afternoon and is at its best after dark, when the lights come on. Entry is inexpensive and it is easy to spend a whole evening here.
Book: Global Village entry.
2. Dubai Miracle Garden
With more than 150 million flowers arranged into giant sculptures, including hearts, castles, animals and a full-size Airbus A380 covered in flowers, the Miracle Garden is one of the most photographed places in Dubai. It is open only in the cooler months, and is best visited in the morning or late afternoon for softer light.
Book: Dubai Miracle Garden.
3. Dubai Butterfly Garden
Next to the Miracle Garden, the Butterfly Garden has domes filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world. It is calm, colourful and especially popular with children, and combines well with a Miracle Garden visit.
Book: Dubai Butterfly Garden.
4. Outdoor markets and night markets
Weekend markets pop up across the city in winter, with local designers, food trucks, crafts and live music. Many run in parks, on beachfronts and in community spaces. Ask our team which markets are running during your stay.
5. Hot air balloon season at its best
Hot air balloon flights operate for much of the year, but winter mornings bring the calmest, clearest conditions and the most beautiful light over the dunes. Flights start before sunrise, so it is chilly at first; bring a warm layer.
Book: hot air balloon ride over the desert, and read our hot air balloon guide for everything to know before you fly.
Outdoor adventures that are perfect in winter
6. An evening desert safari
The desert is magical in winter. Dune bashing in the late afternoon, sunset photos on the ridge of a dune, then an evening of barbecue dinner, live shows and stargazing in a camp that is pleasantly cool. This is the classic Dubai experience, and winter is the best time for it.
Book: evening desert safari with BBQ dinner. For more detail, read our complete Dubai desert safari guide.
7. An overnight desert camp
Sleeping in the desert is only really comfortable in winter. After dinner and the shows, you spend the night in a tent or under the stars, wake up to a silent desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast before returning to the city. Bring warm clothes, as it can be cold at night.
Book: overnight desert safari camp. Compare the options in our guide to evening vs morning vs overnight desert safaris.
8. Quad biking and dune buggies
Riding through the dunes is much more enjoyable when the sand and the air are not burning hot. Morning sessions are particularly pleasant in winter.
Book: desert safari with quad biking or a dune buggy desert adventure.
9. Hatta mountain day trip
Hatta, in the Hajar Mountains about 90 minutes from Dubai, comes alive in winter. You can kayak on the turquoise Hatta Dam, hike or cycle mountain trails, visit the heritage village and enjoy cool mountain air.
Book: Hatta mountain and dam tour. Read our Hatta day trip guide for routes and tips.
10. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest mountain, and in winter, temperatures at the top can drop close to freezing. It is home to the world’s longest zipline, a viewing deck, hiking trails and mountain restaurants.
Book: Ras Al Khaimah city tour and Jebel Jais or the Jebel Jais flight zipline. Our Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais guide has more ideas.
11. Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah
Winter brings excellent visibility for skydiving, with views over Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Gulf. Slots are limited and sell out early in the season.
Book: tandem skydive over the Palm.
12. A helicopter tour
Clear winter skies make a helicopter flight over the city even more spectacular. In a few minutes, you see Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and The World Islands from above.
Book: Dubai helicopter tour.
13. XLine zipline across Dubai Marina
Zip between the towers of Dubai Marina on one of the longest urban ziplines in the world. In winter, the conditions are comfortable from morning to evening.
Book: XLine Dubai Marina zipline.
On the water
14. A sunset yacht trip
Winter sunsets in Dubai are glorious, and the water is calm and comfortable. Charter a private yacht with friends or family, or join a shared yacht tour for a more affordable option.
Book: shared yacht tour in Dubai Marina or a private 44 ft yacht. Our yacht rental guide explains sizes, routes and prices.
15. A dhow dinner cruise
Dinner on a traditional wooden dhow is a lovely way to spend a winter evening, with the open upper deck at its most comfortable.
Book: Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner or Dubai Creek dhow cruise dinner.
16. Kayaking in the mangroves
Paddle through calm channels lined with mangrove trees, spotting herons, crabs and sometimes turtles. Winter mornings are perfect.
Book: mangrove kayaking in Abu Dhabi.
17. Water sports at the beach
Jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding and paddle boarding are all available throughout the winter. The sea is calmer in the mornings.
Book: jet ski ride with Burj Al Arab views or parasailing in Dubai. For more options, read our Dubai water sports guide.
18. An Arabian Gulf cruise
Winter is the main cruise season in the Gulf, when large cruise ships base themselves in Dubai and sail to Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.
Book: Arabian Gulf cruise, 7 nights from Dubai. Read our Arabian Gulf cruise guide before you go.
Culture, city and heritage
19. Walk through Old Dubai
The narrow lanes of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the abra ride across the Creek and the spice and gold souks are best explored on foot, and winter is the only time when a long walk is truly comfortable.
Book: Dubai city tour (half day) or the full-day Explore Dubai tour.
20. Visit Abu Dhabi for the day
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan are wonderful at any time of year, but in winter you can also enjoy the Corniche and the outdoor spaces in comfort.
Book: Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai. Read our Abu Dhabi day trip guide and our Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor guide.
21. See six emirates in one day
Winter’s comfortable temperatures make a long day of sightseeing much more enjoyable.
Book: 6 Emirates in a day tour.
22. The Fujairah east coast
Beaches, mountains, the old Al Bidya mosque and the Fujairah fort make a great day out. Swimming and snorkelling are possible into December.
Book: Fujairah east coast day trip.
Festivals and special events
23. Dubai Shopping Festival
Usually held from mid-December to mid-January, the Dubai Shopping Festival brings big discounts in malls, nightly fireworks, concerts, raffles and outdoor markets. It is a great time to shop, especially for electronics, fashion and gold.
Book: our Dubai shopping tour to visit the best malls and souks with a guide.
24. New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are among the most spectacular in the world, with fireworks from Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and across the city. Watching from the water on a yacht or dhow is one of the best ways to see them. Places sell out months in advance, so book early.
Important: on New Year’s Eve, roads around Downtown Dubai close in the afternoon and the metro is extremely crowded. Plan to arrive early and expect long waits to leave.
25. Outdoor dining and rooftop evenings
When the evenings are cool, Dubai’s terraces, rooftops and beachfront restaurants are at their best. Enjoy dinner with a view of the Dubai Fountain show in Downtown, or a beachside meal at JBR.
A sample winter week in Dubai
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, relax at the beach, Dubai Fountain in the evening |
| Day 2 | Old Dubai walking tour, Burj Khalifa at sunset |
| Day 3 | Morning free, evening desert safari |
| Day 4 | Abu Dhabi day trip |
| Day 5 | Miracle Garden in the morning, Global Village in the evening |
| Day 6 | Hatta or Jebel Jais day trip |
| Day 7 | Sunset yacht, final shopping, departure |
For a shorter stay, see our 4-day Dubai itinerary for first-time visitors.
Dubai in winter month by month
November: the season begins
November is one of the best-value months of the winter season. The weather has cooled enough for outdoor activities, the seasonal attractions have just opened, and hotel prices have not yet reached their December peak. The sea is still warm, at around 27°C, so it is an excellent month for a beach holiday combined with desert and city sightseeing. Days can still reach 30°C, so plan outdoor walking for the morning and late afternoon.
December: festive and lively
December is the busiest and most festive month. The Dubai Shopping Festival begins, hotels decorate for Christmas, outdoor markets open across the city and the build-up to New Year’s Eve brings a buzz to every neighbourhood. UAE National Day on 2 December is celebrated with fireworks, flags and events. Prices are high, especially in the second half of the month, so book early and expect crowds at the most popular attractions.
January: the coolest month
January brings the coolest weather of the year. It is ideal for long walks, hiking, cycling and desert camping, but bring a warm layer for evenings and early mornings. The first half of the month is still busy with holidaymakers, while the second half is quieter. Dubai Marathon and many sporting events take place around this time.
February: calm and sunny
February has bright sunshine, mild temperatures and fewer crowds than December and January. It is a perfect month for families during half-term holidays, and for anyone who wants to combine outdoor sightseeing with beach days. Occasional windy days bring sandy haze, but they rarely last long.
March: warm and pleasant
By March, temperatures start to rise again, making beach and pool days more appealing while evenings remain lovely. The seasonal attractions are still open, and prices begin to fall towards the end of the month. In some years, the holy month of Ramadan falls in or around March; read our note below about visiting during Ramadan.
Good to know: during Ramadan, the dates of which change each year, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Tourists are welcome, attractions stay open and many hotels serve food during the day, but eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect. Evenings are lively, with iftar meals breaking the fast and special Ramadan tents and markets.
Dubai in winter with children
Winter is the best time for a family holiday in Dubai. Children can play outdoors, enjoy the beach and visit outdoor theme parks without the risk of overheating. LEGOLAND Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure and Yas Waterworld are all much more comfortable in winter. Read our Dubai and Abu Dhabi theme parks guide to choose the right park for your family.
Seasonal favourites with children include the Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden, Global Village with its rides and food stalls, and a desert safari with a camel ride and sandboarding. Morning desert safaris are particularly good for young children, as they finish before lunch and avoid late nights. Book our morning desert safari with sandboarding for a shorter, family-friendly adventure. For more ideas, read our list of things to do in Dubai with family.
Winter food experiences
The cooler weather makes winter the ideal season to explore Dubai’s food scene outdoors. Try Emirati dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup) and karak chai at a traditional café. Walk through the spice souk in Deira, where merchants sell saffron, cardamom, frankincense and dried limes. Visit a food truck park or weekend market, or enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
At Global Village, you can eat your way around the world in one evening, with street food from Turkey, India, Thailand, Mexico, Korea and dozens of other countries. On a desert safari, a barbecue dinner under the stars is part of the experience.
Saving money in Dubai’s peak season
Winter is the most expensive time to visit, but there are many ways to keep costs down:
- Travel in November, late January, February or March rather than the Christmas and New Year period.
- Choose a holiday package that bundles flights, hotel, transfers and tours.
- Use the Dubai Metro for travel within the city; it is clean, safe and inexpensive.
- Enjoy free attractions, including the Dubai Fountain, public beaches, the Dubai Marina walk and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
- Book tours in combinations, such as a city tour plus desert safari, which are often cheaper together.
- Buy a tourist SIM card on arrival for data at local rates. Book a UAE tourist SIM card with us.
What to pack for Dubai in winter
- Light layers for warm days and a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
- A warm jacket if you plan an overnight desert camp, a balloon ride or a trip to Jebel Jais.
- Swimwear, sunscreen and sunglasses; the sun is still strong.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the old town and outdoor attractions.
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for mosques and heritage sites.
Tips for visiting in peak season
- Book flights and hotels early. December and January are the most expensive months.
- Reserve popular experiences in advance. Balloon rides, yachts and skydiving sell out.
- Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid crowds.
- Avoid the busiest days around Christmas and New Year if you can, or plan carefully.
- Consider a holiday package. Our Dubai 4 nights holiday package bundles hotel, transfers and tours, often for less than booking separately.
- Check visa requirements early. Read our UAE tourist visa guide or apply for a UAE 30-day tourist visa with us.
If you plan to visit at a hotter time of year, read our guide to things to do in Dubai in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is winter the best time to visit Dubai?
Yes. From November to March, the weather is warm and sunny with comfortable evenings, making it the best time for outdoor activities, desert safaris and sightseeing.
Is it cold in Dubai in winter?
Days are warm, usually between 24°C and 30°C. Evenings are cooler, around 14°C to 20°C, and the desert can be colder at night. A light jacket is enough for the city.
Can you swim in the sea in Dubai in winter?
Yes. The sea stays around 22°C to 27°C. Many people swim comfortably through December, while January and February feel more refreshing.
When does Global Village open?
Global Village usually opens in October or November and closes in April or May. Exact dates change each season.
Does it rain in Dubai in winter?
Rain is rare, but a few short showers usually fall during winter, most often in January and February.
Is Dubai expensive in winter?
Hotels and flights are at their highest prices in December and January, especially around Christmas and New Year. Booking early and choosing a package helps keep costs down.
What should I wear in Dubai in winter?
Light, breathable clothing for the day, a light jacket for evenings and modest clothing for religious and heritage sites.
