Things to Do in Dubai in Summer: How to Enjoy the City When It’s Hot

Dubai in summer has a reputation. Between June and September, daytime temperatures regularly pass 40°C, the humidity on the coast can be high and the midday sun is fierce. Many people assume that summer is simply the wrong time to visit. But every year, hundreds of thousands of travellers choose Dubai in summer and have a fantastic time, and many of them come back again.

The secret is knowing how to plan. Dubai is built for the heat. Almost every attraction, mall, restaurant, taxi, metro station and even bus shelter is air-conditioned. The city has some of the world’s best indoor attractions, from an indoor ski slope to indoor theme parks and the world’s tallest building. Outdoor experiences still happen, just at the right time of day: early morning, sunset and after dark. And summer brings big advantages: lower hotel prices, fewer crowds, special deals and the Dubai Summer Surprises festival.

This guide shares the best things to do in Dubai in summer, how to structure your days around the heat, what the weather is really like, how to stay safe and how to make the most of summer prices.

What is the weather like in Dubai in summer?

Rain is almost unknown in summer, and skies are usually clear. Humidity is the main challenge, especially in July and August on the coast, where it can feel warmer than the thermometer suggests. The desert is hotter during the day but less humid, and evenings there can be more comfortable than in the city.

Good to know: the sea in summer can be as warm as a bath, above 30°C. Swimming early in the morning or at sunset is more refreshing.

Why visit Dubai in summer?

• Lower prices: hotels, including five-star resorts, often cost half or less of their winter prices.
• Fewer crowds: attractions are quieter and you rarely need to queue.
• Summer deals: many attractions, restaurants and hotels offer special summer packages, such as kids stay free or second-ticket discounts.
• Dubai Summer Surprises: a summer shopping and entertainment festival with sales, events and activities for families.
• School holidays: families from many countries have their long holidays in July and August.

Indoor attractions: the best way to beat the heat

1. Ski Dubai

Nothing beats the heat like snow. Inside Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai keeps a real snow slope and snow park at around minus 2°C all year. You can ski, snowboard, ride the chairlift, sled down snow runs, throw snowballs and meet the resident penguins. Warm clothing is provided with your ticket.

Book: Ski Dubai Snow Park.

2. Burj Khalifa At the Top

The view from the world’s tallest building is spectacular at any time of year, and the observation decks are fully air-conditioned. In summer, haze can sometimes reduce visibility in the middle of the day, so the best time is early morning or evening, when the city lights come on.

Book: Burj Khalifa At the Top, levels 124 and 125. Read our Burj Khalifa At the Top guide for timing and ticket tips.

3. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Inside Dubai Mall, the aquarium tank holds thousands of marine animals, including sharks and rays. Walk through the tunnel beneath the tank, then explore the Underwater Zoo with penguins, otters and a giant crocodile.

Book: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

4. Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future takes you on an immersive journey into the year 2071, with exhibitions on space, climate, health and technology. It is fascinating for adults and children alike, and the building itself is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Book: Museum of the Future ticket.

5. IMG Worlds of Adventure

One of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, roller coasters and life-size dinosaurs. It is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day.

Book: IMG Worlds of Adventure.

6. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Under a giant red roof on Yas Island, this indoor theme park is home to Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters on Earth.

Book: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

7. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

A fully indoor marine theme park with one of the largest aquariums in the world, rides and animal encounters. It is ideal for families on a hot day.

Book: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Compare all the parks in our Dubai and Abu Dhabi theme parks guide.

8. Dubai Ice Rink

Skate on an Olympic-size ice rink in Dubai Mall. Public sessions, disco nights and skating lessons make it a fun break from the heat.

Book: Dubai Ice Rink.

9. The View at The Palm

Ride to the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower for a breathtaking view of Palm Jumeirah and the coastline from an air-conditioned observation deck.

Book: The View at The Palm.

10. Dubai Frame

Stand on the glass bridge 150 metres above the ground and look out over old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other. The galleries are all indoors.

Book: Dubai Frame entry.

11. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Under its famous dome, the Louvre Abu Dhabi displays art and artefacts from across human history. The galleries are cool and calm, and the shaded spaces beneath the dome are pleasant even in summer.

Book: Louvre Abu Dhabi ticket.

12. Shopping malls

Dubai’s malls are destinations in their own right, with entertainment, restaurants, cinemas and attractions. Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall are all worth exploring, and summer sales bring excellent bargains.

Book: Dubai shopping tour.

Outdoor experiences at the right time of day

13. Evening desert safari

Desert safaris continue all summer. Pickup is in the afternoon, and by the time you reach the desert, the sun is getting lower. Dune bashing, sunset photos and an evening at the camp are enjoyable, especially as the desert cools after dark. Camps have fans and some have air-conditioned areas.

Book: evening desert safari with BBQ dinner. Read our guide to the best time to do a desert safari in Dubai.

14. Morning desert safari

An early morning safari, before the heat builds, is another good summer option. Pickup is at sunrise and you are back at your hotel before lunch.

Book: morning desert safari with sandboarding.

15. Hot air balloon ride

Balloon flights take off at dawn, the coolest time of day. Note that balloon flights may operate on a reduced schedule in the hottest months, so check availability.

Book: hot air balloon ride over the desert.

16. Water parks early in the day

Water parks open in summer and are a great way to cool off. Arrive at opening time, enjoy the slides in the morning and take breaks in the shade. Bring a swim shirt and plenty of sunscreen.

Book: Atlantis Aquaventure, Wild Wadi or Yas Waterworld.

17. Water sports in the morning

Jet skiing, flyboarding and parasailing are best in the early morning in summer, when the sea is calm and the heat is lower.

Book: jet ski ride with Burj Al Arab views or flyboarding in Dubai. See our Dubai water sports guide for all the options.

18. Evening dhow cruise

A dinner cruise is a perfect summer evening plan. The lower deck is air-conditioned, and you can step onto the upper deck for the views.

Book: Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner. Compare it in our guide to the Dubai Marina vs Creek dhow cruise.

19. Sunset or evening yacht trip

Yachts have shaded decks and air-conditioned cabins. In summer, choose a sunset or evening trip and enjoy the cooler breeze on the water.

Book: shared yacht tour in Dubai Marina. Read our yacht rental guide.

20. The Dubai Fountain at night

The Dubai Fountain show in Downtown runs every evening, every 30 minutes, and is free to watch. Combine it with dinner at a restaurant with a fountain view.

Day trips that work in summer

Long outdoor day trips are harder in summer, but some work well if you plan carefully. The Abu Dhabi city tour spends much of the day in air-conditioned places such as the Grand Mosque’s indoor prayer halls, Qasr Al Watan and the Louvre. Read our Abu Dhabi day trip guide for tips.

In the mountains, Jebel Jais is about 10°C cooler than the coast, making it a popular summer escape. Book the Ras Al Khaimah city tour and Jebel Jais or read our Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais guide.

A sample summer day in Dubai

Or try a desert-themed day: a morning at the hotel pool, an afternoon nap, and an evening desert safari from around 3 PM to 9 PM.

How to stay safe in the heat

The heat in Dubai’s summer is serious. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your trip safely.

1. Drink water constantly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Carry a bottle everywhere.
2. Avoid the midday sun between 11 AM and 4 PM when outdoors.
3. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and light, loose, light-coloured clothing.
4. Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces regularly.
5. Watch children and older travellers closely; they are more vulnerable to heat.
6. Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating and weakness. Move to a cool place, drink water and seek help if symptoms continue.
7. Do not leave anyone or anything in a parked car. The temperature inside a car rises extremely quickly.

Important: if someone stops sweating, becomes confused or faints, it could be heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately.

Getting around in summer

Avoid walking long distances outdoors during the day. Use taxis, ride-hailing apps or the Dubai Metro, where stations and trains are air-conditioned, and covered walkways connect many stations to malls. For a stress-free day of sightseeing, book a private car with driver. Our airport transfers and getting around guide explains all your options.

Summer deals and packages

Summer is the best time to find value in Dubai. Look out for:

• Hotel deals, with luxury resorts at a fraction of winter prices.
• Kids go free offers at attractions and hotels.
• Combo tickets that bundle several attractions together.
• Holiday packages with hotel, transfers and tours. Our Dubai 4 nights holiday package is especially good value in summer.

If you need a visa, read our UAE tourist visa guide before you book.

Dubai in summer with children

Summer is the long school holiday for many families, and Dubai is well prepared for them. The key is to keep children cool and busy during the hottest hours. Plan one main indoor attraction each day, such as Ski Dubai, the aquarium or an indoor theme park, and keep outdoor time for the early morning pool or a sunset beach walk.

Many malls have large indoor play centres, soft play areas, trampoline parks and family entertainment zones, which are perfect for an hour or two in the afternoon. Hotels in summer often run kids’ clubs with crafts, games and supervised activities, giving parents time to relax.

Children feel the heat faster than adults, so build in regular water breaks, dress them in light clothing and hats, and use high-factor sunscreen. A stroller with a sun canopy and a small battery-powered fan are useful for younger children. For more ideas, read our list of things to do in Dubai with family.

Dubai Summer Surprises

Dubai Summer Surprises, often called DSS, is the city’s summer festival, usually running from late June or early July into August. Malls across the city hold big sales, with discounts on fashion, electronics, home goods and more, and many shops run flash sales and raffles with prizes. There are family shows, character meet-and-greets, workshops for children and themed events throughout the season.

For shoppers, DSS is one of the best times of year to buy. Combine it with a guided Dubai shopping tour to visit the best malls, the gold souk and the textile souk in one day.

Dubai after dark

In summer, Dubai comes alive at night. As the sun sets, families head to the waterfront, restaurants fill up and the city’s lights create a completely different atmosphere. Some of the best summer evening experiences include:

• A walk along Dubai Marina or The Walk at JBR once the temperature drops.
• Night beaches, where some public beaches are lit for swimming after dark.
• Rooftop dinners with views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
• Late-night souk visits in Deira and Bur Dubai, when the old town is busy with shoppers.
• Late openings at attractions such as Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame and Ain Dubai.

Good to know: many restaurants and cafés in Dubai stay open late, especially on weekends, so eating dinner at 9 PM or later is perfectly normal in summer.

Eid holidays in summer

Depending on the year, one or both of the Eid holidays may fall in the summer months. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid Al Adha takes place about two months later. During Eid, Dubai is festive and busy, with fireworks, special events and many visitors from the region. Hotels and attractions can be fully booked, and prices rise, so plan ahead if your trip coincides with Eid.

Where to stay in summer

Your choice of hotel matters more in summer than in winter. Beach resorts on Palm Jumeirah, JBR and Jumeirah Beach have shaded pools, beach access for early morning swims and plenty of indoor restaurants and activities. Downtown hotels are close to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, and some are connected to the mall by air-conditioned walkways. Hotels near a metro station make it easy to move around the city without spending time in the heat.

With summer prices, it is often possible to stay at a luxury resort for the same price as a mid-range hotel in winter. If you would like help choosing a hotel or a package, message our team or visit our contact page.

Common summer mistakes to avoid

1. Planning outdoor sightseeing at midday. Walking tours of the old town at noon are exhausting; go in the early morning or evening.
2. Underestimating the sun at the pool. Reflection from water and white surfaces increases sunburn.
3. Not drinking enough. Even short walks between a taxi and a mall can be dehydrating.
4. Forgetting a layer for the indoors. Air conditioning can be very cold, especially in cinemas and malls.
5. Trying to do too much. Build in rest time in the afternoon so you can enjoy the evenings.
6. Skipping travel insurance. Summer trips are no different from any other; make sure you are covered for medical care.

What to pack for Dubai in summer

• Light, breathable clothes in cotton or linen.
• A light cardigan or scarf for the strong air conditioning indoors.
• Swimwear and a swim shirt.
• High-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• A refillable water bottle.
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosques and heritage sites.

If you can choose when to travel, compare summer with the cooler months in our guide to things to do in Dubai in winter.

Frequently asked questions