Dubai is the most popular city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the most visited cities in the world. Dubai is not only a city of luxury, fashion, skyscrapers, and shopping malls, but also a city with beautiful beaches, historical sights, and a desert.
Dubai is a city where everyone will find something to do and see. However, Dubai’s high heat is not for everyone. Therefore, if you wish to visit Dubai without unbearable high temperatures, Dubai in winter is the best time.
Is Winter a Good Time To Visit Dubai?
Yes, winter is a very good time to visit Dubai. Winter is actually the high tourist season in Dubai. There are many reasons for that. One is the great weather, the second is a shopping festival happening in January, and the third is Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve is actually the most popular time for visiting Dubai. Every year there is a laser and fireworks show on the Burj Khalifa that attracts a lot of tourists and residents. There are fireworks and parties all over the city that you can choose from.
One disadvantage of visiting During New Year’s Eve is the high prices. From the 30th of December until the 1st of January the prices of accommodation rise exponentially.
What is the weather like in Dubai in winter?
Winter in Dubai is from November until the beginning of March. However, it can be called winter only based on the USA or European winter as there is no winter in Dubai. Dubai has only one season and it is summer.
During the winter there is still sunshine the whole day long and temperatures are very pleasant. During the day time, the temperatures can range between 25-30 degrees Celsius/77-86 degrees Fahrenheit. During the night can get as low as around 18 degrees Celsius/64 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sea temperature is not as high as during the other months. Especially from December until February it can be only 23 degrees Celsius/73 Fahrenheit. So not everyone dares to swim but many people still enjoy swimming in the sea.
Even though you need only summer clothes, don’t forget to pack a thin sweater or jeans jacket. You will need them for the evenings or when visiting the desert.
Bear in mind that in winter some rain is expected. It doesn’t mean it will rain nonstop for a few days, but light showers with thunder can appear. If the rain is strong and last more than a few minutes, the roads get flooded. Nothing really to worry about as the sun will come out and life goes on.
Dubai In Winter: Best Things To See & Do
There are many things to see and do in Dubai for adults and children of all ages. Dubai in winter is a great time for any outdoor activities, but there are many indoor activities to be done as well. Let’s see some of them for you to choose.
Enjoy the sunshine on the beach
Many people come to Dubai to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful beaches. There are many free public beaches like JBR Beach, Marina Beach, Umm Suqueim Beach where you can take stunning pictures of Burj Al Arab, and Kite Beach where besides swimming and sunbathing you can do kitesurfing.
There is also a public beach called Al Mamzar Beach with a big park, eating facilities, and the possibility to rent sunbeds and the entrance fee is AED 5. Mondays and Wednesdays are for women only.
Some hotel resorts have private beaches designated for guests only.
Have fun in water parks
Water parks are great fun in winter and also in summer for adults and children. There are few water parks in Dubai. The best ones are Aquaventure and Wild Wadi Water Park.
For smaller children, you can choose Legoland water park, Splash ‘n’ Party Kids Water Park, or Splash Pad.
See Dubai from the top of Burj Khalifa
Going to the top of Burj Khalifa is the number one thing to do when visiting Dubai. You can enter Burj Khalifa from Dubai Mall and you can choose different options.
You can go to the observation deck on the 124th floor together with the 125th floor. Other options are Burj Khalifa Sky which is on the higher floor or the Lounge which is the highest you can go.
Visit the historical part of Dubai
As mentioned already, Dubai has also a historical part except for the new and shiny part. In Old Dubai, you can visit different souks, like Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, or Textile Souk.
Take a tour of the Al Bastakiya District and Al Seef to experience the oldest area in Dubai.
Explore Global Village
If you are visiting Dubai in winter, Global Village is must visit. Are you asking why? Because it is open only from mid-October until the end of April. And also because by visiting Global Village you can go around the world in one day.
Global Village consists of different countries from all over the world where you can see different architecture, taste food from particular countries and have fun from morning till late evening.
It is recommended to visit on New Year’s Eve where several fireworks will take place.
Wander through Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden is also open from October until April and closes during the summer. Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden. However it is not just different flowers, but replicas of different objects, towers, and fairy tale creators made from flowers.
As this garden is located outside in the direct sun, it is closed during the summer and reopens for the winter season with new sculptures.
Spend time in the Desert
Spending time in the desert is a lovely escape from the city. Winter is a great time to do it as it is not too hot. You can enjoy camel riding, sandboarding, dune bashing, watching a fire show and a traditional dancing show, and of course delicious buffet dinner.
Each tour offers different activities so you can choose based on your preferences.
Watch Dubai Fountain
Watching Dubai Fountain is completely free. The fountain is located Downtown opposite Dubai Mall next to Burj Khalifa. The Fountain show starts every day from 5:45 pm until 11:30 and the show runs every 30 minutes.
If you want to get closer to the fountain, you can buy a ticket for the Abra boat ride on the lake or for Broadwalk where you can walk very close to the fountain.
Things To Do When It Rains In Dubai
When you catch some rainy days in Dubai during your holiday, do not worry. There are many activities to do indoors in Dubai.
Admire the Shopping Malls
Dubai is a paradise for shopaholics. There are so many malls, souks, and outlets you can visit and spend days wandering around. However, the malls are not only about shopping but also eating and having fun.
You can find many designer shops in the malls as well as basic shops. There are restaurants, cafes, and food courts so you are not hungry during your shopping.
If you are not into shopping, you should at least look around as shopping malls in Dubai are extraordinary. To have fun in the malls, you can visit the cinema, amusement parks, an aquarium, and an ice rink, or you can ski and snowboard in the indoor ski centrum with real snow.
Dubai Mall is the largest Mall in the UAE and you can find it downtown next to Burj Khalifa. In Dubai Mall, an ice rink and Dubai Aquarium are located. The second most famous mall is Mall of the Emirates located in Al Barsha. In this mall, you can find Ski Dubai, the indoor ski centrum.
Especially during Christmas time the shopping centers change into Christmas villages where you can see Christmas trees, lights, and decorations all over the malls and shops.
Visit Jumeirah Mosque
Not all Mosques allow tourists or non-Muslims to enter. However, Jumeirah mosque is open to the public where you can take a tour with a presentation and light refreshment. It is a nice opportunity to get to know the culture and religion of the UAE.
Women should not forget to dress appropriately and bring their own scarf to cover their hair.
Visit Amusement parks
There are many amusement parks in Dubai that you can visit during rainy days. Whether you are adults or coming with children, you will definitely have fun there.
IMG World is the world’s largest indoor amusement park that you can visit. Another indoor amusement park is Motiongate. To have fun in the virtual world, don’t miss the VR Park. Children will have fun in Mattel Play Town or in Kidzania.
Visit museums
There are several indoor museums in Dubai that you can visit. The newest museums are Etihad Museum where you can learn about the history of Dubai and the Museum of the Future.
For a little bit of fun, head to the Museum of Illusions, 3D World Selfie Museum, or Madame Tussauds.
Are you a coffee lover? Then you can’t miss the Coffee Museum where freshly brewed coffee can be smelled all around.
FAQs: Dubai In Winter
Now you know how is winter in Dubai and what can you do and see. Here are answers to more questions you may have regarding Dubai in Winter.
What is the coldest month in Dubai?
The coldest month in Dubai is January. The next coldest month after January is February when the temperatures could be just one degree higher.
Can I wear winter clothes in Dubai?
Definitely NO. Do not bring any winter clothes to Dubai. There is no winter in Dubai. Even if you plan to visit Ski Dubai, you will not need winter clothes as they are provided to you at the entrance.
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes, December is a very good time to visit Dubai. The weather is great, temperatures are pleasant and when you are coming around Christmas time, you will find lights all over the city on the palm trees, and nice Christmas decorations in shopping malls and hotels.
However, during New Year’s Eve time, the prices of accommodation are higher. In any case, if you are visiting Dubai in December, book your flight ticket and hotel way in advance.
Conclusion: Dubai In Winter
Visiting Dubai in winter is the best time due to the cooler temperatures, amazing Christmas decorations and atmosphere, and extraordinary celebrations of New Year’s Eve. There are more activities to choose from when you are visiting in the winter than during the summer months.
However, the prices are higher as it is the peak season. Also, you can expect some rain during the winter time, which however should not really affect your holiday.
Author Bio: My name is Nat from Natstravel. I love traveling and my favorite destinations are where beaches can be found. Except for beach destinations, I’m in love with Africa. Dubai is a city I visited many times and I hope I will move there one day.
Looking for more winter tips? Check out Jordan in Winter and Egypt in Winter.