Dubai in Winter: Why It's the Best Time to Explore the City
Most people, especially those who have never been to Dubai before, when they picture the city in their head, think of a hot and dry climate. While it is not too far from the truth since this Middle Eastern city indeed experiences hot weather most time of the year, winter in Dubai is also a pretty noted season. Unbeknownst to many foreigners and tourists, Dubai turns into a whole different paradise in winter that is worth visiting.
In this space, we are going to take a look at Dubai from a very special perspective and one that most tourists are not privy to. You might be surprised to learn that planning a trip to Dubai in the winter season can actually be a wonderful treat and is something that you should consider exploring. Many would even opine, and rightfully so, that the winter is undoubtedly the best season to visit Dubai.
From finding out the winter season, the weather and temperature you can expect, and the things you can do in winter in Dubai, we will take a deep dive into all these and more. So, whether you are a tourist who is planning a vacation to Dubai or someone who is moving to Dubai for the very first time, this article is going to serve you as a guide to know the city in its winter avatar.
When is Winter in Dubai?
Typical to most northern hemisphere seasons, winter in Dubai usually lasts from December to March. This is when you will find the climate in Dubai at its mildest. Please remember that you can’t expect severe coldness in the city. So, there won’t be any freezing temperatures or snow in Dubai for the most part. You will rather be charmed with a pleasant winter that is marked by bright sunny mornings and crisp cool evenings.
As such, you don’t have to worry about getting bundled up in thick coats during the winter season in Dubai. This is the time when you can sunbathe on the beach, check out the outdoors, or hike in the mountains, without the stress of getting sunburned. This is also the reason why so many high-net-worth families have holiday homes in Dubai that they come to during the winter.
In contrast to most places in the world, Dubai doesn’t experience four seasons in a year. Broadly speaking, you will mostly find summer and winter, with huge variations in heat between the two seasons.
By the end of October, you will notice slight changes in the climate of Dubai with it getting cooler, and by December, winter embraces the city, making it more pleasant to be outdoors during the day as well as evening. This brings us to the next portion of our discussion where we will help you get acquainted with the type of weather and temperature you can expect during the winter season in this Middle Eastern city.
Dubai Winter Weather & Temperature
As we just discussed above, the temperature in Dubai slowly cools down by the end of October before winter makes its presence be felt from December to March. The pleasantries of the weather during these months make planning a vacation to the city worthwhile. Dubai doesn’t get cold, per se, during winters. You can rather experience cool weather, which is ideal for going outdoors.
On average, during the winter in Dubai, the temperatures usually stay between 22°C (71.6°F) to 25°C (77°F) during daytime. After the sun goes down, it gets even cooler. The night temperatures during these months in the city are usually between 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F). January is the coldest month and you will mostly witness the lower end of these temperature variations during this month.
You will be glad to know that even in winter, you can experience bright sunshine during the daytime that is not too harsh and is, in fact, pleasant to soak under. You still should be carrying your sunscreens and hats when going out but the outdoors are generally more palatable during these months. There is usually always a solid eight hours of sunshine during winter in Dubai.
Please note that these figures are average estimations to help you give an idea of the climate you can experience in this emirate during the winter season. There can of course be exceptions. Sometimes, the temperatures can even rise to 30°C (86°F) and there are times when it will get freezing cold in the desert and mountain regions of the city. On the rarest of extremely cold days, there have been instances of snowfall on the Jebel Jais mountain range.
Given the fact that the city experiences such comfortable weather in winter, if you are thinking of making property investments in the real estate market of Dubai, then you can expect significant returns from rental or resale options. Locations in the city such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marian, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Al Furjan, among others, are considered some of the best areas to invest for higher Return on Investment (ROI).
Coming to another important aspect of weather, many people wonder whether it rains in Dubai during winter. Well, rain is not a very common occurrence in Dubai, to begin with. However, the city does experience storms. In winter, it can rain sparsely for a few days here and there but nothing too alarming to cancel a vacation.
Things to Do in Dubai in the Winter Season
There is no dearth of options for you to have a good time during the winter season in Dubai. From planning a family weekend gateway to taking a stroll with your friends to iconic landmarks of the city, there is something for everyone to do in this pleasant season in the city.
This is the time for you to head outdoors and bask in the glory of sunshine and cool evenings. Here is a list of some of the things you can do in Dubai in winter to have a memorable time.
Global Village
Global Village is the ultimate entertainment, shopping, and dining attraction that makes for a perfect day out with your loved ones. Meeting Santa Claus, marveling at the towering Christmas tree, or dancing with the elves – this place is heaven for kids.
Whether you want to get a kick of adrenaline through the thrilling rides or want to enjoy international cuisines, whether you want to check out the most happening retail spot in the city or indulge yourself in a unique coming-together of cultural experiences, Global Village is your answer for everything.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Witness the best of winter in Dubai at Dubai Miracle Garden which becomes home to an astounding 150 million flowers. With the onset of winter, this 72,000 sq. m. paradise turns into a sweet-scented picturesque location that is known being the largest natural flower garden in the world.
It also offers an immersive and rich experience through its mini golf course. Check out the photo booth, kiosks, and souvenir shops to create lasting memories. And when you get hungry in between there are various café, sweet bars, and fine dining options on its premises.
Dubai Butterfly Garden
In line with the previous point, we have to include Dubai Butterfly Garden, not only because of its proximity to Dubai Miracle Garden but also because of the fact that it claims to be the largest covered butterfly garden in the world. You will find 10 custom-built domes in the attraction, with each serving home to thousands of butterflies.
All in all, you will find over 15,000 butterflies of over 50 varieties, each coming with their unique colors and sizes. Witness the evolution of butterflies through various stages, check out movies in its theatre, celebrate birthday parties, and more in this location.
Exploring Beaches
Winter in Dubai is the best time to explore the beaches as you can sunbathe for hours without worrying about getting sunburnt. Of course, wear your sunscreens to stay protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun, but overall, hitting the beach and exploring the warm waters is an elevating experience during the months of December to March.
Dubai has plenty of public beaches and private beach houses such as Kite Beach, Marina Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Sunset Beach, and Al Sufouh Beach, among others where you can have a celebratory time with your family as you soak in the warm sun.
Desert Safari
Going on a desert safari in Dubai during the winter season is a fantastic choice since the conditions are less harsh and the weather is mild. Pack some warm clothes and comfortable footwear. You can partake in sandboarding, fast rides across sand dunes, BBQ dinners, and Bedouin camping for an immersive experience.
The top choices for getting a desert safari in Dubai are Al Faya Desert, Jebel Fayah, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Lahbab Desert, Al Awir Desert, and Liwa Desert, among others. Additionally, you can also visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to witness magical birds’ migration including the annual flamingo migration, and go kayaking around the Hatta Dam. Please be under supervision during kayaking for safety and precaution.
Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow offers an illuminating experience like no other, bringing a fusion of lights and art that seamlessly blend into each other. It is the largest glow-in-the-dark garden in the world and is known for creating splendid spectacles using over 10 million LED lights.
With jaw-dropping displays of creativity and light, you will be in awe of what this attraction has to offer. Not to forget, it puts sustainability at the forefront since the art park displays crafts that are built with recycled materials. The ‘Glow Safari’ and ‘Dinosaur Safari’ further add to its charm.
Motiongate
If you want to sneak a peek into the world of Hollywood, you have got to bring yourself and your loved ones to Motiongate. Billed as the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East, you will find yourself immersed with 27 rides, five studio worlds, a water ride, two toddler playing areas, seven restaurants, and 15 gift shops on its premises.
Dine in like a movie star and enjoy the cinematic thrills through mesmerizing rollercoasters while stepping into the stories you have grown up loving. From the Smurfs Village to the world of Colombia Pictures, from DreamWorks Animation to Lionsgate, this place a like a candy store for a movie buff.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
One of the largest indoor theme and amusement parks in the UAE, IMG Worlds of Adventure is a curated place of ecstasy that brings the best of thrilling rides, culinary experiences, and merchandise shopping. The park is divided into six zones – Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, The Haunted Town, IMG Kids Zone, and IMG Boulevard - with each of them taking you on a unique journey.
With options for live shows and meet and greet, this place hosts thousands of visitors daily and has been a favorite with both residents and tourists alike ever since its inception. The spine-tingling attractions and the bespoke experiences make this place a must-visit for everyone who loves amusement parks.
The Green Planet
Experience the best of exotic flora and fauna during winter in Dubai at The Green Planet. Camp in its rainforest, swim with tropical fish, or become a zookeeper for a day. Experience guided encounters with animals such as porcupines, echidnas, sloths, anteaters, armadillos, sugar gliders, and various birds and reptiles for an enthralling time.
This is also the perfect place for school field trips and nature trails as it offers a close-up chance to understand the unique habitats and behaviors of animals. A great place to understand nature while also having a gala time, you should definitely include it in your Dubai itinerary.
Shopping at Ripe Market
When it comes to pop-up markets in Dubai, the seasonal Ripe Market in Academy Park is one of the most awaited ones. A shopping experience in this market is one of the best winter activities in Dubai you can participate in. This community-led business supports home-grown businesses.
From local food to handmade pieces of jewellery, from clothes to antique decor, shopping at the Ripe Market is an enriching experience for anyone who appreciates local arts. Additionally, you can also visit the Dubai Shopping Festival and the various Christmas markets in the city during winter.
To Conclude
As you can ascertain by now, winter is a great time to pay a visit to Dubai. You can walk around the city effortlessly without worrying about getting overheated and witness the outdoors getting lit up by the bright and warm sunshine. Make Dubai your tourist destination this winter and give yourself and your loved ones a treat that will be forever cherished.
Seize every moment in Dubai with everything that the city has to offer in the blissful winter season. From getting an adrenaline rush in a theme park to soaking in the sun on a relaxing day on the beach, winter in Dubai is a marvelous affair. Experience the city from a different perspective and take in all its glory.
FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions about the Winter Season in Dubai
Is winter a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes, winter is a good time to visit Dubai since the weather is mild and pleasant and you can explore the outdoors comfortably. Besides, the city hosts various festivals and shopping events during winter.
What does Dubai look like in winter?
Dubai is very pleasant during winter and you will experience cool weather. The temperature ranges from 22°C (71.6°F) to 25°C (77°F) during daytime and 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F) during night time. You will get bright sunshine for eight hours and the evenings will be crisp and cool.
Due to the fact that there are various festivities hosted in winter, the city lights up with joy and is in a festive mood. Christmas is also celebrated with much eagerness, thanks to the multicultural aspect of the city.
What should I wear in Dubai in winter?
If you are in the main city, then a light jacket, sweater, and full-sleeved clothing will get the job done. However, if you are going to the outskirts such as the desert and mountain range, then carry thicker jackets and socks.
Which is the coldest month in Dubai?
January is the coldest month in Dubai. The temperatures can be around 22°C (71.6°F) during the day and around 14°C (57.2°F) at night time.
How long does winter last in the UAE?
Winter usually lasts from December to March in Dubai with January being the coldest month.