When is the Best Time to Visit Dubai?

Dubai is truly a year round destination and there is certainly no shortage of exciting events to experience whenever you choose to visit. Bucking the usual sunshine destination trend that says higher temperatures equal higher prices, Dubai is actually at its most affordable during the summer.

Traditionally, summers in Dubai are less popular because of the desert heat, but there is an upside; with demand lower than at other times of year. Many prefer to visit in the cooler winter months, but that means larger crowds and higher prices. So, when is the best time to visit Dubai for you?

Summer

Pros

• Summertime means cheap flights and the best holiday deals. Families in particular can save big on summer term holidays with rates during July and August often cheaper than during term-time!
• Even in low season there is still plenty going on. Bargain hunters will love Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) – a festival that incorporates exclusive bargains and children's entertainment. Over 6,000 (fully air-conditioned!) stores across the emirate participate in the event, with big savings on all kinds of items.
• Kids are also well-catered for during DSS with an interactive fantasy land called Modhesh World.
• The Eid-al-Fitr fireworks are held every night during the Eid celebrations and are renowned for being hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.

Cons

• Ramadan runs from late July to mid-August which means many eating and drinking establishments are closed during the day, and it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. That said; this does not have a significant effect on the city’s many hotel resorts.
• The summer temperatures in Dubai reach as high as 45°C which may be too scorching for some. Trips to the beach are still possible but morning and early evening are more comfortable than the hottest part of the day.

Winter

Pros

• Dubai is a fantastic winter sun destination; average temperatures hover around 20°C from December through to March. These milder temperatures are considered by many as ideal for enjoying the emirate. Winter is the perfect time for outdoor pursuits like golf, sandboarding and exploring the desert.
• The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) kicks off every January and is the perfect opportunity for enjoying some heavily-discounted retail therapy on holiday. It’s one of the biggest retail events in the world with prize giveaways including cars and gold! As well as the shopping, the DSF brings street displays, fireworks, film festivals and lots more exciting events.

Cons

• Higher demands mean higher prices, and also bigger crowds at popular attractions and beaches.
• February is the wettest month of the year in Dubai, although rainfall still pales in comparison with the UK at just 1.4 inches on average.

Spring and Autumn

Pros

• Dubai’s shoulder season is still very warm without the humidity of the summer months. Temperatures average around 20-25°C in spring and 30°C in autumn
• There are always lots of exciting events on. September sees Dubai Music Week take centre stage, with last year’s line-up featuring performances from Will.i.am and Timbaland, not to mention guest speakers like Quincy Jones. In February and March 2015 Dubai hosts the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which has attracted stars like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the past.

Cons

• Prices will be slightly higher than at peak times and there are generally fewer special offers to take advantage of.

Have you visited Dubai? When would you recommend visiting?