When to visit Dubai?

While Dubai is known for its sky-high buildings and extravagant atmosphere, the City of Gold still has plenty of surprises in store! Camping in the desert, tropical beaches, exciting treks, and the wildest amusement parks... This bustling city in the United Arab Emirates is sure to amaze you in a thousand and one ways. It's no wonder it's on the bucket list of many travelers. However, with the constant heat and large crowds, choosing the right time to visit can be tricky. This article will guide you on when to go to Dubai to make the most of your stay. Let's go!

A sunny destination par excellence, Dubai benefits from a subtropical climate, characterized by two main seasons.

Dubai's summer lasts from May to October. At this time, the city experiences extreme heat, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 40°C (77 to 104°F) and an average daily sunshine of 8 to 12 hours. Expect intense heat between June and August, with daytime peaks of 41°C (106°F). The upside of this season? It hardly rains.

Winter in Dubai is quite different from European winters. It spans from November to April and features milder temperatures, averaging between 15 to 33°C (59 to 91°F). The sun shines for about 7 to 11 hours each day. Rain barely occurs, with only about one day of rain per month in December, January, and March, which is the wettest period.

The verdict: as you can guess, summer is not the most pleasant time to visit Dubai. To explore the city and enjoy its attractions without enduring extreme heat, it's best to choose winter. Nonetheless, rain is nearly non-existent throughout the year. So, no risk of it surprising you

While the weather is more forgiving in winter, tourist crowds are high during this season, especially in December. Conversely, summer marks the low tourist season. The city clears out significantly in June and July, the hottest months. If you want a good compromise between crowds and climate, go in March or April when visitation is moderate and temperatures are pleasant (18-28°C for March, 21-33°C in April).

If I can give you a piece of advice, regardless of the season you choose to visit Dubai, a Dubai Pass will save you time and money! There are various city pass deals for Dubai that allow you to visit the city's main attractions at a reduced price while avoiding long lines at entrance gates. If you're traveling to Dubai during peak tourist season, skip-the-line tickets will save you a ton of time! Here are the two best Dubai Passes ⬇️

Sports fans can take part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge from November 1 to 30. It's an ode to fitness that invites you to exercise for 30 minutes each day of the month.

December 2 is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates, as the country celebrates its independence. A festive atmosphere takes over Dubai on this day, with locals and tourists alike enjoying grand parades, various shows, and spectacular fireworks. For an even more stunning view of these events, some people head to the top of the Burj Khalifa.

January is packed with events:

In Dubai, gastronomy and music will fill your month of February. From the 14th to the 16th, enjoy cooking workshops and tasting sessions at Taste of Dubai. Then, for three days towards the end of the month, let the smoothness of jazz transport you at the Dubai International Jazz Festival

If you prefer classical music, you'll have to wait until April 6-21 for the InClassica International Music Festival.

Summer may not be as festive as winter, but there are still some great events. Around early May, art enthusiasts can marvel at works by famous local and international artists during World Art Dubai. By May 6, for three days, you'll also have the privilege of attending the Airport Show, an aerospace trade exhibition.

From late June to early September, stores, restaurants, and hotels enter a period of heavy discounts to celebrate Dubai Summer Surprises. Take this chance to shop for great deals and watch beautiful fireworks

Book your activities now! ️

Are you in the midst of planning your trip but still unsure about what to do in Dubai? Whether it's wandering through the bustling souks, cruising on the Marina, venturing into the Dubai Desert, or engaging in unique activities like jet skiing, diving, skydiving, or even a helicopter tour over Dubai, one thing is certain: you won't get bored! Be sure to book your activities before you leave so you don't miss out on anything

Dubai is an exceptional city that borders both the desert and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. With its pristine sands, its beaches are truly idyllic. Treat yourself to a getaway in these paradise spots to enjoy the refreshing breeze blown by the sea during the heatwave. Just remember, if you're going for relaxation, you should choose a shaded spot under palm trees or equipped with loungers to stay out of the sun, or risk suffering from heatstroke. So make sunscreen your best ally

As for choosing the beach, it all depends on how you like to cool off.

If you enjoy boat rides, you're in the right place. The coastline of Dubai is the perfect playground for this activity that takes you away from the sweltering heat of the city. Additionally, there are various ways to explore the corners of the Persian Gulf. I recommend a luxury yacht excursion to taste the opulence of Dubai. It will cost you around $30 per person, barbecue lunch included

Want more magic? Join a sunset cruise to watch the sun dip below the sea and see the Marina of Dubai light up at nightfall. This magical adventure will be filled with good spirits thanks to the open bar and live music on board. And the best part: it's only offered at about $50 per person, buffet dinner included.

Enjoy the coolness of the water at one of Dubai's famous water parks. There are no better places for family fun! I particularly enjoyed Aquaventure, a huge water park where giant slides, waterfalls, rapids, and a private beach will provide you with thrilling experiences.

If you're visiting Dubai with kids, they will surely love Splashers, a water play area dedicated to them. And in case of a little appetite, the park has many restaurants available.

To escape the blazing heat of summer, it's preferable to focus on outdoor activities where the wind can touch your hair and face. After water activities, how about a stroll in the clouds? ️ Indeed, Dubai is even more enchanting from the sky. You can fly over the city in various ways. Helicopter tours promise unmatched sensations. Furthermore, the visit is intimate, unlike with hot air balloons where you often share the basket with others.

But most importantly, a helicopter ride over Dubai will give you the chance to admire the city's skyline and its highlights from above. The view will be breathtaking over Jumeirah Beach, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, and even Burj Khalifa...

We are back close to the water, this time on solid ground, in front of the iconic Dubai Fountain ⛲️ Nestled at the foot of the towering buildings of the city, this mesmerizing site is located in the lake at Burj Khalifa, which I will discuss below.

Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not one fountain, but several fountains combined in one spot. These majestic jets are actually programmed to offer a performance synchronized with lights and music. This stunning symphony occurs at 1 PM, 1:30 PM, and then every evening from 6 to 11 PM every 30 minutes.

You can guess this attraction is extremely popular. To give people the opportunity to admire the famous dancing fountains, the city has made sure to install a promenade around the lake. You can access it with a pre-reserved entry ticket at about $5.

Who doesn't want to climb to the top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world? Besides the adrenaline rush, it's cooler up high. In fact, this imposing skyscraper dominates Dubai from a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). The cherry on top: it features an observation deck accessible for about $40 per person. From this panoramic platform, the view is breathtaking over the city and the sea

In winter, you can enjoy the previously mentioned activities far from the heatwave. In addition to these, the season adds other activities to the list that would be less pleasant to do in the summer. Here are a few must-dos for the season

Deira represents the historic heart of Dubai. Hidden among skyscrapers and futuristic structures, it brings a touch of authenticity to your stay. Stroll through its ancient alleys, amidst colorful and aromatic souks teeming with great deals. Among the most impressive is the Gold Souk, a must-see to experience the opulence of the United Arab Emirates.

The alleys of Deira are also dotted with food stands inviting you on an epic culinary journey. Not far from there is the Dubai Museum, a site that will introduce you to this former fishing village before its grand transformation. In short, the old town immerses you in local history and culture. Explore its highlights on a guided tour of the old town, offered for under $20 per person!

Even though winter is far from freezing in Dubai, you can still go skiing ⛷️ The city features an indoor ski resort called Ski Dubai. It's a 3,000 m² area where both young and old can slide in peace. Located at the Mall of the Emirates, the resort boasts five ski runs nestled in a snowy setting that will put you in the mood for mountain ski resorts. After this exhilarating experience, take some time to sip a delicious hot chocolate at the Avalanche Cafe in Ski Dubai.

You're going to love the Dubai Desert Hiking, 4x4 trekking, camel riding, sandboarding... Here's a brief glimpse of the thrilling adventure awaiting you on this vast area of dunes. Ideal in the gentle winter, this all-in-one desert experience won't cost you more than thirty euros per person

Don't hesitate to sleep in the Dubai desert to fully enjoy your safari and uncover the well-kept secrets of this extraordinary place. It will be an opportunity for you to savor a delicious dinner and enjoy a dance show.

If you're looking for another unusual activity to do, you can also book a hot air balloon flight over the Dubai desert! Here are the details of the mentioned activities

There are direct flights from France to Dubai. Departing from Paris, the trip can cost you between $180 and $1,500, depending on whether you travel in low or high tourist season. A little tip: aside from choosing the right time, search using the flight comparator Ulysse to find cheaper tickets Prices will be even more affordable if you book in advance.

Dubai is well-served by transportation. The Dubai Metro and buses cover every area of the city at fares from $1 to $2 per trip. Uber also operates there at rates between $10 to $20 per ride. The downside of these options is that you need to know where the public transport stops are. As for Uber, the fares can add up quickly, as can taxi rides.

Therefore, I suggest renting a car, which is a practical and budget-friendly choice that allows you to remain independent in your travels. On RentalCars, you can rent a variety of models starting from $22 per day, quite an affordable cost

There is a wide range of accommodations where to stay in Dubai, including some hostels, several hundred hotels, and thousands of apartments. I've selected a few options that offer good value for money, considering the high lodging costs in Dubai, which can vary depending on the seasons.

Book at the Radisson Blu Residence and you will stay close to Dubai Marina and 15 minutes on foot from Jumeirah Beach. This establishment offers apartments with balconies, providing views of the Dubai harbor. The rooms are stylish, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary amenities (full kitchen, private bath...). The property also includes a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and a Lebanese restaurant, Zaroob, where breakfast is served every morning. For one night, you can expect to pay starting from $169 for a studio for two people.

I hope now you know when to go to Dubai. In short, the low tourist season matches the summer, when the heat hits hard. This is the perfect time to plan your trip if you prefer fewer crowds and softer prices. However, in winter, rates can rise alongside the crowds. The upside: you'll engage in thrilling activities that Dubai offers without the heatwave. So, follow your desires and let the magic unfold!