One of the most exciting cities in the Middle East is Dubai, which is undoubtedly on travellers' bucket lists. With tourists from different nations coming to the city all year long, the city's eclectic culture is genuinely unique.
Nonetheless, a widespread misunderstanding holds that Dubai experiences constant heat, and we are here to burst that myth for you. The most popular time of year for travellers to visit Dubai is during the winter, when conditions are more comfortable.
To give you a better idea of the weather, main attractions, festivals, and things to do when visiting the city in the winter, we've divided down each season.
Climate During Winter in Dubai
Dubai experiences abundant sunshine throughout the year, with sporadic winter rain. The winter season runs from late October through early March. The most enjoyable time is around the end of winter, when visitors from all over the world may take advantage of the weather and tour Dubai.
Most of the city's rainfall falls in the months of December, January, and February, with the latter remaining the wettest with about 5 days of rain in the month, while December and January are the coldest months of the year with 3 to 4 days of rain each.
Winter is the ideal season to visit Dubai and enjoy it at its finest.
4 REASONS TO LOVE WINTER IN DUBAI
- The best events take place in the winter. One of the most well-known is the Dubai Shopping Festival, which offers discounts of up to 90% throughout the city. The Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship and the Dubai International Film Festival are other events. The Dubai Jazz Festival is another event that foodies will enjoy.
- Where else is it possible to go skiing and to the beach on the same day? The weather is beach-perfect outdoors, but if you grow weary of the sun or miss your favourite winter activity back home, that's no issue. Visit the Mall of the Emirates to take advantage of their sizable indoor ski resort and experience the snow.
- The New Year's Eve festivities are incredible! After all, this is Dubai. They have raised the bar for fireworks shows with their "go big or go home" mentality. And each year they continue to improve. There are no appropriate adjectives to describe it; simply leave.
- Take advantage of the outdoors: In Dubai, the best wintertime activities are all done outside, either in parks or on the streets. This is the ideal time to go a safari, camp out beneath the stars, or unwind on the Gulf's white sand beaches. Also, you can stroll along the Marina, go to one of the many municipal parks, and take part in outdoor markets and festivals. And these are but a few of the things you may do!
What to Carry During Winter in Dubai
Make sure you bring your winter clothing if you're coming from a hotter region where winters are a little bit warmer than in Dubai because lows can reach 100 C (500 F). On the other hand, beaches have slightly cooler water temperatures.
Individuals who are travelling from colder climates might adjust to the weather considerably more quickly. A list of essential items to bring to Dubai in the winter is provided below:
- Woollen sweaters and linen
- Plenty of sunscreens as the winter sun is very harsh
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- An umbrella as the winter months see rain
Best Places To Visit During Winter In Dubai
Here are some of the top destinations in Dubai to see in the winter that you really must see while you're on an exploration binge:
Burj Khalifa
This megatall skyscraper is the tallest structure in the world, standing tall at 2,722 ft. A visit to this feat of human engineering is a must on every vacation to Dubai. With a white desert on one side and an azure ocean on the other, its observation deck offers magnificent bird's-eye views of the city and is a wonderful alternative for Dubai winter vacations.
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Entry Fee: Adults: 125 AED, Children: 4-12 years- 95 AED (Free entry for children under 4)
Tips: Book your Burj Khalifa At The Top' tickets in advance to avoid long queues
2. Palm Jumeirah
The smallest of Dubai's three planned islands, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago that resembles a forest of trees. This island is famed for its elaborate hotels, opulent flat buildings, and fine dining establishments.
Plan a trip to the Palm Jumeirah to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits and take in the mesmerising sunset vista.
See the island's colourful nightlife as the beach clubs with spas and infinity pools transform into vivacious nightclubs with energetic DJ evenings. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dubai during winter.
Location: Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is a historically significant structure since Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum lived there when he was the king of Dubai.
The renowned Dubai Museum of Historical Photos and Documents, which offers visitors a glimpse into Dubai's past, is now housed in this structure. The greatest locations to see in Dubai in December include this epitome of Arabic architecture.
Location: Al Shindagha,Bur Dubai
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday and 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays
Entry Fee: Adults- AED 3, Children AED 1
4. Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is yet another wonderful location well worth visiting when in Dubai in December. It is the mosque in Dubai that receives the most photos overall in January, and it also stands out since it is the only mosque in the city that accepts non-Muslim visitors.
Via its "Open doors. Open minds" campaign, visitors can learn more about the cultural and religious practises of the Dubai population. Undoubtedly among the top locations to visit in Dubai in the winter.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road,Jumeirah 1 Dubai
Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fee: AED 20 (Free entry for children under 12)
5. Dubai Creek
One of the most amazing spots to see in Dubai in December is this natural saltwater rill. Bur Dubai in the south and Deira in the north are separated by Dubai Creek, which runs through the city's centre.
Visitors can take a boat or an abra ride across this glistening brook to get from one area of the city to another with their families, friends, or companions.
Location: Creek in the United Arab Emirates
Timings: 9 am onwards
Entry Fee: 5 AED (0.98, 1.15, $1.36). Entry is free for children below 2 years
6. Dubai Frame
Visit the Dubai Frame if you're looking for locations to go in Dubai during the winter. It is one of the most incredible locations to take pictures. No less than the Hall of Fame is Dubai Frame.
The enormous frame effectively conveys Dubai's breathtaking surroundings. The visit is also cost-free. This is the only location that could possibly be better for getting a travel journal.
Location: Building in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 9 am 9 pm
Entry Fee: 48.5 UAE onwards
7. Dubai Parks & Resorts
One of the nicest locations to visit in Dubai in the winter is Dubai Parks & Resorts, where you may stay all day or longer and still not have enough of it. There are numerous theme parks with different concepts, not just one.
Bollywood parks draw their influence from the Indian film industry, whereas Motiongate is built on a theme from Hollywood blockbusters. At Legoland, all of your childish desires will come true. Enjoy your youth here.
Location: Theme park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 11 am- 9 pm
Entry Fee: UAE 295 onwards
8. Dubai Mall
One of the most tourist destinations in Dubai during the winter is the mall, which offers a variety of entertainment options. You can enter the Burj Khalifa through the mall as well. Hence, it is difficult to miss the mall. Together with gaming areas, there is an ice rink where skiing is possible.
The mall regularly hosts live music performances to keep its patrons entertained. There are countless possibilities for both dining and shopping. It is one of the most exciting spots to visit throughout the winter in Dubai.
Location: Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa Dubai United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10 am 1 am
Entry Fee: no entry fee
Best Things To Do During Winter In Dubai
If the tourist attractions in Dubai mentioned above weren't enough for you, here are some further must-do activities.
1. Witness the Dubai Fountain shows
An Helicopter ride over the Burj lake to see the second-largest choreographed fountain in the world is one of the coolest things to do in Dubai during the winter. One of Dubai's most enticing tourist attractions, the Dubai Fountain has a 900-foot radius and a maximum water spray capacity of 22,000 gallons per second.
The fountain features more than 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, and it plays a range of Arabic and international music. It is also among the top destinations in Dubai to visit in the winter.
Location: Fashion Parking Dubai Mall Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Timings: 5:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: AED 65
2. Experience skiing in a desert at Ski Dubai
Can you possibly envision a ski slope in the middle of the desert? A 22,500-meter ski facility in Dubai has made it possible by providing year-round skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
The Mall of Emirates is home to the first indoor ski resort ever constructed in the Middle East. Get your tickets today and enjoy some of Ski Dubai's most exhilarating winter activities.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd Dubai
Timings: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Entry Fee: 2 hours of skiing costs AED 180 for adults and AED 150 for children
3. Race at the Dubai Autodrome
Prepare for an adventurous sporting event at the Dubai Autodrome as part of your trip to Dubai. Get behind the wheel of your favourite vehicle and experience the three most thrilling laps of your life while experiencing the F1 atmosphere in the centre of the UAE motorsports complex. One of the best spots in Dubai to spend a fun-filled day in the winter is here.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd Dubai
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: Outdoor: AED 130, Indoor: AED 100 (Includes a single session for 15 minutes)
4. Shop at Dubai Mall
Due to the hosting of one of the most lavish shopping festivals, the Dubai shopping festival, Dubai Mall is thought of as a synonym for shopping. Shop to your heart's content at the biggest mall in the world to make your winter in Dubai even more memorable.
Customers of this mall may also enjoy great cuisine at some of the best eateries, stay in opulent rooms at 5-star hotels, and experience the marvels of nature at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Location: Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa Dubai United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10 am 1 am
Entry Fee: no entry fee
5. Skydiving
During the colder months in Dubai, indulge in the bizarre hobby of skydiving to quench your appetite for adventure. Throw yourself out of the window to experience the rush of a free fall, and leave the rest to your teacher, who will make sure you land safely and leave you itching for another daring plunge.
Location: Dubai
Timings: 9 am onwards
Entry Fee: AED 1700 onwards
6. Desert Safari
One of the most romantic activities in Dubai during the winter is a desert safari, without which your trip to Dubai would be lacking. Live an Emirati lifestyle for a day, beginning with a camel ride through the desert, followed by a desert safari, dune bashing, quad biking, sand skiing, and sunset photography.
The day concludes with a delicious barbeque dinner, a shisha session, drinks, and a belly dance performance for your entertainment in Dubai in the winter of 2023.
Location: Dubai
Timings: 9 am onwards
Entry Fee: 30 AED onwards
7. Winter Festival Dubai Media City
The winter festival is one of the most exciting aspects of visiting Dubai in December. This event, which is now in its sixth year, is the biggest weekend of holiday fun in the UAE.
Schedule a vacation to Dubai in December to take part in this entertaining occasion, which features kid-friendly activities, a number of talent shows, and also heralds the start of Dubai's Christmas celebrations.
Products from the printing and publishing, media and advertising, business services, and food and beverage industries are on display at this event.
Location: Dubai
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: NA
8. Aquaventure Waterpark
You must see this 141-acre waterscape in Atlantis, the Palm, if you're spending the winter in Dubai. One of the best waterparks in the world, with some of the top water slides, including the Aquaconda, the longest water slide in the world, beach games, underwater diving with dolphins and other kinds of fish, restaurants, and a sizable white sand beach for relaxing.
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road
Timings: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: Height Above 1.2 meters AED 260, Below 1.2 meters- AED 215 (free entry for children below 2)
Top Events and Festivals During Winter in Dubai
In Dubai, there are numerous locations and events to attend during the winter. The Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Expo, and the Dubai Motor Show are three among them that annually garner a lot of media attention in the months of December and January.
1. Dubai Shopping Festival
2. Art Dubai
3. Dubai International Film Festival
How To Reach Dubai
Dubai can be reached most effectively and affordably via air. All significant airports in other nations are connected to Dubai International Airport. The Emirates Express bus service connects Dubai to all other Emirates, so if you're coming from another Emirate, you can travel there. Since the majority of tourists like to visit Dubai during the winter, purchase your airline tickets in advance to avoid higher prices.
Why Visit Dubai In December
Dubai has a climate more akin to a tropical desert because of its location in the Northern Desert Belt. The summers are unbearably hot and muggy. Consequently, the ideal time to visit Dubai is from December to March. The winter in Dubai is included in this season.
It is also the busiest travel period. December is the best month to travel to Dubai because the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. Dubai's December temperatures range from 26C to 14C. If you want to have a fantastic time on your holiday, go to Dubai in the winter.
Advantages of spending winter in Dubai
Let's take a closer look at the various advantages of a winter in Dubai.
Winter escapade
Undoubtedly, the nicest part of spending the winter in Dubai is that you can sunbathe on the beach while everyone back home is scrubbing their snow-covered automobiles.
Prices
This one only applies to January. Since the majority of visitors prefer to spend the holidays in the emirate, January sees fewer visitors than normal, and many hotels and tours offer discounts. Additionally, certain airlines provide tickets at steep discounts.
Holidays
Obviously, this one only applies to December. True, there will be tourist swarms everywhere, and there won't be any discounts, but the Christmas and New Year celebrations are definitely worth seeing. especially on New Year's Eve at the Burj Khalifa.
Disadvantages of spending winter in Dubai
There are negative aspects as well, just like everywhere else in the globe. Some of the drawbacks were already discussed, but before choosing to spend the winter in Dubai, I want everything to be crystal clear.
It may be too chilly
Many of you probably picture your vacations as days spent lounging on the beach. Even while the temperatures are not particularly chilly, some people can find them to be so, especially in the windy afternoons.
You need to pack more clothes
All you need are summer clothes if you visit at any other time of the year. But, layering your clothing is necessary when visiting Dubai in the winter, which could be challenging for passengers who are only taking hand luggage.
December is high tourist season
While the Burj Khalifa New Year Spectacular is undoubtedly impressive, you won't find any great offers on lodging or tours there. Also, there are a lot of tourists in the emirate, which could be uncomfortable.
Short days
You may not be able to see all of the city's highlights in just 8 hours of sunshine. Sadly, that also means fewer people will be able to enjoy the beach.
WINTER IN DUBAI: WHAT TO WEAR
Dubai's winter attire resembles other countries' summer attire pretty closely. Expect temperatures similar to those in the Midwest of the United States or in the summer in northern European countries to get an idea.
Remember that Dubai is a Muslim state despite its seeming cosmopolitanism; adhering to local customs and laws should be of the utmost importance. But because there are so many foreigners living there, there are fewer restrictions and more freedoms than in other Middle Eastern nations. You'll truly be allowed to wear anything you want the majority of the time!
The body should be covered (women, no tank tops!) and your knees should be covered by your skirt or trousers, according to basic fashion rules (yes, even for the boys). A smart tip for women is to keep a pashmina or lightweight scarf in your bag at all times. When necessary, this will assist you cover your head or shoulders.
You may wear your regular swimsuiteven a bikiniat the water parks, hotel pools, and beaches. When you leave those locations, such as when you enter a restaurant, bar, store, or hotel, you should absolutely put on some clothing.
Don't forget these items when packing for Dubai:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat, especially if you're planning to go to the desert
- Long, light-weight trousers or skirts
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Loose, breathable, long-sleeve shirts
- A light jacket and a couple of lightweight sweaters for the night
- Pashmina or scarf for women
- Swimsuit
- Flip flops
Although, Dubai doesn't see a pronounced seasonal change like some other countries, the summer and winter seasons nonetheless stand out from one another. Your trip to Dubai will be considerably impacted by when you decide to travel. Go there in the winter if you want to take advantage of everything this city has to offer (and it has a lot to offer).
Dubai in the winter is unquestionably thrilling and provides pleasure levels unmatched by any other location while feeding your hunger for travel. So begin packing your luggage and head out to make the most of your time in Dubai.
