UAE Climate Overview
The UAE has a subtropical desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers, warm winters, and very little rainfall. Understanding the seasonal variations helps you plan the perfect trip.
Climate Characteristics
- Desert climate: Hot and dry year-round with minimal rainfall
- High humidity: Coastal areas (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) very humid, especially summer
- Minimal rainfall: Average 5-10 rainy days per year, mostly in winter
- Intense sun: UV index very high year-round, sun protection essential
- Air conditioning: Everywhere indoors is heavily air-conditioned (18-20°C)
Two Main Seasons
- Winter (November-March): Pleasant 20-30°C days, cool evenings, perfect outdoor weather
- Summer (May-September): Extreme heat 40-50°C, high humidity, challenging for tourists
- Transition months: April and October are warm but manageable
Pro Tip: UAE weather is predictable. Unlike temperate climates, you can book 6 months ahead knowing exactly what weather to expect. December trip? It will be perfect 25°C. August trip? It will be brutally hot 45°C. This predictability helps trip planning enormously.
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
December - February (Peak Tourist Season)
- Temperature: 14-24°C (57-75°F) perfect comfortable weather
- Rainfall: Occasional light showers, 2-3 days per month maximum
- Humidity: Low to moderate, pleasant
- Crowds: Busiest season, book accommodation early
- Prices: Peak prices for hotels (December most expensive due to holidays)
- Best for: Beach activities, outdoor dining, desert safaris, outdoor events
March - April (Shoulder Season)
- Temperature: 20-33°C (68-91°F) getting warmer
- Rainfall: Rare, maybe 1 day per month
- Humidity: Increasing but still manageable
- Crowds: Moderate, good balance
- Prices: Shoulder season rates, better value than winter
- Best for: Sightseeing before summer heat, still good beach weather
May - June (Getting Hot)
- Temperature: 30-42°C (86-108°F) uncomfortably hot
- Rainfall: Virtually none
- Humidity: Very high on coast, oppressive
- Crowds: Fewer tourists, locals travel abroad
- Prices: Dropping significantly (30-40% off winter rates)
- Best for: Indoor activities, malls, hotel pools (early morning/late evening outdoor possible)
July - August (Extreme Heat)
- Temperature: 38-50°C (100-122°F) dangerous heat levels
- Rainfall: Zero
- Humidity: Extremely high, feels like sauna outdoors
- Crowds: Minimal tourists, many expats leave for summer
- Prices: Lowest of year (50-60% off winter rates)
- Best for: Budget travelers who stay indoors, mall shopping, indoor entertainment
September - October (Cooling Down)
- Temperature: 32-38°C (90-100°F) still very hot but improving
- Rainfall: Virtually none
- Humidity: High but decreasing
- Crowds: Increasing as season improves
- Prices: Good deals still available
- Best for: Smart budget travelers, early morning/evening outdoor activities
November (Sweet Spot)
- Temperature: 22-30°C (72-86°F) ideal conditions
- Rainfall: Rare, 1-2 days possible
- Humidity: Moderate and comfortable
- Crowds: Increasing but not peak yet
- Prices: Transition to peak season, still reasonable
- Best for: Best value-to-weather ratio of the year
Pro Tip: November is the secret best time to visit. You get near-perfect weather like December-February but at shoulder season prices. Locals know this - it's when UAE residents start outdoor activities again after summer hibernation.
Best Time to Visit - By Travel Style
For First-Time Visitors
- Best: December-February
- Perfect weather to experience everything UAE offers
- All outdoor attractions operational and comfortable
- Worth the higher prices for guaranteed good experience
For Budget Travelers
- Best: July-September
- Hotels 50-60% cheaper than winter
- Empty tourist attractions, no crowds
- Must be prepared to stay mostly indoors daytime
- Shopping, indoor entertainment, hotel pools still enjoyable
For Beach Lovers
- Best: October-April
- Beach weather perfect these months
- Sea temperature warm year-round (24-33°C)
- Avoid May-September: beach too hot for most people
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Best: November-March
- Desert safaris, hiking, outdoor dining comfortable
- Running, cycling, outdoor sports possible
- Camping in desert popular these months
For Festival & Event Goers
- Dubai Shopping Festival: January-February (massive sales, events)
- Dubai Food Festival: February-March
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi: November
- Dubai World Cup (horse racing): March
- Dubai Summer Surprises: July-August (indoor festival during hot season)
Important: If you're heat-sensitive, have health conditions, traveling with young children, or elderly family members, DO NOT visit June-August. The heat is genuinely dangerous and can ruin your trip or cause medical emergencies. Stick to November-April.
What to Pack for UAE
Winter Visit (November-March) Packing List
- Light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses for daytime
- Light jacket/sweater: Evenings can be cool (15-18°C), especially by beach
- Modest options: Covered shoulders/knees for malls, markets, cultural sites
- Swimwear: Pool and beach weather perfect
- Comfortable walking shoes: Lots of walking in pleasant weather
- Sunglasses & sunscreen: Sun intense even in winter
- Hat/cap: Sun protection essential
Summer Visit (May-September) Packing List
- Lightest clothing possible: Breathable fabrics (linen, cotton)
- Multiple outfit changes: You'll sweat through clothes quickly
- Light cardigan: For over-air-conditioned indoor spaces
- High SPF sunscreen: SPF 50+ essential, reapply every 2 hours
- Wide-brim hat: Maximum sun protection
- Water bottle: Hydration critical - refill constantly
- Cooling towel: Helps manage heat
Year-Round Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 50+: Non-negotiable year-round
- Sunglasses (UV protection): Sun is intense always
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated constantly
- Modest outfit: For mosque visits (long pants/skirt, covered shoulders)
- Comfortable sandals: Easy on/off for mosque visits, hotels
- Power adapter: UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G), 220V
Don't Bother Packing
- Winter coat: Unless visiting in January and very cold-sensitive
- Umbrella (for rain): Barely rains, not worth the space
- Heavy jeans: Too hot and uncomfortable even in winter
- Hiking boots: Unless specifically planning desert hiking
Pro Tip: Pack half of what you think you need. Shopping in UAE is excellent and often cheaper than home (especially during sales). If you forgot something, you can easily buy it. Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates have everything you might need.
Surviving (and Enjoying) UAE Summer Heat
If You Must Visit in Summer
- Adjust expectations: This is survival mode, not typical sightseeing
- Stay indoors 11am-5pm: Peak heat hours are dangerous
- Early mornings best: 6-9am is bearable for outdoor activities
- Late evenings okay: After 8pm still hot but manageable
- Mall time: Embrace mall culture - shopping, dining, entertainment all indoors
Heat Safety Tips
- Hydration: Drink minimum 3-4 liters water daily, more if outdoors
- Recognize heat exhaustion: Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat
- Cool down immediately: If symptoms appear, get to AC and drink water
- Sunscreen reapplication: Every 2 hours when outdoors
- Never leave car: Even 5 minutes can cause heatstroke in parked car
Making the Most of Summer Visit
- Indoor attractions shine: Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium, museums
- Hotel pool mornings: Early morning pool time before heat peaks
- Evening beach walks: After 7pm beach promenades pleasant
- Shopping festivals: July-August has Dubai Summer Surprises with sales
- Restaurants and cafes: Explore food scene, everything indoors
- Indoor theme parks: IMG Worlds of Adventure fully indoor
Critical Warning: Heat stroke kills tourists every summer in UAE. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, confused, or your skin feels hot and dry, this is emergency. Get to air conditioning immediately, drink water, and call for medical help if symptoms don't improve within 10 minutes.
Weather Differences Across Emirates
Dubai & Abu Dhabi (Coastal)
- Humidity: Very high, especially summer (80-90%)
- Temperature: Moderated slightly by sea breeze
- Feels like: Heat + humidity makes it feel hotter than thermometer shows
- Winter: Can get breezy on coast, light jacket useful
Sharjah & Ajman (Coastal)
- Similar to Dubai: Coastal climate, high humidity
- Slightly less developed: May feel hotter due to less greenery/shade
Fujairah (East Coast)
- Mountains moderate temperature: Slightly cooler than west coast
- More rain: Gets more rainfall than rest of UAE (but still minimal)
- Less humid: Can feel more comfortable than Dubai/Abu Dhabi
Ras Al Khaimah (Northern)
- Hajar Mountains: Mountain areas noticeably cooler
- Jebel Jais: UAE's highest peak, winter temperatures can drop to 5°C at summit
- Coastal areas: Similar to other emirates
Al Ain (Inland)
- Desert climate: Hottest emirate in summer (regularly hits 48-50°C)
- Dry heat: Lower humidity than coast, different type of heat
- Winter nights: Coolest in UAE, can drop to 8-10°C
Pro Tip: If visiting in summer and want slight relief from heat, consider staying in Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah mountains. Jebel Jais (RAK) can be 5-8°C cooler than Dubai, making it bearable for outdoor activities even in summer.