Winter
Days 24–27 °C, nights 16–19 °C. Mostly pleasant; occasional showers. Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
Dubai weather guide
Planning a trip or desert adventure? This guide to Dubai weather blends hard climate facts with real stories of sandstorms, rare rains, the 2024 floods, and how Dubai is adapting—so you can pick the best time, pack smart, and stay safe.
- Hot desert climate (BWh)
- Best months: Nov–Apr
- Rare rain, occasional sandstorms
Dubai Weather Overview
Dubai has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh)—scorching summers, mild winters, and very little rainfall. Most days are sunny, but the desert can deliver surprises: dusty shamal winds and, on rare occasions, heavy rain.
- Annual average temp: ~28–30 °C
- Rainfall per year: ~70–110 mm
- Rainy days per year: ~13–25
- Sunshine: ~8–10 hours/day (seasonal)
Traveler tip: Winter and spring (Nov–Apr) offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor plans
like desert safaris, hiking, and open-air dining.
Month-by-Month: Seasons in Dubai
Spring
Days warm to 30–32 °C, nights 20–25 °C. Bright, dry conditions—great for beaches and morning/evening desert trips.
Summer
Highs regularly above 40 °C (can exceed 45 °C). Humid; virtually no rain. Focus on indoor attractions and early/late outdoor windows.
Autumn
Cooling from mid-30s into the 20s. Low humidity returns—perfect for desert camps, markets, and outdoor events.
Sandstorms in Dubai: What to Expect
Dust and sand events are driven by strong north-westerly shamal winds that can reduce visibility quickly. Some years are dustier than others, with notable events logged across 2008, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2022.
- Feel & look: Amber skies, gritty air, and hazy horizons; visibility may drop to a few hundred meters on severe days.
- Impacts: Slower traffic, flight caution, and spikes in respiratory irritation— authorities issue advisories during high dust.
- What to do: Wear wraparound sunglasses; consider a light mask if you have asthma/allergies; drive slower; follow official alerts.
Rain in Dubai: How Often & What It’s Like
Rain is infrequent and short-lived, most common from November to March. Depending on thresholds, Dubai sees roughly 13–25 rainy days a year. Showers can be refreshing and photogenic—but intense storms can tax drainage and slow travel.
April 16, 2024 floods: The heaviest UAE rainfall in ~75 years swamped roads and disrupted DXB airport. In response, Dubai launched Tasreef, a long-term storm-water upgrade to increase drainage capacity by ~700% by 2033.
Traveler tips during rain: Allow extra airport time, avoid low-lying roads, follow UAE NCM alerts, and expect slower public transport and ride-hailing.
Extreme Heat & Humidity
From late spring through summer, highs regularly top 40 °C (and can exceed 45 °C) with steamy humidity. “Feels-like” temperatures may push beyond 50 °C, and sea temperatures can approach ~37 °C.
- Plan windows: Schedule outdoor time around sunrise and sunset; choose shaded routes.
- Hydration & clothing: Light, breathable fabrics; hat, SPF 50+, and sunglasses; carry water always.
- Family notes: Prioritize air-conditioned venues midday; look for shaded playgrounds and indoor attractions.
How Dubai Is Adapting: Greener & More Resilient by 2030+
- Tasreef storm-water program: Multibillion-dirham network expansion designed for next-century storms after 2024’s floods.
- Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: Building 20-minute cities with shaded, walkable districts; heat-aware street design; and easier access to daily needs without long car trips.
- More trees & parks: Plans to increase green and leisure space across the city—cooler microclimates and better walkability.
- 100M mangroves by 2030 (UAE): Coastal protection and carbon capture that also support biodiversity and cooler waterfronts.
Plan Your Trip Around the Weather
For deeper planning, explore our practical guides: Best Time to Visit Dubai, What to Wear on a Desert Safari, Morning vs Evening Desert Safari, Overnight Desert Safari: What to Expect.
Dubai Weather FAQs
What is the climate in Dubai?
Dubai has a hot desert climate (BWh) with very hot, humid summers; mild winters; and scarce rainfall.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to April offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities and desert trips.
Does Dubai get sandstorms?
Yes. Seasonal shamal winds can kick up dust and reduce visibility. Authorities issue advisories on high-dust days.
How often does it rain in Dubai?
Dubai sees roughly 13–25 rainy days per year, mostly between November and March. Heavy events are rare but possible, as in April 2024.
How hot does Dubai get in summer?
Daytime highs regularly exceed 40 °C and can pass 45 °C; “feels-like” temperatures may top 50 °C.
What is Dubai doing to handle extreme weather?
The city is expanding storm-water capacity with the Tasreef project, greening/shading districts under the Dubai 2040 Plan, and planting 100M mangroves by 2030.