When is the best time to visit Dubai?

By Ian Packham
Aerial shot of the Palm Jumeirah Dubai

When is the best time to visit Dubai? And when should you not visit Dubai? Which are the best months for those with half an eye on budget, and what are the factors you should be looking out for when planning your trip to this Middle Eastern playground? If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re just a couple of minutes from learning the answers to them. You’re very welcome!

Weather in Dubai

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The biggest factor worth considering when planning your Dubai vacation is the emirate’s weather. If you’re looking for a climate that can be relied upon to deliver, Dubai is the destination for you. The desert environment means monthly average temperatures in Dubai don’t drop below a very pleasant 24°C. But winter sports lovers shouldn’t despair, it’s still possible to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai.

The lowest temperatures, of 24-28°C, are found between December and March, with January the coolest month. However, lower temperatures bring cloud and some rain – 16 mm in December and 28 mm in February. So if you’re heading to Dubai for the beaches, you might want to pick another time of year.

Overall, the best time to visit Dubai for weather is the months of April and October/November. Although temperatures rise to the low thirties Celsius, clear skies show off the state at its very best and make for the perfect time of year to take in the views from the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.

May through August sees temperatures rocket. They quickly hit 38-40°C, emptying beaches and filling the air-conditioned malls. The desert outside of the city is an absolute no-no at this time of year and streets are all but deserted during the hottest parts of the day.

What’s the best time to visit Dubai for events?

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Generally speaking, events are few and far between during the summer months, as no one seeks to do anything much very fast and even residents struggle with the heat. It is one of the best times to visit Dubai for shopping though, with Dubai Summer Surprises extending across July, August and September to lure shoppers to its multitude of stores with the promise of great discounts, live performances and raffles with top prizes including gold bars and luxury cars. Don’t forget that The Dubai Mall is also home to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

By comparison, the first months of the year are packed with events. It all kicks off with the New Year fireworks, which radiate out from the Burj Khalifa as well as erupting in the skies above Palm Jumeirah and Festival City Mall among many other locations in the city. They give way to the rather more sedate Desert Classic, bringing the world’s top golfers to the emirate in search of tournament glory.

February welcomes the likes of Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty to the hardcourts of the Dubai Tennis Championship, with music aficionados also well catered for with the Dubai Jazz Festival. As much a society event as a horse race, the rich and famous are sure to make time in their diary for the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, alongside World Art Dubai, the region’s largest contemporary art fair.

There’s another chance to enjoy spectacular fireworks, as well as military flypasts and temporary cultural villages to remind everyone of their heritage on December 2, the National Day of the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai forms a part.

Best time to visit for budget travelers

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The cheapest months to visit Dubai when it comes to flight and accommodation rates can be found during the city’s low season. This corresponds exactly with the summer, lasting from May through September. Unless a 4x4 quad bike ride in the desert is an absolute must, it’s worth considering these months if money is at the forefront of your mind.

Alternatively, think about heading to Dubai in March or September instead. Temperatures are more amenable for exploring the ancient souks but high season prices aren’t yet kicking in. With schools in session right around the world, crowds are also minimal, making a trip to MOTIONGATE or Ferrari World all the more enjoyable.

Visiting Dubai during Ramadan

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The holy month of fasting, Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al Fitr: families often buy their children gifts or new clothes and there are plentiful sweet treats to be had - keep an eye out for gars, a crumble sweetened with dates and cardamom, porridge-like harees and syrup-soaked lugaimat. This three-day no holds barred festival sees Dubai at its busiest.

While it can definitely be an enriching cultural experience to visit at this time, be aware that it will mean some changes to your typical sightseeing. It is forbidden to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public, with many cafés and restaurants outside of hotels remaining shut during the day. Fines can be issued if you are found to be disrespecting these rules. In addition, some religious sites may shut their doors to non-Muslim visitors and taxis can be difficult to find in the early evenings, when drivers usually break their fast. Similarly smaller attractions may have shorter opening hours, whilst many stores choose to stay closed during the day and instead open for much of the night. Just a few things to consider if you're contemplating a trip during this period.

Visiting Dubai with Go City

Try it for yourself and we think you’ll soon agree that the best time to visit Dubai is the time you visit with Go City. We provide visitors to the world’s top destinations with discounted admission on a whole range of popular attractions. There’s no need to change your vacation plans or ditch your dream things to do. So whether it’s thrill seeking in Dubai’s amusement parks, absorbing the region’s culture at a culinary experience or taking a tour by traditional dhow or modern kayak, substantial savings can be made.

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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rain dubai
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Things to do in Dubai When it Rains - Wet/Rainy Activities

Rain - the bane of many a made-up mane, falling water is something many of us would rather avoid entirely. In a desert oasis like Dubai, you may think you're safe from the sprinkly pestilence. But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. See, it turns out Dubai does experience rain. But don't let a little rain spoil your vacation. Instead, seek shelter from the storm, and fun undercover. Below, we've detailed the best things to do in Dubai when it rains. You don't even have to lift a finger. Now, prepare your eyes for an onslaught of useful information. Including: Ski Dubai IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Wavehouse VR Park Dubai and more! Ski with the roof up Even at its coldest or wettest, Dubai's temperature never really dips below 65-70°F. So even when it's raining sideways, you might be looking to chill out those warm bones. Well, if it's chill you want, look no further than Ski Dubai - the world's biggest indoor ski center. Featuring slopes, ski lifts, and even penguins, stepping inside this icy park is like being transported to another country entirely. You're free to ski, snowboard, or toboggan to your heart's content. You can even descend in a giant snowball, if that's your sort of thing. With all your equipment provided and instructors on hand for newbies, it's the perfect place to try out winter sports if you've never partaken. If you're a seasoned vet, feel free to go ahead and tear it up however you like. Themed park "Theme parks? But they're outside!" We hear your cries, but they are in vain. Stifle your screams into your nearest pillow and listen up. IMG Worlds of Adventure isn't just your average, weather-friendly theme park. It's not only an inside theme park; it's the biggest indoor theme park on the planet. With thrilling rides themed around beloved characters from pop culture, including Cartoon NetworkTM and MARVEL, you'll spend hours exploring and enjoying each of its five zones. Will you survive a night in the Haunted Motel? Can you help the Avengers stop Ultron? Are your legs strong enough to outrun a velociraptor? Only time, and a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure, will tell. Who says the rain has to keep you away from the rollercoasters? Not Dubai, that's for sure. Beneath the waves With all the rain tumbling down outside, the last thing you might want to do is surround yourself with water. But you'd be wrong, rain avoider! There's a whole world to explore under the ocean, so go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and see it for yourself. The bulk of the experience takes place in a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day all around you. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Despite its watery nature, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in Dubai when it rains. Wave for the camera Even the oldest of us like to pretend we're young again every once in a while. For some, that can mean buying modern clothes to help us look young. For others, it can be doing silly things our bodies aren't capable of achieving anymore. But what if there was a way to relive your youth without any unnecessary embarrassment? Just head to Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and transport yourself back to the good old days of 80s arcades! They've got bowling alleys, arcade games, and even a surfing simulator to embarrass yourself on. Plus, you can pair all that fun with a host of delicious American diner-esque dishes, from succulent burgers to mouthwatering pizzas. Just make sure you surf those calories off; your metabolism isn't getting any younger, either. Explore worlds without rain If you want to avoid the rain, why not travel to another world entirely? It may sound farfetched, but thanks to the state-of-the-art technology on offer at VR Park Dubai, your dreams of a rain-free world can become a reality. For four hours, you'll have the opportunity to choose 7 from 25 games and enter virtual reality. Simply slip the headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. And who knows, maybe when your four hours are up, the rain will have passed, and you'll be free to roam the sunny streets once more? Find a way out Of course, escaping the rain is your top priority. But what if your rain escape leads you into a trap?! Imprisoned in a room that demands all your wits and grit to escape? An...escape room, if you will. Well, lucky for you, all your nightmares can come true thanks to No Way Out escape rooms! With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 prisoners - sorry, friends - will battle the clock, devious traps, and puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each showing features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. If you have the stomach for it, No Way Out is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai when it rains! And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai when it rains! Looking for some sunny activities when the weather finally clears up? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
A woman shopping for clothes at a pop up market in Dubai
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Best markets in Dubai

Dubai is known for its shopping. Its malls strive to be world beating when it comes to both size and the experiences they offer – is there anywhere else in the world you can watch a screening of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, ski and scuba dive all in the same afternoon in the same place? Probably not. But Dubai’s malls aren’t the only place to satisfy your need to splurge. A trading post long before the advent of modern stores, you shouldn’t miss Dubai’s souks and markets either. Which are the best markets in Dubai? We’ve brought together our hit list for anyone not sure where to start. The Ripe Market Running throughout the year, The Ripe Market was one of the first of a new crop of marketplaces to set up in Dubai. Primarily focused on foodstuffs, its stalls are piled high with fresh organic produce, tasty looking vegetables and regional delicacies, whilst food trucks stand ready for anyone wanting to sample a range of cuisines then and there. In the winter months, The Ripe Market occupies an outdoor space within Police Academy Park, beside Ski Dubai and the Mall of the Emirates. In the hotter summer months, it moves inside, to the Times Square Center every Saturday. Market at The Beach With something for everyone, Market at The Beach is exactly as it sounds. Located on the shoreline at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) from first thing in the morning until last thing at night, the stalls here are split into two zones. Operating over the winter months, one section is dedicated to fashion, small homeware items and jewelry, whilst the other offers up a tempting array of meals which can be enjoyed on the beach alongside views across the water towards the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Spice Souk The aroma of spices will probably reach you long before you reach the Spice Souk’s official boundaries. Sacks of saffron and armfuls of cinnamon sticks release a rich scent alongside a selection of teas and sweets. For a taste of Dubai, look out for bezaar, a blend of spices made up of coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cinnamon and turmeric. It’s used in recipes including majboos, a savory rice dish similar to pilaf. Dubai Flea Market Fans of previously-loved items and upcycling shouldn’t miss Dubai Flea Market. Popping up at one of several locations multiple times each month, be sure to check in advance whether it's Zabeel Park, Ibn Battuta Mall or some other address you’ll need to head to. Find the right place and you’ll be met by roughly 300 different stalls. The strict requirement for sale items to be second-hand ensures a certain level of uniqueness and spontaneity in purchasing, with fabrics, ceramics, furniture and clothing just some of what’s on offer. Throw a little friendly haggling into the mix, and the whole event is difficult to resist. Gold Souk For traditional shopping, head to the Gold Souk in the Deira neighborhood, which has been the center for the region’s gold trade for centuries. Partially covered, its narrow alleyways are lined with hundreds of independent jewelry stores showing off their best wares in glittering window displays. As one of its oldest souks, it has to be considered one of the best markets in Dubai too. Irrespective of whether you’re looking for a piece of gold or just looking to discover its streets for the experience, the designs you see will have you admiring the craftsmanship on display. ARTE Standing for ‘Artisans of the Emirates’, ARTE is a weekend market that’s been going from strength to strength during its 15 years of existence. It connects Dubai’s small time makers and craftspeople with an audience of appreciative buyers at pop-ups in malls including Mercato and Times Square Center. Around 150 different makers have items available at any one event, with a guarantee that each and every piece on sale has been designed and made by vendors themselves. It means that for unique Dubai souvenirs, there’s probably nowhere better to find textiles, soaps, pottery and greetings cards. The Farmer’s Market An alternative place to The Ripe Market for vegetables is The Farmer’s Market. Created as an outlet for those brave souls growing produce in one of Earth’s driest environments, this is one of the top food markets in Dubai and appears on Bay Avenue on weekends during the winter. The focus is on fresh produce, whether that’s eggs or eggplants, which may be of limited interest to visitors to Dubai. However, there’s also usually a good selection of edibles which make nice mementos of your trip, including local honeys and jams. The best thing is that most of the produce is sold by the farmers themselves, allowing a rare connection between grower and buyer. Global Village If the Spice Souk has history and authenticity on its side, Global Village has variety. Amidst the funfair rides and interpretations of the Kremlin in Moscow and Leaning Tower of Pisa in... Pisa are stalls selling trinkets from every continent. Just down the road from IMG Worlds of Adventure, some may find the whole enterprise slightly baffling. However, if you’ve any children in tow they’re sure to learn something. Nor has Global Village forgotten its 1990s roots as a group of stalls carrying everything from Afghan carpets to argan oil from Morocco. Souk Al Marfa Situated along the waterfront of the new development on the Deira Islands, Souk Al Marfa provides a modern take on Dubai’s traditional souks. This enclosed space is now home to around 400 stores which have a little bit of everything. It will soon rival the city’s big malls with around 1000 shops once fully opened. So whilst it may not meet some definitions of a market, it does fill a gap between the original souks of Deira and Dubai’s modern megamalls. Visiting the best markets in Dubai Markets and Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai have gone hand in hand since before recorded history. The best markets in Dubai are as diverse as any you’ll find, with traditional souks and modern farmers’ markets creating plenty of choice. Include a stop at one of our market picks during your vacation in Dubai and you won’t regret it. Travel to Dubai with Go City and you won’t regret that either! We offer visitors substantial savings on admission to many top attractions so you get to see the sights without worrying about your budget.
Ian Packham
Camels in the desert near Dubai
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Should I buy Go City’s Dubai pass or get individual tickets?

Spoiler alert: the Dubai pass might just be the answer to all your sightseeing prayers.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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