dubai in august

Dubai in August

By Dom Bewley

Planning your vacation in Dubai this year? August could be the perfect month for you. There's always an answer to the intense heat, so check out our guide to Dubai in August and see if it floats your boat!

Including:

  • Dubai weather in August
  • Ski Dubai
  • JBR Beach
  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • BBQ in the desert
  • and more!
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Dubai in August: What to Expect

Dubai is notoriously sweltering all year round, and August is one of the hottest years you can visit the desert oasis. So hot, in fact, that on average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 87°F. That means you need to be prepared for some intense sun, and be prepared to escape to the comfort of air-conditioning at a moment's notice.

Those that are none too fond of 105° weather may look to go at the beginning or end of the year when temperatures are much more manageable. However, if you snort at the thought of cowering away during peak summer, bear these things in mind. Keep bottles of drinking water on you at all times. Even on the beach, you'll find refilling stations to top yourself up. Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Secondly, pack extra light clothing and a metric ton of sunscreen to protect your skin. Reapply that bad boy every hour or two if you're in direct sunlight in the afternoon; that's when the sun's fiercest.

Either way, we'll cover attractions both inside and out, should you want to break up your sweltering vacation with some cooler action.

Dubai in August: What to Do

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Get your skis on

If all that summer heat gets too much for you, why not cool off on the slopes? No, we're not talking about packing your bags and heading somewhere cooler. Thanks to Ski Dubai, you can have the perfect slope experience right in the city.

Ski Dubai is the world's largest indoor ski center. Really, you need to see it for yourself to understand just how big it is. Featuring multiple ski slopes where you can ski, board, or sled, it even has a ski lift to take you up to the very top. Fun for the whole family; even newbies can get to grips with the fine art of snow travel, thanks to the trainers on-site.

All the gear's provided for you, including skis, boards, jackets, and everything else you need to pretend you're in the Alps for a few hours. And hey, they even have penguins too. Don't believe us? Go and see for yourself. You might not see yourself skiing in Dubai in August, but trust us, it's the perfect way to escape the blistering heat.

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Beachlife

While heading to the beach when temperatures exceed 100 degrees might not seem like a good idea, you do have options. After all, beaches stick around after the sun goes down. So, why not venture out after dark and get lounging on Dubai's stunning sandy spaces?

Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches. And while you can't swim there after dark, you can certainly lounge on its pristine beachfront through the night.

Umm Suqeim Beach, on the other hand, does allow you to swim in its calm seas until the clock strikes midnight. Thanks to its Smart Power lighting system, lifeguards can keep an eye on swimmers when the sun goes down. But you can't expect them to work through the night. Hence, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters at 12AM.

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Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

Just because it's super hot doesn't mean you want to miss out on all the UV all the time. And as they say, water isn't just for drinking. So, go out with a splash - outside, we mean - and head to the exciting slides and rides at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm!

You'll be beckoned by rides like the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by sharks and rays. That one's only for the brave out there. Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile.

If you go in peak afternoon summer hours, apply and reapply sunscreen after a few slides. Slides do a good job of wiping off your carefully-applied protection, and the last thing you want is a blistery back after a blisteringly good time!

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Desert Adventure

Heading back to the warm hands and cool embrace of the night, another one of Dubai's draws is the magnificent sandy dunes surrounding the city. Dubai was built from nothing within them, so why not explore them for yourself with a brilliant desert safari and BBQ dinner?

You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert proper. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach the BBQ camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat, grilled veg, and other local delicacies.

Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad, and all of that without one drop of harmful UV in sight. If you need a break from the sun, try this tour when you visit Dubai in August.

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Landmarks and neon lights

And finally, you wouldn't want to leave Dubai without seeing some of its most recognizable landmarks, would you? Of course not, which is why you should take a Dubai Magical Night Tour and see them all in one fell swoop.

Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. Then you can leave guilt-free, knowing you saw these amazing creations and didn't spend all your time inside!

And that's our guide to Dubai in August! Looking for a wide variety of attractions to make your trip to Dubai the best ever? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.

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dubai in october
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Dubai in October

Dubai is pretty warm all year round, but you may be surprised just how warm it can be during months you usually find colder. Take October, for example. Heading there then can feel like a summer holiday all on its own, so check out our guide to Dubai in October and see if it's the month for you! Including: Dubai weather in October Cool off at Dubai's water parks Dubai's brilliant beaches Relax at Dubai's beach clubs and more! Dubai in October: What to Expect While for many of us, October is the final nail in the summer coffin as we prep for the cold and wet of the coming winter, that's not the case in Dubai. You can expect highs of around 97°F and lows of around 75°F. That's...peak summer weather in many parts of the world. As such, dress and prep for a summer holiday! Light clothes, giant hats, and liters of sunscreen should do the trick. Dubai in October: What to Do Water parks With temperatures that high, you'll want to make the most of the sun while staying as cool as possible. And what's the best way to do all that? Well, at a water park, of course! Lather up with your factor 1000, put on your best beachwear, and get sliding. Unsurprisingly, Dubai has some great water parks, such as Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. There, you'll find plenty of rides that cater to both the young and old. Aquaconda - nice wordplay - throws you down a head-spinning snake of a ride, with twists and turns around every scaly corner. There's Poisiden's Revenge, which drops you down at 60mph into a massive pool. And to cool off, they even have their own beach where you can relax or hop in a kayak! For little ones, there's LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. The Joker Soaker pits you against Batman's worst enemy as you splash around his playground. And at LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Perfect for kids and big kids alike. Beaches The brave among you may wish to forgo the pleasures of the splash and instead embrace the heat in all its glory. Well, where better to do that than at the beach? With enough sun, sand, and sea to make your head spin, just be sure to pack the aforementioned sunscreen and hat! Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches, if relaxation is your aim. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. You can't swim after sundown due to the lack of light in the water, but you can certainly pitch your tent on its shores all night long. Or, if you want to make a day of it, check out La Mer. There, you'll find stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. There's a cinema on-site, if you like the talkies, and you can even rent your own private beach house for the day. Nice. Beach clubs If you're looking for beach vibes but need a little shade on a warm October day, then hit up a beach club instead. Part beach, part pool club, part restaurant, they pack a relaxing punch you won't find anywhere else in Dubai. For ultimate relaxation, hit up the Mediterranean stylings at Twiggy by La Cantine. Named after the famous model that embodied the spirit of the swinging sixties, you'll find this beach club laden with white silk, white lounge chairs, and white, well, everything else. Alongside the massive infinity pool, you'll enjoy a welcoming menu of European bites. Alternatively, a livelier option is Surf Club, which features resident DJs, dancing through the day, and a stacked bar. A cool night's travel Fancy seeing all of Dubai's sights, sounds, and highlights in one chilled night? Then you'll fancy the hell out of a Dubai Magical Night Tour. Joined by a knowledgeable yet humorous guide, you'll be transported around the city, see the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the comforting coolness of Dubai's October night sky. You'll cruise by the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbor and more. Make sure you have space on your phone camera to capture the stunning sights of the city's night lights. An evening stroll in the desert If you're less about sightseeing and more about sight visiting, then how does a desert safari that culminates in a relaxing BBQ dinner sound? Pretty great, right? From your hotel, a 4x4 will whisk you away to the amazing dunes in Dubai's surrounding desert. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery before you reach the desert camp. Then, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal of grilled meats, veg, and other delights. But that's not all; there are also activities and entertainment for you to enjoy long into the night. Watch a belly dancing show, smoke some authentic shisha, ride a camel, and even get some henna painted on you! Then, when the night is over, you'll be taken right back to your hotel. Night boat And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in October with another cool night activity. Take to the waters around Dubai Marina and tour the shoreline, the highlight being the towering Ain Dubai. Your one-hour tour will take you past Jumeriah Beach and Bluewaters Island, before you set eyes on Ain Dubai- the tallest observation wheel on the planet! You can set off at 6:30PM to see the sunset, or at 9PM to see Dubai's lights shimmering off the water. Either is beautiful, so choose whichever suits you and get sailing! And that's our guide to Dubai in October! Looking for other suggestions? Why not 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. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
The towers of Dubai in the morning fogs of winter
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What to do in Dubai in January

Dubai in January combines Goldilocks weather with the calming lull that comes after the Christmas rush. A reduction in visitor numbers means no fight for the best spots on the beaches or in the city’s museums, whilst the emirate’s surprising range of wild spaces are also at their best in the cooler climate of this time of year. To experience the very best of Dubai in January, check out our recommendations for what to do! Set your sights on the crystal clear waters Taking a new year’s dip in many other parts of the world requires a layer of goose fat and a good amount of foolhardiness, but not so with the weather in Dubai in January. Sea temperatures at this time of year remain above 22°C, peaking at 26°C. Take advantage of this by joining a stand-up paddleboard lesson & tour or experiencing the man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah by kayak. Slip on a wetsuit and you can disappear beneath the waves too. Snorkeling and diving sites can be found off the UAE’s sleepy and little developed east coast on the Indian Ocean at Fujairah, an easy drive from downtown Dubai. The clear waters here are home to a huge number of species, from resident fish to visiting shark and sea turtles. Guaranteed sightings of many of the coast’s species can be enjoyed without having to get wet at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Containing a 10 million liter tank with 400 sharks and rays, as well as enclosures with crocodiles, otters and penguins, crowd pleasers don’t get much better than this. It’s also worth having the aquarium tucked up your sleeve in case of rain. Though rare, with skies darkening just once or twice in the month, showers can be heavy. They are short lived however, with just 10 mm of precipitation recorded overall during the month. Dust off your shades Even if you’ve got no plans to hit the waves, your swimwear is still going to be a vital addition to your packing list for Dubai in January, with the beaches that line the city’s Arabian Sea coastline ripe for a visit. With average daily temperatures of 24°C and highs of 32°C, there’s plenty of opportunity for some time on a sun lounger. Should you prefer your sands untamed, the desert dunes at Dubai’s edges are probably the top adrenaline adventure going, especially since many amusement parks shut down for annual maintenance and improvements around this time of year. Head out in the comfort of an air-conditioned 4WD on a morning safari, with the chance to sand ski and ride a camel, or really get the blood flowing through your veins with a 4x4 quad bike ride through the desert. Save any trip to the At the Top observation decks of the Burj Khalifa for the afternoon – or better yet, sunset. Though one of the top things to do in Dubai in January, chilly (for Dubai) nights of 16°C often lead to blankets of fog rolling in off the coast and masking views that usually stretch for miles during the first hours of the day. Take a walk on the wild side Within sight of the Burj Khalifa’s panoramic windows sits the Ras Al Khor wetland reserve. Occupying the western end of the basin in Dubai Creek, it has become an important stopover for migratory birds since its creation in 2007, and one of the top places in the emirate to explore its natural side. You may even see an Ethiopian hedgehog, although the main drawer has to be its flock of 500 greater flamingos. However, when it comes to wetlands, few can compete with Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve in the Saih Al Salam desert, since it makes up almost 10% of the emirate’s total area. As well as hides where it’s possible to catch sight of Egyptian nightjars, reptiles and mammals, it has one of the world’s largest cycle trails, stretching 84 kilometers. Alternatively, head for the similarly named Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on the border with Sharjah. The UAE’s first national park, this is the place to seek out Arabian oryx on game drives before discovering traditional arts such as falconry and archery. Check out the special events in Dubai in January With the world’s largest shopping mall – the Dubai Mall – ancient marketplaces and outlet villages, Dubai has a reputation as one of the best shopping destinations in the world. Attracting lovers of retail therapy from as far afield as North America and Asia, the thousands of stores have something for every budget, whether you’re a hard nosed backpacker or staying at the ‘seven star’ Burj Al Arab. Even more incentive to refresh your wardrobe or splash out on jewelry, electronics and books is January’s Dubai Shopping Festival thanks to a wealth of discounts. Held since the earliest days of tourism in the emirate, the festival has its allure to those less absorbed in the world of retail too. Food events, concerts and firework displays are all part of the fun. You might even find a new pair of running shoes, which would come in handy given the timing of the Dubai Marathon in January. The biggest mass participation sporting event in the Middle East, its 26-and-a-bit mile course is tackled each year by roughly 30,000 participants, including the greats of long distance running. Be prepared for an early start though, with the race gun firing about 7AM to avoid the heat of later in the day! Experience Dubai in January with Go City Beyond the discounts of the Dubai Shopping Festival there are other ways to make incredible savings when visiting Dubai in January. Travel with Go City and immediately gain huge reductions on many of the city’s top attractions and things to do. They range from the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa to desert adventures and even tours of the opera house. So if you’re considering a trip to Dubai during January, be sure to add Go City to your list of vacation musts.
Ian Packham
Dubai
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One Day in Dubai Itinerary - Stopover in Dubai Options

This popular one day in Dubai itinerary includes the must see attractions to visit during a stopover in Dubai.
Lindsay Eagan

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