Dubai in August

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
dubai in august

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.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Tropical fish in an aquarium
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Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

Everything in Dubai is supersized. The skyscrapers, the water parks, the malls, that mad Ferris wheel at Bluewaters Island: all strive to be the very biggest and baddest in town, nay the planet. Heck, you can even grab a 10kg burger here, should the mood (and your appetite) take you. Dubai’s aquariums are no exception to this rule, with some absolute beasts vying for your dirhams. Among the biggest and best here are Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers, run by Dubai Mall and Atlantis The Palm respectively. We took a deep dive to meet the thousands of critters at each aquarium and find out which of Lost Chambers and Dubai Aquarium is best…Dubai Aquarium: The Lowdown Name. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located at Dubai Mall (the biggest mall in Dubai, natch).Age. The aquarium opened in 2008, but some of the sharks and crocs here are even older than that.What to expect at Dubai Aquarium. One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium is home to many thousands of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays, plus giant spider crabs, piranhas, otters, penguins, and an Australian king croc (and his queen) – though not all necessarily in the same tank. This super-sized aquarium has multiple zones. As well as that epic tank, there’s a 48-meter underwater observation tunnel and the trio of ecosystems – rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean – that make up the underwater zoo. Naturally, you can also add immersive experiences to your ticket, including live shows, guided tours, feeding time with the penguins and otters and an opportunity to touch eagle and cownose rays. And if you wish to (quite literally) immerse, you can even book a diving experience with the sharks and stingrays.Dubai Aquarium in Numbers Size. The suspended aquarium tank is one of the biggest of its kind on the planet, containing 10 million liters of water. That’s about the same as four Olympic-size swimming pools. Animals. There are over 140 species of aquatic animals to ogle at Dubai Aquarium, including over 400 sharks and rays, and one of the world’s largest collections of sand tiger sharks. Displays. The aquarium tunnel is 48 meters long and takes you 11 meters beneath the surface; there are 40 individual aquatic displays in the underwater zoo, starring seahorses, otters, piranhas, colorful cichlids and more. Dubai Aquarium Highlights It’s likely you’ll spend more time in the underwater tunnel than just about anywhere else at Dubai Aquarium. Here’s where to cram your camera roll with close-ups of curious critters including giant groupers, stately stingrays, and nosey nurse sharks. The underwater zoo zone features an eye-popping array of colorful characters. Don’t miss the majestic king croc and his queen, plus giant spider crabs, playful otters and ultra-cute gentoo penguins. Feeding times are among the most exciting events in the aquarium’s day. Watch staff as they hand-feed the rays and dive daringly deep into the aquarium tank for a shark feeding frenzy. Lost Chambers Aquarium: The Lowdown Size. Epic. An 11-million-liter tank (the Ambassador Lagoon), plus over 20 exhibits and an octagon of mysterious chambers make this the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East. Animals. Around 65,000. That’s a heck of a lot of critters. Displays. In addition to the Ambassador Lagoon, there are 21 aquatic exhibits to explore. Lost Chambers Aquarium Highlights The Ambassador Lagoon is where it's at for all your Insta-perfect selfie backdrop requirements. Get in the picture as colorful blue-spotted stingrays, massive Queensland groupers and regal zebra sharks soar past behind you. Take the guided Myth of Atlantis tour to learn all about the myths and legends of the lost city, and the underwater creatures that now inhabit its chambers. Feeding times here are pretty special, but nothing beats the amazing shark safari experience, in which willing participants wear glass diving helmets and stroll across the bottom of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium as these majestic creatures of the deep soar overhead. Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Comparison: Which is Better? It’s a tough call. Both are great family days out, with plenty to keep even the most incurious kids entertained for hours on end. If you like your exhibits themed, perhaps Lost Chambers will edge it for you, but both have plenty to offer. You can also combine with other activities in both locations: Dubai Mall is also home to the DXB Play VR amusement park, a 22-screen cinema, KidZania, and a real-life diplodocus skeleton, while Atlantis The Palm offers an epic water park and the opportunity to swim with dolphins in addition to its Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Burj Khalifa guide
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Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting

When you're in the UAE, you simply must see the Burj Khalifa. Step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck and you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean.
Casey Makovich
dubai in april
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Dubai in April

Dubai is fast becoming one of the most exciting places to visit on the planet. Thanks to an explosion of outside investment, a growing expat community, and year-round sun, plenty of folks flock to its shores every year to see what all the fuss is about. If you're one of them, or you're teetering on the edge of decision, let us help. Is April the perfect month to plan your vacation in Dubai? Read on, and discover our guide to Dubai in April. Including: Dubai in April - weather Water parks Beaches Desert shenanigans and more! Dubai in April: What to Expect Unlike most places in the northern hemisphere, where summer kicks into gear at the end of May/early June, Dubai sees its summertime rise in April. With highs of 93°F and lows of 72°F, it's probably the most comfortable summer weather you'll get if you're not into baking heat and mid-afternoon siestas. Leave the jackets at home, ladies and gentlemen - you won't need them. Instead, pack light, airy clothes that will keep you as cool as possible. As this is peak summer temperatures in much of the world, let's explore some fun summertime experiences that will help you make the most of the heat and let you cool off too! Dubai in April: What to Do Water is wet, and you can be too When the temperatures reach the 90s, are there many better places to cool off than a water park? Turns out Dubai feels the same way, as you'll find a number of brilliant water parks around the city. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides to tickle the fancy of kids and big kids alike. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, you'll find a world of wet wonder within its walls. You'll also find a kids-only area for the really little ones. And, if you need a break from all the excitement or just a sliver of shade, head to the park's beach area and lounge beneath a parasol. Over on Yas Island, one of the landmasses around Dubai's coast, you'll find another amazing waterpark at Yas Waterworld. Visitors will be treated to a wealth of over 40 rides, including the world's largest sheet wave machine for your surfing pleasure and Slithers Sliders, which sees you twisting and turning through a snake's body before crashing out of its open maw. And then, for a kid-centric water park, you have LEGOLAND® Water Park. Featuring a colorful cast of LEGO characters made popular by the companies' cinematic outings, your little ones will enjoy over 20 rides of varying shapes and styles. Into the dunes April might be the last time to make the most of Dubai's dunes before the long and unforgiving summer grips the city. And rather than venture in on your own with no idea how to survive the sea of sand, why not take a curated tour of the dunes and take part in some activities? For the grease monkeys out there, you can try your hand at quad-biking or driving a dune buggy. Animal lovers might prefer a slower, natural tour atop a camel. And, if you're in the market for some good food and great relaxation, you'll want to check out the desert BBQ tour. No matter which you'll choose, you can expect 5-star service. A kitted-out 4x4 replete with delicious air-con and comfortable seats will pick you up from your hotel and take you out of the city. And, when the experience is over, they'll bring you right back. The perfect way to avoid all the hassle of booking cabs or planning public transport routes, our desert tours ensure you get to see stunning sights and thrilling experiences without worrying about planning! Refuel at one of Dubai's amazing restaurants After all the excitement of Dubai's myriad experiences, you'll need to get some food in you. Thankfully, Dubai has a metric ton of restaurants of all shapes, sizes, and cuisines within its walls. Italian-lovers will appreciate the upmarket sophistication of Armani/Ristorante, which has delicious lobster, wagyu beef, foie gras, and braised lamb ravioli, among many, many others. For a modern take on Indian culinary classics, waddle over to Masti. Thanks to award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, you'll be surprised by the small plates and delight at the variety of spicy delights on offer. And, for a more aquatic affair, try Long Teng and its specialist seafood dishes. Thanks to its large aquarium, you can pick out the perfect fish or crustacean for your dinner, or sit down to some of its many vegetarian choices. View from the top If you want to see Dubai from up on high, why not ascend the world's largest building and get another perspective on this desert oasis? Thanks to Burj Khalifa, you can do just that. At over 2,700ft, you won't be taking the stairs. Thankfully, a double-decker elevator is there to help you on your way. Traveling at 10 meters per second, it still takes long enough for you to read the video displays that explain Dubai's history and how the Burj Khalifa came about. Then, when you reach your destination above the clouds, you'll find telescopes to zoom in on the people and places below. Then, head up to the top deck, snap some pics on your camera, and speak to the attendants to learn more about the landmarks visible below. Beach life And finally, we couldn't let you go without mentioning Dubai's sandy shores. There's plenty of spots to choose from, but we recommend you hit up Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. 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. So, no matter the weather, you'll find the perfect time to lay a towel, slip on your shades, and kick back. And that's our guide to Dubai in April! Want to know what other delights await you in Dubai? 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

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