Visiting Dubai in Winter: Weather, Things to Do & More!

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If you’re planning a trip to Dubai in winter, you’re in for a real treat. Trust me – as someone who has lived here for the past four years, winter is the absolute best time to visit this incredible city. While much of the world is bundled up in puffy winter coats, those of us in Dubai are soaking up the sun at the beach, hiking in the mountains (yes, we have mountains here), dining alfresco at restaurants, celebrating Christmas and Ramadan, and overall just relishing the sunny weather and festive vibes.

Winter is my absolute favorite season to be in Dubai and it’s easily the most popular time to visit. So if you’re planning a trip (or just thinking about it), this guide will help you understand what to expect. From the weather to all of the fun seasonal attractions, activities, and holiday events, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in winter!

When is winter in Dubai?

Winter in Dubai is from November to March. Unlike the brutally h o t summer months, winter is when the weather is at its most mild.

What’s the winter weather like in Dubai?

The temperature changes a bit month by month. November and March are the warmest winter months, while January and February are the “coldest” winter months. But don’t worry – from my experience, it never gets that cold!

In winter, the high temperature likely won’t exceed 31°C (88°F) or dip below 26°C (79°F) during the day and rain showers are few and far between. Here’s a rough breakdown of what to expect in terms of the weather in Dubai in the winter months:

November: Highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 20°C (64°F) with very dry conditions.
December: Highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) with dry conditions.
January: Highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F) with a day or two of rain and low humidity.
February: Highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F) with a day or two of rain and low humidity.
March: Highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F) with a day or two of rain and higher humidity.

The 11 best things to do in Dubai in winter

So many of Dubai’s major outdoor attractions close for the summer season. However, if you visit in winter, everything is open and outdoor activities are in full swing, making winter the very best time to visit Dubai. Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Dubai in winter:

Go on a desert safari

Winter is the best time to embark on a desert safari in Dubai. The weather is prime for exploring during the day and the nights are perfect for bundling up around the fire (it does get chilly!) and experiencing traditional Bedouin culture and some of the best stargazing of your life.

When it comes to choosing desert safari experiences, you’ll have loads to choose from. That being said, I always recommend this Heritage Desert Safari with Platinum Heritage. I love this tour because you get to see the desert at sunset, as well as stargaze at night, have a traditional Emirati meal, and experience the Bedouin lifestyle, complete with camel rides, henna, and shisha.

Travel around the world at Global Village

Visiting Global Village is one of the most unique things to do in Dubai in winter. Like many places in Dubai, Global Village gets way into all of the winter festivities and it’s so much fun for people of all ages. There’s a lot going on here, from pavilions and shops representing countries from around the world to cultural performances, huge fireworks shows, and amusement park rides. Oh, and did I mention the food? The food is reason enough to visit!

Good to know: Global Village is open seasonally from mid-October until May and you can get entry tickets for just AED 25 here.

Get deals at the Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai takes shopping very seriously. But if you want to take advantage of some of the best sales of the year, the Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the best winter activities in Dubai. This festival takes place each year from December to January, and you can expect massive sales at retailers and malls all across the city, as well as some pretty incredible raffles and prizes.

But it’s not all about shopping. During the festival, there will be fireworks shows, festive light displays, live entertainment (including concerts by world-famous artists), pop-up markets, specials at restaurants, and tons of other family-friendly activities and attractions.

Embrace the magic of Ramadan in 2027

So many people ask me if they should avoid visiting Dubai during Ramadan and my answer is a firm “no.” If you ask me, Ramadan is one of the most magical times to be in Dubai.

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims and it’s a time for fasting, charity, and community. For the most part, it’s business as usual in Dubai with the added perk of lavish iftar dinners, fun night markets, amazing decorations, and fewer crowds at major attractions during the day. Experiencing Ramadan in Dubai is truly a special experience and it’s easily one of the best winter activities in Dubai.

When is Ramadan? Do note that the dates of Ramadan change every year and the holy month doesn’t always take place in winter. In 2027, Ramadan is estimated to take place from February 8 until March 8.

Kayak around Hatta Dam

Although Hatta is roughly 2 hours from Downtown Dubai, it is actually located in the emirate of Dubai. With its surreal location in the Hajar Mountains, trust me when I say you will feel like you’re in another country.

While it’s way too hot to comfortably explore Hatta in the summer months, it easily offers some of the coolest Dubai winter activities and attractions. The mild winter months are a prime time to take in the views of Hatta Dam’s insanely blue water surrounded by the jagged mountains. If you’re up for some adventure, I highly recommend renting a kayak from Hatta Kayak and paddling around Hatta Dam.

Go glamping in the mountains or desert

Because summer in Dubai is so hot, glamping sites shut down for the season. But if you’re looking for winter activities in Dubai, going glamping should definitely be on your to-do list! The most popular glamping option in Dubai is at Hatta Resorts, which is around 2 hours from Downtown Dubai.

I love that they offer three glamping options: you can spend the night stargazing from a dome, stay in a luxury Airstream trailer on the banks of the Hatta Dam, or live it up in a rustic-chic wood cabin on the side of a mountain.

That being said, if you prefer an ultra-luxury glamping experience, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is your best bet. It doesn’t come cheap but staying in a luxury Bedouin tent smack in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a true bucket list experience!

Experience the annual wild flamingo migration

Do note that Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is closed for repairs but is expected to partially reopen in late 2026.

Each winter, tens of thousands of birds migrate to the region to make their temporary home in the UAE, including thousands upon thousands of perfectly pink Greater Flamingos. If you want to glimpse these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, I highly suggest paying a visit to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which is just 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai!

The expansive wetlands and mangroves are highly protected (thankfully!), so you can’t just walk around freely. But you can enter one of the “bird hides” and view the flamingos from a safe distance. In my opinion, this is one of the coolest experiences for nature lovers, and it’s also one of the best free things to do in Dubai.

Visit one of the many Christmas markets

There are tons of Christmas markets in Dubai, and the best part is that most of them run through December and even extend into January.

Of course, more and more winter markets pop up each year. But to give you an idea, you can experience a European-style Christmas market at the first-ever DXB Winter Festival at Dubai Festival City Mall, have family-friendly fun at the free Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, see the 52-foot-tall Christmas tree at Expo City’s Winter City, and delight in magical light displays and dine at the many food stalls at the Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace, just to name a few of Dubai’s best Christmas markets.

Shop for local goods at Ripe Market

While there are pop-up markets in Dubai all year long, my favorite outdoor markets is the seasonal Ripe Market in Academy Park. The outdoor market takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from October to May and it’s easily one of the best winter activities in Dubai.

Take a look around and you’ll find local vendors selling all sorts of cool stuff, from home décor to handmade jewelry to cool clothes. You should come hungry too because there are tons of food vendors on-site serving up everything from tacos to burgers to shawarmas.

I love going to the Ripe Market because it’s a popular spot for expats to hang out during the winter weekends. It’s also a great place if you have kids because there are always family-friendly activities like live music and a petting zoo.

Enjoy the perfect winter weather at Kite Beach

Winter is prime beach time in Dubai. The sun is shining, the weather is mild, and the skies are blue. The winter weather in Dubai is the best!

There are quite a few free beaches in Dubai, but Kite Beach is still my favorite. This is another fun spot to see how expats spend their beach days in Dubai. A lot of us make a day out of it by packing chairs, blankets, and picnic lunches.

There are also a bunch of cute food kiosks dotting the beach and some excellent restaurants, as well as a skatepark, a jogging track, and other sports facilities. I absolutely love this part of Dubai, and it’s like a little slice of paradise in the winter months.

Ring in the New Year in Dubai

Visiting Dubai on New Year’s Eve is a bucket list item for a lot of people. Getting the chance to be in Dubai at this time of year is absolutely bonkers – in the best of ways! There are New Year’s galas, special menus and events at restaurants, and parties galore.

But one of the very best things to do in Dubai in winter is to see the truly spectacular fireworks shows. If you’re willing to brave the huge crowds (and I do mean huge), try to snag a spot to view one of the world’s best New Year’s fireworks shows at the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. You’ll need to plan ahead and get there early, but it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.

New Year’s fireworks shows are a huge deal in Dubai, and you’ll also be able to see some impressive shows in places like Bluewaters (JBR), Al Seef, and Burj Al Arab, to name a few.

Visiting Dubai in winter: FAQs

Is winter a good time to visit Dubai?

My answer is a resounding “yes!” With outdoor activities and attractions in full swing and mild temperatures, I think winter is the absolute best time to visit Dubai.

What is the coldest month in Dubai?

The coldest month in Dubai is January, when temperatures range from a high of 24°C (75°F) to a low of 14°C (57°F), with the possibility of a day or two of rain.

What are the best things to do in Dubai in winter?

The best things to do in Dubai winter are to take advantage of seasonal attractions, outdoor activities, and holiday markets. Going on a desert safari, spending a day at the beach, visiting Global Village, shopping at Christmas and Ramadan markets are some expamples of popular winter activities in Dubai.

Does it rain in Dubai in winter?

It can rain in Dubai in winter, but winter storms are not common. As a general rule, you can expect one or two days of rain per month during winter. That being said, when it does rain, it can pour!

Can you swim at the beach during the winter months?

Absolutely! With ocean temperatures ranging from 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F), swimming is possible all winter long. If the ocean is too chilly for you, there are plenty of temperature-controlled pools around town.

What should I pack for a winter in Dubai?

When it comes to packing for a winter trip to Dubai, it’s always best to pack your beach gear and summertime outfits (shorts and sundresses), as well as light layers. That being said, it’s important to dress a bit more modestly in less-touristy areas of town as well as in malls. Depending on when you visit, things can get chilly at night, especially in the desert. Plus, the malls here are always a bit cold!