UAE offers year-round sunshine, mild winters, and festival celebrations that light up the cities. Plan your visit to match comfortable weather, avoid extreme heat, and enjoy cultural events from Dubai Shopping Festival to Ramadan festivities.
Perfect time for desert adventures, beach resorts, and city tours. Dubai’s beaches, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, and Al Ain’s oasis are enjoyable under mild temperatures. Outdoor activities like dune bashing and desert camping are ideal.
Very hot and humid; outdoor activities are limited. Focus on indoor attractions: malls, aquariums, indoor ski parks, or mountain escapes in Hatta. Nights after Ramadan can be lively with cultural celebrations.
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, ideal for sightseeing, beach days, and light outdoor adventures. City events, cultural festivals, and music concerts are common.
| Month | Key Festivals | Where They Pop | Traveler Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | New Year Celebrations | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | Fireworks, parties; book hotels early |
| Feb–Mar | Dubai Shopping Festival | Dubai | Sales, entertainment, fireworks; expect crowds |
| Apr–May | Ramadan (varies) | Nationwide | Respect fasting; evening iftar events, public venues may adjust hours |
| May–Jun | Eid Al Fitr (varies) | Nationwide | Festive meals, parades; heavy travel around cities |
| Jul–Aug | Eid Al Adha (varies) | Nationwide | Public holidays; plan sightseeing accordingly |
| Nov–Dec | Expo Events, Abu Dhabi Festival | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | Cultural shows, performances; ideal weather for outdoors |
For winter and festival periods, reserve hotels and desert tours 4–8 weeks ahead.
During Ramadan, Eid, and peak tourism, keep 1–2 buffer days for itinerary flexibility.
Respect cultural norms in public areas; light, breathable fabrics for heat; layers for evenings.
Winter is golden for outdoor sightseeing, desert safaris, and beach activities. Summer is best for indoor attractions.
Winter allows mosque tours, corniche walks, and cultural events. Summer requires indoor focus or luxury resorts.
Summer heat is milder; great for trekking, kayaking, and exploring wadis. Shoulder seasons are optimal for camping.
UAE festivals are vibrant and photogenic. Arrive early for prime views of fireworks, parades, or evening lights. Desert sunrises and sunsets offer incredible photography opportunities in cooler months.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18–24 | 15 |
| Apr | 26–34 | 3 |
| Jul | 32–42 | 0 |
| Oct | 25–34 | 2 |
| Dec | 20–26 | 10 |
Fireworks, parades, and cultural programs nationwide.
Observed in Nov, raising UAE flag across institutions.
Honoring Emirati martyrs, solemn nationwide ceremonies.
| Season | Flight Prices | Hotel Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Peak) | High | High |
| Summer (Low) | Low | Low |
| Shoulder | Medium | Medium |
Winter (Nov–Mar) is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and festival participation.
Top festivals include Dubai Shopping Festival, Abu Dhabi Festival, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day celebrations on December 2nd.
Yes, Islamic festivals like Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha follow the lunar calendar, so dates vary annually. Check official UAE calendars before planning your visit.
Yes, UAE is generally very safe for tourists. During festivals, public areas may be crowded, so keep an eye on personal belongings and follow local guidelines.
For major events, concerts, or theme park activities during festivals, booking in advance is recommended to avoid sold-out situations.
Pack light layers for the day and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Include sun protection, comfortable shoes, and modest attire for visiting cultural sites.