Winter in Dubai
The beautiful land of Dubai is inviting to global tourists all throughout the year. However, the summer months can be somewhat hard, as temperatures can shoot really high up. Hence, as a tourist, your visits would be restricted to only indoor attractions.
And that is why the winter months are so much more attractive to tourists. The temperatures are much lower and cool breezes blow frequently. The soothing weather creates a calming influence and makes moving around outdoors much more comfortable.
And that is also why there are tons of fun activities in Dubai during these months that pep up the excitement quotient. Whether it’s shopping festivals or thrilling events at amusement parks, various exhibitions or a host of mixed-bag entertainment options, Dubai comes alive much more than ever during the winter months.
Dubai in Winter – Why to Visit?
Below, we will take you through a detailed information about winter in Dubai, climate, weather, things to do and more:
Weather Conditions in Dubai in Winter
- During daytime in Dubai during winters, the temperature would remain around 25 degrees Celsius. It can touch a low of 15 degrees Celsius at nighttime.
- Usually, November to March are the winter months in Dubai.
- Wind speed is moderate, though it might become chilly after sunset.
- Swimming in the sea would be comfortable, as the water temperature generally doesn’t go below 20 degrees Celsius.
Some Points to Remember if You are Visiting Dubai During Winter
- Due to a higher tourist inflow, hotels & service apartments increase their room rents during this time. So, it would be a wise idea to book your room well in advance if you plan to visit Dubai in winter.
- While Dubai almost spills over with tourist attractions, every such spot remains choc-a-bloc with tourists during winters. So, be prepared to stand in queues to enter these attractions, jostle for space once you are in – and also in the metro trains & buses. So, if you get turned off by large crowds, then this season might not be suitable for you!
- After sunset, the weather can get a tad chilly – though not punishingly cold. So, carry some light woolens or jackets with you if you plan to stay out in the evening or night. But no need to burden yourself by carrying heavy woolens as they won’t be necessary and remain just that – burdens.
- It often rains in Dubai during the winter months – and without notice. Hence, it would be good to carry umbrellas or raincoats when you are exploring the outdoor attractions.
What Clothes to Carry in Dubai in Winter?
As already mentioned, winters in Dubai are somewhat chilly – but not cold by any standards. So, a shawl or light jackets/pullovers would be more than sufficient to keep yourself warm in outdoors during this time. If chilly winds bother you, you may carry mufflers/scarves and caps.
Winter Experiences You Can’t Miss in Dubai
1. The Dubai Shopping Festival
This is a dream come true for shopaholics from all over the world. For around a month from the end of December, the Dubai Shopping Festival takes the city by storm. Top and mid-level brands from every part of the globe take part in this festivity, in domains ranging from apparels to cosmetics and jewelry to accessories. All the shopping malls in the city bombard shoppers with discounts & other attractive offers that are almost impossible to refuse. And while you are done with the shopping, you can get entertained by the myriad musical & other cultural shows and carnivals that run in sync with the shopping festival. All put together, this is possibly among the largest annual events in the colorful city of Dubai.
2. The Equitable Climate
While Dubai doesn’t experience chilling winters, the temperature goes down noticeably during the months of November to January. Tourist inflow increases and reaches a peak during the yearend. In keeping with the pleasant temperatures and increased tourist influx, a host of outdoor events are organized that see a high participation from tourists and locals alike. You can spend more time indulging yourself in a range of fun and frolic activities without worrying about falling sick due to heat. That is reason enough to head for this emirate in winter.
3. Attractive Christmas Celebrations
Like in many places across the world, Dubai celebrates Christmas with a lot of gusto. And like many other events in Dubai, the Christmas celebrations also assume a larger-than-life dimension in many venues. Bright lights of every hue illuminate the city, along with a host of other festive decorations. A wide range of Christmas-themed fun events & games are organized all over the city, the most-awaited being the annual Christmas Parade. It’s a riot of colors as brightly dressed bands march along, with Santa Klaus leading the show, along the chic Downtown Dubai area. At Dubai Mall – the world’s largest mall – the Winter Wonderland celebrations would make you feel as if you are right there in Santa’s abode.
4. Fireworks Festival on New Year’s Eve
Among the most fancied – and most magnificent – events in Dubai are the spectacular fireworks display in the skies above Dubai, especially the one at Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. Don’t miss the Burj Khalifa fireworks show that attracts millions of tourist across the globe. brilliant fireworks create seemingly unbelievable patterns in the night sky, creating one awe-inspiring moment after another. Accompanying synced music make the dazzling show eye-popping in every sense of the word. Never again would the evening of 31st December be the same once you witness the fireworks show on this day in Dubai.
Places to Visit Dubai in Winter
Desert Safari – Explore the glowing Dubai desert safari during the winter. Go for a pulsating dune bashing or quad biking, or a more sedate camel safari. Enjoy the fantastic views of the setting sun across the horizon. Move in to a desert camp and enjoy the evening with local cultural shows, belly dancing, and an exquisite barbecue dinner.
Dhow Cruise – Hop on to a traditional dhow – Arab fishing boat – that has been fitted with every modern amenity. Sail gently along the waters and enjoy the stunning views of the spectacularly-lit nighttime Dubai. The cool breeze will add on to the enjoyment factor. At last, during the Dhow cruise Dubai, wrap up the evening with a delectable multi-course buffet dinner on board.
Visit to Burj Khalifa – At over 800 meters, this is the tallest building in the world i.e. Burj Khalifa. The top of the tower is almost lost in the clouds. Head up to the observation deck in floor number 122 – and be rewarded with some of the most magnificent views of the entire city – and the lands & sea beyond it. You can satiate your taste buds thereafter at one of the several cafes or restaurants located here. Get the last minutes Burj Khalifa tickets here.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – with over 33000 marine fauna, this is a site that’s not to be missed. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is also home to the largest collection of sharks away from their natural habitat. Do explore this fantastic place & get awestruck by the variety of marine animals on display.
Dubai Frame – A unique concept, this gigantic frame is located in Zabeel Park, towering 150 meters above the earth. The observation deck of Dubai Frame provides marvelous views of old & new Dubai on either sides of the frame. The museum on the ground floor has lots of interesting exhibits that talk volumes about the colorful journey in time of Dubai.
Dubai Safari Park – More than 1000 animal species can be seen at this newly-opened Dubai safari park sanctuary. Take the tour and get up close with some of the animals here. Kids in the group will adore this experience even more. Get to know about many interesting trivia of the animals here that round off your visit much better.
Events in Dubai in Winter
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) – some of the latest movies from around the world can be seen at the DIFF. Interviews with the directors and actors, behind-the-scene trivia, and various workshops and panel discussions act as an eye-opener to the exciting world of good quality films.
Dubai Marathon – this one is for the health enthusiasts. This January event takes the participants through some of the key landmarks of Dubai, including Downtown Dubai.
Dubai International Jazz Festival – in February, jazz enthusiasts can be a part of this event to experience pulsating performances from leading jazz exponents from all across the world.