The Best Times to Visit Dubai for Beautiful Weather, Lower Prices, and Smaller Crowds

These are the best times to go to Dubai, according to local experts.

Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East, known for its contrasting mix of cutting-edge architecture and time-honored traditions. The best — and most popular — time to visit Dubai is from November to March when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities, like visiting bustling souks and cafes, abound.

Summer months get a bad rap because of the extreme heat, but Kelvin Cheung, chef and partner at restaurant and cocktail bar Jun’s, finds joy in all seasons. “During the winter months, my son and I bundle up and build sandcastles in the sun, while in the summer we jump in Jacuzzi-temperature waters in the early morning or late evenings, searching for sea creatures.”

The shoulder season is a much-overlooked time to visit Dubai, offering milder temperatures (in the 80s and 90s) and less-crowded streets. Founder and editor of "Near + Far," an independent travel magazine for travelers to the Middle East, Isabella Sullivan says, “I genuinely believe Dubai is a year-round destination. Of course, winter has the best weather, but I love the heat, and the shoulder months are my favorites, as you don’t need a jacket at night.”

• High Season: November to March

• Shoulder Seasons: April to May and September to October

• Low Season: June to August

These are the best times to visit Dubai for the best weather, fewer crowds, and more.

Related: Travel +Leisure's Guide to Dubai

Best Times to Visit Dubai for Smaller Crowds

Many visitors fall in love with Dubai because of the people — the city is home to a diverse group of residents and attracts tourists from all over the world. That said, during the high season, Dubai can get so crowded that it becomes difficult to get tickets to attractions or score reservations at the hottest restaurants. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to visit anytime from April to October. This includes the shoulder and low seasons, when residents often leave the country and tourists are few and far between. Plus, fewer crowds coincide with more favorable accommodation rates. It’s also the perfect time to see the sunset at the Burj Khalifa, get a photo at the Dubai Frame without throngs of people in the background, or finally nab tickets to the Museum of the Future.

Best Times to Visit Dubai for Good Weather

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best time to visit Dubai for good weather coincides with a high number of tourists. November through February is a beautiful time to visit, as temperatures range from the low 60s to the high 70s. “In the winter, the weather is so fantastic,” Sullivan says. It's also a perfect time to experience the city’s diverse topography. “With consistently beautiful weather in winter, you can be at the beach, in one of the world’s most dynamic, futuristic cities, and then into the rolling, peaceful dunes of the desert all in a matter of hours,” adds Sullivan. The weather during these months usually allows for T-shirts during the day and long sleeves or a light jacket in the evening.

Related: These Are the 11 Hottest Places on Earth

Best Times to Visit Dubai for Lower Prices

The summer months of June, July, and August — when many people have fled the country because of the heat — are when you will likely score the best deals on Dubai hotels. It’s also the perfect time to explore the plethora of indoor attractions Dubai has to offer, from numerous aquariums and museums to the sprawling Mohammed bin Rashid Library. “I think only recently has summer evolved into a season that’s worth visiting. You can get a great hotel deal during summer, and sitting by the pool or swimming outside is entirely possible," Sullivan says. "The city isn’t crowded, so you can get a booking at the most coveted restaurants or beach clubs. I think summer in Dubai will only get more attractive as the years go on."

Best Times to Visit Dubai for Festivals and Events

Festivals and events occur throughout the year — in hot, warm, and mild temperatures — so the best time to visit depends on your specific interests. Sullivan says she admires that Dubai goes out of its way to create things for people to do. One example is Dubai Summer Surprises, a city-wide shopping festival offering a lineup of steep discounts and special offers, plus concerts and other events, during the low season.

Many enjoy visiting in December for one of the city's most-anticipated holidays, UAE National Day, when Emiratis celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence with fireworks, cultural performances, falconry displays, and more. Others love being in the city during Ramadan, when Dean Hayter, travel product manager at Origin, says the city comes alive. "There is such a wonderful sense of festivity. The buildings are covered in lights, there are so many great locations to meet with friends for Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast; it's always my favorite time to be in Dubai.”

Worst Times to Visit Dubai

Unlike most places in the world, June to August are the worst months to visit the city, as temperatures are almost unbearably hot with highs that can reach over 105 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of only around 90 degrees. In addition to the scorching heat, high humidity plays a role in how hot and sweaty you’ll feel. Even though this may be the most uncomfortable time to visit, Hayter says there are plenty of ways to escape high temperatures. "I spent every summer in Dubai, and you can still have a fantastic experience if you know where to go and how to avoid the heat. Luckily, everywhere has AC (even the bus stops)."

Sullivan makes a salient point that Dubai works hard to accommodate its residents and visitors during this much-dreaded season. “They know summer is hot, and people often leave to go elsewhere, so they build indoor sports centers and facilities and run summer-long initiatives,” says Sullivan. For example, you can ski in the middle of summer at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates and ice skate year-round at the Dubai Mall. You probably won't get hot while exploring the sunken wonders of Deep Dive Dubai, the deepest indoor diving pool in the world.

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