Dubai’s climate is similar to most of the United Arab Emirates, with hot summers and mild winters. Generally speaking, Dubai has a subtropical desert climate that does not see any snowfall. The weather in Dubai can be quite unpredictable at times. Nevertheless, here are some things you should know about the city’s annual temperatures, precipitation levels and more!
Average Temperature
The city’s average annual temperature is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit, though the hottest months are July and August when temperatures can climb to as high as 109°F. At night, it gets cool enough for a light jacket most of the year as the temperature falls below 100°F. The one thing that must be noted here is that the weather in Dubai differs depending on where you are. The temperatures and humidity tend to vary significantly between coastal areas and the desert.
Sunshine
Sunshine is plentiful since Dubai is located near the line of the Tropic of Cancer and enjoys a lot of hours of sunshine per day. Dubai’s weather is typically sunny year-round with an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunshine each day! The high humidity keeps air temperatures from becoming too extreme, which also means you don’t need as many heavy clothes when traveling to Dubai.
Heat Waves
UAE residents are used to seeing heat waves where maximum daytime temperatures may exceed 120°F for weeks at a time (but these days are shorter than 100+ degree days seen in nearby cities like Riyadh). Temperatures usually drop back below 100°F by night.
Rain
Dubai’s rainy season is from November to March, but the city typically sees a lot less rain than other countries in this region. Even when it rains, temperatures do not drop below 68°F! The Emirate sees on average 4 inches of rain annually, but again, this number varies each year due to regional climatic conditions.
Low Pressure Systems
During the summers in Dubai, low pressure systems tend to develop and bring in strong North-Westerly winds, which are typically known as Shamal. These winds basically blow from Saudi Arabia, are unpredictable and have the potential to stir up sands from the desert. When this happens, sandstorms occur, which leads to a significant reduction in visibility. These winds can sometimes last for a few days.
Best Time To Visit Dubai
Dubai’s weather is perfect for travelers all year-round, but the best time to visit Dubai would be during the winters. Temperatures are not too hot and there tends to be less humidity than in other seasons (making it easier on your skin). This means that you should consider visiting Dubai between December and March. Pack clothes that are not too heavy because it can get very hot. Bring layers if you’re going into the desert in the winter, since it will get a little cold at night. Dubai gets very little rain, but there might be a few days of rain in the winter months.
The weather in Dubai is a hot topic, especially if you’ve never visited before. There are some great months to visit and others that the locals would advise against. I hope this blog post has given you some insight into what to expect weather-wise when visiting Dubai!
