Winter in Dubai feels so different from the city’s famously scorching summers. You’ll get mild temperatures during the day, cooler evenings, and barely any rain, which makes this the easiest season for heading outdoors.
The weather stays warm enough for the beach but finally pleasant enough for wandering around without that relentless summer heat.
From December to February, daily highs usually hover in the mid-70s °F (low to mid-20s °C). Nights can slip down into the mid-60s °F (around 18 °C). Humidity goes up compared to summer, but the cooler air makes it all feel much more comfortable. Sometimes, you might catch a light rain shower, but it almost never ruins plans.
You’ll see loads of sunshine, big blue skies, and pretty moderate conditions. It’s honestly the best mix of warmth and comfort you’ll get all year in Dubai.
Whether you’re strolling through souks, trying a desert trip, or just hanging out by the water, winter in Dubai gives you the perfect backdrop.
Overview of Winter in Dubai
Winter in Dubai brings cooler air and lower humidity, plus a short rainy season. You’ll notice mild warmth during the day, cooler nights, and a big improvement in how comfortable it feels outside.
When Is Winter in Dubai
Dubai’s winter runs from December through February, though November and March can feel pretty similar. These months are the most pleasant, with daytime highs averaging 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) and nighttime lows around 15–17 °C (59–63 °F).
Days get a bit shorter, with about 10–11 hours of daylight. Still, sunshine is plentiful, averaging 8–9 hours per day, so you won’t feel cooped up indoors.
Rain falls mostly in winter. Showers come and go quickly, sometimes heavy, and average 10–22 mm per month. Rain is rare, but when it does show up, it can cause some temporary flooding because of poor drainage.
Humidity drops compared to summer, hanging around 55–65%—way more comfortable. The Persian Gulf water temperature cools to 22–24 °C (72–75 °F), so you can swim, but it’s not quite as warm as other times of year.
Typical Weather Patterns
Dubai’s winter weather is usually stable. Most days are sunny or partly cloudy, with only 2–4 rainy days per month.
Winds sometimes pick up, stirring dust or sand, especially out in the desert.
The temperature range is pretty predictable:
- Daytime highs: 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- Nighttime lows: 12–17 °C (54–63 °F)
Mornings and evenings feel cooler than the afternoons. You’ll probably want a light jacket at night, especially by the water.
Rain usually comes as quick showers or thunderstorms. Sometimes they’re intense, but they don’t last long. Unlike summer, the sky looks much clearer and the air feels fresher.
The sea stays swimmable, though it’s cooler than at other times. Many people still head to the beach during the day when the sun is at its strongest.
How Winter Differs From Other Seasons
Winter feels totally different from Dubai’s blazing hot summers, when daytime highs often shoot past 40 °C (104 °F) and humidity makes being outside almost impossible. In winter, you can actually walk, eat, or explore outdoors comfortably.
Spring and autumn can bring sudden heat spikes above 35–40 °C (95–104 °F), but winter temperatures don’t really do that. The steady, mild weather makes planning a lot easier.
Rain is also almost exclusive to winter. From May through October, rain basically disappears, while December to March brings nearly all the year’s precipitation.
The sea temperature drops too. In summer, the Gulf can get above 30 °C (86 °F), but in winter it cools to the low 20s °C. Some people love the refreshing dip, while others stick to heated pools.
Winter skies are usually clearer, with less haze than summer, which means better visibility and nicer views for sightseeing.
Average Winter Temperatures
Dubai’s winter brings mild, comfortable weather compared to the city’s summer extremes. You’ll get warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and only the occasional change when the wind shifts or a rain shower passes through.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs generally sit between 24°C and 27°C (75°F–81°F). These temperatures make it easy to enjoy being outside, especially after the intense summer heat.
At night, things cool down more. Average lows range from 12°C to 16°C (54°F–61°F) along the coast. If you head inland or out to the desert, nighttime temperatures can drop closer to 10°C (50°F) or even a bit lower.
This difference between day and night gives you warm afternoons for exploring and cooler evenings that might call for a light jacket. Humidity is lower than in summer, so the air feels much drier and easier to breathe.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Winter in Dubai runs from December through February. Each month has its own slight pattern.
- December: Average highs hit about 26°C (79°F), with lows near 17°C (63°F).
- January: The coolest month, with highs around 24°C (75°F) and lows near 15°C (59°F).
- February: Temperatures climb a bit, with highs at 25–26°C (77–79°F) and lows near 16°C (61°F).
The sea temperature hovers between 22°C and 23°C (72°F–73°F), which feels cool but still works for swimming if you’re up for it. Sunshine stays strong, with 8–9 hours of daylight most days, so winter days feel bright and inviting.
Record Lows and Highs
While most days stay mild, Dubai has seen some pretty extreme winter temperatures. On rare cold nights, lows have dropped close to 7°C–9°C (45°F–48°F) in the city, and even lower out in the desert.
Sometimes, warm spells push daytime highs above the norm. In some winters, temperatures have briefly reached 30°C–33°C (86°F–91°F). These spikes usually come from southerly winds bringing dry desert air.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they show how winter in Dubai can swing from chilly evenings to surprisingly hot afternoons. It makes sense to pack for both mild and occasionally warmer days.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Dubai brings the highest chance of rain and some real changes in air moisture. Rainfall is still low compared to lots of places, but this is when you’ll notice the city’s short wet season and higher humidity.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Dubai during winter is light, but it happens more often than at any other time of year. The city averages between 8–35 mm (0.3–1.4 inches) of rain across December, January, and February. February usually sees the most rain, sometimes over an inch in a single month.
Rain tends to show up in quick bursts, and storms can dump heavy showers in just a few hours. In summer, rain is almost nonexistent, but in winter, these showers can cool things off and clear the air.
The wettest stretch is usually late January into February, but even then, total rainfall is low compared to global averages. You’ll get brief showers, not long rainy spells.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are still rare in Dubai, even in winter. On average, you might see 2–5 days of measurable rain per month between December and February. Most of those days just bring quick showers, not all-day rain.
Thunderstorms sometimes pop up, especially in January and February, and can bring sudden downpours with gusty winds. These storms are usually short but more intense than the lighter showers earlier in winter.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, rain probably won’t mess up your plans for long. Most days stay dry and sunny, so rain is just an occasional blip in Dubai’s winter weather.
Humidity Fluctuations
Humidity in winter is higher than in summer, even though the temperatures are cooler. Average relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60%, peaking in the early morning and evening. January often brings the highest levels, sometimes over 65%.
Cooler air holds more moisture, so the humidity feels more noticeable than the dry summer heat. Fog sometimes forms in the mornings, especially by the coast, which can drop visibility for a bit.
Still, the humidity is usually pretty tolerable in winter. The mix of mild temperatures and moderate moisture makes being outside much nicer than during the hot, sticky months from June to September.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During winter in Dubai, you’ll get plenty of bright sunlight, long stretches of daylight, and just a bit of cloud cover. These conditions make outdoor activities easy most of the day, without the brutal summer heat.
Average Daily Sunshine
In winter, Dubai gets about 8 to 9 hours of direct sunshine per day. December and January have the lowest numbers of the year, but the city is still sunnier than a lot of places.
You’ll notice sunshine hours tick up a bit in February, hitting around 9 hours daily. With this much sun, you can confidently plan daytime activities—sightseeing, shopping outside, or hitting the beaches.
For a bit of perspective, Dubai’s winter sunshine beats out many European cities’ summers. For example, Rome averages around 7 hours of sun in winter, while Dubai sits closer to 8.5, giving you plenty of daylight.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Dubai doesn’t change much through winter. In December, the shortest days last about 10 hours and 35 minutes, and by February, the days stretch to about 11.5 hours.
This change is pretty small compared to places farther north, where winter days can be super short. You won’t get extreme darkness here, and sunrise and sunset times are pretty predictable.
Here’s a quick look at daylight hours:
| Month | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | 10h 35m |
| January | 10h 55m |
| February | 11h 30m |
This steady daylight pattern gives you a clear window for outdoor plans without any big surprises.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Winter brings a bit more cloud cover than the dry summer months, but skies still stay mostly clear. On average, about 20–25% of winter days show some clouds, leaving most days bright.
You might spot more overcast skies in January, which matches up with the wettest part of winter. Still, rain is minimal, so clouds rarely block the sun for long.
Most winter days are sunny, with just a few breaks, so you’ll have good visibility and comfortable conditions for getting outside.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
During winter in Dubai, winds usually stay light to moderate, but can shift direction with regional pressure changes. Most days bring calm, clear weather, though sometimes you’ll get sand or dust blowing in on stronger gusts.
Typical Wind Speeds
In winter, Dubai’s average wind speeds fall between 2 to 15 mph. Lighter breezes often blow in from the sea during the day, and things calm down more at night. Winds usually shift between east and northwest, depending on whether you’re near the coast or out in the desert.
Winds rarely get stormy this time of year. Some days see stronger gusts, but they usually don’t mess up outdoor plans. For stuff like walking along the beach or eating outside, these winds feel comfortable.
If you’re into water sports like sailing or kitesurfing, winter winds give you steady but not wild conditions. It’s a nice balance for both casual visitors and those looking for adventure.
Occurrence of Sand and Dust Storms
Sand and dust storms don’t happen as much in winter as during the hotter months. Cooler air and more stable conditions keep big storms at bay. Still, you might run into short dust episodes, especially if winds suddenly shift from the desert.
When that happens, visibility can drop, and fine dust might irritate sensitive eyes or lungs. Luckily, these events usually pass within a few hours.
If you’re heading out to the desert, it’s smart to check the forecast and maybe bring protective eyewear. In the city, dust settles fast, and things return to normal pretty quickly.
Sea and Outdoor Conditions
Winter in Dubai feels genuinely pleasant, with mild air temperatures and calm weather. Locals and visitors actually spend more time outdoors than during the hot summer months.
The sea stays warm enough for swimming, which means you can enjoy both beach and desert activities without worrying much about the weather.
Sea Water Temperatures
In winter, the sea around Dubai feels surprisingly warm compared to a lot of other places. Water temperatures usually range from 22°C to 24°C (71°F to 76°F) between December and February.
December tends to offer the warmest winter water, hovering around 24°C. By February, it drops a bit to about 22°C.
Honestly, these changes are pretty minor, so you’ll find the water stays comfortable throughout the season.
Most days, the Gulf waters stay calm, with only a little rainfall and gentle winds. You won’t often find rough surf or unsafe swimming conditions.
If you’re sensitive to cooler water, you might notice a difference from summer, but most swimmers still find it pleasant.
Suitability for Swimming and Beach Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, and water sports all stay enjoyable in winter. The sea keeps its warmth, so you can spend plenty of time in the water, unlike places where winter swimming feels freezing.
Beach conditions are great too. Daytime air temperatures usually hit 24–26°C (75–79°F), and the skies stay mostly sunny.
You can hang out outside for hours without worrying about intense heat.
Rain barely makes an appearance, averaging less than one inch all season, so your beach days usually go as planned.
Evenings cool down to around 15–20°C (59–68°F), making it actually nice to stay out after sunset for a stroll or dinner by the water.
This mix of mild air and warm sea gives you reliable conditions for relaxing or getting active along Dubai’s coastline.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dubai in Winter
You’ll probably find winter in Dubai comfortable for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and events. To make the most of your trip, pack the right clothing, check out which activities work best in cooler months, and plan ahead for hotels and getting around.
What to Pack for Winter Weather
Daytime temperatures usually sit between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), so bring some light layers. Short sleeves and breathable fabrics feel good in the sun, but you’ll want a light jacket or sweater for those cooler evenings.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring markets, malls, and historic spots. A swimsuit is a must for beaches and hotel pools, since the water stays inviting even in winter.
Sun protection still matters. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses because the sun can sneak up on you, even when it’s mild.
Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
If you plan to visit cultural sites, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Toss a scarf or shawl in your bag for extra flexibility.
Popular Activities and Events
Winter is hands-down the best time for outdoor attractions in Dubai. Beaches like Jumeirah and Kite Beach buzz with swimmers, paddleboarders, and joggers.
The mild weather makes desert safaris, dune bashing, and camel rides so much more enjoyable.
You’ll probably appreciate cultural activities more in cooler months too. Walk through the Al Fahidi Historical District, visit Dubai Creek, or explore open-air souks without sweating through your shirt.
Big seasonal events happen in winter. The Dubai Shopping Festival brings discounts, entertainment, and fireworks all over the city.
Food festivals, outdoor concerts, and international sports events fill up the calendar.
If you’re into adventure, winter is the perfect time to hike in Hatta or cycle on desert trails. Clear skies also set the stage for a trip up the Burj Khalifa observation decks or even skydiving over Palm Jumeirah.
Travel and Accommodation Advice
Winter always draws crowds, so I’d suggest you book flights and hotels early. Resorts and city hotels get snapped up fast, especially during holidays or big events.
You’ll find public transport both reliable and cheap. The Dubai Metro reaches most tourist spots. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are everywhere. If you’re thinking of heading out of the city, maybe rent a car.
Pick your accommodation based on what you want to do. Beachfront hotels make water activities easy. If you stay near Downtown Dubai, you’ll have quick access to malls, the Burj Khalifa, and plenty of cultural events.
Looking for something quieter? Try Jumeirah Lakes Towers or Dubai Marina. You’ll still get good transport links, but the vibe’s a lot more relaxed.