Dubai’s fall season finally brings a break from that relentless summer heat. Daytime highs start to dip from around 40°C in early September to about 28°C by late November, so it’s a lot easier to be outside. Nights cool off too, which really helps after those endless hot evenings.
Humidity drops as the weeks go by. Rain is still rare, but you might catch a quick shower in November if you’re lucky. Sunshine sticks around, though daylight hours get shorter as winter creeps in. Honestly, this combination of warmth, clear skies, and milder air makes fall a sweet spot for exploring the city.
If you’re thinking about walking along the coast, heading out to the desert, or just enjoying Dubai’s outdoor life, fall really sets the stage. When you know what to expect with temperatures, humidity, and daylight, it’s a lot easier to plan your trip and actually enjoy it.
Overview of Fall Weather in Dubai
Dubai’s fall feels like a big sigh of relief after the brutal summer. Temperatures keep dropping, humidity backs off, and days get a bit shorter. The weather finally feels balanced enough for outdoor plans.
What Months Are Considered Fall in Dubai
In Dubai, fall runs from September through November. It’s that stretch between the peak summer sizzle and the mellow winter.
September still packs a punch, with highs above 100°F (38°C). By November, you’re looking at daytime temps closer to the low 80s°F (about 27°C). Nights shift too, dropping from the mid-80s°F (29°C) in early September to the mid-60s°F (18–20°C) by late November.
Humidity starts off high in September and drops pretty quickly. Late October and November are much more bearable if you want to be outside. Rain? Still not much, but November has a slightly better shot at a sprinkle, though it’s nothing compared to wetter places.
General Climate Characteristics in Autumn
During fall, Dubai stays dry, sunny, and warm, but it’s not as punishing as summer. Highs fall by more than 20°F (about 11°C) through the season.
Clouds thin out too, so skies stay mostly clear. Overcast days drop from nearly 30% in early September to about 20% by November. Rain barely shows up, with totals under 0.3 inches (8 mm) for the whole season.
You lose almost two hours of daylight from early September to late November. Sunrises come later, sunsets earlier, and evenings cool off way faster than in summer. Even the Gulf’s water temperature drops from around 92°F (33°C) in September to about 80°F (27°C) in November.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons
Fall feels a lot less stifling than summer. You dodge those crazy highs above 110°F (43°C) and the sticky humidity that takes over in July and August. Outdoor stuff gets easier, especially by late October.
Winter in Dubai is cooler, with highs between 75–80°F (24–27°C). That’s when most tourists show up. Spring heats up fast and gets muggy again, sliding right back into summer.
Fall is really that in-between season: still hot in September, but it steadily shifts to the mild, dry vibe that makes Dubai’s winter so popular. It’s the point where you can finally spend more time outside without getting roasted.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Dubai’s fall temperatures move from extreme summer heat to something much more tolerable. You’ll notice a steady cool-down, with hot afternoons at first and mild evenings by late November.
Daytime Highs and Lows by Month
September’s daily highs often hit 104°F (40°C), and lows hover around 84°F (29°C). Nights stay warm, so you’ll probably want that air conditioning.
By October, highs drop to about 95°F (35°C), and lows settle in the 70s°F (21–25°C). Mornings and evenings actually start to feel pleasant outside.
November is when you really feel the difference. Highs average about 82°F (28°C), and lows dip to 64°F (18°C). Evening walks along the coast or in the city finally become comfortable.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 104°F / 40°C | 84°F / 29°C |
| October | 95°F / 35°C | 73°F / 23°C |
| November | 82°F / 28°C | 64°F / 18°C |
Monthly Temperature Trends
From September to November, average highs drop by 22°F (12°C) and lows by 20°F (11°C). Each month feels noticeably different.
September is still basically summer, with heat dominating. October starts to mellow out, and November finally brings those cooler nights.
Dubai International Airport keeps track of these averages, and it’s a solid reference for citywide weather. Microclimates exist, especially near the coast or in dense districts, but the airport data gives you a good baseline.
Late fall brings comfortable days with only a small chance of any real heat spikes.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Dubai’s dense cityscape and all that concrete really trap heat, especially after dark. The city center usually stays a few degrees warmer than the open desert.
Tall buildings block airflow and slow down nighttime cooling. So, if you’re in central Dubai, nights can feel warmer than what the airport records.
If you’re near the coast, sea breezes help cool things off. Go inland, and the warmth lingers longer, so evenings aren’t quite as cool.
This urban heat effect is most obvious in September and October, but it fades a bit by late November.
Humidity and Rainfall Patterns
Dubai’s autumn weather is cooler than summer, but humidity and rain still affect how it feels. The air can stay pretty moist, while rain barely makes an appearance. Sometimes, unusual weather events pop up and break the dry streak.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
You’ll notice humidity sticks around for much of autumn, even as the days cool off. September tops the charts, with levels often between 60% and 80% in the early mornings and evenings.
October and November see humidity drop, but you’ll still feel it, especially by the water. Inland spots might be a bit drier, but not by much. Nights can feel more humid than days, and you might even see mist or light fog in the morning.
High humidity mixed with warmth can make being outside a challenge. Early mornings and late evenings are usually your best bet for outdoor plans. Honestly, a lot of people just head indoors with air conditioning to escape the dampness.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
Rainfall barely shows up in Dubai during autumn, but your odds of a shower do rise a bit. September is almost always dry. By October, you might get a light shower, but it’s still rare.
November is when rain chances pick up, averaging 5–10 mm for the month. Rain usually comes in quick, heavy bursts instead of steady drizzle. These short storms can cause localized flooding since the city’s drainage isn’t built for much rain.
Most days stay bone dry, so rain won’t mess with your plans much. Still, keep an eye on the forecast, especially in late November.
Notable Weather Events
Now and then, autumn delivers some surprises in Dubai. Sudden thunderstorms can build over the desert and race toward the coast. They bring strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain all at once.
Some Novembers have seen the season’s highest single-day rain, with isolated events dumping over 20 mm in just hours. These aren’t common, but they can really snarl traffic and cause flooding.
Fog is another thing to watch for in autumn. Thick fog often forms overnight and hangs around into the morning, cutting visibility on highways and near the airport. If you’re traveling, it’s smart to allow extra time.
Wind and Air Quality in Fall
During fall, Dubai’s wind patterns shift, and air quality often depends on dust levels instead of rain or humidity. Breezes can help as temps drop, but fine dust might still mess with visibility and breathing.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Dubai during fall usually stay light to moderate, averaging 7 to 15 km/h (4 to 9 mph). Open desert areas sometimes get stronger gusts, but in the city, things are calmer.
The main wind direction comes from the northwest, thanks to the Shamal winds that sweep across the region. Sometimes, especially in late fall, these winds pick up and blow sand and dust into the city.
Even on mild days, wind direction can shift. By the Gulf, you might feel more sea breezes, while inland areas get drier desert winds. Outdoor activities, like walking along Jumeirah Beach, are usually comfortable, but breezy evenings might feel cooler than you expect.
Dust Storms and Air Quality Considerations
Air quality during fall in Dubai is mostly about dust and tiny particles, not rain. When those northwesterly Shamal winds get going, they kick up sand from the desert, making the air hazy and bumping up pollution.
These dust events don’t happen every day, but you’ll probably see a few each season. Fine particles can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs. Kids and anyone with asthma should try to stay inside when it gets dusty.
Most days, though, the air is rated good to moderate. When a dust storm hits, you’ll see haze over the skyline and distant landmarks like the Burj Khalifa might look fuzzy. Carrying a light mask or planning for indoor activities can make those days easier.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Dubai stays bright for most of the fall season, with plenty of sunshine and days that slowly get shorter as winter gets closer. You can pretty much count on sunny weather, though daylight hours do shrink from September to November.
Average Daily Sunshine
In autumn, Dubai usually gets 9 to 11 hours of sunshine a day. September is the sunniest, with close to 11 hours, while November drops to around 9.
Skies are often clear, especially in early October when cloud cover is at its lowest. On most days, the sun shines more than 80% of the time, so you get strong, steady light all season.
Even with all that sun, UV levels stay high. If you’re outside a lot, don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and to take breaks in the shade. Midday is especially intense.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours | % of Day in Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| September | 10–11 hrs | ~82% |
| October | 9–10 hrs | ~78% |
| November | 8–9 hrs | ~75% |
Length of Daylight in Autumn
Daylight in Dubai shifts pretty fast during the fall. On September 1, you’ll see the sun rise around 6:00 AM and set close to 6:40 PM, so that’s about 12 hours and 38 minutes of daylight.
By November 30, daylight drops to just 10 hours and 42 minutes. That’s a loss of almost 2 hours of daylight as the season goes on.
Each day, you lose about a minute of sunlight. Sunrise creeps later, starting just after 6:00 AM in early September, and by late November, it’s almost 6:45 AM.
Meanwhile, sunset comes sooner, moving from about 6:38 PM to 5:29 PM. Dubai skips daylight saving time, so all these changes happen naturally with the season.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep those earlier sunsets in mind, especially in November. Evenings seem to show up out of nowhere.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dubai in Fall
Temperatures in Dubai during fall finally start to cool off from the relentless summer heat. That makes outdoor plans way more pleasant.
It’s smart to get ready for warm afternoons, cooler nights, and a bit of humidity. Try to choose activities that let you enjoy the better weather.
What to Pack for the Weather
Early fall can still roast, with daytime highs sometimes hitting the upper 30s °C. By late fall, things usually settle down closer to the low 30s °C.
Nights feel milder, so you’ll want clothes that work for both hot days and cooler evenings. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for daytime comfort.
A light jacket or cardigan helps if you’re out at night or stuck in icy air conditioning. If you’re planning to wander markets or visit cultural spots, you’ll want comfy walking shoes.
Hitting the beach or a pool? Don’t forget your swimwear, plus a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Sunscreen’s a must, since UV levels stay high all through fall.
A small scarf or shawl is handy for modesty if you’re visiting mosques or cultural sites. When you’re passing through Dubai International Airport, keep a small bag with essentials—water, sunscreen, and a light layer—so you can adapt as soon as you step outside.
Best Outdoor Activities in Autumn
Fall in Dubai? Honestly, it might be the best time to get outside. The beaches feel a lot more inviting when the sea cools down a bit, and you can finally swim or just wander along Jumeirah Beach without melting.
Locals and visitors flock to desert safaris during this season. Evening tours bring in cooler air and ridiculously clear skies. You might find yourself dune bashing, hopping on a camel, or just eating a traditional meal under the stars—sounds dreamy, right?
Parks and outdoor spots like Dubai Miracle Garden swing open their gates again in the fall. The place bursts with color and life. Walking tours through Old Dubai, along Dubai Creek, or in the souks suddenly feel doable now that the summer heat has eased up.
If you’re more into modern vibes, check out the outdoor spaces near Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Fountain in the evening. The atmosphere is pleasant, and you won’t have to deal with wild temperature swings. It’s a nice way to soak up the sights while staying comfortable as winter creeps in.