Dubai’s summer weather grabs your attention the second you step outside. From late April through early October, the city faces some of the hottest conditions anywhere.
Daytime highs regularly shoot above 40 °C (104 °F), and nights don’t cool off much, hovering around 26 °C (79 °F).
But the heat isn’t the whole story. High humidity from the nearby sea makes the air feel heavier, and honestly, it often feels even hotter than the numbers suggest.
Strong sunshine and a high UV index add to the challenge, so spending time outdoors takes some planning and care.
Summer also brings long daylight hours, warm sea temperatures, and the occasional dusty wind. These patterns really shape the city’s climate.
If you’re planning daily activities or just curious how Dubai compares to other hot places, it helps to know what to expect.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Dubai
Summer in Dubai means long stretches of extreme heat and almost no rain. You’ll see very high daytime temperatures, warm nights, and sometimes temperatures that really push the limits of comfort.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
From late April to early October, daytime highs often go over 38°C (100°F). By June, July, and August, the average high sits around 41–43°C (106–109°F).
These are the usual daily maximums, not just rare spikes.
Nights don’t bring much relief. Average lows stay between 27–30°C (81–86°F) in the middle of summer.
You rarely get a cool evening breeze, even after sunset.
Humidity makes things worse. The Persian Gulf keeps relative humidity high, especially in August and September.
That mix of heat and moisture makes it feel even hotter than what the thermometer says.
Temperature Trends by Month
In May, summer starts to ramp up, with highs near 37–41°C (99–106°F). By June, temperatures climb further, and daily maximums regularly hit 40°C (104°F) or more.
July and August are the toughest months. Highs average around 42°C (108°F), and plenty of days are hotter.
Nighttime lows in these months rarely dip below 30°C (86°F), so it stays warm all night.
By September, things ease up a bit, but daytime averages still sit above 39°C (102°F). Nights are usually in the upper 20s Celsius (low 80s Fahrenheit).
This relentless heat makes outdoor activities tricky. Most people head outside early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s a bit less intense.
Record Highs and Extremes
Dubai has seen some of the highest temperatures in the region. The city has hit peaks close to 50°C (122°F) during July.
A recent record shows 50.1°C (122°F). These happen during strong heat waves, usually with dry winds blowing in from the desert.
Even the suburbs can feel hotter than central Dubai. Outlying areas may reach 43°C (109°F) in mid-summer, while the city center sits closer to 38°C (100°F).
These extremes really drive home why you need to plan around the heat—both urban and suburban areas can get dangerous in summer.
Humidity and Heat Index
Dubai’s summer weather mixes high humidity with extreme heat. This combo makes it feel even hotter outside.
It’s not just about comfort—humidity affects daily life and how you should plan time outdoors.
Average Humidity Levels
During summer, humidity in Dubai usually sits between 55% and 65%, sometimes higher in July and August. The city’s spot along the Persian Gulf means warm sea air brings moisture inland.
Humidity isn’t steady all day. Early mornings and late evenings are often the most humid, while afternoons can feel slightly drier.
Still, the air stays muggy enough to cause discomfort, especially under strong sun.
If you compare months, June through September are the stickiest. May tends to be the least humid, while August often brings the most.
So even if the temperature stays steady, how sticky it feels can change a lot.
Here’s a simple breakdown of average humidity:
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| May | ~53% |
| June | ~58% |
| July | ~60–65% |
| August | ~65%+ |
| Sept | ~60% |
Impact on Perceived Temperature
Humidity bumps up the heat index—that’s the temperature your body actually feels. For example, if it’s 40°C (104°F) with 60% humidity, it can feel like 50°C (122°F).
That’s because sweat doesn’t evaporate well in humid air, so your body can’t cool off as easily.
You’ll notice this the most during midday and evening. Even after sunset, high humidity can trap heat, making nights feel warmer than what the thermometer says.
It affects sleep, outdoor dining, and even late-night walks by the coast.
For visitors, the heat index is why shade, hydration, and air conditioning matter so much. Locals usually run errands or go outside early, when heat and humidity aren’t so harsh.
When you put temperature and humidity together, Dubai’s summer can feel pretty extreme. Knowing the heat index helps you get ready, whether you’re sightseeing, exercising, or just taking a short walk.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Dubai’s summer climate stays dry, with almost no measurable rain. The desert setting and local weather patterns mean you’ll see clear skies and long stretches without any precipitation.
Average Summer Rainfall
From late April to early October, Dubai gets almost no rain. June, July, and August average less than 0.5 mm of precipitation each—basically nothing.
This lack of rain fits with the city’s desert climate. Annual rainfall is only about 77 mm, and nearly all of it falls between December and March.
Summer barely adds anything to that total.
You shouldn’t expect thunderstorms or showers this season. Even when it does rain, it’s usually less than a millimeter and doesn’t impact daily life.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | 0.2 | 0 |
| July | 0.0 | 0 |
| August | 0.0 | 0 |
This makes summer weather super predictable if you’re planning travel or outdoor activities.
Frequency of Rain Events
Rain in Dubai’s summer is almost unheard of. On average, you’ll see 0 rainy days in June, July, and August.
Even May and September barely register a trace.
Dubai isn’t like coastal cities with summer monsoons. Hot winds and high humidity rule, and there’s really no relief from rain.
If a rain event does pop up, it’s brief and isolated. These are so rare that people see them as odd rather than normal.
So, you can plan confidently that summer days will stay dry. This reliability is why outdoor attractions, desert tours, and beach activities run without interruption all season.
Sunshine and UV Exposure
Dubai’s summers bring long stretches of direct sunlight and very high UV radiation. The sun’s intensity matters just as much as the number of daylight hours when you’re planning to be outside.
Average Daily Sunlight Hours
In summer, Dubai averages 10 to 11 hours of bright sunshine per day. The sky stays mostly clear, especially in June and July.
You’ll get nearly constant sun exposure outdoors.
Winter brings slightly shorter days, but summer keeps some of the longest sunshine periods of the year.
Cloud cover rarely goes above 20–25% in midsummer, so shade is hard to find. If you’re planning time outside, keep the strong sunlight in mind.
| Month | Avg Sunlight Hours/Day | Cloud Cover (%) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 10.8 | ~20 |
| July | 10.6 | ~23 |
| August | 10.4 | ~25 |
UV Index Levels
The UV Index in Dubai during summer usually sits between 9 and 11+, which is very high to extreme. At these levels, unprotected skin can burn in less than 15 minutes during midday.
Peak readings hit between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest. Even in the early morning or late afternoon, the index often stays in the moderate to high range.
You’ll want to use SPF 30+ sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, and light clothes that cover your skin. Staying in the shade or avoiding direct sun during peak hours can cut health risks.
Unlike in many temperate places, Dubai’s UV levels rarely drop in summer, so you need to take precautions every day you’re outdoors.
Wind and Dust Storms
During summer in Dubai, strong winds and shifting desert air shape the weather in a big way. You’ll get both steady breezes and sudden dust bursts that impact visibility and comfort outside.
Typical Wind Speeds
Summer winds in Dubai usually range between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph). These often blow in from the northwest, known as the Shamal.
Sometimes gusts jump above 40 km/h (25 mph), especially in open desert areas or along the coast. These stronger winds show up more in June and July, when land and sea temperatures differ the most.
Wind direction changes in the evenings. Coastal spots often get a sea breeze that brings in slightly cooler air, though humidity usually rises at the same time.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff like boating or desert trips, it’s smart to check the daily forecast. Even moderate winds can kick up sand, make things less comfortable, and rough up the sea.
Occurrence of Dust and Sandstorms
Dust and sandstorms happen pretty often in Dubai’s summer. They’re most common from May through August, when high winds lift loose desert sand into the air.
These storms might last a few hours, or in some cases, hang around all day. During bad ones, visibility can drop below 1 km (0.6 mi), which affects both driving and flights.
The strength of these storms depends on wind speed and how dry the ground is. After long dry spells, the soil gets loose, so dust events can get pretty intense.
During storms, it’s smart to stay inside, keep windows closed, and use protective eyewear if you have to go out. Most travelers just pick indoor attractions until things settle down.
Sea and Water Temperatures
Dubai’s coastline stays warm all year, but in summer the sea gets downright hot. The water can feel more like a heated pool than the ocean, which really changes the swimming and beach experience.
Average Sea Surface Temperatures
The sea in Dubai almost never drops below 20°C (68°F), no matter the season. From June through September, the water usually sits at 32–34°C (90–93°F).
In July and August, you’ll notice it often peaks around 35°C (95°F).
So, you’re looking at water that’s always warm—sometimes even uncomfortably hot compared to other beach spots.
You won’t get that sharp chill stepping in, since the difference between air and water temperatures is usually pretty minor.
| Month | Avg °C | Avg °F |
|---|---|---|
| June | 32 | 90 |
| July | 33 | 91 |
| August | 34 | 93 |
| September | 33 | 91 |
Swimming here in summer feels more like soaking in a warm bath than cooling off in the ocean.
Swimming Conditions in Summer
When the water’s this warm, swimming in Dubai during summer becomes more about relaxing than escaping the heat.
The sea barely cools you down, especially when daytime air temperatures often soar past 40°C (104°F).
It’s a good idea to hit the beach early in the morning or wait until evening, just to dodge the harshest sun.
Midday? Honestly, it can get pretty uncomfortable, whether you’re in the water or not.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water go a long way to help reduce heat stress.
If you’re after a cooler dip, hotel pools with climate control might be more your thing than the sea.
Most visitors find the sea safe and calm, but the combo of warm water and sticky air can make swimming feel heavy instead of refreshing.
How Dubai’s Summer Weather Compares Globally
Dubai’s summer stands out for its blazing heat mixed with high humidity.
Nearby Gulf cities share a lot of the same traits, but Dubai’s coastal position and fast urban growth shape the weather in ways that affect comfort and even long-term patterns.
Comparison with Other Gulf Cities
If you stack Dubai up against other Gulf cities like Riyadh or Kuwait City, you’ll notice Dubai stays a bit cooler at the peak of summer.
Inland cities often hit 46–48°C (115–118°F), while Dubai’s coastal spot keeps average highs at 41–43°C (106–109°F).
But here’s the catch. Being close to the sea bumps up the humidity, often above 50–60% during July and August.
That thick air makes the heat feel even more intense, especially at night when it barely drops below 30°C (86°F).
Dust storms and hot winds hit the whole region, but Dubai’s city layout and coastal breezes usually take the edge off compared to inland cities.
You’ll still get reduced visibility during storms, though they don’t happen as much as in Riyadh or Doha.
So, while Dubai spares you the very highest temperatures, the humidity makes the heat feel more stifling than in drier Gulf spots.
Unique Features of Dubai’s Climate
Dubai’s summer climate really gets shaped by its urban heat island effect. Central areas usually feel warmer than the suburbs, and at night, temperatures often stay a few degrees higher.
You’ll notice this difference if you compare readings from Dubai International Airport to those from Al Maktoum Airport, which sits farther inland.
Another thing that stands out? The mix of very warm sea temperatures and high humidity. The Persian Gulf sometimes reaches 30–33°C (86–91°F) in summer.
That means sea breezes don’t bring much relief, and honestly, being outside can feel pretty uncomfortable.
Rainfall basically disappears during summer. Still, the city sometimes gets hit by brief dust storms or thunderstorms when strong northwesterly winds blow in.
These storms might bring a little relief, but they usually make the air quality worse.
Dubai’s climate isn’t quite like other desert cities. The sea’s influence, all that dense construction, and the humidity combine to make heat stress a bigger issue than just chasing record-high temperatures.
So, the city’s summer weather feels pretty different from what you’d get in inland deserts or even other coastal spots.