The desert safari experience in Dubai opens up a contrasting perspective of Dubai for its visitors. When you arrive, Dubai dazzles you! You feel spellbound by high-rise towers and a chic lifestyle. It is only when you start your journey towards the Arabian desert, away from the city that you realize the authenticity of Dubai. The glistening skyscrapers disappear. Endless golden dunes replace them. The city’s buzz fades. The desert’s quiet takes over. Here’s where the real Dubai amazes you, with its stellar, calm surroundings and a wide array of adventures and traditional activities.
A desert safari offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the desert and connect with nature, which is a nice contrast to the city’s fast pace. However, to enjoy it to the max, you should be aware of the best time of day to do desert safari in Dubai. Read on to learn our recommendations for choosing the perfect desert safari experience in Dubai.
Dubai Desert Climate
Before we dive into the best time for desert safari in Dubai, let’s get an idea of Dubai desert climate. While many feel that Dubai has a hot climate, they often forget about the microclimate changes Dubai experiences in a day. A quintessential day in Dubai doesn’t start with a hot sunny morning and end with the same temperature. There is a shift in temperature throughout the day. The early mornings are crisp, pleasant and cool. The mid-day gets intense sunlight. Later, the heat starts to ebb away in the late afternoon. After sunset, the desert ambience can get chilly, and the night sky is amazing. The time of the day you plan to visit the desert plays a pivotal role in deciding your experience.
The first step towards having a wonderful time in the desert is to understand what you want to experience on your desert expedition. Before planning your trip, ask yourself:
- Are you looking for an adventure in the desert?
- Are you someone who wants to enjoy the change in scenery and the calmness of the desert?
- Are you someone looking for unique experiences on a desert trip?
For each type of traveller, the desert timing plays a crucial role.
For Adventurers and Thrill-Seekers
Adventure activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding are best enjoyed in cooler temperatures, typically in the early morning or late afternoon. If you visit during cooler months, then afternoon tours are also a viable option.
For Scenery Lovers
Want to capture the breathtaking beauty of the golden dunes? Head to the desert during the golden hours. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting to soak up the unrivalled charm of the deserts. It is also the best time to click some picture-perfect photographs. Selecting morning and evening desert safari Dubai tours is possible any time of the year. However, they can feel a bit frigid from October to February.
For Unique Experiences
Looking for something unique? Spend the night under the Arabian sky to feel the solace and tranquil beauty of the desert. The night sky especially during a full moon sheds iridescence glow. This is a truly mesmerizing sight to behold! Stargazers should opt for tours that take place during the new moon nights. During new moon nights, the desert skies are pitch black which are brilliantly illuminated by millions of twinkling stars. In the absence of the moon, it unveils a breathtaking celestial spectacle.
Heads Up!
Though desert adventure can be done any time of the day, you simply cannot underestimate and ignore the intense heat of the sun throughout the year. It is important to understand that the desert sun can be harsh in some months. For the same, you should also take into account the Dubai desert safari weather in different months of the year as well.
Winter Months – October to February
October to February are hands down the best months to visit the Dubai desert. The temperature remains cooler and more comfortable, ranging from 25 to 35 ° Celsius. The cooler temperature makes adventure sports like dune bashing, quad biking, and buggy rides more enjoyable. Winter mornings are the best time to capture the soft glowing dawn in the desert. The golden sands and vibrant colours create a picturesque backdrop perfect for photography and creating lasting memories. Visiting the desert in Dubai from October to February allows you to enjoy the beauty and adventure of the desert in comfortable weather, making it a perfect time for exploration.
Spring Months – March to May
As March, April and May approaches, temperatures in the Dubai desert start to soar. They often go beyond 30° Celsius. If you consider visiting the deserts during these months, we would recommend going in early March when the weather is still relatively mild. As April gets closer, it is best to avoid the heat during the day. Plan for the evening and overnight safaris instead. If you can handle the heat and are prepared for evening activities, you can still have a great time in the late afternoon safaris.
Summer Months – June to September
Dubai’s summers start from June till September. The weather and sand temperatures during the daytime get scorching hot. The region is prone to extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 40°C during day time. These months are not at all recommended for day trips to the deserts. The harsh sunlight also makes the desert less visually appealing as well. It’s best not to venture out during these months for adventure sports in the desert as the high temperatures pose health risks, such as heat exhaustion, sunstrokes and dehydration. Should you plan to visit, plan for early morning or overnight tours. However, it is best if you can avoid this period altogether and wait for the cooler months for a more enjoyable experience.
Watch Out For Sandstorms!
Check for sandstorm and wind activity before your desert expeditions in Dubai. Before you book a tour, confirm if the month you are travelling coincides with frequent sandstorms in the desert. Wind can carry sand and create dust, affecting visibility and comfort. Observing the wind patterns and weather forecasts before your desert tour can help you with this issue. Additionally, book your tour with a reputed, well-experienced desert safari tour operator. Make sure they have garnered highly positive reviews. It is another way to make sure you do not get stuck during your Dubai desert safari tour in an unprecedented sandstorm due to an inexperienced tour operator. The years of experience in handling the desert safari tour plus positive feedback from previous tour participants would be enough assurance for you to not have to deal with such unfortunate circumstances.
FAQs
1. Should one think about what outfit to wear during a Dubai desert safari tour?
Yes. Your Dubai desert safari outfit should help make your experience more comfortable. You should choose clothes made of breathable fabric and complement them with comfortable shoes, hats and sunglasses. Add a light jacket if you are planning to spend the night in the desert as nights are cooler.
2. Which months should be avoided for desert safari for those who are heat sensitive?
July and August are two of the harshest summer months in Dubai. If you are uncomfortable in intense heat, it is best to avoid travelling to the Dubai desert during these months.
3. When is the best time for stargazing in the desert?
The cooler months in Dubai offer clearer skies. Opt for tours that take place on new moon nights. It lets you see stars in the dark sky better.
4. Which months are best to explore the deserts with fewer crowds in comfort?
The shoulder seasons often have fewer crowds compared to the peak winter months. Weekdays also tend to be less busy than weekends.
Conclusion
Visiting the Dubai deserts at the right time can make or break your experience. With an understanding of the desert’s temperatures, you can choose the best Dubai desert safari experience to create unforgettable memories of your trip.
