Dubai in May is the time of year when the temperature gradually begins to rise. But the heat is not intense, making it still a comfortable time to visit Dubai. This further comes with a lot of perks; as it’s the time when things begin to slow down after the peak winter season, you can expect relatively fewer crowds and look forward to being part of some cool, exciting events and experiences. So, if you’re planning a Dubai holiday in May, this post gives you a detailed account of the city’s top attractions, events, and things to do this month.
Dubai Weather in May
Dubai in May has longer days of up to 13 hours and comes with daily sunshine of about 11 hours. The temperature lows and highs range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius to 37 and sometimes over 40 degrees Celsius, with an average temperature of about 32 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Why Should You Travel to Dubai in May?
Dubai is still ideal for the outdoors
May in Dubai indicates the start of summer, but it’s still great to enjoy the outdoors. In other words, it’s the time when you can check out the best places to visit in Dubai, like beaches, deserts, parks, etc., before the mercury reaches its peak (50 to 55 degrees Celsius) in the coming months (particularly July and August).
Exciting Events and Experiences
Wondering what to do in Dubai in May besides visiting attractions and beaches? Dubai plays host to some of the best shows and events year-round, and May is no exception. From standup comedies and music concerts to live plays, there is a fantastic line-up of events to watch out for in May.
Seasonal Attractions
Most seasonal attractions, such as Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, etc., are closed by April. That said, you can visit Dubai Garden Glow before it closes for the season this month.
Incredible Price Drops
As May is the beginning of the off-season, it’s very likely that you’ll enjoy some steep reductions on your hotel accommodations and airline tickets. You can also enjoy some tempting offers on entry tickets to the city’s major landmarks, theme parks, safaris, cruises, etc.
Things to Do in Dubai in May
Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
Downtown Dubai is one of Dubai’s most visited neighborhoods for all the right reasons. It boasts the world’s tallest building and the world’s biggest shopping mall, but it probably grabs maximum attention for its Dubai Fountain Show, which is a light and water spectacle like no other, wherein water is sprayed out in sync to mindblowing Arabic, Bollywood, or western music. It’s displayed every 30 minutes after 6 p.m., and the best thing is that it’s free to watch. You can find this attraction on Burj Lake, which is adjacent to the Burj Khalifa and outside the Dubai Mall.
Take a Spin across the Ice at the Dubai Ice Rink
Crave for a frozen escape when summer heat begins to rise? You don’t have to travel far; just head down to the Dubai Ice Rink inside Dubai Mall. The highlight is an Olympic-sized ice rink sprawling over an area of 1500 square meters. For a twirl on the ice, you can select from several skating packages, such as Freestyle Skating, Dubai Snowfall, Family DJ Party, etc. Are you a first-timer who still wants to try this? There are several skating aids that take the form of Bob Skates and Penguin Pals.
Explore Dubai’s Theme Parks
No matter when you visit Dubai, its theme parks are unmissable. They are all set indoors and come with some exciting rides and attractions. IMG Worlds of Adventure is a true haven for families and kids who adore Marvel superheroes, cartoon characters, and dinosaur-inspired thrills. For the ultimate theme park experience, consider a visit to Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is certain to spoil you with its three theme parks (Motiongate Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park). For gaming enthusiasts, there are options like Play DXB, an absolute park for VR-based rides and games. What’s more? You’ll also come across kid-exclusive attractions at KidZania Dubai.
Drive around the Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s man-made, palm-tree-shaped island is so famous that it’s a must-experience on any Dubai travel bucket list. One of the coolest ways to take in this island with a crescent on its top is to jump from an aircraft on a skydive session or on a helicopter ride. If you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to these wild adventures, make your way to the recently opened The View at The Palm observatory. You can further opt to hire a cab or even book a three-hour limousine Dubai tour to ride around its main sights. There is also a monorail ride that encompasses the route from Atlantis Resort to Al Sufouh Gateway.
Plan a Picnic at a Beach or Park
As the temperature in Dubai is not yet harsh, it allows you to head outdoors and experience its many beaches and lush parks. How about a picnic in Dubai Creek Park, Zabeel Park, or Mushrif Park? You can also enjoy the warm sunshine and cool activities at the pristine Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach, an ideal location for sunbathing. These parks and beaches are superbly maintained and are replete with BBQ facilities, kids’ play areas, etc.
Spend a day at a Dubai Water Park
What’s a Dubai summer trip without a splash in its water parks? Take any of Dubai’s water parks – from the classic Wild Wadi Water Park and the breathtaking Atlantis Aquaventure to the recently opened AquaFun Water Park each of them is distinct with an exciting theme and, of course, loads of thrilling water rides and slides. All water parks are complete with kid-specific sections, which mean they are for all ages and abilities.
Cool off at Ski Dubai
This is one of favorite attractions of the people of Dubai when the summer heat begins to escalate. Found inside the Mall of the Emirates, it’s where you can enjoy all snow activities imaginable even when the outside temperature is at its highest. Be it skiing, tobogganing, or simply throwing snow, you can try all of them, and that too as per your unique thrill levels.
Take a Dinner Dhow Cruise
This evening cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina is your ticket to admire Dubai’s marvelous sights at a placid pace without any crowd or annoying traffic to disturb you. The most exciting part is that you get to enjoy this cruise in a traditional Arabian dhow, which was once used for pearl farming and fishing (before the discovery of oil in the region). Besides striking views, you can relish a buffet dinner and a stunning Tanura performance during this cruise. Want to add a luxurious spin to your cruise experience? Head out for a 3-hour yacht ride Dubai along the region’s exuberant waters.
Experience a Desert Safari
If you’re imagining a Dubai desert trip in May, luckily, the heat is tolerable for a desert safari. Select the refreshing morning safari or the more activity-packed evening desert safari with a 4×4 dune bash, camel ride, cultural activities (like Shisha smoking, henna tattooing, falconry, etc.), BBQ buffet dining, and traditional entertainment shows.
Places to See in Dubai in May
Burj Khalifa
It’s not just the world’s tallest building, but also the most prestigious Dubai landmark. There are two observation decks at its 124th and 148th levels, which promise you the most stunning vantage point to experience the sheer enormity and unrivaled charm of its skyline, desert, and ocean. It’s not all about views; you can take the fastest-ever elevator ride and also watch a multimedia presentation highlighting Dubai’s past.
The Dubai Mall
While malls and shopping centers are nothing special in Dubai, the Dubai Mall stands out among all of them, being the biggest of its kind in the world. It has over 1200 outlets, and these are apart from some great leisure and entertainment attractions such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Play DXB, KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink, etc.
Burj Al Arab
Opened two decades ago, the Burj Al Arab continues to be one of Dubai’s perennial attractions. Rightly so, it’s one of the world’s most expensive hotels and is also considered the world’s only seven-star hotel. Can’t imagine a stay here but still want to catch a glimpse of its luxurious interiors? We would suggest you sign up for a guided Inside Burj Al Arab tour or reserve a breakfast or afternoon tea session at one of its premium dining venues, surrounded by the most exquisite views.
Dubai Frame
This unmatched and giant picture-frame-like structure is worth a trip for its intriguing past and future galleries, and mostly, its Sky Deck, where you can admire both Old and New Dubai from a single viewpoint. You can access it all with your Dubai Frame ticket.
Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood & Dubai Museum
Dubai is an uber-modern city, but a trip to its oldest neighborhood, Al Fahidi or Al Bastakiya, will take you back to its pre-oil era. Get lost in time as you wander through its narrow alleys, dotted with age-old sandstone structures with wooden wind towers or traditional air coolers. To know more about its past and its cultural and religious aspects, you can explore other things to do in Old Dubai, such as visiting the Dubai Museum or the Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Top Events in Dubai in May
Besides visiting the famous attractions in Dubai, head towards the buzzing events celebrated in May:
Ravi Gupta Live in Dubai
With Ravi Gupta Live at the famed Dubai Heights Academy laugh out loud this 31st May, 2025. His signature wit and fast-paced punch lines make him an admired crowd favorite. Scheduled at 6pm & 9pm respectively, this night will be wild, witty, and wonderfully comic. Loyal fan or newcomer, this show vows for feel-good moments and incessant fun. Book your evening now at AED 129.
Jaspreet Singh Live Comedy Show
Comedy adorers come together! Jaspreet Singh will bring “Grown Up” his comedy firepower at Dubai’s Emirates Theatre dated May 3rd, 2025 sharp at 7:30 pm. Prep up for one stage, one evening, incessant laughs. His return vows for an outstanding storytelling and fan-favorite wit. Seats begin at AED 105 for an evening of elite-level standup.
Caribbean Beach Festival
Reggae Beachfest is all set to host the Caribbean Beach Festival at Barasti Beach. This 12-hour music festival is to happen on May 3 from 3 in the afternoon to 3 in the morning the next day. At the festival, you will get to enjoy the music of international artists and DJs like Lucenco, Wayne Wonder, and more. You can also get access to the beach and pool here as well as enjoy some delicious food and shopping experiences here.
Le Dolce Domenica
Get ready for a grand Sunday family brunch the Italian style at Le Dolce Domenica at Arrogante Dubai. Along with authentic Italian dishes and flavors, you also get to relish live entertainment while having brunch at this restaurant. This brunch begins on April 6 and will be repeated every Sunday until June 29, from noon till 4 in the evening. The price for this brunch starts from AED 275.
The Pulse Gravity & Other Myths at Dubai Opera
Head to Dubai Opera this May to experience an amazing performance with the show The Pulse by Gravity and Other Myths. This monumental show brings together acrobatics with music and lights to offer you an amazing experience. This 1 hour 15 minutes show is open from May 9 to May 11 at Dubai Opera.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Get ready for some laughs while watching the rib-tickling comedy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Here you will get to see all of Shakespeare’s plays in 97 minutes in the most funny and unique way possible. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is all set to play at Zabeel Theater from May 21 to May 24.
Tips to Travel Dubai in May
- As it marks the start of the summer season, May in Dubai is the time when hotels, airline companies, and other related service providers offer some great incentives. So, a bit of research and leg-work will allow you to make the most of your Dubai trip.
- Opt for an all-inclusive Dubai holiday packaged with your desired accommodation, sightseeing, safaris, cruises, etc.
- For maximum savings, you can choose a combo pass that offers two or more of your favorite activities or experiences for a single price. Check out Rayna Tours’ combo deals page for more ideas.
- When it comes to clothing, pack comfortable cotton clothing due to the warmer, sunny days. Moreover, it is recommended to carry modest dresses.
- Other emirates in the UAE are easily accessible from Dubai, so be sure to venture outside of the city on an all-inclusive Abu Dhabi City Tour with the Louvre Museum, Ferrari World, or Ras Al Khaimah City Tour.
- Also, carry sunglasses, hats, sunscreen cream, lotion, etc. for your Dubai trip.
You might be interested – Dubai in June | Dubai in July
FAQs
1. Is May a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes, the weather in May is quite comfortable.
2. Is traveling to Dubai in May ideal for outdoor activities?
Sunlight in May (especially at the beginning of the month) is not as intense as that in June – August, so it’s the ideal time to hit the outdoors before the summer heat becomes harsh. With that being said, the region’s humidity levels will be high.
3. Is Dubai busy in May?
No, you’ll experience a lesser crowd in May.
4. Can I experience rainfall in Dubai in May?
No, the chances of rainfall are very rare in May.
5. Is May too hot for Dubai?
May is the start of the summer season in Dubai, with average temperatures between 25° and 38°C. It is fairly warm and pleasant for outdoor activities. It is the bridge month when the winters are inching toward the scorching summer. As the temperature rises, hotel prices drop, and crowds recede.
6. How is the weather in Dubai in May?
The weather in May is quite bearable compared to other summer months. It is a low-tourism season when visitors can swim and bask in the sun. The humidity is at its lowest, making it a drier month, and rainfall has slick chances.
7. Why should I visit Dubai in May?
Dubai in May is perfect for budget travelers as the prices of hotels and flights drop. There are also discounts on attractions. And it is the last month of winter and spring to enjoy the outdoors.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a Dubai vacation in May, you’re lucky to be part of several spirited festivities and also take in its breathtaking landmarks and outdoors. So, get your Dubai tourist visa and start your Dubai holiday planning now to gift yourself one of the best holidays of your lifetime.
Explore Dubai Month by Month
Is Ski Dubai open throughout the month of May as this indoor ski facility is built with artificial ice?
Yes. Ski Dubai is open not just for the entire May, but year around.
Since May is still an off-season in Dubai, is there any discount for booking a desert safari and a dhow cruise dinner?
Definitely! If you’re booking these two activities as a group, we can offer a decent discount to you.
Is it possible to enjoy Dubai on budget in May?
It seems May is an ideal time for a Dubai vacation as the prices for hotel accommodation, desert safari, and other attractions are slashed.
While I understand that May is the start of the summer in Dubai, just want to know at what range the temperature click?
The temperature ranges between 37ºC to 23ºC in May. You can enjoy swimming since the sea temperature is around 29ºC.
This is a handy information for a budget traveller like me. I want to experience Dubai without burning a hole in my pocket. And May seems to be an ideal time.
You are right. May is an off-season and you will enjoy it in your budget.
Inspiring post about Dubai.
Thank you for your comment.
What will be the overall cost for a one-week Dubai vacation in May?
It will be relatively low as compared to a peak-season. There will be a difference of 30-40 percent on overall cost.
Can we enjoy outdoor activities in Dubai during the daytime in May?
Definitely! You can go to the beaches, parks, and desert, and other venues.
Since May in Dubai is a Ramadan period, is there any price-cut on accommodation, sightseeing, and food?
Yes! Many hotels offer attractive discounts on accommodation. You will also enjoy reduced rates on sightseeing and on food.
Dubai is one of the best place for sightseeing, i remember when i was 11 years old and visited Dubai for 4 days. The place is good.
Very informative and detailed post. My friend’s family is traveling to Dubai next month. I will share it with her.
Thank you so much for the positive comments!
Summers are a great time to plan a Dubai vacation because the prices are reasonable, and it is the non-peak season. Thanks for the detailed post-Rajkumar. It will come in handy when we visit Dubai.
Thanks for the kind words!
Excellent list of activities to cover in Dubai in May. Going to bookmark this for future reference. Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful!
I never imagined how light it will be to the pocket when traveling to Dubai in May. I will see that I am vacationing in Dubai in May.
This post is a nice guide to make the most of Dubai during the off-season. For the budget conscious, May is the best month to visit Dubai since lots of hotels, retail outlets, and airline companies offer attractive discounts to lure tourists.