Astonishing sights, a splendid desert, and the best repertoire of shopping, leisure and dining attractions all combine to make Dubai a perfect vacation spot to travel any part of the year. But travelling to Dubai in September is special in its own right; it’s the time when Dubai slightly gets respite from the harsh summer heat, but it’s still one of the best months to have an affordable Dubai vacation. So let us see what the weather is like in Dubai in September, along with the top attractions and activities it brings forth.
Is September a good time to visit Dubai
September is the turning point in Dubai’s weather, a transition from hot summers to moderate summers. The weather is pleasant enough for late afternoon outdoor rendezvous and excursions. Early mornings are sublime, serene and soothing for strolls or hot air balloon Dubai rides in the Arabian desert. It is the ideal time to take advantage of lower shoulder season prices before they rise in the next couple of months. As September begins, Dubai sees a shift in verve as the city gears to slowly wake up from the summer slumber, shakes off the laziness and starts preps for events and festivals coming in the cooler months of November to January. The crowds are thinner since it’s not peak tourist season. So, if you’re into shopping, adventure, or just want to chill in some luxury, September is a good time to visit.
Weather in Dubai in September
The weather is still warm in September. Afternoons can seem balmy and stifling hot, but it is quite pleasant early mornings and evenings. The average temperature would oscillate between 33 to 37 degrees Celsius. If you want a budget holiday and can bear the heat, an early September visit is a good choice. Otherwise, the end of September is much more relaxed and cooler and great for outdoor experiences.
- Temperature: Low 31 degrees Celsius, High: 38 degrees Celsius
- Humidity: 76%
- Chance of Rain (%): 0%
- Daylight (Hrs): 10 Hrs
- Sunrise: 6.05 AM
- Sunset: 30 PM
Things to do in Dubai in September
Enjoy Watersports at Dubai’s Beaches
The sea temperature in September in Dubai is around 32 degrees Celsius, warm and cozy for quick swims. If you aren’t a swimmer but still want to enjoy water-related activities at Dubai’s gorgeous beaches. Head to Dubai Marina or JBR Beach to explore a load of water-sport activities such as jet ski adventures, kayaking, windsurfing etc. Some of them are unique ones such as Flyboarding, and sea breacher rides to name a few. Kite Beach is ideal for parasailing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and thrilling group boat rides such as flyfishing, doughnut boat rides and banana boat rides.
Enjoy a City Tour at Night in a Limousine
Planning a city tour of Dubai during a September daytime can be a sweltering affair. Instead, treat yourself to a luxury tour around Dubai at nighttime. Dubai is marvellous to view after dark when the city dazzles in illumination. The city lights and the serene ambience along with the comforts of a sleek limousine stacked with everything you need for your tour along with a friendly chauffer is an ideal option to enjoy a smooth and comfortable Limousine ride in Dubai.
Enjoy Indoor Attractions
Dubai’s indoor attractions are so fabulous and strongly air-conditioned that you won’t even realize (and may even forget) that the outside temperature is at its highest. Visit its many indoor theme parks (including IMG Worlds of Adventure), take to iFly Dubai (for sky diving), and throw yourself into the fun-filled, thrilling zones at Adventure Zone by Adventure HQ (complete with obstacle courses, climbing walls, etc.) Joined by your little ones? We’re sure they wouldn’t want to leave Dubai after visiting attractions like Bounce (a trampoline park), KidZania Dubai, and the Museum of Illusions. These are some of the best things to do in Dubai with kids to create unforgettable moments together.
See Dolphin and Seal Performance & Other Shows
For families visiting Dubai in September, this show conducted at Dubai Dolphinarium (inside Dubai Creek Park) is unmissable. The major highlight of this indoor dolphinarium is a 45-minute show where adorable dolphins and seals wow you with their brilliant acts. See dolphins effortlessly passing through the hoops and seals painting, among others. Want to skip it, or are you looking for more shows? Watch La Perle by Dragone Show at Al Habtoor City or proceed to Motiongate Dubai (at Dubai Parks and Resorts) to be part of several amazing live performances and colourful shows.
Take a Dubai Opera Architecture Tour
Dubai Opera is one of the ultimate venues for lovers of ballets, concerts, operas, etc. It conducts shows all through the year but don’t worry if there is no show to watch during your time in Dubai. You can make the most of this time by taking an Architecture Tour of the dhow-like Dubai Opera. Yes, its attention-to-detail design makes it worth a visit. Spanning over 60,000 square meters in Downtown Dubai (and located close to the Burj Khalifa), it proudly reflects the city’s maritime heritage and comes with high-end seating facilities to accommodate 2000 plus guests at a time.
Journey into the Future
A world of high-tech advancements and ground-breaking innovations await you at the Museum of the Future. Be sure to make a stop here, where everything from its breathtaking architecture that resembles a huge ring to its mesmerizing galleries, top-end exhibits, and unbelievable experience will leave you in absolute amazement.
Relax at Chillout Ice Lounge
From rich brunches and amazing English afternoon teas to authentic Middle Eastern fares and delightful street foods, you’ll never run out of ideas when it comes to what or where to dine in Dubai. But if you’re looking for a chill, cool ambience to wind down after all your actions and outings, just head to Chillout – The Ice Lounge. Located inside Times Square Center, it’s the Middle East’s first ice lounge, where its interiors, décor, and settings are maintained at minus six degrees Celsius throughout. Speaking of food, you can relish all of it, including fresh hot soups, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, desserts, and more.
Wind down with a Dhow Cruise
This is one of the best things to do in Dubai after sunset when the temperature cools down a bit. Select your favourite location (Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina), pre-book your preferred time slot, and then set out on a cruise aboard a traditional dhow, which was formerly used for pearl farming and fishing in Dubai’s pre-oil phase. The most ravishing views of the city skyline unfurl before you on this approximately two-hour cruise, complete with buffet dining, live music, and traditional entertainment like the Tanura show.
Enjoy a spa treatment at Talise Spa
Whether you want to give a perfect start to your holiday or look to finish it in the most relaxed way, a pampering spa treatment at one of Dubai’s many luxurious spa facilities. We’ve mentioned Talise Spa as being an award-winning spa and the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
Places to See in Dubai in September
1. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame gleams in the September sun, inviting you to witness its splendour up close. Take a tour of Dubai Frame – a landmark attraction in the Dubai Creek region. This is the perfect spot to view the past, present and future of Dubai’s enigmatic life. From the top level, capture the beauty of Dubai’s old-world charm and stunning modern city skylines all at once.
2. Ski Dubai
To cool down and chill in September afternoons, head to the Mall of the Emirates to visit the wonderful wintry world of Ski Dubai. It is the snow-themed park in Dubai which is a preferred kid-friendly choice for families to enjoy fun winter sports as well as to beat the summer heat. This indoor theme park is one of the best in the Middle East and offers a controlled sub-zero temperature that makes you forget that you are in a desert city during your visit here. Inside, you can explore a wider range of winter sports such as sledging, skiing, snow zorbing, chairlifts and more. Don’t miss to say hello to the cute penguins that come out to play!
3. Aquaventure Water Park
Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis the Palm is a huge water park teeming with more than 100 water rides and thrills that you forget that there is a world outside this water-filled fun land! Packed with thrilling rides, lazy rivers, a kid’s splash area, wave pools and even a private beach, Aquaventure is the best spot to simply have splashy fun with kids or scream our lungs out on the near-vertical tube rides. This place is a fantastic water paradise for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.
4. Al Seef
Set along Dubai Creek, take a cultural stroll through Al Seef’s promenade to witness the rich heritage of UAE’s past lifestyle. The structures along the Creekside are remnants of what UAE’s old life was all about. While you explore the glorious past at this waterfront attraction steeped in ancient charms, you can grab a coffee from Starbucks or delve into an array of cuisine ranging from freestyled grilled seafood, spicy Indian curries, Arabian shawarmas to Italian pizzas and pasta in a setting that fuses the Arabic culture with modern essence.
5. Dubai Mall
Ranked among the world’s biggest shopping paradises, Dubai Mall is every shopaholic’s dream come true. Located at Dubai Downtown, bang opposite Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall goes beyond retail therapy. Apart from the 1000-plus stores inside Dubai Mall, you can view an amazing aquarium, enjoy a multi-sensory, visually appealing immersive modern art experience at ARTE Museum, play virtual games, take a short trip to China at Dubai Mall China Town and play virtual games at PLAY DXB and so much more! Dine at a restaurant in the mall and choose one with a view of the ‘dancing fountains’ show for an unforgettable evening. This colossal mall has so much to offer that you can spend an entire day here and still not cover everything it has to offer.
6. AYA Universe
Leave reality behind for a bit as you step into an ethereal realm of futuristic vibes. This is unlike any exhibitions, museums or galleries you have ever been to. This attraction inside the WAFI City Mall is a sensory overload in the best possible way, perfect for anyone who loves art, technology, and a bit of the surreal. It consists of themed rooms filled with light shows, digital art, and soundscapes that change as you move through them, designed to transport you to another world. From floating in a galaxy to walking through a digital forest, it’s all about losing yourself in the experience. AYA Universe is one of the most mind-blowing attractions to visit in Dubai.
Dubai Events in September
September Events in Dubai
Dubai Sports World
The 14th Annual Dubai Sports World enters its last week in September 2024. There is still a chance to witness the last, competitive leg of the event. If you are a sports lover, don’t miss the events.
When: Ongoing till 8th September 2024
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
Ice Warrior Challenge
Do you have it in you to become the next Ice Warrior? Take part or simply bear witness to the ultimate winter competition held in summer in Dubai! The Ice Warrior Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition that has participants challenging themselves to complete a series of obstacles on wintry terrain including scaling icy climbing walls, swimming in ice pools, crossing net crawls and more.
When: 22nd September 2024
Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Enrique Iglesias live
Croon to the foot-tapping, timeless beats of Rhythm Divine, Bailamos and more as Enrique Iglesias takes the centre stage and weaves a musical magic night for you with timeless songs. It’s an instant way of stepping back into nostalgic ’90s party nights!
When: 13th September 2024
Location: Coca Cola Arena
Salon du Chocolat
Sweet lovers! Catch the most exciting, biggest event about chocolates, pastries and more! Salon du Chocolat is in Dubai this year where the who’s who from the dessert world show off their skills in crafting the most delectable treats in various events. Watch them compete to get declared the best in cake decoration or presentation competitions, catch a fashion show that has chocolate-made creations sashaying down the runway, witness maid-blowing pastry shows, and so much more!
When: 18th – 20th September 2024
Location: Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah
You might be interested – Dubai in October | Dubai in November
Travel Tips to Visit Dubai in September
Want to know the secret of hassle-free holidays? Proper planning and following essential tips and advice while visiting Dubai. Here are a selection of them to assist you in stress-free Dubai vacations in September.
- September is off-season in Dubai, but that shouldn’t stop you from planning in advance. Pre-book accommodation, airline tickets, etc., to enjoy maximum deals on your Dubai vacation. You can also save by opting for our all-encompassing Dubai packages.
- September summer sun is still scorching hot during mid-day. So, plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evenings and reserve afternoons for indoor experiences. Include as many guided tours and indoor attractions as possible in your travel program and book them in advance, particularly the Dubai city tour and tickets for Green Planet, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Dolphinarium show.
- Do carry currency in UAE to make purchases at local shops. Also, learn a few basic Arabic if you plan to mingle with locals in Dubai.
- Always keep a copy of the travel itinerary and emergency numbers in UAE handy.
- It is important to understand that people get offended by public displays of affection, swearing in public, eating in public transport, and consuming alcohol in public are all offences under the law of Dubai. Also, keep track of your packing list: it should not contain any banned items or products not allowed inside Dubai as they can attract hefty fines or jail time.
- Bring comfortable clothing and also carry essentials such as sunscreen cream or lotion, sunglasses, hats, a shawl, and a light jacket.
Things to Know Before Visit Dubai in September
What to Pack for Dubai in September
Your packing list should include a universal charger, reusable water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid medical box with all necessary medications with doctor’s prescriptions, a small carry bag to hold your important documents and valuables, a local sim card, light airy cotton or linen clothes, and travel-size toiletries.
What to wear in Dubai in September
Keep this in mind as a rule: Any time you visit Dubai, cotton and linen clothes are your best friends! Dubai has different versions of only one season – Summer. It means any time you visit Dubai, you will find the climate hot, hence you should dress in such a way that you feel comfortable in the sunshine. Loose, airy, light-weighted clothes are a must. Once you are indoors in air-conditioned venues, pull out a cardigan, jacket or shrug to protect yourself from chills. An extra layer of clothing such as shrugs, shawls and jackets comes handy when you are not sure about the dress code in a particular. Dubai is laid-back compared to other emirates but it still follows a moral dress code in certain malls, entertainment venues, amusement parks and religious and cultural attractions. If you are not sure about the dress code, it is best to dress in long dresses, full pants and tops with sleeves to avoid any hassles.
Getting Around Dubai in September
Once you arrive in Dubai, getting around is so easy! Dubai has the first-ever driverless metro facility which is smoothly operated, punctual, clean and efficient to travel. It is the best way to travel between Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The rest of the places in Dubai can be reached via road and Dubai’s public transport buses are the cheapest way to get around in Dubai. You can opt to take a taxi to places outside the main city or even try renting a car if you have an international driving license, have a good know-how of Dubai’s traffic rules and would love the flexibility in exploring Dubai. If you do have the confidence to drive a car in Dubai and have the privilege of a heavy wallet, then don’t miss an opportunity to book a sleek supercar for your Dubai self-drive holiday! You will definitely remember the feeling of being behind the wheel of a stunning Mercedes or Ferrari!
Where to Stay in Dubai in September
There are plenty of options to stay in Dubai no matter what your holiday budget is. For budget-friendly options, Dubai offers fantastic 3-star and 4-star hotels that have all the basic amenities available. You can try out hotels near airports or away from city-centre to save money as hotels in prime locations such as Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah will cost more. However, September is shoulder season in Dubai so the prices would be far lower than what you encounter during the months of November to February. September is also amazing to splurge a bit and take advantage of the low prices on luxury hotels. Enjoy luxury at its best with opulent stays at Atlantis the Palm which is apt for a luxurious holiday with family complete with complimentary benefits such as access to the water park and aquariums and much more. Elevate your stay to an upscale opulent experience with stays at Atlantis the Royal featuring a stunning infinity pool – Cloud 22 offering sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah.
What to eat in Dubai in September
The best way to spend your September afternoons in Dubai is by seeking indulgence in food! Dubai is a melting pot of global cuisine. Whether you wish to indulge in local cuisine or treat yourself to an epicurean delight from around the world, Dubai has something for every taste bud with restaurants, cafes and dining venues that suit all budgets. Go on a food exploration at Timeout Dubai restaurant at Souk Al Bahar where you can sample food from around the world under one roof. Want to try fantastic Middle Eastern dishes? While you are in Dubai, delve into Emirati dishes such as chebab, balaleet, Machbous, shawarmas, luqaimat and of course rich Arabian coffee! Dubai has lots of restaurants such as Zaroob, Logma, Al Ustad Special Kabab, Arabian Tea House and Al Khayma, to name a few that offer lip-smacking Emirati cuisine. For a more upscale experience, head to some of the chicest, Michelin star restaurants in the city for a hearty brunch experience.
FAQs About Visiting Dubai in September
Is September a busy month in Dubai?No, September is a shoulder season month which means the tourist season is about to start. Crowds are fewer during this month.
Is the weather pleasant for outdoor excursions in September?Yes, the weather is quite pleasant during early mornings and late afternoons to step out and enjoy Dubai attractions. The weather is still hot and sunny during afternoons for outdoor trips.
What are some of the must-do activities during September visit to Dubai?During September, your Dubai travel itinerary should primarily contain indoor attractions like IMG Worlds of Adventures, Dubai Dolphinarium and landmark attractions such as Museum of the Future, and Dubai Frame. Add in beach strolls in the evening, evening desert safari or desert safari to get in touch with the nature side of Dubai. Shopping and dining are definitely not to be missed on your trip.
What would be a better desert safari in September – morning or evening?
Both are good options. The temperature in the desert is lower both early in the morning and in the evening (after sunset). You can choose a desert safari as per your scheduled and activity preferences.
As it is extremely hot in September in Dubai, would it be easy to travel from one place to another?
Staying outdoors in Dubai is difficult during the day time in September. However, you do not have to worry about traveling, as all transport systems, including the metro, bus, and taxis in Dubai are fully airconditioned. Even the bus stops here are air-conditioned, so you do not have to worry about the heat even for a few minutes.
I visited Dubai in September last year. Although I did not have much expectations as many attractions are closed during this time of the year, I had the time of my life. I was surprised to see so many amazing indoor attractions in the city.
You are right, Dubai is home to some of the best indoor attractions in the world. We are glad you had a great time and made
I want to go on a dhow cruise during my Dubai holiday in September. However, would it not be too hot outdoors during this month?
Yes, the temperature is high in Dubai during September. However, dhow cruises happen in the evening, and the weather is cooler after sunset, giving you the chance to have a pleasant dhow cruise experience.
Thank you for the article on things to do in Dubai in September. I never thought it is possible to visit Dubai on a budget. I will plan a holiday this September.
As it is off-season in September in Dubai, you can enjoy a low budget holiday in September. We are sure you will have a great holiday here.