Guide to Plan the Perfect Winter Getaway to Dubai

The most popular time to visit Dubai is in winter, i.e., between November and April. Dubai being a part of an Arab country (UAE) is known for its extreme hot weather, thanks to the presence of vast desert lands. While the summers in Dubai are extremely hot, the temperatures drop during winter, making it the best time to visit Dubai. As the climate in winter is agreeable, it is also the peak tourist season, as millions of tourists from all around the world arrive in Dubai during this time of the year. It is also the best time of the year to enjoy Dubai and its attractions to the fullest. Here is a complete guide for you to know everything about visiting Dubai in winter.

Weather in Dubai in Winter

Dubai enjoys mild winters, with the average temperature around 25-degree C. The days are sunny, and the evenings and nights are pleasant. The average daytime temperature is between 14-degree C to 23-degree C, while the nighttime temperature is between 10-degree C and 14-degree C. There will be a slight difference in the temperatures in each month of the winter season. Clear skies and sunshine are what you can expect during your winter holiday Dubai. However, the season is also known for its light showers and occasional thunderstorms, although it is rare.

Why Visit Dubai in Winter?

•  The perfect, sunny weather is the prime reason for visiting Dubai in winter. You can escape the harsh winters of western countries.
•  All the seasonal attractions in Dubai, including Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Garden Glow, Global Village, etc., open their doors during the winter months.
• Winters in Dubai offer the perfect beach weather. It is the right time to explore the lovely beaches in the city, soak in the sun, swim in its waters, and indulge in the myriads of beaches and water sports.
• As the climate in winter is pleasant, you can easily spend time outdoors during the day, especially at outdoor amusement parks.
• Winter is also the time when Dubai hosts some amazing festivals and events, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which make it worth visiting.
• Winter is the perfect time for shopping in Dubai, as you will see major discounts and deals almost everywhere in the city.
  With clear skies and golden sunlight, winter in Dubai offers the perfect weather to take some amazing photographs.

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Top Attractions to Visit in Dubai this Winter

Sightseeing in Dubai is nothing less than amazing, as the city is teeming with unique attractions, many of which are world-record holders. Here are winter places in Dubai you must visit.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world should be part of your Dubai itinerary. You can visit the observation decks on the 124th or 148th floors, which would give you an incredible panoramic view of the city. The best thing about visiting the observation deck in the winter season is that you will have a clear view of the city, without any haze, which is common in the summer months.

The Palm Jumeirah

One of the swankiest neighborhoods in Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah is also the largest manmade island in the world. You can walk or drive around the different fronds of the island to check out its luxury hotels, lavish villas, stylish apartments, fine dining restaurants, and enormous malls. At the head of the island is Hotel Atlantis the Palm, which is home to a water park, aquarium, and loads of other fun attractions.

Desert Safari

Desert safari in Dubai is available as morning safari, sunrise safari, evening safari, and overnight safari. Whichever type of safari you choose, you will be rewarded with a memorable time in the desert. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping adventures in the form of dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. Evening desert safari guests will also get to enjoy entertainment programs like fire show, belly dance, and Tanura dance.

Dubai Miracle Garden

This is a seasonal attraction that opens during the winter months. The largest natural flower garden in the world, Dubai Miracle Garden is filled with more than 150 million flowers, all arranged in the form of wonderful floral installations. You will find floral Emirates A380, floral Disney characters, floral palace and castles, floral clock, and more.

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks & Resorts holds numerous theme parks, a water park, and play zones within a single umbrella. Motiongate Dubai is a Hollywood-style theme park, while Real Madrid World is for football lovers. There is also Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, perfect for families with young kids. Apart from these, Neon Galaxy and Riverland Dubai are also worth visiting here.

Dhow Cruise

Going on a dhow cruise is one of the must-do things in Dubai in winter. The evenings are perfect to sail on the wooden dhow, a traditional boat turned into a floating restaurant. A dhow cruise ride includes a two-hour ride either on Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. It also involves entertainment and a buffet dinner along with a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

Old Dubai

In the glitz and glamor of Dubai, you must not miss peeking into its humble beginnings. Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is where you will get to know about the history, culture, and heritage of Dubai. Al Fahidi has plenty of museums that celebrate the history and heritage of Dubai. Do not forget to go on an abra ride on Dubai Creek to enjoy a unique viewpoint of the city.

Global Village Dubai

Another seasonal attraction, Global Village Dubai is a multicultural carnival and leisure destination. Here you will find pavilions of more than 90 countries, celebrating their culture and heritage through their food, art, and goods. Global Village Dubai also has fireworks, play areas, fun fair rides, and so much more to keep you entertained.

Where to Shop in Dubai during Winter?

Winter, especially December-January, is the best time to shop in Dubai. The city hosts the most famous Dubai Shopping Festival in December and January every year. The festival is not concentrated in one area of the city. Rather, the entire Dubai takes part in it. You will find massive discounts and deals everywhere, be it the large shopping malls or the souks. You will also find festive open markets in Dubai during this time. Here are some of the best places to shop in Dubai during winter.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the UAE, is the most obvious stop for shopping. With more than 1200 stores, there is nothing that you will not get at the Dubai Mall. The mall has almost all the international brands, including Gucci, Zara, Apple, Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, and more.

Global Village Dubai

Global Village Dubai is not merely for entertainment and good food. In fact, it is one of the best places to buy authentic stuff from all around the world. Right from ethnic fabrics to handicrafts, there is no dearth of things to buy at the pavilions here.

Dubai Souks

If you are not keen on shopping malls but do want to buy some souvenirs and local stuff, a visit to Dubai Souks is a must. There are four souks here: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, and Textile Souk. The Gold Souk with more than 300 gold stores is also a tourist attraction.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

If you want to have a souk experience with the comfort of shopping in a mall, a visit to Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a must. It is a luxurious shopping arena complete with beautiful canals where you can buy handicrafts, jewelry, art, souvenirs, and more.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Festive City Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall, etc., are some other places you can shop. Moreover, Dubai also sees several pop-up markets in different sections of the city during Dubai Shopping Festival.

Where to Stay in Dubai in Winter?

Being a touristic city, Dubai has plenty of accommodation options for every budget, right from the super-luxurious to the more modest, budget-friendly ones. You can choose a hotel as per the location of your preference and your budget. Whichever option you want to choose, you must book your accommodation well in advance. The winter months are peak tourist season, and you may not find a suitable accommodation option if you leave it at the last minute. This is especially true during the Christmas and New Year week.

Luxury Hotels: Most of the luxury hotels in Dubai are in JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, etc. Some of the hotels for a lavish experience include Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Burj Al Arab, Hotel Armani, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Hilton Dubai, W Dubai, and more.

Mid-Range Hotels: If you are looking for mid-range hotels, you will find them mostly in the Mall of the Emirates or Al Barsha area. A few of the mid-range hotels include Novotel Suites, ibis World Trade Center Dubai, Gevora Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, Hyatt Palace, Holiday Inn Dubai, Arabian Courtyard, etc.

Budget Hotels: Budget hotels are usually found in Old Dubai, around Deira and Bur Dubai. The budget-friendly hotels in Dubai are comfortable and have all the basic amenities and facilities. Palm Beach Hotel, CityMax Hotel, Rove Hotels, etc., are some of the good ones. Apart from this, Dubai also has a few hostels, which are perfect for solo travelers and young tourists.
Boutique hotels, heritage hotels, Airbnbs, etc., are also available in Dubai.

Festivals in Dubai in Winter

Dubai hosts plenty of festivals and events in Dubai during the winter months. Here are a few of them:

Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long festival that usually starts in the last week of December and ends in the last week of January or the first week of February. The festival is celebrated across the city, with malls and stores offering mega deals and discounts (sometimes up to 75%), raffle deals, car giveaways, live shows, concerts, and more.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most anticipated events in Dubai. There are multiple celebrations happening all over the city, from mega fireworks and live DJs to gala dinners and parties. The fireworks at Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah at midnight are one of the most popular New Year celebrations in the world.

UAE National Day

December 2 is UAE National Day, the day when all the seven emirates came together to form a nation. This day is celebrated with great pomp in all the emirates, including Dubai. The city is decorated with the colors of the UAE national flag, and you will get to watch camel races, traditional dances, fireworks, parades, cultural heritage shows, and more.

What to Wear in Dubai in Winter?

Dubai does not experience extreme winters, so there you can keep your thick, warm clothes at home. Here are some tips for dressing up in Dubai during the winter months.

•  Comfortable, cotton clothes are ideal for daytime
•  Dress up in layers. A light jacket (denim/leather) or shawl would be necessary for chilly evenings or airconditioned indoor spaces
•  Comfortable walking shoes as sightseeing and shopping in Dubai involves lot of walking
•  It is best to wear modest clothes while visiting religious places and old parts of the city
•  Swimwear is allowed in Dubai, but only in beaches and pool areas in the hotel. It is important to cover up with a kaftan, sarong, or shirt while traveling from the hotel to the beach and back.
•  Most fine dining restaurants require men and women to wear formal or smart casuals for lunch and dinner. Hence, pack your bags accordingly.

Winter Travel Tips for Dubai

•  As winter is the peak tourist season, it is important to book your accommodation, flights, and Dubai tour packages early.
•  Although the sun’s heat is not unbearable in winter, it is still necessary to apply sunscreen while stepping out during the daytime.
•  If you are visiting Dubai during New Year’s Eve, make your reservations well in advance, as the parties and celebrations in the city are quite popular, and you may not get a ticket or reservation if you are too late.
•  Public transportation in Dubai is quite reliable and affordable. So, use buses, metros, and taxis to navigate the city.
•  Dubai has a dry climate, and hence, do not forget to rehydrate yourself whenever you get the chance.
•  Always dress modestly when in public places, especially mosques, museums, and the older part of the city.

Conclusion

Dubai in winter is absolutely delightful, as there is so much to see and do here. So, what are you waiting for? Make your winter holiday one to remember with a trip to Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions