Dubai in Winter 2025 | Weather, Events & Best Things to Do

Q: How cold is Dubai in winter?

During the winter season in <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="WQ1c2eNU" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="677d261edac6e46e05708195" text="Dubai" uid="www.dubai-tickets.co" />, the temperature falls up to 25°C in the daytime. Generally, the nights are colder because the temperature remains about 12°C.

Why visit Dubai in winter?

Perfect weather for outdoor adventures

From November to March, Dubai enjoys its most comfortable temperatures: 20–28°C by day and 14–18°C at night. It’s the season for open-air everything: desert safaris, yacht cruises, rooftop dinners, and evening walks along JBR Beach. The mild climate makes exploring easy and enjoyable; no sweating through your sightseeing.

Traveler tip: Pack light layers. Mornings are pleasantly cool, and desert evenings can dip below 15°C.

Dubai Shopping Festival: The city’s biggest party

Running from December 6, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) transforms the entire city into a month-long celebration. Expect citywide sales, raffle draws for luxury cars, concerts by international artists, light shows, and drone fireworks across key spots like Burj Park, La Mer, and Bluewaters Island.

Don’t miss: The nightly fireworks at Burj Khalifa, Al Seef, and Dubai Festival City Mall. They’re synchronized to music and best enjoyed from a waterside café.

Festive spirit, Dubai style

Even though Christmas isn’t a public holiday in the UAE, Dubai embraces the season with enthusiasm. You’ll find Christmas markets at Madinat Jumeirah and Expo City, giant trees at Dubai Mall, and Winter Garden pop-ups across the city serving mulled drinks and festive treats.

Families love Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai, where you can meet Santa, play in real snow, and decorate cookies, all while it’s 25°C outside.

Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks

Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are legendary. The Burj Khalifa fireworks headline the global broadcast, but you can also catch synchronized shows at Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai, and Atlantis The Royal. For an unforgettable night, book a dinner cruise on Dubai Marina or a sky-high table at Ce La Vi; both offer front-row views without the crowd chaos.

Pro tip: Public transport runs all night on New Year’s Eve, but attractions and roads get packed early. Arrive before 8 PM for the best experience.

What to expect in Dubai during winter

Peak season = Higher prices

Winter is Dubai’s busiest period, with visitor numbers peaking from mid-December to February. Hotel rates can rise by 30–50%, and popular restaurants book up weeks in advance.

The solution? Reserve early, travel midweek, or look for combo attraction tickets to get better value.

Cool evenings, especially in the desert

Days are warm, but temperatures drop sharply after sunset, particularly in the desert or near the waterfront. A light sweater or pashmina makes evening strolls far more comfortable.

Quick Tip: Many rooftop bars provide heaters and blankets; it’s part of the winter charm.

Expect crowds—and energy

Winter brings a festive buzz, but also queues. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Museum of the Future are busiest between 4–7 PM.

Book time slots in advance or visit early morning for quieter experiences. The upside? The atmosphere feels electric, especially during festivals and outdoor shows.

Occasional fog and showers

Dubai’s winter weather is mostly predictable, but early mornings can bring dense fog, particularly near the coast. February may see short rain showers, usually clearing within an hour. Fog often creates surreal photo ops: think skyscrapers rising above white mist.

Photography tip: The Dubai Frame and View at The Palm offer spectacular vantage points for foggy skyline shots around sunrise.

From Global Village and Dubai Marathon to Art Dubai, Taste of Dubai, and Miracle Garden’s floral displays, the winter calendar is stacked. Even weekday evenings come alive with markets, concerts, and waterfront light shows; no two nights feel the same.

What to pack and wear for Dubai in winter

Winter in Dubai (November–March) brings sunny 25°C days and cool 15°C nights, perfect for layering. Pack smart, stay stylish, and be prepared for every plan, from desert safaris to rooftop dinners.

Clothing: Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for daytime. Maxi dresses, midi skirts, and chinos keep you comfortable while respecting local modesty; cover shoulders and knees in public spaces. Evenings can get breezy, so add a cardigan, denim jacket, or shawl. Sneakers work best for sightseeing; sandals are fine for city strolls, and closed shoes for the desert.
Beach & Outdoors: Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches, but bring a cover-up when leaving those areas. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; the winter sun stays strong. Pack a refillable water bottle and a light backpack for day trips.
Practical must-haves: Carry a Type G power adapter, portable charger, and local SIM or eSIM for easy connectivity. Moisturizer, lip balm, sanitizer, and basic meds are useful in the desert air. Download handy apps like RTA Dubai (transport), Careem (rides), and Headout (attractions).

What to wear in Dubai?

Traveler tips:

Families: Book kid-friendly hotels early and pack snacks or UV shirts for the beach.
Couples: Add a dressy outfit for rooftop dinners or New Year’s events.
Solo travelers: Keep digital copies of IDs and use a crossbody bag for safety.
Business visitors: Business-casual attire works for meetings; ties are optional.

Quick tip: Leave extra suitcase space; between souk treasures and Shopping Festival deals, you’ll thank yourself later.

Top things to do in Dubai in winter

Dubai in Winters- Top Things to do in Dubai

Watch the sunset from the Burj Khalifa

Soar to the 124th and 125th floors of the world’s tallest building and catch Dubai glowing under the winter sun. The city’s skyline and desert horizon stretch endlessly; best viewed at golden hour.

Best for: First-time visitors and photographers.

Pro tip: Book 4:30–5:30 PM slots to watch sunset and city lights together.

From AED 154.40

Take a Desert Safari

Cool evenings make winter ideal for dune-bashing, camel rides, and barbecue dinners under the stars. Feel the thrill of sandboarding and watch live tanoura and belly dance shows in the desert’s crisp air.

Best for: Adventure lovers and families.

Tip: Evenings are cooler, carry a light jacket.

From AED 70

Take a romantic dhow cruise

Glide along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina on a traditional wooden dhow. Enjoy dinner, live music, and glittering city views, the perfect winter evening with calm waters and cool breezes.

Best for: Couples and night owls.

Where: Dubai Marina for modern views; Creek for heritage charm.

From AED 64

Ski indoors at Mall of the Emirates

Who says Dubai doesn’t do winter? Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates offers real snow, penguin encounters, and ski runs for all ages, the ultimate desert contrast.

Best for: Families and first-time skiers.

Nearby: Luxury shopping, cafes, and the VOX Cinema.

From AED 229

See the city through the Dubai Frame

Rising 150 meters high, the Dubai Frame perfectly captures the contrast between old and new Dubai. Walk across its glass bridge for panoramic views and explore the museum at its base.

Best for: First-time visitors and skyline lovers.

Timing: Mornings for fog views, sunsets for photography.

From AED 50

Meet the animals at Dubai Safari Park

With over 1,000 animals in open habitats, Dubai Safari Park offers an ethical and educational wildlife experience. Take the safari tram, meet giraffes up close, or explore the African Village; all in mild, comfortable weather.

Best for: Families with kids.

Tip: Visit early to catch feeding sessions.

From AED 50

Stroll through JBR’s festive beachfront

In winter, The Beach at JBR turns into a coastal wonderland: fairy lights, Christmas trees, and beach markets line the promenade. Enjoy seaside dining, live music, and ocean dips under twinkling skies.

Best for: Evening walks, casual dining, and festive vibes.

Free entry

Explore Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located inside The Dubai Mall, this massive tank holds 33,000+ marine animals, including sharks and rays. Walk through the glass tunnel, visit the Underwater Zoo, and escape the crowds in cool comfort.

Best for: Families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Bonus: Combine with Burj Khalifa tickets for savings.

From AED 120

Head to Hatta for a day of adventure

Just 90 minutes from Dubai, Hatta offers hiking trails, kayaking in turquoise waters, and mountain views that feel worlds away from the city. Winter brings mild weather and clear skies, perfect for exploration.

Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Don’t miss: Hatta Dam, Honey Bee Garden, and Hatta Wadi Hub zip lines.

From AED 49

✅ At a glance:

Best for families: Dubai Aquarium, Safari Park, Ski Dubai
Best for couples: Dhow cruise, JBR evenings, rooftop dinners
Best for thrill-seekers: Desert safari, Hatta kayaking, zip lines
Best for photographers: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, foggy mornings in January

Festivals & events in Dubai in winter: 2025-26

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dates: Dec 5 2025 – Jan 11 2026

Venue: Citywide

The 30th edition of Dubai’s biggest retail and entertainment celebration brings mega sales, drone shows, concerts, and fireworks every weekend. Expect pop-up markets in Burj Park, fashion runways at Dubai Mall, and late-night concerts across the city.

Don’t miss: The “Market OTB” open-air bazaar at Burj Park and the nightly fireworks at Bluewaters and Al Seef.

Dubai Marathon

Date: Feb 1 2026 (Sunday)

Venue: Downtown Dubai & Jumeirah Beach Road

Runners from more than 120 countries tackle one of the flattest and most scenic marathon routes on the planet. Choose from the full marathon, half-marathon, or 10 K and enjoy spectator zones near the Burj Khalifa.

Tip: Roads close early; arrive before 5 AM if you’re watching the start.

Red Sea x Dubai Film Week 2025–26 (TBA)

Dates: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 (to be announced)

Venues: Citywide cinemas & cultural centres

Continuing the legacy of the Dubai International Film Festival, this collaboration showcases regional premieres, global debuts, and filmmaker Q&As.

Perfect for: Culture fans and indie-film enthusiasts.

New Year's Eve fireworks

Date: Dec 31 2025

Venues: Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, Dubai Creek Harbour

Ring in 2026 beneath one of the world’s most iconic fireworks displays. Burj Khalifa’s show anchors the celebrations, joined by synchronized light and drone displays across the coastline.

Pro tip: Reserve dining or cruise packages by early December; top venues sell out weeks ahead.

Dubai International Jazz Festival

Dates: February 2026 (exact dates TBA)

Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

Three nights of world-class jazz, funk, and soul under the open sky. Past headliners include Alicia Keys and John Legend; the 2026 line-up will be announced closer to the season.

Vibe: Outdoor, laid-back, and perfect for couples or music lovers.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Dates: Jan 22 – 25 2026

Venue: Emirates Golf Club

The DP World Tour returns to Dubai with golfing giants competing on the Majlis Course. Spectators enjoy relaxed viewing zones, food trucks, and live music once play ends.

Best time to visit: Early mornings for cooler air and player meet-and-greets.

Note: All dates verified as of November 2025 via official event or tourism sources and may change subject to organiser updates.

Hacks and tips to visit Dubai in winter

Book early & go midweek: Flights, hotels, and top attractions sell out fast. Reserve 3–4 weeks ahead and visit major sights on weekday mornings to skip crowds.
Bundle experiences: Combo tickets (e.g., Burj Khalifa + Aquarium) and attraction passes can save up to 30%. Always choose skip-the-line or flexible options.
Pack smart: The sun stays strong: carry sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Evenings drop to 14°C, so bring a light jacket or shawl.
Travel efficiently: Use the Dubai Metro or get a Nol Card for metro, tram, and bus rides. For short hops, Careem or Uber are fast and reliable.
Expect fog & light rain: Morning fog in Dec–Jan makes great photos but can delay flights — keep buffer time. A compact umbrella may come in handy.
Celebrate New Year’s smartly: For fireworks at Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah, book viewing spots by early December and arrive 2–3 hours before midnight.
Stay connected: Grab a local SIM/eSIM and download RTA Dubai, Careem, and Headout for smooth navigation and instant bookings.
Respect local culture: Dress modestly in public, skip PDA, and enjoy licensed venues responsibly — respect keeps travel easy and enjoyable.

Dubai travel tips & hacks >

Know before you visit Dubai in winter

Dubai in Winters- What to Pack for Dubai

Days average 25°C, nights drop to 14–18°C, so think light layers.
Clothing: Cotton or linen by day; cardigans or jackets for evenings. Maxi skirts, trousers, and midi dresses keep you cool and modest.
Shoes: Sneakers for exploring, sandals for the city, closed shoes for desert safaris.
Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light scarf — doubles as sun cover and wrap for modest spaces.
Weather prep: Carry a compact umbrella — short showers or fog can appear in Dec–Jan mornings.
Adapters: Dubai uses the UK-style Type G plug (230V) — pack a universal adapter.
Etiquette: Swimwear is fine at beaches/pools but cover shoulders and knees in malls or cultural areas.

Public transport in Dubai is clean, affordable, and winter-friendly (all air-conditioned).
Metro: Two lines (Red & Green), 53 stations. Runs ~5 AM–12 AM (till 1 AM weekends). Connects major attractions and DXB Airport (T1 & T3).

Pro tip: Traffic peaks near event zones during weekends and the Dubai Shopping Festival — use the Metro to save time.

Buses: 100+ routes; fares start around AED 3. Reliable for shorter hops.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Easily available; base fare from AED 3. Use Careem or Uber for convenience.
Water Transport: Hop on an RTA Abra or Water Taxi for scenic rides across the Creek or Marina (AED 1–4).
Smart travel: Get a Nol Card — one tap covers metro, tram, and bus rides.

Winter is peak season — book early for better prices.

Budget (AED 200–350): City Seasons Towers, Gulf Star Hotel, Crystal Plaza.
Mid-range (AED 400–800): Mercure Gold, V Hotel Dubai, Fortune Pearl.
Luxury (AED 1,800+): Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, The Oberoi Dubai.
Neighborhood picks:
- Downtown Dubai – First-timers, near Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
- Jumeirah & Marina – Beach lovers and nightlife
- Al Barsha & Jaddaf – Family-friendly, lower prices

Smart tip: Stay Sun–Wed for rates up to 30% lower than weekends.

Winter is food season in Dubai — al fresco brunches, night markets, and Emirati comfort dishes.

Majboos: Spiced rice with lamb or chicken — a must-try Emirati staple.
Fatteh: Warm layers of chickpeas, bread, and yogurt-tahini sauce.
Chelo Kebab: Grilled meat with saffron rice — Persian flavors at their best.
Kousa Mahshi: Zucchini stuffed with rice and mince — rich and comforting.
Luqaimat: Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup — a winter favorite.

Eat like a local: Try Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi) or Al Fanar Restaurant (Festival City) for authentic Emirati dishes.

Seasonal bonus: Winter brings the Dubai Food Festival, outdoor dining pop-ups, and Global Village food pavilions from 90+ countries.
Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated but often already included in the bill.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Dubai in winter

Is winter a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes! Many events like the Dubai Marathon Run and Dubai shopping festival give a memorable trip. Also, you can visit several attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Safari Park, and IMG World.

How cold is Dubai in winter?

During the winter season in Dubai, the temperature falls up to 25°C in the daytime. Generally, the nights are colder because the temperature remains about 12°C.

Can you swim in Dubai in winter?

Yes. The sea temperature remains about 25 degrees, making swimming and water activities pleasant.

Is it foggy in Dubai in winter?

Yes! There is a high possibility of encountering fog during the chilly winter mornings. Well, the mist also depends upon temperature. If the winter is moderate enough, there will be no fog.

Is it windy in Dubai in winter?

The wind becomes strong and cold during the winter months - the wind speed peaks in March with 9.2 miles per hour.

What clothes to wear in Dubai in winter?

Since it is winter season, packing pants, jeans, sweaters, and warmers are necessary. But if you wish to look cool and trendy, you should also fill some maxi skirts and shrugs.

Is Dubai expensive to visit in winter?

Yes! Since the winter months ranging from December to March are the peak season for tourism, the accommodation charges usually increase.

Is Dubai expensive to visit?

Dubai is not as expensive as many people think it is. There are plenty of affordable restaurants, hotels, and activities to partake in while visiting. In fact, by planning your trip during the summer months when prices drop, you can save even more!

How safe is Dubai?

Overall, Dubai is a safe place to visit. It has low crime rates, and justice operates strictly to protect individual rights. However, it would help if you familiarize yourself with the norms regarding public behavior and articles of clothing.

What can I see in Dubai during winter?

There are several magnificent tourist attractions that you can visit during winters like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai safari park, and IMG World.

What is the average temperature in Dubai in winter?

During the winter season, the temperature falls up to 25°C in the daytime. Generally, the nights are colder because the temperature remains about 12°C.

What are the best things to do with kids in Dubai in the winter?

The delightful Dubai Fountain show, an exciting visit to Kidzania in Dubai Mall, the alluring snow world of ski Dubai and the aquatic life of Dubai Aquarium will surely make kids love the winter trip to Dubai.