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Best Time to Visit United Arab Emirates

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

A month-by-month guide of when to visit United Arab Emirates

Discover the best time to visit the United Arab Emirates, with insights on weather, events, and travel seasons to help you plan your ideal trip.

The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) largely depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. The cooler months from November to March are considered the peak travel season, offering pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and desert excursions. During this period, major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi host globally recognized events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, and various cultural and music festivals. The pleasant weather also makes it a great time for exploring the UAE’s vast desert landscapes, beautiful beaches, and wonderful city attractions.

April and May mark the transition to the hotter months, with temperatures rising but still manageable for those who prefer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. It’s an excellent time to experience the UAE’s indoor attractions, such as museums, shopping malls, and entertainment centres, while still enjoying early mornings or late evenings outdoors.

From June to September, the UAE experiences extreme summer heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). While outdoor activities are limited, this period is ideal for those seeking luxury experiences at reduced rates, as many hotels and resorts offer significant discounts. The UAE’s indoor attractions, including aquariums, theme parks, and luxury spas, remain popular during this time.

October sees temperatures gradually cooling, making it a pleasant month for early beach days and city exploration before the peak tourist influx. Events and festivals start returning, signalling the beginning of another lively travel season.

Whether you're visiting for cultural experiences, luxury shopping, adventure, or relaxation, planning your trip according to the UAE’s seasonal changes ensures you make the most of your time in this dynamic destination.

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January & February

These months bring the most pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities, from exploring the desert dunes to relaxing on the beaches. The Dubai Shopping Festival runs throughout January, attracting visitors with entertainment, concerts, and retail deals. February remains comfortable for sightseeing, making it a great time to visit cultural sites like Al Ain and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

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March

Temperatures start to rise slightly, but the weather remains pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Beaches are still comfortable before the intense summer heat sets in, offering great conditions for sunbathing and water sports. It’s a great time to visit the UAE’s beaches before they become too hot. The Formula 1 season may kick off with pre-season testing in the region, adding excitement for motorsport fans.

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April & May

Spring marks the transition into summer, with rising temperatures that make midday outdoor activities challenging. However, early mornings and evenings remain pleasant, and hotel rates start to drop. This is a good time to explore indoor attractions such as Dubai’s museums, shopping malls, and theme parks. During Ramadan, which often falls in these months, visitors can experience cultural traditions, but should also be mindful of local customs, such as restrictions on eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.

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June to September

These months bring the peak of summer, with extreme heat often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Outdoor activities are limited, but it’s an excellent time for luxury travellers looking for off-season hotel discounts. Indoor attractions, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and indoor ski slopes, remain popular. Eid Al-Adha, a major Islamic festival, often falls during this period, offering insight into local celebrations.

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October

Temperatures gradually drop, making outdoor activities more comfortable again. The return of major events, such as the start of the Dubai Opera season and various food festivals, signals the beginning of the high season. Beach visits and desert safaris become enjoyable once more.

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi UAE canva pro

November & December

Cooler temperatures make these months some of the best for visiting the UAE. Outdoor attractions, from hiking in the Hajar Mountains to exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, are at their most enjoyable. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November attracts motorsport enthusiasts, while December brings festive celebrations, National Day events, and New Year’s Eve fireworks, particularly in Dubai.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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