Dubai
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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Dubai is a city of superlatives, where futuristic skyscrapers rise from the Arabian desert and luxury meets ancient tradition. Because of its desert climate, timing is everything when planning a trip....
About Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives, where futuristic skyscrapers rise from the Arabian desert and luxury meets ancient tradition. Because of its desert climate, timing is everything when planning a trip. While the winter months offer pristine blue skies and mild temperatures perfect for beach days and desert safaris, the summer months bring extreme heat that shifts the city's life indoors to its world-famous malls and climate-controlled attractions. Whether you are looking for the glamour of peak season or the massive discounts of the quiet summer, this guide helps you navigate the UAE's most iconic city. For those looking to see more of the Emirates, a 90-minute drive to Abu Dhabi offers a more cultural alternative, making for an excellent multi-city itinerary.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Dubai at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Dubai, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) daily budgets: $60–$90 (AED 220–330) to $500+ (AED 1,800+)
At a Glance: When to Visit Dubai
Best Overall
November–March
Cheapest
June–August
Busiest
December–January
Best Weather
November to February (mild and sunny)
For Events
January (Shopping Festival) and March (Art/Sports)
For Families
October to April (outdoor theme parks and water parks)
For Couples
February (Valentine's dining and beach weather)
Budget Travel
August (lowest hotel rates of the year)
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Dubai.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Dubai — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Dubai
January
15°C–24°C (59°F–75°F). Pleasant, mild days with low humidity and roughly 8 hours of sunshine.
“Best for shopaholics and those who want perfect weather for city exploration.”
February
16°C–25°C (61°F–77°F). Occasional short rain showers; the wettest month but still very sunny.
“Ideal for foodies and outdoor sports enthusiasts.”
March
18°C–28°C (64°F–82°F). Warming up significantly but humidity remains low and comfortable.
“The sweet spot for culture seekers before the heat sets in.”
April
21°C–33°C (70°F–91°F). Very warm and sunny; sea temperatures become perfect for swimming.
“Best for beach lovers looking for warm water and fewer crowds than winter.”
May
25°C–38°C (77°F–100°F). Humidity starts to rise; midday sun becomes intense.
“Great for budget travelers who focus on indoor attractions.”
June
28°C–40°C (82°F–104°F). Extreme heat; outdoor activity is limited to early morning or late night.
“Best for luxury hotel deals and retail therapy.”
July
30°C–41°C (86°F–106°F). Peak summer heat and high humidity levels.
“Best for families looking for world-class indoor entertainment at a discount.”
August
31°C–42°C (88°F–108°F). The hottest month; sea water feels like a warm bath.
“The cheapest time to stay in 5-star resorts for a fraction of the price.”
September
28°C–39°C (82°F–102°F). High humidity but temperatures slowly begin to dip toward the end of the month.
“A transition month for those who enjoy the heat without the August peak.”
October
24°C–35°C (75°F–95°F). Perfect transition weather; evenings become pleasant for walking.
“Best month for balancing good weather and manageable crowds.”
November
20°C–31°C (68°F–88°F). Exceptional weather; low humidity and bright blue skies.
“Arguably the best month for all-around activities and adventure.”
December
17°C–26°C (63°F–79°F). Cool and crisp; the most popular month for international tourists.
“Best for a festive atmosphere and world-class celebrations.”
Festivals & Events in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
A month-long extravaganza of retail discounts, drone shows, fireworks, and daily raffles for cars and gold.
High hotel occupancy; malls are packed late into the night.Dubai Food Festival
A city-wide celebration of Dubai's culinary diversity, featuring the Beach Canteen and exclusive 'Set Menu' deals.
Popular restaurants book out fast; great for food-focused travelers.Art Dubai
The Middle East's leading international art fair, showcasing contemporary works from global and local artists.
Attracts a global creative crowd; boutique hotels in Jumeirah fill up.Dubai World Cup
One of the world's richest horse races held at the futuristic Meydan Racecourse, doubling as a major fashion event.
Hotels near Meydan and Downtown see a price surge; book months ahead.Ramadan & Eid Al Fitr
The holy month of fasting followed by festive Eid celebrations involving fireworks and family feasts.
Quieter daytime atmosphere; vibrant 'Iftar' tents at night. Some reduced hours.Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)
The summer version of the shopping festival, focused on family-friendly indoor events and massive sales.
Boosts domestic tourism; hotels offer great 'staycation' packages.GITEX Global
The world's largest tech and startup show, bringing tens of thousands of business professionals to the city.
Massive impact on hotel prices near the Trade Centre and Metro lines.Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30)
A city-wide initiative where residents and tourists complete 30 minutes of exercise daily, ending in a massive run on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Heavy traffic on specific weekend mornings during the 'Dubai Run'.UAE National Day
Commemorating the union of the seven emirates with parades, concerts, and spectacular fireworks displays.
Public holiday; popular parks and beaches are extremely busy.New Year's Eve
Legendary fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Atlantis The Palm.
Extremely high prices; transport is restricted; book dinner/hotels 6+ months ahead.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Dubai?
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Daily Budget
Peak
$200–$400/night (4-5 Star)
Off-Peak
$80–$150/night (4-5 Star)
Hotel prices in Dubai can fluctuate by up to 60% between August and December. Booking 3 months in advance for the winter peak is essential to secure reasonable rates. Budget travelers should look at areas like Deira or Al Barsha for significantly lower accommodation costs year-round.
Where to Stay in Dubai by Season
Downtown Dubai
LuxuryWinter
Home to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Best for walking to main sights when the weather is cool.
Dubai Marina & JBR
Mid-Range to LuxurySpring/Autumn
A walkable waterfront with beach access. Perfect for outdoor dining and nightlife in the shoulder months.
Palm Jumeirah
PremiumWinter/Spring
The iconic man-made island. Best for resort lovers who want private beaches and luxury spas.
Deira & Bur Dubai
BudgetWinter
The historic heart of the city. Perfect for exploring souks and traditional culture on foot in mild weather.
Al Barsha
Budget to Mid-RangeSummer
Centrally located near Mall of the Emirates. Great for accessing indoor activities and the Metro during the heat.
What to Pack for Dubai
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Pro tip: Evenings in the desert or on the water can be surprisingly chilly, so always carry a light outer layer.
Spring (Mar–May)
Pro tip: Respect local customs by carrying a light cover-up for malls where the AC is strong and modest dress is preferred.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Pro tip: Indoor AC can be set as low as 18°C, so even in 45°C heat, you will want a sweater for the cinema or mall.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Pro tip: Humidity is highest in September/October; opt for moisture-wicking fabrics if you plan to be outdoors.
FAQs: Visiting Dubai
What is the best month to visit Dubai?
November is widely considered the best month. It offers perfect daytime temperatures (25-30°C), low humidity, and the full reopening of all outdoor attractions without the extreme peak crowds of late December.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Dubai?
The summer months of June, July, and August offer the lowest airfares and hotel rates. Many 5-star hotels drop their prices by half compared to the winter peak.
What is the weather like in Dubai in January?
January is mild and pleasant, with highs around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F). It is one of the few times of year you might experience a light rain shower.
Is Dubai worth visiting in the summer?
Yes, if you enjoy shopping and indoor luxury. While you can't hike or spend long hours on the beach, the world-class malls, indoor theme parks, and spas are all air-conditioned and much cheaper.
What should I wear during Ramadan in Dubai?
During Ramadan, it is respectful to dress more conservatively in public spaces. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Many restaurants remain open for tourists, but eating or drinking in public during daylight hours should be avoided.
Can I swim in Dubai during the winter?
Absolutely. Most hotel pools are temperature-controlled (heated in winter, cooled in summer), and the sea remains warm enough (around 21-23°C) for a swim in December and January.
How many days do I need in Dubai?
A 5-day trip is ideal for seeing the main highlights. If you want to include a day trip to Abu Dhabi or desert camping, 7 days is recommended.
Is Dubai family-friendly?
Dubai is exceptionally family-friendly, particularly from October to April when outdoor parks like Legoland, Global Village, and the various waterparks are at their best.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in United Arab Emirates
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