Things to Do in Dubai in Winter

Although you can explore Dubai all year round, winter is one of the busiest times of year for vacationers. The experience is comfortable due to the pleasant and mild climate. In addition, Dubai provides a tonne of amusing wintertime activities and events. For instance, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers unbelievable deals on entertainment, dining, and shopping each year from December to January in Dubai. Winter in Dubai offers activities in abundance, and the pleasing weather makes it possible to partake in them all!

Winter Weather in Dubai

The winter weather in Dubai is from October to March, regarded as the finest time for all tourist activities. With the moderate temperature, tourists can comfortably spend their maximum hours outdoors without worrying about the scorching sun. In winter, the average temperature is about 25 degrees, making it ideal for desert activities and sightseeing tours. People can also enjoy occasional rain during the winter. On average, Dubai experiences rainfall for a few days in a year, which is most likely in the winter. The average rain in winter peaks in February in Dubai at about 35mm, while the wind speed peaks in March is 9.2 miles per hour. With regards to sea temperature, the average during winter is 21 degrees Celsius, and in Dubai, the average daytime is 11 hours in the winter.

Dubai in Winter- To Do List

Dubai, a city identified for its luxury, innovation, & lavishness, turns into a lovely winter paradise. With the advent of pleasant days & cool nights after the severe summer heat, Dubai invites travelers to discover its wide series of attractions. With its magnificent skyscrapers, spick and span beaches, and cultural gems, the city promises something for everyone. This is a carefully chosen wintertime activity list in Dubai.

1. Dhow Cruise :

Experience the saga of a traditional wooden dhow cruise down Dubai Creek, enjoying the tender water lapping, lit skyline, & lovely company. Glide below the iconic Dubai bridges, monitor locals, and enjoy a scrumptious dinner onboard as you sail during the night.

Location: Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina

Timings: After Sunset

2. Desert Safari:

Dubai winter trip offers an outstanding experience in the Arabian Desert & wild dunes. Enjoy a delightful sunset, bountiful barbecue dinner, & live belly dance. Choose between morning/evening desert safaris and take pleasure in a magical sunset & soothing music.

Location: Multiple

Timings: Morning (8:30 am), Evening (3:30 pm), overnight: late afternoon to early evening

3. Burj Khalifa:

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest skyscraper, stands at about 829.8m and features lovely shopping complexes & entertainment activities. It boasts supreme top observation decks in Dubai that offers a cherished vision of the city’s landscape. Visit it with dear ones on a winter evening to witness its magic.  Besides, Burj Khalifa at night too is replete with activities from rooftop dining at Atmosphere, gorgeous night city sights, to fabulous light shows, and more.

Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Timings: Observation decks are open from 8 am to 12 am.

4. Mall of Emirates:

Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates is a top-tier shopping spot, offering diverse high-end brands & local souks. The mall features the Ski Dubai arena, a winter wonderland with real snow & ski runs, making it an apt destination for a family day within Dubai. With an immense list of things to do & see, Mall of Emirates is a must-see destination.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 10am to 11pm

5. Dubai Frame:

The Dubai Frame, 93 m wide and 150 m tall picture frame, is a well-liked Dubai tourist attraction. It offers stunning sights of old & new Dubai from the observation deck. Visitors can take pleasure in the sights from above the frame and survey the museum on the ground floor.

Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai, UAE

Timing: 9am to 9pm

6. Dubai Safari Park:

Dubai Safari Park is a recently opened animal sanctuary in Dubai, featuring more than 1,000 animals from across the world. It offers a pleasurable day for little ones to learn about diverse animals and offers a safari tour for close encounters. During winter, it is the ultimate destination for families to explore with their children.

Location: AI Warqa 5, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 9am to 5pm

7. Christmas Lights at JBR Beach :

The Beach at JBR in Dubai is an admired destination for festive evenings, offering spectacular beachfront views, first-rate restaurants, cafes, and gorgeous Christmas decorations. It is just right to enjoy a Dubai winter evening, with a dip in the ocean and a celebratory atmosphere. It is one of the finest places to visit in Dubai in winter. Also, explore the top Christmas markets in Dubai.

Location: Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Timing: open round the clock

8. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:

One of the best aquariums in the world, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a must-see winter attraction, featuring more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest shark collections. The underwater zoo features starfish, seahorses, and clownfish, making it an idyllic day trip to Dubai. With immense to do and see, it is a must-visit for winter visitors.

Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Timing: 10am to 10:15pm

9. Hatta:

During a Dubai winter trip, consider exploring Hatta for a day of camping, hiking, and exploration. The Hatta Mountains offer a gorgeous outdoor experience with abundant activities like hiking trails, camping, as well as exploring old villages & forts. This is an exceptional way to take pleasure in the UAE’s natural scenery and make the most of your trip.

Location: 130 kms southeastern side of central Dubai

Timing: 8am to 6pm (Hatta adventure)

10. Global Village:

The Global Village, a famed cultural extravaganza, opens during winter, showcasing the cuisine, traditions, and crafts of diverse countries. It features pavilions, live performances, & an eclectic bazaar, making it an ultimate evening to submerge oneself in the global tapestry.

Location: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 4pm-12am (weekdays), 4pm-1am (weekends)

11.Old Dubai:

Dubai’s rich history can be discovered through its older parts, like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where the traditional wind-tower architecture is established, and the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. Visitors can also partake in an abra ride across Dubai Creek to bustling markets at Deira.

Location: Heritage District on Dubai Creek’s bank

12.Miracle Garden:

Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s leading natural flower garden, is a visual enchantment with millions of flowers arranged in fascinating designs and structures, creating a magical ambiance that contrasts with the city’s urban scenery during winter months.

Location: AI Barsha South, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 9am-9pm (weekdays), 9am-11pm (weekends)

13. Beach Bliss:

Dubai’s striking beaches, including Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach Park, are for winter relaxation. Enjoy water sports, leisurely walk along the shore, or gaze at the iconic Burj Al Arab.

14. Outdoor Dining:

Dubai’s winter weather offers spectacular outdoor dining experiences with plentiful restaurants and cafes all along the waterfront. Enjoy international gastronomy in Downtown Dubai or seafood at the Dubai Marina, leaving a long-term impression on your dining experience. Try winter delicacies such as Luqaimat, Kunafa, Harees, Chai Karak, & others.

Specialty of Dubai Winter

• Pleasurable Climate- Dubai’s winter season, November-March, offers comfortable, mild weather with daytime temperatures varying from 20-30 degrees Celsius. The calm breeze and cooler evenings make exploring outside attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, & Miracle Garden a delight.
• Vibrant Events & Festivals- Dubai hosts abundant winter festivals and events, including the annual January Shopping Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, and the Dubai Food Festival. These events cater to diverse interests, offering discounts, amusement, and shopping paradise. The festival also displays the city’s cooking prowess, attracting global celebrities & film enthusiasts. Dubai celebrates Christmas with jovial decorations & seasonal events. The annual Christmas Parade features multi-hued floats, marching bands, & Santa Claus, while Winter Wonderland at the Dubai Mall features carousels, Christmas trees, & other festive decorations. Such events make Dubai a unique destination for guests. Undoubtedly, there are numerous things to do on Christmas in Dubai. The list of events and festivals also comprises the Dubai Jazz Festival, Dubai Marathon, Dubai International Boat Show, Art Dubai, Dubai World Cup, AI Marmoom Heritage Festival, and Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

• Fireworks on New Year- The New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is the biggest and most amazing celebration in Dubai. Countless people observe this astounding event, choreographed to sensational music, as the stunning fireworks light up the sky at night in astounding colors.
• Epic Sunsets-Tourists are always ready to capture the finest breathtaking sunset photos during the winter, which otherwise is gloomy in the summer due to the excessive humidity and heat. The Dubai sky in winter is painted in shades of pink and orange.

Packing Essentials

Here’s your ultimate Dubai packing list;

• Bring lightweight items for day time and a sweater or jacket for chilly evenings.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes to explore.
• Because the sun can still be very strong during the day, wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Swimwear is recommended because many hotels have lovely pools and private beaches.

Where to Stay in Dubai during Winter?

Dubai provides a gamut of accommodation choices to suit diverse budgets and preferences.

• Burj AI Arab: If budget is not a constraint, Burj AI Arab is just the right choice. The world’s sole seven-star star hotel offers top-notch services, and their staff is trained and extremely polite.
• Atlantis the Palm: This is another luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah. Along with best-in-class services, they also offer visitors the chance to scuba dive and take lessons.
• Media One Hotel: If you are on a budget, Dubai’s Media One Hotel is the right pick. Located adjacent to the Mall of Emirates, it has an in-house gym and a poolside lounge that also offers stunning views of Dubai skyline.
• Alphatel Beach Beach Hostel: If budget hotels are not on one’s list, this is an ideal pick where they can crash during the night as this is the only time they spend here.
• Torch 77 Dubai: This is a good pick for youngsters and students for the immense discounts that they offer. Torch 77 also offers a wonderful view of the cityscape from the terrace.

Dubai Winter Attire

You may be wondering what to wear in Dubai in winter. The Dubai winter temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius. Thus, it is suggestive to get dressed in comfortable and light clothing. Always carry a shawl or a jacket for the evenings. Some great winter wear options include maxi skirts, jeans, pants, cardigans, and pashminas. Also, add a few accessories such as mufflers, scarves, caps, gloves, warm socks, and winter boots.

Dubai Winter Vacation Tips

• Winter in Dubai is a peak visitor season, so booking flights, accommodations, and key attractions in advance is essential.
• Stay hydrated while outdoors, as Dubai is quite dry, regardless of the cooler weather.
• Get familiar with local laws and customs.
• Getting around by public transportation is pocket-friendly and convenient.
• Carry UAE dirhams, the local currency for small purchases.
• English is spoken widely, yet knowing some basic Arabic words will be highly appreciated by locals.
• Invest in travel insurance to cover unexpected events.

Takeaway

Dubai winter season offers an exciting experience with its thrilling attractions like the Dubai Fountain show, Kidzania in Dubai Mall, ski Dubai’s snow world, and the aquatic life of the Dubai Aquarium. These activities are sure to satisfy the travel cravings of kids, making winter trips to Dubai an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions