Dubai travel guide
Modern city
Dubai is a global city known for its ultramodern architecture, luxurious lifestyle, world-class shopping, and vibrant cultural experiences, blending tradition with futuristic innovation.
Best time to visit Dubai
Nov–Mar is the best season: warm and dry. Apr and Oct are hot but workable. May–Sep is extremely hot and humid, with outdoor sightseeing hard in the daytime.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | best | 14–24 °C | 20 mm | high | Mild, sunny days and cool nights; the occasional shower |
| February | best | 16–25 °C | 25 mm | high | Mild and sunny; good for beaches and outdoor sights |
| March | best | 18–30 °C | 20 mm | medium | Warm and sunny; getting hot by the end of the month |
| April | good | 22–34 °C | 5 mm | medium | Hot by day; beaches and pools still comfortable, evenings pleasant |
| May | mixed | 25–38 °C | 0 mm | low | Very hot; outdoor sights only early morning or late evening |
| June | avoid | 27–40 °C | 0 mm | low | Intense heat and humidity; most visits are mall to mall by taxi |
| July | avoid | 30–42 °C | 0 mm | low | Hottest, most humid weeks; outdoor activity is limited in daytime |
| August | avoid | 30–42 °C | 0 mm | low | Hottest, most humid weeks; outdoor activity is limited in daytime |
| September | avoid | 28–40 °C | 0 mm | low | Still intensely hot and humid in daytime |
| October | good | 24–36 °C | 0 mm | medium | Heat easing; evenings are pleasant by the end of the month |
| November | best | 20–31 °C | 5 mm | high | Warm and dry; the outdoor season starts |
| December | best | 16–26 °C | 15 mm | high | Mild and dry; busiest with holiday and New Year crowds |
How many days to spend in Dubai
Three days cover Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Fountain, the Dubai Frame, old Dubai at Al Fahidi and Dubai Marina Walk; more days add Ski Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah or a theme park.
How to reach Dubai
- By air: Dubai (DXB) — 20 km, about 35–60 min by road. Dubai International; the city's main airport for most airlines
Getting around
The metro, tram and buses run on a nol card; taxis are the practical choice in summer heat. Avoid the red metro line at rush hour; abra boats cross the Creek.
Things to do in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa — Tallest tower (1.5 h · AED 159)
- Dubai Mall — Shopping hub (3 h · Free entry)
- Jumeirah Burj Al Arab — Iconic hotel (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Palm Jumeirah — Man-made isle (3 h · Free entry)
- Atlantis - The Palm — Luxury resort (4 h · AED 285)
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Aquatic life (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Ain Dubai — Giant wheel (Paid entry)
- The Dubai Fountain — Dancing water (30 min · Free entry)
- Dubai Marina — Marina views
- Global Village — Cultural park (4 h · AED 25)
- Dubai Gold Souk — Gold market (1.5 h · Free entry)
- The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Aquaventure World — Mythical aquarium (2 h · AED 68)
- Jumeirah Beach — White sands (2.5 h · Free entry)
- Miracle Garden Airplane Flowers — Flower wonder (2.5 h · Paid entry)
- IMG Worlds of Adventure — Theme park (6 h · AED 255)
- Dubai Parks and Resorts — Mega park (8 h · Paid entry)
- Yacht Cruises by Two Continents Tours & Travel — Yacht rides (2 h · from €22)
- Madinat Jumeirah — Arabian resort (3 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Safari Park — Wildlife park (4 h · Paid entry)
- Dubai Marina Walk — Scenic walk (2 h · Free entry)
- La mer beach — Trendy beach (2.5 h · Free entry)
- Hatta Heritage Village — Hatta retreat (2 h · Paid entry)
- Dubai Frame — Golden frame (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Dubai Opera — Art hub (2.5 h · Paid entry)
- The Green Planet Dubai — Indoor forest (2 h · Paid entry)
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — Old Dubai (2 h · Free entry)
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah — Water rides (5 h · Paid entry)
- Motiongate Dubai — Hollywood park (7 h · AED 295)
- Dubai Butterfly Garden — Butterfly dome (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- IMAGINE Show - Dubai Festival City Mall — Shopping & show (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Ski Dubai — Indoor snow (3 h · AED 240)
- Jumeirah Mosque — Islamic mosque (1 h · Paid entry)
- Legoland® Dubai — Family park (6.5 h · AED 295)
- Alserkal Avenue — Art hub (2 h · Free entry)
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary — Bird haven (1 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Creek Harbour — Historic water
- Etihad Museum — Modern museum (2 h · Paid entry)
- Dubai Spice Souk Information Center — Spice market (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Autodrome — Race track (2.5 h · Paid entry)
- Love Lake — Heart lake (1 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Garden Glow will Open Shortly in New Location with New Concept — Glowing park
- Dubai Hills Mall — Mall & park (3 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Design District (D3) by TECOM Group — Design hub (2 h · Free entry)
- Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club — Equestrian hub (2.5 h)
Food to try in Dubai
- Shawarma — Spit-roasted meat wrapped in flatbread; common street food across the city
- Mandi — Emirati rice with spiced meat or chicken, found at Emirati restaurants in Deira and Bur Dubai
- Luqaimat — Fried dough balls with date syrup, a traditional Emirati dessert
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
Nov–Mar is the best season: warm and dry. Apr and Oct are hot but workable. May–Sep is extremely hot and humid, with outdoor sightseeing hard in the daytime.
How many days are enough for Dubai?
3–5 days. Three days cover Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Fountain, the Dubai Frame, old Dubai at Al Fahidi and Dubai Marina Walk; more days add Ski Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah or a theme park.
How do I reach Dubai?
By air: Dubai (DXB) — 20 km, about 35–60 min by road. Dubai International; the city's main airport for most airlines.
What are the top things to do in Dubai?
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis - The Palm, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Plan your Dubai trip
Open Guide My Holiday to turn these places into a routed, day-by-day itinerary and book a cab that follows it.
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.