Updated November 2026
If you can choose, come between November and March. Days are sunny and warm, nights are cool, and everything outdoors is at its best: beaches, desert camps, mountain hikes and open-air festivals. It is also peak season, so prices are highest and the popular places are busiest.
From June to September the heat is intense and the humidity on the coast can be heavy. Life moves indoors, and hotels drop their prices sharply. April, May and October sit in between.
The year at a glance
| Months | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| November to March | Warm days, cool evenings, occasional rain. Coldest in January, especially in the mountains and desert at night. | Everything outdoors: desert, hiking, beaches, festivals |
| April and May | Getting hot, especially from midday. Sea is warm. | Beaches, early-morning outings, lower prices |
| June to September | Very hot and often humid on the coast. Hottest in July and August. | Hotel deals, malls, museums, indoor attractions |
| October | Still hot at first, cooling through the month. | Shoulder-season prices, start of the outdoor season |
Season by season
Winter (November to March)
This is when residents come out of hibernation. Desert camps open, the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah and Hatta become comfortable for hiking, and the big outdoor events take place. On Jebel Jais and in the desert at night, it can get genuinely cold, so pack a warm layer.
Shoulder (April, May and October)
A good compromise if you want warm sea water and lower prices. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and late afternoon, and spend the middle of the day indoors or in the shade.
Summer (June to September)
Outdoor sightseeing in the middle of the day is not realistic, and heat exhaustion is a real risk. But the UAE is built for this: everything is air-conditioned, and there are excellent indoor attractions, museums and malls. Many hotels offer their best rates of the year. The mountains are a few degrees cooler, but still hot.
Ramadan
Ramadan moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year because it follows the lunar calendar. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, with Eid Al Fitr expected around 9 or 10 March. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon and are confirmed only shortly beforehand.
Visiting during Ramadan can be a special experience: evenings come alive with iftar meals and the atmosphere is warm and generous. Expect shorter opening hours for some attractions and offices during the day, and be respectful in public. Read more in our etiquette guide.
Sources
- Gulf News: Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2027 expected dates
- UAE National Center of Meteorology
Rules and prices change. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.