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Month by month
| Month | Mean daily max (NCM) | Mean daily min (NCM) | Sunrise | Sunset | In the desert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–26°C | 12–15°C | 07:06 | 17:49 | Coolest month, cold nights, fog on some mornings |
| February | 23–28°C | 12–16°C | 06:54 | 18:12 | Ramadan expected from ≈ 8 Feb 2027 |
| March | 27–32°C | n/a | 06:29 | 18:28 | Ramadan to ≈ 9 Mar 2027; windy, dusty days possible |
| April | 32–36°C | 20–23°C | 05:57 | 18:41 | Warm afternoons, mild nights |
| May | 37–41°C | n/a | 05:34 | 18:55 | Last month for balloon flights; hot, dusty winds |
| June | 40–43°C | 27–29°C | 05:28 | 19:10 | Sunrise or evening trips only |
| July | 40–44°C | 29–31°C | 05:37 | 19:12 | Hottest month with August |
| August | 41–43°C | 29–31°C | 05:52 | 18:55 | Hot and humid |
| September | 38–41°C | 27–29°C | 06:04 | 18:24 | Still summer heat |
| October | 35–37°C | 23–26°C | 06:16 | 17:53 | Balloon season opens, warm evenings |
| November | 29–32°C | 19–21°C | 06:36 | 17:32 | Heritage overnights restart, pleasant evenings |
| December | 22–27°C | 13–17°C | 06:56 | 17:31 | Cool evenings, cold nights in the dunes |
Temperatures are the National Center of Meteorology's long-term monthly means for the UAE as a whole, as published in its monthly outlooks; the open desert is often hotter by day and colder by night than the coast. Sunrise and sunset are calculated for Dubai on the 15th of each month. Dubai's tourism authority calls October to April the city's best season.
Summer: what still runs
Shared morning and evening safaris run all year; the listings we checked show no summer break. Some things stop: hot-air balloon flights run only from 1 October to 31 May, and Platinum Heritage's overnight safari only from 1 November to 30 April. Some camps move afternoon pickups 1 hour later in summer to follow the later sunset.
From May to September the average daytime high is ≈ 37–44°C. An evening safari still starts in strong heat: with sunset at ≈ 19:00, the dune bashing and sandboarding happen in the hottest part of the trip, and the camp only cools down after dark. A sunrise safari is the coolest choice. If you want to drive, take an early buggy session, and keep quad biking short. Light clothing advice is on what to wear.
Ramadan in the desert
Ramadan is expected to begin on about 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March 2027; the exact dates depend on the moon sighting. Safaris continue, with these changes stated by operators and listings:
- Live entertainment, including belly dance, is not available at the camps.
- Alcohol is not served.
- Pickup times move; one evening listing picks up at 14:30–15:00, and dinner waits for sunset.
- Water stays available, but during daylight you drink it inside the vehicle.
- Some camps run iftar dinners instead of the usual BBQ evening.
Dress more conservatively in public during the month. The weather in February and March is good, so Ramadan is a fine time for a morning safari, a heritage trip or a desert dinner if the shows do not matter to you.
Dust, fog and rain
The National Center of Meteorology's outlooks describe two main risks. In spring, low-pressure systems with strong winds can raise dust storms and cut visibility; in late spring and summer, hot dry winds lift sand in the desert. In winter, humid early mornings bring fog and mist, mostly inland. Stargazing trips depend on a clear sky. Check the national forecast the day before an early or late trip, and keep sunglasses and a scarf in your bag.
Winter nights
Winter is the main season, but the desert is colder than the city. The UAE's mean minimum in January is ≈ 12–15°C, and Arabian Adventures warns that desert nights can be close to 5°C. Heritage operators ask guests to bring something warm from November to March, balloon operators before sunrise, and Platinum Heritage's overnight rooms have no heating. Pack a fleece or jacket for any evening safari, stargazing trip or overnight camp in this season.
