Dubai in January: weather and what to expect
- Sunny and mild
- Cool evenings
- Desert camp season
- Shopping festival
January is the coolest month of the year, and the city stays busy long after New Year.
- Avg. high
- 24 °C75 °F
- Avg. low
- 17 °C63 °F
- Sea
- 22 °C72 °F
- Rain
- Rare, 1–2 days
- Humidity
- 70% morning, 46% afternoon
- Daylight
- 10 h 44 min
- Sunset
- 17:40–18:02
Is January a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes, one of the best months of the year: you can plan full days outdoors, from the beach to the desert. For long walks and outdoor sightseeing it is ideal; swimmers may prefer December, when the sea is a little warmer.
Weather in January
It feels close to what the thermometer says.
Good to know
- Rain is rare, but a heavy shower can flood roads and slow traffic. Check the forecast and allow extra travel time.
- In the dunes it is about 21 °C (70 °F) at 19:00 and 18 °C (64 °F) by 21:30: take a light layer for a safari.
Sea and beaches
RefreshingMost people swim comfortably, though the first minutes can feel cool.
What to wear in January
- Light clothes for the day: T-shirts, light trousers or skirts and comfortable shoes.
- A sweater or light jacket for evenings, the beach after sunset and air-conditioned places.
- Closed shoes for the desert: sand gets into everything else.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the winter sun is still strong.
Dress code all year
- In malls and other public places, cover shoulders and knees; many entrances show a dress-code sign.
- Swimwear is for beaches and pools only; cover up when you leave them.
- To visit a mosque, cover arms and legs; women also cover their hair. Some mosques lend suitable clothing.
- During Ramadan, dress a little more modestly in public.
What happens in January
- Dubai Shopping Festival runs until 17 January 2027, with sales, concerts and fireworks.
- Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden are open all month.
- Hotel prices are among the highest of the year in the first days after New Year.
Views and sunset
The air is usually clear, and from the observation decks you can see far along the coast and into the desert.
For sunset at the top of Burj Khalifa, book an entry around 15:50, about two hours before sunset in the middle of the month.
Sunset times at At the Top →What to do in January
Places that suit this month’s weather:
Months with similar weather: February, December
Averages for 2006–2025: air at Dubai International Airport (NOAA GHCNh), sea off Jumeirah (NOAA OISST). Individual days can differ. Nights are about 2 °C warmer than in the official 1991–2020 averages; daytime highs match.