Dubai in May: weather and what to expect
- Strong sun
- Water parks
- Shorter queues
- Lower prices
May is the first month of summer, and the last seasonal outdoor venues close for the year.
- Avg. high
- 38 °C100 °F
- Avg. low
- 28 °C82 °F
- Avg. high, early → late May
- 37 → 39 °C99 → 102 °F
- Sea
- 29 °C84 °F
- Rain
- Almost none
- Humidity
- 50% morning, 33% afternoon
- Daylight
- 13 h 22 min
- Sunset
- 18:48–19:04
Is May a good time to visit Dubai?
Only for a trip built around indoor places: attractions, malls and hotels are air-conditioned. Keep outdoor plans for early morning and after dark. It is drier than September, so early mornings outside are easier, but the heat builds through the month.
Weather in May
Near the coast, mornings and evenings feel stickier and hotter than the thermometer says.
Good to know
- Dust and haze come on about 2 days a month: the horizon turns soft, and on windy days sand blows. Outdoor tours may be rescheduled.
- Drink water regularly and take a taxi or the metro even for short distances: walking in the afternoon heat is exhausting.
Sea and beaches
WarmComfortable for hours, but not refreshing in the midday sun.
What to wear in May
- The lightest, loosest clothes you have, in breathable fabrics.
- A hat, sunglasses and SPF 50; reapply sunscreen often.
- A light layer for cold air-conditioning indoors.
- Sandals for short walks, closed comfortable shoes for long days in malls.
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 May
- Dubai Miracle Garden closes for the summer on 31 May 2027.
Views and sunset
Heat and dust often leave a haze over the city, so the horizon can look soft. The sharpest views tend to come after a windy day, and the city lights look best after dark.
For sunset at the top of Burj Khalifa, book an entry around 16:56, about two hours before sunset in the middle of the month.
Sunset times at At the Top →What to do in May
Places that suit this month’s weather:
Questions about Dubai in May
Can you still do a desert safari in May?
Yes, but choose an evening safari; morning dune drives are best done early.
Months with similar weather: September
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.