Dubai is known for its hot, sunny weather throughout much of the year. However, some months bring more extreme heat than others. July and August are typically the hottest months in Dubai, with average high temperatures around 106°F (41°C).
Why Summer is the Hottest Time in Dubai
Several factors contribute to Dubai’s summer heat:
- Location – Dubai is a desert climate in the Arabian Peninsula, an area known for extremely hot summers.
- Humidity – High humidity levels from the nearby Persian Gulf make the heat feel oppressive. Humidity levels average 60-80% in summer.
- Long daylight hours – Summer days are around 13 hours long, meaning more daytime for temperatures to rise.
Additionally, the lack of rain in Dubai during summer months means there is little relief from the unrelenting heat.
Daily Temperature Range
While summer days bring sweltering temperatures, things do cool off somewhat in the evenings. Here is an overview of the daily summer temperature range in Dubai:
- Early Morning (6 AM) – 84-90°F (29-32°C)
- Afternoon (3 PM) – 104-113°F (40-45°C)
- Evening (9 PM) – 90-95°F (32-35°C)
So even at night, Dubai remains very warm in the summer months. Early morning or late evening are the best times to beat the extreme heat if spending time outdoors.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of Dubai’s Hottest Weather
Below we’ll explore Dubai’s climate month-by-month focusing on the hottest part of the year:
May
- Average High: 100°F (38°C)
- Average Low: 81°F (27°C)
May kicks off the summer heat in Dubai. While highs average right around 100°F, it can reach as hot at 113°F (45°C) on the hottest days. With very little rain, relief from heat is slim.
June
- Average High: 104°F (40°C)
- Average Low: 84°F (29°C)
June is when temperatures really begin to soar in Dubai. The city sees the year’s longest days in June, meaning more daytime hours for the mercury to rise. Overnight lows only drop to 84°F, offering little respite.
July
- Average High: 106°F (41°C)
- Average Low: 86°F (30°C)
July ties for the hottest month in Dubai, with average daily highs peaking at 106°F. With nearly zero rainfall, there is no break from sweltering temperatures that can reach as high as 113°F (45°C) or more on the hottest summer days.
August
- Average High: 106°F (41°C)
- Average Low: 86°F (30°C)
August ties July for the hottest month in Dubai. Average high and low temperatures are nearly identical to those seen in July, meaning days with highs exceeding 113°F (45°C) are common. The warm Arabian Sea keeps overnight lows very balmy as well.
As you can see, late July and August are clearly the most consistently hot months in Dubai when looking at climate data. However, May through September are all considered very hot summer months in the city.
Beating the Heat in Dubai
If visiting Dubai during the torrid summer months, there are some ways to minimize your exposure to the excessive heat:
- Spend more time indoors – Malls, hotels, attractions, and other air-conditioned spaces provide a welcome escape.
- Limit outdoor time to mornings/evenings – The intense midday sun should be avoided whenever possible.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water since dehydration comes easily in Dubai’s arid climate.
- Choose breathable clothing – Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics will help you keep cool.
- Don’t overlook sun protection – Use sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and seek shade even during morning/evening hours.
Following these tips can help you better enjoy Dubai, even during the hottest summer months when temperatures are extreme.
Long-Term Climate Trends
As the climate changes globally, Dubai has experienced an increasing number of extremely hot summer days over the past several decades. If global warming projections hold true, the city could see summer temperatures rise an average of 9°F (5°C) by the end of century according to some estimates. This would push many summer days into the lethal range of 122°F (50°C) or hotter.
Only time will tell how climate change will impact Dubai’s already extremely hot summertime temperatures in the long run. But the outlook suggests even more unprecedented heat ahead in the hottest months of July and August.
Key Takeaways
- July and August tie as the hottest months in Dubai with average highs of 106°F (41°C)
- Summer heat is driven by long daylight hours, intense sunlight, high humidity from the Persian Gulf and lack of rainfall
- May – September all experience extreme heat and little precipitation
- Avoiding midday sun, staying hydrated and spending more time in A/C spaces can provide some heat relief
- Climate change may raise Dubai’s summer temperatures by up to 9°F (5°C) in the coming decades
Conclusion
With average highs of 106°F (41°C) in both July and August, it’s clear these two months share the title for hottest in Dubai. But the entire summer from May to September sees unrelenting heat and little if any rainfall for the desert city. As temperatures have slowly climbed in Dubai due to global warming over recent decades, it’s possible we could see even hotter summers in the coming years.
Visitors would be wise to avoid the midday sun by sticking to well air-conditioned indoor spaces as much as possible during their stay to beat the extreme heat. And knowing to expect unrelenting highs over 105°F for months on end, one can properly prepare with breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection before traveling to Dubai in the summer.
By better understanding Dubai’s hottest weather patterns, you can now plan summer trips accordingly and employ the necessary heat precautions if you decide to visit during July or August to experience the peak summertime conditions the city has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How hot is Dubai in July?
A1: The average July high temperature in Dubai is 106°F (41°C). However, temperatures often soar to 113°F (45°C) or beyond in July. Overnight lows only drop to around 86°F (30°C).
Q2: Why is Dubai so hot in summer?
A2: Summers in Dubai are hot because of intense sunlight, long daylight hours, high humidity from the nearby Persian Gulf, and very little rainfall to offer relief.
Q3: What is the coldest month in Dubai?
A3: January is usually the coldest month in Dubai with average highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows around 57°F (14°C).
Q4: How humid is Dubai?
A4: Dubai experiences humid conditions year-round, but especially during the summer. Humidity averages 60-80% from June to September when heat is most extreme.
Q5: What is the best month to visit Dubai?
A5: The most popular and comfortable times to visit Dubai are November to March. In these cooler winter months, highs are 75-79°F (24-26°C).
Q6: How extreme is the heat in Dubai?
A6: Dubai endures some of the most intense heat worldwide during summer. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 113°F (45°C) and even rise above 122°F (50°C) on rare days.
Q7: Does it ever rain in Dubai?
A7: It does occasionally rain in Dubai from December to March. However summer months usually see no measurable rainfall at all to provide relief from excessive heat.
Q8: How large is Dubai?
A8: Dubai has a total area of 4,114 km2 (1,588 mi2). As a comparison, New York City is 1,214 km2 (468 mi2).
Q9: What percentage of Dubai’s economy is based on oil?
A9: Only about 1% of Dubai’s economy is now based on oil revenues as it has focused growth on tourism, real estate, financial services and more in recent decades.
Q10: How many people live in Dubai?
A10: In 2022, Dubai’s population is estimated at around 3.5 million. The UAE as a whole has a population of nearly 10 million.
Q11: How humid will it feel at 106°F (41°C) in Dubai?
A11: At 106°F with 60% humidity for example, the heat index or “feels like” temperature can reach around 130-136°F (54-58°C) making conditions dangerously hot.
Q12: What are the average ocean temperatures in Dubai?
A12: During summer, the average ocean temperature around Dubai rises to around 90°F (32°C), too warm for most people to find relief from the air heat.
Q13: How much hotter has Dubai gotten due to climate change?
A13: Dubai’s annual average temperature has increased by 2°F (1.1°C) from what historical averages show. Summers have seen the most warming locally.
Q14: What is the usual precipitation for July in Dubai?
A14: Typical July rainfall in Dubai is 0 inches. On average no measurable precipitation falls at all during the month.
Q15: How does Dubai summer heat compare to other desert climates?
A15: Dubai sees roughly equal summer heat on average compared to desert cities like Riyadh, Kuwait City and Phoenix, Arizona with 100°F+ daily highs.
Q16: How large is the tourism industry in Dubai?
A16: Tourism accounts for about 12% Dubai’s total GDP. Over 16 million tourists visited Dubai in 2019 prior to the pandemic.
Q17: Are summer heat waves becoming more frequent in Dubai?
A17: Yes, analysis shows the frequency of summer heatwaves in Dubai lasting a week reach 110°F (43C) has doubled over the last 50 years.
Q18: Do people live in Dubai year-round despite the heat?
A18: Over 3 million people live full-time in Dubai today, enduring the summer heat either indoors in A/C or by limiting daytime outdoor exposure as best possible.
Q19: What are common illnesses caused by Dubai’s summer heat?
A19: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration and hyperthermia are some illnesses frequently caused by Dubai’s extreme heat if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Q20: How large is Dubai’sExpat Population?
A20: An estimated 88% of Dubai’s residents today are expats from overseas. This includes many laborers from India and other countries.
