Month guide · Dubai · United Arab Emirates
Dubai in January
What January is really like in Dubai: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Dubai. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 10.7 hours of daylight. Warm, sunny days around 24°C and cool evenings; peak season, with the Dubai Shopping Festival in full swing.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 10.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Dubai: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 34°C (93°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with December (26°C (79°F)), January is cooler; by February highs climb to around 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:06
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:50
- Daylight
- About 10.7 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Winter (December–February). Warm days around 24–26°C and cool evenings, the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year fireworks, with the highest prices of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Dubai Shopping Festival (usually mid-December to late January)
- Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament (usually January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Viewpoint · Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa – At the Top
Sunset slots cost more and sell out; an early-morning visit is cheaper and often clearer, before the haze builds.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Architecture
- After dark
Experience · Dubai Creek
Abra ride across Dubai Creek
Wooden abra water taxis have carried passengers across Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira for generations.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Kids
Waterfront · Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina and JBR Walk
Walk the marina at dusk, then take a dhow dinner cruise or eat at one of the JBR beachfront restaurants.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Views
- Outdoors
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Viewpoint · Palm Jumeirah
The View at The Palm
From the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, about 240 metres up, this observation deck reveals the full palm shape of the island, its fronds and Atlantis at the tip.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Kids
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Dubai.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 15°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Dubai?
One of the best months to visit Dubai, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and November–December. Compare every month.
Dubai in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Dubai?
It is one of the best months to visit Dubai. Warm, sunny days around 24°C and cool evenings; peak season, with the Dubai Shopping Festival in full swing.
+How warm is Dubai in January?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Dubai in January?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.