Home to the world’s tallest building, the world’s most luxurious hotel, rip-roaring theme parks, and a culinary landscape dotted with Michelin stars, Dubai is a city that is synonymous with gilded getaways. While the Dubai experience is consistently splendid, it reaches its pinnacle when temperatures take a dip during the winter season.
As opposed to the typical four-season pattern observed by most countries, Dubai basks in sunshine around the year. Some locals may even contest that the Gulf Tiger has only two seasons: hot and hotter. But if you’re keen on dune-bashing and flyboarding under gentle sunshine and cool breeze, winter months are the ideal time to take flight. In this article, discover edge-of-the-seat winter adventures, the best Dubai destinations to hit up during winter, and more.
Winter months in Dubai
In Dubai, winter extends from mid-to-late December and continues to comfort until late March. The lowest temperatures dip to around 12.2 degrees Celsius and the hottest days in winter hit 25 degrees Celsius. Typically, January is the coolest month with an average temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by relentless rainfall. Ideally, the months right before and after peak winter — November and early April — are unmatched for sightseeing and soaking up the winter sun.
Best winter adventure activities in Dubai
Dune-bashing
Hop on a quad bike, drift through the mystical deserts, and admire the sand’s golden glow and limitless expanse of Dubai as the 4×4 vehicle freewheels down the dunes. Whether you choose a morning tour, an evening escapade, or the excitement of a midnight safari, each experience offers glimpses of local dance performances, camel rides, and exploration of Bedouin markets. The overnight safari raises the bar with spectacular sunset and sunrise views, belly dancing, tanoura performances with Arabian music, and a wholesome dinner buffet. Some travel agencies also couple sand skiing with dune-bashing for a comprehensive desert experience.
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Sandboarding
Witness the desert’s version of snowboarding amidst the majestic dunes of Dubai. Although the sport initially seems simple, we recommend tying up with licensed experts for a safe and cherishable experience. The teams will scout the best sand dunes for you and also provide the necessary equipment. Among the best places for sandboarding are Al Badayer, also known as the Red Dune, along with the Lahbab Desert and Al Qudra. Sandboarding is a family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. The only rule of thumb is to practice on humble slopes before resorting to the steeper dunes.
Microlighting
Flying in a microlight is a no-brainer for thrill-seekers. We recommend the Jazirah Aviation Club at Ras Al Khaimah for a bucket-list experience. After an initial introduction and briefing, set foot in the cockpit of the two-seater microlight. The experienced pilot will fly you over Ras Al Khaimah’s coastal belt and sweeping cityscape. Depending on the package, the ride will last anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Shark diving
Brave the currents with Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks, Stingrays, and a sea of other marine marvels at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. A dive master as well as an instructor will closely supervise every group of divers. If you’re a certified diver, indulge in the underwater escapades at your disposal. For those who don’t have a certification, fret not, you can partake in the adventure after completing a short Scuba Diving Program with Al Boom Diving, a partner at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Skydiving
Brace yourself for a gravity-defying free fall from 13,000 feet over the spell-binding Palm Jumeirah. As your parachute springs open, admire the Arabian waters and cityscapes from up above. This heart-pumping experience at Skydive Dubai should be on top of your list. In addition to the free fall, adventure-seekers can also opt for a gyrocopter ride, and advanced alternatives like tandem skydiving and solo skydiving. Alternatively, iFly Mirdif offers indoor skydiving within a 10-metre-long, double vertical glass tunnel. Float over the gust of wind generated from the bottom and, depending on your comfort level, the instructor will help you pocket some spins and flips, which also make for great pictures.
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai via Agoda.com
Flyboarding
While Dubai’s balmy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and building sand castles, they also make room for exhilarating adventures like flyboarding. Conquer the waves as you perfect a steady footing 10 metres above the water, propelled by a high-powered turbine. This adrenaline-pumping sport is a mix of kite-surfing and wakeboarding. Tie up with one of the many watersport companies for comprehensive lessons and site referrals.
Hot air ballooning
Embark on a sunrise voyage above Dubai’s novel landscape on a hot air balloon. Travel in a group or opt for a private basket of two to five individuals for a mid-sky rendezvous with your loved ones. Depending on your package, the hot air balloon experience may include activities like a flight falcon show, camel ride, gourmet breakfast, and a morning desert safari, among other perks. Popular launch sites include Margham Desert, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and Al Marmoom Desert.
Deep diving
For aqua lovers, a dive into the world’s deepest swimming pool awaits at Deep Dive Dubai, a whopping 60.02-metre deep crusade. Down under, the sights mimic a sunken city to fuel the eccentric experience. Additionally, an underwater media room provides the perfect setting to read a book or play a game of pool. Deep Dive Dubai offers year-round diving courses as well as guided experiences.
Ziplining
Lastly, enjoy panoramic views of Downtown Dubai from 219.5 metres above the ground, exclusively at Sky Views Dubai. Situated atop the Address Sky View Hotel, this ziplining experience offers a unique format of exploring the city’s sizzling attractions like the Observatory, Glass Slide, and Edge Walk.
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Best Dubai destinations to explore in winter
Ski Dubai
Spruce up your winter getaway in Dubai by signing up for skiing at Ski Dubai, nestled within the Mall of the Emirates. Enveloped by cosy chalets and cafes, witness Dubai turn into a winter wonderland as you’re knee-deep in snow. Build a snowman, play with penguins, or hop onto the Twin Track Bobsled. Don’t miss the frozen zipline and chair lift, providing a snowy hilltop vantage point for skiing and rolling downhill.
Aquaventure Dubai
Head to the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure Dubai, to experience 105 different water rides and slides. Located alongside Atlantis, The Palm, this waterpark fascinates with iconic rides like Shockwave, River Rapids, and Medusa’s Lair. The famous ‘Leap of Faith’ ride provides a thrilling 27.5-metre plunge that relays you through a transparent tube surrounded by sharks and stingrays. Conclude your aquatic adventures with a dining experience at the waterpark’s restaurants — Sharkbites and Snappers.
Dinner Dhow Cruise
Soak up the sweeping beauty of Dubai Deira Creek onboard the famous Dinner Dhow Cruise. The lit-up ship with air-conditioned lower and upper decks welcomes you with Arabian tea. Experience unparalleled entertainment with live performance (look out for Tanoura!). For 90 minutes, the cruise sails along dazzling skyscrapers and bustling street markets. Moreover, the 3-star buffet is bound to please the gourmand in you.
Book your stay at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah via Booking.com
Book your stay at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah via Agoda.com
Dubai Miracle Garden
Saunter through the world’s largest natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden, and admire the floral displays, including a life-size replica of Emirates A380 and a colossal floral castle. Explore Dubai Garden Glow, souvenir shops, and cafes amidst over 150 million flowers and 250 million plants. While the Dubai Miracle Garden is typically open to tourists from November to March, it was opened to the public on September 29 this year.
Dubai Global Village
Indulge in a global adventure laced with entertainment, shopping and food at Dubai Global Village. Running annually from October to March, this event brings vendors from the world over. Honey from Yemen, ornate carpets from Iran and Afghanistan, engraved jewellery from Spain, and dry fruits from Thailand — the countess cultural tokens will leave you spoilt for choice. The event is further complemented by night concerts, comedy shows, country-wise pavilions, and daring carnival rides. Additionally, the event also houses the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not ‘Odditorium’! Amidst the fervour, stop for a sumptuous bite at the various cafes, restaurants, and street food outlets rustling up international favourites.
(Main and Feature Image Credit: esherez/Shutterstock)
Related: Tasting Dubai’s Best Restaurants, As Picked By Chefs Himanshu Saini & Neha Mishra
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– When is winter in Dubai, and what is the weather like during this season?
Typically, winter in Dubai falls between mid-to-late December and late March. The lowest temperatures linger around 12.2 degrees Celsius, and the hottest days in winter clock in at 25 degrees Celsius.
– Is it safe to go dune-bashing during the winter season in Dubai?
Yes, it is safe to go dune-bashing during winter in Dubai.
– What is the best time of day to go hot air ballooning in Dubai during the winter season?
The best time of the day to go hot air ballooning is during the early morning hours, and a few hours before sunset.
– Are there any winter season adventure activities suitable for families or children in Dubai?
Certainly! Dubai offers various family-friendly activities, including amusement parks like Aquaventure Dubai. For a winter-themed experience, Ski Dubai provides a wonderland for skiing, playing with penguins, and enjoying exhilarating slopes, among other attractions.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
