One of the fastest-evolving cities in the world, Dubai is a destination with world-renowned attractions, luxurious shopping malls, and an epic skyline. It’s become a top city among travellers seeking indulgence as well as adventure, with people now flocking from all over the globe to experience what it has to offer.
Whether you want to fly to Dubai to see the iconic Burj Khalifa in the flesh, have bags of fun at the city’s Aquaventure Water Park, or simply relax on its golden beaches, you’ll no doubt be asking: when is the best time to fly to Dubai to enhance my holiday experience?
We’ve taken the liberty of breaking down exactly when is the best time to visit Dubai to highlight how affordable flights are alongside what you can expect when you visit each month. Find out exactly when the best time of year to go to Dubai is to balance affordability with an exciting holiday itinerary!
When you fly to Dubai, depending on your departure airport, there are several airports you could arrive at.
The main airport in Dubai, and the world’s 5th busiest per passenger interchange, is Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport flies to most major airports directly, including London Heathrow (LHR) in England, John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York, and New Delhi Airport (DEL) in India.
Additional airports in Dubai include Dubai World Central Airport (DWC), another of the world’s most busy and significant airports. Together, these are the two most popular airports where people fly to Dubai.
If you fly to Dubai, the amount of time it takes you will depend entirely on where you’re visiting from. Its strategic hub makes it more than convenient to reach the city from several major destinations in as little as a few hours. This is why Dubai airport is commonly used for layovers, connecting continents around the world.
For example, direct flights from Dubai to DEL Airport take roughly 4 hours, and non-stop flights from LHR Airport take roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes. Direct flights from JFK Airport in the USA take just under 12 and a half hours, and from Singapore Airport to Dubai, it’s roughly 7 and three-quarter hours.
If you choose to fly to Dubai in January, this is a fantastic time to visit the city to balance pleasant weather with great experiences. Dubai weather is at its coolest in January, with temperatures ranging between 14°C and 23°C, and little rain.
The city’s renowned shopping festival takes place throughout January, making it the best time of year to go to Dubai if you like to indulge in retail therapy, with major discounts and fantastic entertainment across its malls, retail centres, and markets.
January is one of the cheapest times to fly to Dubai, as it’s after the holiday season when demand for travel is lower. As long as travellers avoid the New Year, they can affordably fly to Dubai.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in January from major airports include:
Flying to Dubai in February is another comfortable month to visit the city, when temperatures are milder (17°C - 25°C.) However, you’re likely to find an increased chance of rain compared to January, but this shouldn’t put you off!
A top event in Dubai in February is the Dubai Jazz Festival - an annual music festival with parades and live jazz performances. The cooler temperatures in February make it one of the best months to visit Dubai to splash out in the amazing waterparks in the city.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in February from major airports include:
March is one of the best months to visit Dubai to experience one of its many unique cultural events, including the Dubai International Horse Festival - the region’s most acclaimed equestrian show.
With longer daylight hours on the approach to summer and warmer average temperatures of around 23°C, March is a beautiful month to fly to Dubai, before it starts to heat up. As such, make the most of this by sightseeing in the city and exploring its many attractions, including visiting the world’s tallest building - the Burj Khalifa - or kayaking beside the beach.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in March from major airports include:
In the middle of springtime, April is a warm month to fly to Dubai, with temperatures reaching highs of 34°C, lows of 22°C, and little rain. It’s hotter, but not sweltering, meaning it’s the best time of year to visit Dubai to relax on its many beaches and swim in the sea.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in April from major airports include:
May marks the beginning of the summer season. So, to fly to Dubai at this time of year, you must be prepared for climbing temperatures and stronger sunshine. With temperatures reaching 37°C, you’d be wise to seek refuge in air-conditioned malls and shops to evade the sun for long periods.
Starting in April and extending into May, the Dubai Food Festival is an annual event showcasing the city’s diverse culinary landscapes, with exclusive menus at top restaurants, cookery classes, and themed feasts.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in May from major airports include:
June is the best month to visit Dubai to experience its warmer weather while avoiding the crowds. With high temperatures of 40°C, and lows of 28°C, you can expect 11 hours of sunshine roughly each day.
Eid Al Adha normally takes place in June each year in Dubai. Known as the ‘festival of sacrifice’, it’s a major event in the city marking the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is filled with cultural performances and impressive fireworks displays!
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in June from major airports include:
Temperatures in July in Dubai skyrocket to an average of 40°C, making it the best time of year to visit Dubai if you seek balmy temperatures, but not if you want to avoid the heat! For many, it’s not their chosen time of year to fly to Dubai given the heat, but there are plenty of ways to keep cool in the city, like in malls and at its waterparks.
July is the first full month of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) - a 10-week-long annual festival filled with fantastic activities and adventures, including incredible concerts and must-grab offers at favourite attractions. You should add this to your list if you plan to fly to Dubai in the summer!
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in July from major airports include:
Again, temperatures are at their hottest in August in Dubai, with days typically reaching temperatures of 40°C. So, if you can’t handle the heat, it’s probably worth reconsidering a flight to Dubai during the summer season!
But, if you are planning to fly to Dubai in August, you may want to opt for more indoor activities, where you can make the most of air-conditioning. Explore the city’s many grand malls for a spot of retail therapy, like the Mall of the Emirates. You can even cool down at Ski Dubai - a huge indoor ski resort in the city that is also in the mall!
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in August from major airports include:
Temperatures in Dubai start to settle in September, cooling down to temperatures of an average 25°C. It’s still a warmer time of the year, so if this isn’t for you, you might want to wait until autumn rolls around.
September is one of the best months to visit Dubai’s beaches to cool off. With warm sea temperatures of roughly 33°C, you can indulge in a warm swim. Popular beaches include Marina Beach and Kite Beach, known for their watersports.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in September from major airports include:
The beginning of August is a great time to fly to Dubai for its cooler climate, with temperatures sitting between 22°C and 35°C.
October marks the beginning of Dubai’s annual fitness event - the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) - which is a 30-day initiative encouraging residents and visitors alike to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. So, get involved during your stay - visit the city’s greenspaces like Mushrif Park, or meander down the Marina Walk.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in October from major airports include:
Winter has nearly arrived in Dubai, and its temperatures are starting to show it, cooling down to an average of 31°C. While still warm, this is a much more manageable temperature than its summer months!
If you’re a fan of Rugby, every year Dubai hosts the first round of the IRV Sevens Series at its Dubai Exiles Rugby Club, making it one of the best months to visit Dubai for sports fans. 16 international teams go head to head over a 3-day period to win the prestigious title and trophy. Whether you’re a Rugby lover or a newcomer to the sport, you’ll enjoy this!
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in November from major airports include:
December in Dubai is a festive time of year, and its unique landscape of Christmas decorations blending in with palm trees while the weather is warm is truly memorable. Temperatures typically sit between 16°C and 21°C.
Stay until New Year’s Eve to experience the New Year in Dubai, which is filled with celebrations! See the iconic fireworks display at Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah, and soak in the joyous atmosphere.
The cheapest return flights to Dubai in December from major airports include:
Note: All flight prices are estimates and based on results from our FlightsFinder price comparison tool. They may vary depending on the exact days of the week and the time of the month you wish to fly to Dubai.
January is typically the cheapest time to fly to Dubai during the year. With the holiday season having passed, as long as you’re avoiding the New Year, flights become all the more affordable in Dubai. So, you can embark on your break to this modern city without having to break the bank!
If you’re planning to fly to Dubai, we hope this guide has offered you the insight you need to plan your trip affordably by revealing the cheapest times to fly to Dubai throughout the year and pack your itinerary full of exciting experiences once you arrive.
If it’s an affordable break you’re after, scanning for the cheapest flights to Dubai is made all the more simple on our FlightsFinder search engine, where you can choose flexible dates and land yourself a great deal. View the entire month to browse prices, or even the entire year, to find the best flights to suit your travel needs - happy searching!
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