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Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

If you’re tired of the long winter nights and bitterly cold temperatures at home and are planning on escaping for some winter sun but unsure of where to go, why not head to Dubai? The winter months of December to February are actually the best time to head to Dubai, when temperatures are enjoyable and all the tourist attractions are open (several actually close during the blistering hot summer months)! Read on to discover why Dubai is the perfect winter getaway!

Perfect Weather

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Winter temperatures in Dubai are in the comfortable mid-twenties (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit) during the daytime. This is an ideal temperature for when you’ll be out and about exploring or simply relaxing by the pool! The residents in Dubai love winter too — in fact it is their favorite time of the year! You know how you wait all year long for summer to arrive? Well that’s exactly how residents of the UAE are — it’s just they wait all year long for winter to arrive!

Beach Season

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Winter means beach season in Dubai! The scorching temperatures in the summer months mean it is too hot to even lie on the beach, and getting into the sea offers no respite from the heat as it feels like getting into a hot bath! But during the winter, the water temperature is perfect! Dubai has several free public beaches, with JBR and La Mer being the most popular. Both are trendy beaches with many restaurants, shops and cafes around. You’ll also see lots of funky wall murals dotted about the place which are totally Instagrammable!

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Dubai’s beach clubs come back with a bang in the winter months after the majority of them close during summer. Many of the beach clubs have ‘Ladies Days’ in the winter months where females can get discounted pool and beach access as well as huge discounts on food and drinks which are perfect if you’re here on a girly trip! There are lots of pool parties and all-day brunches where you pay for entrance and then you can avail of unlimited food and drinks — these are always fun and you need to experience it at least once when you are here! Beach clubs such as Blue Marlin, Barasti, Nikki Beach and Zero Gravity are always popular.

Shopping

Dubai is great for shopping, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas when the shops in Dubai’s malls put on huge sales. This carries on throughout January each year as the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place, meaning many items in all the shops are heavily reduced! From designer wear to electronic items, you’ll find a whole host of things you can get at ridiculously discounted prices — sometimes up to 75% off! Not only this, but there are lots of live concerts featuring international stars and many fireworks shows throughout the Dubai Shopping Festival period. This is the largest shopping festival worldwide and people from all over the world flock to Dubai for it, so make sure to check it out if it coincides with your trip!

Christmas and New Years Eve

Even though Islam is the official religion of the UAE, Dubai is a multi-cultural city with a sizable amount of Christian expats living here. Therefore, you’ll see lots of Christmas decorations and celebrations happening and even many Christmas markets around, including at Habtoor Palace, JLT and Madinat Jumeirah. If you’re lucky enough to be in Dubai for New Years Eve, you’ll be treated to the most amazing fireworks show too!

Desert Safari

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

The unbearably hot temperatures in the summer mean visiting the desert during the summer is a no-no. However, winter is the perfect time to discover the desert! There are many companies that can take you out for an evening desert safari, where you can go dune bashing, sand-boarding, ride a camel or hold a falcon amongst other exciting traditional local activities!

Enjoy all the tourist attractions

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Why Dubai Should Be at the Top of Your Winter Travel List

Some of Dubai’s attractions such as the Dubai Miracle Gardens actually close for several months during the summertime. However, if you head to Dubai in the winter you’ll be able to enjoy all Dubai has to offer! Dubai has several theme parks and waterparks too that are best enjoyed in the summer! Whilst tourist attractions such as visiting At The Top at Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm will be a lot busier in the winter as this is the peak tourist season, if you get there early places won’t be too crowded.

Safety for female solo travelers

As penalties for crimes in the UAE is very severe, crime levels are very low and Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. In my almost 4 years living in the UAE, I never felt intimidated walking alone in Dubai as a solo female. Dubai is a very suitable holiday destination for female solo travelers.

Getting to Dubai

With direct flights to over 85 different countries, Dubai is a very accessible city to visit. And with many nationalities being granted a free 30 day visa on arrival to the UAE, it means that even last minute trips to Dubai are possible!


Dubai is a fascinating city and it is certainly most enjoyable during the winter. I hope you get to visit this city during the cooler months and get to really experience it at it’s best!

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