The best time to visit United Arab Emirates
The best time to visit United Arab Emirates for warm, sunny weather is November to February, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 97/100 with daytime highs around 26°C / 79°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in July at about 41°C / 106°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in July at 35°C.
United Arab Emirates by month, averaged across 4 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95 | 24° / 75°F | 20 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| February | 98 | 25° / 77°F | 9 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| March | 96 | 29° / 84°F | 16 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| April | 80 | 33° / 91°F | 7 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| May | 37 | 38° / 100°F | 3 mm | 30° | Mixed |
| June | 25 | 40° / 104°F | 4 mm | 33° | Mixed |
| July | 18 | 41° / 106°F | 2 mm | 35° | Poor |
| August | 22 | 41° / 106°F | 2 mm | 35° | Poor |
| September | 32 | 39° / 102°F | 2 mm | 34° | Mixed |
| October | 62 | 36° / 97°F | 2 mm | 32° | Very good |
| November | 97 | 30° / 86°F | 8 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| December | 97 | 26° / 79°F | 12 mm | 25° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: November to February — United Arab Emirates' warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 97/100, ~26°C / 79°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~41°C / 106°F. Rain stays light most of the year (~87 mm total).
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Abu Dhabi (3,431 h/yr), Dubai (3,278 h/yr), Sharjah (3,278 h/yr). See every United Arab Emirates destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.