Should you come to the UAE in March of 2026? I believe that you should — comfortable temperatures and somewhat affordable prices (if you know how and where to look) create the perfect opportunities for adventures.
We have seen Dubai in different seasons and I can confidently say that if you’re a foodie on the hunt for al fresco dining, a culture-meister, a hard-core adventurer, or an ordinary sun-seeker, you will have a great time here during the month of March. Note that I have covered the UAE extensively on our site, so peep the links throughout the article that will lead you to even more detailed breakdowns of different topics. But for now, let’s dive into Dubai March travel guide — there’s a lot of ground to cover.
Article contents
- Dubai weather in March
- Which emirate to choose for your trip?
- Potential travel expenses
- My hotel recommendations
- Things to do in Dubai in March
- Is going to Dubai in March worth it? My list of pros and cons
Dubai weather in March
You know what they say about the Emirates’ weather, right? There are two seasons — when it’s hot and when it’s unbearably hot. Thankfully, March falls into the first category, making it a great month to plan your UAE vacation for.
Here’re some stats to back up this claim:
- An average temperature in the UAE in March is a comfortable +25°C…+28°C during the day and no less than +18°C at night.
- For the most part, Dubai sees no less than 27 sunny days in March (same rings true for the other emirates). Does it make March the ultimate period for a beach holiday in the UAE? There are other factors to consider!
- Though some claim that March in the UAE is the perfect time for a beach vacation, I wouldn’t start packing the swimsuits just yet. The average water temperature of +22°C…+24°C might seem a tad too refreshing, though I did see tons of beachgoers lining the UAE’s waterfronts from the very beginning of the month.
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In my opinion, the best months to travel to the Emirates are April and October, but March is also a strong contender — just make sure to get into the water at your own pace. It’s no good for a Wim Hof Method (in fact, most Scandinavians and Dutch people will find the water to be quite warm), but cool enough to make you get goosebumps when cannonballing into the gulf.
Side note: When choosing whether to visit Dubai in March vs April, keep two things in mind — water temps and prices. March is colder with more great deals on accommodations, while April is thought to be the prime time to visit the Emirates — but top-tier air and water temps bring increased pricing all over the country.
March in Dubai is considered to be the rainiest month. So why the hell do we encourage you to travel here during this time then? The answer is simple — context. The number of rainy days in the month of March in Dubai is one (!) — and that is enough to proclaim it the rainiest month out of the year here (with January keeping it company).
I would return to Dubai in March in the future — the air temps are not that different as the ones in February, but the water is warmer. March climate in Dubai lets you have complete freedom of movement — you do not have to hide out in air-conditioned malls; you can explore the city streets, duck in and out of mandatory tourist destinations, go on tours.
What to wear in Dubai in March? Anything that you would normally pack for a beach vacation — a few tops and shorts, a swimsuit, a hat, and a light layer for your evening promenades (a jean jacket or a simple long sleeve shirt will do the trick).
Average UAE air and water temperatures spreadsheet
Though my main focus in this article is Dubai, I encourage you to stay open to other emirates when planning your UAE March getaway. I will dive deeper into each location’s main characteristics in a second, but for now, let me introduce you to this handy…
Table of average air and sea temperatures in March across all the notable Emirates:
|
Emirate |
Average air temperature |
Average water temperature |
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|
Day |
Night |
||
|
Dubai |
+25°C / 77°F |
+22°C / 72°F |
+22.9°C / 73°F |
|
Sharjah |
+25°C / 77°F |
+22°C / 72°F |
+22.9°C / 73°F |
|
Ras Al-Khaimah |
+26°C / 78°F |
+21.7°C / 71°F |
+23°C / 73°F |
|
Abu Dhabi |
+24.6°C / 76.3°F |
+22°C / 72°F |
+23°C / 73°F |
|
Fujairah |
+28°C / 82°F |
+21°C / 70°F |
+24°C / 75°F |
Which Emirate to choose for your trip?
Our car rental that we booked on Localrent
Here’s the short rundown on which emirate to choose for your March trip:
Dubai
The most sought-after destination in the UAE; Dubai even puts Abu Dhabi in the shadow with the sheer roster of legendary locations it has under its belt.
Truthfully, the emirate has it all — you can stay in Dubai Marina neighborhood and have a full-on beach vacation, or you can go the true urban bona fide stay route and dive into the city’s robust restaurant scene and hop between the sky-puncturing towers in the process.
Alternatively, you can explore the part of the emirate that is ripe for adventure — going on a desert safari tour or skydiving over the grande dame that is Palm Jumeirah. Whichever path you choose, Dubai in March will have your back.
Pricing is a whole different beast — being the most popular destination, Dubai’s high demand means gradually increasing March prices for hotels and activities.
Sharjah and Ajman
Dubai’s closest neighbors (Sharjah borders Dubai; Ajman, in turn, borders Sharjah) and the answers to your budget-conscious prayers. The climate in these emirates is not much different from Dubai, but the number of travelers that make these locations their home base is much, much more limited.
The local beaches are way more deserted than Dubai’s waterfronts, though they are also less developed. If you want to have a nice quiet beach vacation for relatively cheap, then staying in either one of the emirates is a sound choice for you. You can always explore the neighboring Dubai with ease — by taking a bus or grabbing a taxi. If you plan to visit the capital of opulence more than a couple of times during your stay, I encourage you to read my recent post on renting a car in the UAE — it is a much more sensible option, money-wise.
Hotels in Sharjah and Ajman >>
Ras Al-Khaimah
There’s not much in terms of entertainment around, but the emirate makes up for the apparent lack. Ras Al-Khaimah’s calling cards are its lavish resorts with fine sand beaches, — destinations that are perfect for travelers with children. In March, accommodation prices in RAK are much easier on the wallet than those of the same status in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here, a five-star hotel is a treat most can afford. If you plan to make day trips to Dubai, know that you will spend at least an hour on the road.
Hotels deals in Ras Al-Khaimah >>
Abu Dhabi
UAE’s capital in every regard, this unusually green emirate has the highest concentration of important historical landmarks (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the crown jewel, of course) and a burgeoning cultural scene (Saadiyat Island, home to Abu Dhabi’s very own Louvre, also expects the openings of Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the near future).
Abu Dhabi’s “fun” side is also present — the city’s many theme parks guarantee the days spent in elevated mood. Abu Dhabi, though seemingly perfect, does lose to its famed sibling in one regard — the possibility of a beach vacation. Even when compared to tiny Ajman, Abu Dhabi’s beach scene is practically non-existent. The solution? Come to Abu Dhabi on day trips, and spend the rest of your trip at one of Dubai’s glitzy beach clubs.
Fujairah
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The black sheep in the family of the Emirates, Fujairah’s unique location facing the Gulf of Oman wins the destination major points — the air and water temperatures here are the most agreeable with a beach vacation in March, and the significant distance from Dubai makes for a relatively budget-friendly stay. It’s also the emirate with a more distinctive terrain; here, desertscapes make way to hills and mountains.
It’s a great resort for a family holiday, just make sure to pick an all-inclusive hotel option — the food scene is pretty sparse in Fujairah otherwise. There aren’t many notable tourist attractions here as well — fine golden sand and gin-clear waters (with plenty of snorkeling opportunities) are all that you have to work with.
So, which emirate to choose for your March trip? It depends on your expectations — if you miraculously found a great value hotel in Dubai, then there should be no back-and-forth! Dubai is *THE* place to be in the Emirates. Didn’t get as lucky on hotel deals? The neighboring Sharjah has a more lenient price policy on accommodations — and it is super close to Dubai, so you won’t spend too long in traffic (unless you decide to travel during rush hour, but that’s all on you then). Want more culture and pedestrian-friendly promenades? Abu Dhabi’s your friend. Crave a real authentic beach vacation? RAK and Fujairah will be there to welcome you to their dreamy beach scenes.
Potential travel expenses
Since March sits smack dab inside Dubai’s peak tourist season, the average pricing for accommodation, activities, and other travel expenses reflects the increased demand. You will be hard pushed to find a truly “cheap” option, though with a little finesse (based on the tips provided by yours truly) you will be able to keep your UAE spending reasonably adequate.
Flight costs
In order to start forking out your hard-earned dough in Dubai, you have to get here first. Hunting for a great deal on flights is kind of like a sport to me at this point, and I encourage you to meet this problem with the same tenacity, head-on.
Personally, I like to compare flight prices on many different services before actually pulling the plug and buying the ticket. Here are the more reputable ones I can recommend:
If you want to spend as little as possible on a flight to Dubai, get ready to weather a layover (or two, depending on your starting point). At the low end of the price range, a one-way flight to Dubai (with a layover, that is) will cost you:
— $400 if you’re traveling from New York
— $$500 if you’re coming from LA
— $250 from Frankfurt and $150 from Paris
When looking for the best deals, make sure not to limit yourself to Dubai airport only. Though it is a bigger international hub, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi airport might be better for your particular situation. Getting from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is easy — a two-hour bus ride will end before you even have the opportunity to realize what’s going on. Last time we booked transfer for $65 on Gettransfer.
Accommodation costs
The two trusted services that I use to sniff out the best discounts on accommodation in the UAE are:
Though it is always possible to find a nice deal that will better reflect your travel budget in any emirate, the general price layout differs among the destinations.
On average, expect to spend the following amount for a two-person one-night stay in the UAE in March:
| Emirate | 3-star hotel | 4-star hotel | 5-star hotel |
| Dubai | from $60–$100 a night | from $80–$120 a night | from $120–$170 a night |
| Sharjah | $50–$80 | $70–$100 | $100–$150 |
| Ras Al-Khaimah | $40–$80 | $90–$120 | $180–$200 |
| Abu Dhabi | $70–$90 | $100–$120 | $120–$200 |
| Fujairah | $50–$85 | $100–$120 | $120–$150 |
If you decide to pick Dubai as your home base, avoid all-inclusive options like the plague. They are outrageously expensive here and are not worth the price tag. In other, more beach-centric emirates (Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah), all-inclusive hotels are the ultimate option for a great stay.
As for other expenses, I have a detailed breakdown of the prices in Dubai — check out my guide to learn the best budget plan for your upcoming getaway.
My hotel recommendations
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Where to stay in Dubai in March? You would think that after I’ve discouraged you from going the all-inclusive route, the number of options would be quite limited, right? Wrong! Dubai’s hotel scene is the craziest I’ve ever seen: From luxe beachfront accommodations to cheap hostels — this ever-evolving hub has it all, literally.
The topic of where to stay in Dubai is so grand that I have created an entire guide answering just this question. Here, I walk you through Dubai’s many neighborhoods (from the “happening” Dubai Marina to the lesser known Al Barsha) and give you a detailed list of the best hotels in the emirate.
Side note: The most important hotel characteristic to keep in mind when looking for accommodation in Dubai is its proximity to a metro station. Dubai’s red line connects you to the city’s most notable landmarks — Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, etc. It’s hard to overstate how easier your navigating around would be if you choose a hotel that’s close to a metro station in Dubai.
Other detail to know is Dubai tourist tax — a fixed amount of money you’re expected to pay per room per night on top of the flat rate. The amount differs according to the hotel’s star rating — a room at a 1–2 star hotel will cost you an additional 7 AED ($1.9), while a suite at a five-star hotel will rob you of the extra 20 AED ($5.5) per night.
But back to the drawing board. For now, I will leave you with three of the lesser known picks that we’ve tried (all have great quality/price ratio):
- 4* Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites and Apartments (from $105 a night) — with Dubai Internet City metro station set five steps away from the hotel, Mercure’s location is the one to write home about. The clean understated rooms, a well-stocked fitness center, a year-round outdoor pool, and a famed restaurant — Mercure is a spot of respite in Dubai’s less-than burgeoning neighborhood.
- 4* Centro Sharjah by Rotana (from $120 a night) — best value for money business hotel set in the neighboring Sharjah. Staying here is a perfect opportunity to try out the famous Rotana treatment for a more affordable price — its Dubai siblings ask for more, but may as well deliver less — Centro Sharjah’s well-appointed suites and amenities widely stand out from the crowd. Our five-day stay here flew by in an instant — swimming in a temperature-controlled pool and having productive meetings at a fully equipped business center will do that to a traveler. One major drawback of the hotel is its location — though there are free transfers to Dubai Mall (and the nearest beach), the setting that is close to Sharjah International Airport and nothing else will rack up major transportation fees towards the end of your stay.
- 3* Beach Walk Boutique Jumeirah (from $150 per night) — with a direct beach access, this is as close to affordable beachfront resort as you will get in Dubai. The quaint setting in Umm Suqeim means peaceful and recharging stays; the iconic wide promenade is just minutes away from the hotel. The stylish rooms (think tall white ceilings with barn-like wood paneling and small oriental motifs scattered around) will be the perfect backdrop for your vacation.
In general, March prices for hotels in Dubai are not wallet-friendly. However, they are not as outrageous as the stays you book for December or April — that’s when the main money laundering happens! If you’re willing to make some concessions (forget about beachfront access or even choose to stay in Sharjah), then you can find the option that agrees with your Dubai travel budget.
Things to do in Dubai in March
Important: One thing that sets March 2026 in the UAE apart from the rest of the year is Ramadan — a particular period when capable Muslims are expected to abide by certain restrictions. The changes in the locals’ daily routine spill just a little bit over into the tourist industry:
- Opening hours of some establishments change during Ramadan — they open later in the day and operate well into the night.
- As a tourist, you do not have to comply with the restriction of alcohol consumption, as many venues (in Dubai particularly) that have a license (like hotels and restaurants) will continue serving alcohol to non-Muslims.
- It is, however, important to be mindful of those fasting — do not consume alcohol (or food) anywhere other than designated areas in public. If you got take out, eat in your car — purely out of respect for those who fast.
- Since Ramadan is all about the focus on spiritual renewal, immoral behavior is out of the question — expect your desert safari tours to be missing… belly dancing.
Ramadan dates change year-to-year — the beginning of the holy month is marked by a reliable crescent moon sighting (there are even moon-sighting committees, and in 2025 they used AI-powered drones to confirm the sight during cloudy weather conditions). In 2026, Ramadan should fall on the period between February 16th and March 18th.
Every time we come back to Dubai, the list of things to do and places to see here grows exponentially, and no matter how busy I make our itineraries, we never seem to have enough time to mark all the hits off the checklist.
Even if you only have one day in Dubai, you can make the most of it by hitting the top landmarks first. Create an itinerary according to your interests — whether you want to peruse the best Dubai beach clubs, learn more about the emirate’s history in the city’s many museums, look at the mesmerizing urban layout from a viewpoint (or two, for different angles), or lose time at a theme park with your little ones, — Dubai has got you covered.
There are, of course, plenty of organized tours and excursions that can make your stay in Dubai a much easier and even more exciting undertaking — more on them further down.
Here are Dubai tourist haunts I would start with:
📍Burj Khalifa (from $48) — the tallest building in the world is a good place to start your Dubai exploration with. This sky-piercing standalone structure looks like something straight from a movie about the future; your mind cannot comprehend this mammoth of a site fast enough, leaving you awe-struck for quite some time.
Going up to the 124 and 125 floors for the vertiginous panoramas of a dazzling Dubai skyline is worth every penny. Book the tickets online well in advance (I use Getyourguide), and shoot for earlier times, — that way, you’ll beat the crowds. Of course you do not have to go up to the viewpoint, especially if you’re terrified of heights. Standing close to this 828-meter behemoth is fun enough, add to that a water and light show of the new and improved Dubai Fountain in the evening (the fountain has reopened after a 5-month hiatus on October 1st, 2025) and you’ve got yourself memories to last a lifetime!
Side note: Splurge the extra $20 and watch the fountain show from the water — sailing on the traditional abra boat right underneath the towering Burj Khalifa is as thrilling as it sounds!
📍Dubai Mall — the largest shopping mall in Dubai is Burj Khalifa’s outstanding neighbor, making it an obvious next stop on your itinerary. Even if you decide to just take a peek inside to ogle at the luxury stores’ window displays, this cavernous building will take hours for you to find your way back out of. The mall doesn’t lack in entertainment either, and you can book a ticket to Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (a regular pass starts at $54 per person) in advance. If you’re planning on both popping into aquarium and climbing Burj Khalifa, you can make it cheaper with this option.
📍Dubai Frame (from $14) — a more humble way to both learn about the emirate’s past and watch the city’s layout from above. Though lacking the head-spinning heights (Dubai Frame’s deck is set at mere 150 meters against Burj Khalifa’s 456 meters), Dubai Frame remains one of my favorite Dubai viewpoints. There’s something endearing about the structure and the views it provides. The sight of the frame alone is worth the drive — a giant golden picture frame glistening in the sun is dreamy-like and almost out of focus as you approach it. On further investigation, the intricate adornments begin to stand out, making your outing an aesthetically pleasing one.
📍Museum of the Future (from $46) — next stop on your itinerary, the museum is set not too far from Dubai Frame, making the two locations into a great combo outing. As it is with most of Dubai attractions, the building of the museum itself is the main event — a unique shape that seemingly breaks the laws of architecture. The structure is adorned with calligraphy that praises both history and innovation. Inside, you will be taken on a ride into the future — a space station prototype, flying robots, the latest high-tech discoveries. Book your entry ticket at least a month in advance, as the museum has been at the top of every visitor’s itinerary ever since it opened.
📍Dubai Marina — an ultimate hub of high living and luxury in Dubai, this waterfront neighborhood is its own city within the emirate. With a golden sand beach, the unbeatable views of the Bluewaters Island with Ain Dubai — the world’s largest Ferris wheel as its calling card, and a treasure trove of eateries and other unique locations, Dubai Marina is the ultimate destination for a friendly rendezvous, a shopping outing, or a day spent sunbathing in Dubai in March.
As I’ve mentioned above, March temperatures in the UAE are highly compatible with being outside. If writing out your own itinerary sounds like an impossible undertaking, particularly in a new place with so many possible trip scenarios, then turn your attention to organized tours. And do not get the wrong impression — in the UAE, majority of tours do not evolve around boring historic destinations and nothing else; they are rather focused on new angles and adrenaline. Sounds intriguing?
Here are the tours I would take in Dubai in March 2026:
- Helicopter tour (from $195) — because in Dubai, it’s one of the cheapest when compared to other destinations worldwide! The best tour I’ve been on so far. It is a tiny step down from skydiving, fear-wise, but the experience will still make you goosepimply all over, in the best way! The opportunity to enjoy the emirate’s panoramas from this high up is worth every penny (you’ll catch glimpses of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa).
- Safari tour (from $30) — if you haven’t yet worked up the courage to “take to the skies”, then extreme activity that’s closer to the ground is your best bet. Becoming one with Dubai’s desertscape shouldn’t be as fun as it is — I’ve always considered the barren desert to be a boring destination. Not in Dubai though! Here, you will take part in dune bashing (getting thrown around the jeep that jumps over the dunes), sand surfing, and end your night with a dinner and a show.
- Dubai Marina speedboat tour (from $44) — you’ve got yourself a roster of activities that deal with air and “earth” (if you could call malleable desert sand that), now what about water? Admiring the new scenery from the water is one of my favorite ways to see unfamiliar places, add to that the option to do it on a speedboat — wind whipping through the hair, water splashes glistening in the sun — and you’ve got the recipe for the time of your life! The tour stops near Dubai’s iconic waterfront destinations — Atlantis, the Palm, Ain Dubai, Burj Al Arab, so you’re also learning something new and not just having a blast going full speed on the water.
- Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour from Dubai (from $110) — being this close to the capital and not paying it a visit is a bad call, it’s as simple as that. Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque is reason enough for a drive, add to that Etihad Towers, the Corniche, and the Louvre and you’ve got no excuses not to book the experience. With the arranged transfer and itinerary, exploring Abu Dhabi has never been easier than with an organized tour.
- Dubai sightseeing tour — you can never go wrong with a city sightseeing tour. That way, you’re not relying on your own scant knowledge of historic locations, but rather on the guide’s expertise. And Dubai’s guides will not disappoint you — if you book a walking tour of Dubai’s Old Town ($18 per person), with its museums, souks, and street food haunts, you will be dunked headfirst into the enchanting world of the emirate’s more authentic side. Of course, walking for prolonged periods of time may be too tiring for some travelers, so I encourage you to look into Dubai’s hop-on hop-off bus tours — this one comes with a traditional dhow cruise ride already included in the $69 price tag.
- Skydiving in Dubai (from $600) — the most invigorating and mind-altering experience you can have in Dubai. Plummeting to the ground at top speeds, with the emirate’s sky-kissing towers looking as small as normal buildings in the distance, desert aura all around, and wind and sun enveloping you whole, — skydiving in Dubai is an activity for fearless hard-core adventurers. Though pricy, the experience celebrates what Dubai is all about — taking bold risks and being rewarded with phenomenal results!
Is that everything? Not at all! These Dubai tours are just the tip of the iceberg — there are many more exciting activities for you to try during your stay in the emirate. To find the experience of your dreams, make sure to browse the offers of these two services:
They are reputable sources that often give you amazing discounts on activities in Dubai and beyond.
Is going to Dubai in March worth it? My list of pros and cons
Is March a good time to visit Dubai? Personally, I believe that it is. It’s not yet terribly hot (the heat will really ramp up in May), but it is still way warmer than the usual March temps in any country of the Northern Hemisphere. So if you cannot wait for sun to come to your home town and if the big winter SAD doesn’t yet want to depart, come to Dubai and warm your soul under a still pleasant desert sun.
Though there are some negative reviews about Dubai weather in March popping up here and there. The only bone of contention in this regard is people’s subjective perception of temperatures — some beachgoers expect the water to be warm milk-temp to swim in it comfortably, while others are fine with a refreshing dip.
They say that the weather in Dubai in March 2026 will not be that different from March 2025 — last year, there were a couple of light rains in the middle of the month, with the rest of the time being clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
To wrap up the topic, here’s my list of pros and cons of coming to Dubai in March. Think through all the points thoroughly before making your decision!
+ March temperatures allow you to spend lots of time outside — forget about being cooped up in air-conditioned malls, it’s time to flaunt your Sunday best on one of Dubai’s iconic promenades!
+ Prime time for tours and excursions — you can go on a desert safari without the fear of getting a heat stroke while petting the camels.
+ Great opportunities for a beach outing. The sunny days and reasonably high temperatures create the perfect setting for tanning and lounging about on the sand.
+ Since it’s not yet the “best” month for a trip to the UAE, there are fewer tourists around. Check out the popular attractions with smaller crowds to keep you company!
+ Though the prices for accommodation, transfer, and entertainment are on the steady rise from the short winter lull, the average costs are bearable. With a little effort, you can have an affordable vacation in Dubai in March!
— Water temps are not yet there, some people might find the water to be too cold for swimming comfortably.
— It can get windy; with slight haze, fog, and short dust storms making their appearance closer to the middle of the month. The wind itself is not cold though; it’s also not that strong. We wouldn’t worry about it!
— The holy month of Ramadan usually falls on March, which means different working hours in most of the establishments, particularly the ones that serve food. Book a hotel room with breakfast included, because during Ramadan most restaurants open well after lunch time.
