Dubai in January sparkles with Christmas lights and bursts at the seams with crowds of tourists. The chaos, naturally, is more prominent at the beginning of the month. Once the holiday rush ends, the UAE as a whole becomes a pleasant place for an affordable vacation.
Winters in Dubai are perfect in terms of weather, sea temperature, and prices, — and we say this with full confidence based on our own experience. If you’re visiting Dubai in January, this article will be a helpful guide to everything you need to know to make your trip a spectacular one.
Article contents
- What about the weather?
- Which emirate to choose for your trip?
- Possible travel expenses
- A short guide to Dubai’s neighborhoods
- Our Dubai hotel recommendations
- Things to do in the Emirates in January
- Is going to the UAE in January worth it?
Dubai weather in January
Let’s start with one of the most important matters — the weather conditions in Dubai in January. Based on last year stats (and the general yearly predictions), it gets to about +24°C (75°F) during the day, which is a very comfortable temperature for both enjoying the beach and exploring the city.
- You can even walk all the way from the metro station to Dubai Marina beach without breaking a sweat (a rare occurrence in Dubai, where you usually get absolutely soaked the second you step outside).
How hot is Dubai on a January night? It cools off to around +18°C (64°F) in the evenings. Generally, there are no significant temperature drops between day and night in the UAE in January. It is also mostly sunny: Even though it’s not the high season, you can expect clear skies for 27 out of 31 days.
This table of average air temperatures in the UAE resorts in January might be helpful when planning your vacation here:
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Emirate |
Average air temperature |
|
|
Day |
Night |
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|
Dubai |
+23,6°C / 74,5°F |
+20,2°C / 68,5°F |
|
Sharjah |
23,6°C / 74,5°F |
20,2°C / 68,5°F |
|
Ajman |
23,5°C / 74,3°F |
19,5°C / 67°F |
|
Ras Al Khaimah |
23,2°C / 74°F |
17,9°C / 64°F |
|
Abu Dhabi |
23,4°C / 74°F |
19,4°C / 67°F |
|
Fujairah |
22,5°C / 72,5°F |
17,9°C / 64°F |
Which emirate would be best in terms of the weather in January? In general, the difference between each emirate is not that grand. However, it is a bit hotter in Dubai and Sharjah, which can be explained by their denser urban planning. Fujairah is the coolest, but it is also situated on a different bay.
When we visited Dubai in January 2024, we were pleasantly surprised by cool mornings, hot days, and breezy evenings, — the weather was perfect, especially after our short stint in the hot and wet Indonesian climate. We’ll definitely come back to the UAE in January, although we’re looking at some other emirate for our base; at this point we know Dubai like the back of our hands, and we crave new landscapes and experiences!
- If we were to choose one reason for you to visit the UAE in January or February, it would be this: During this time, you’ll get enough sun, but not too much. This way, your tan will be perfect. Will you be able to swim in the sea though? There are some nuances to consider.
Can you swim in Dubai in January?
It seems to us that the sea in January is perfect for swimming. However, we realize that the fact is highly subjective: We personally love to shriek a little when getting into the water; the more refreshing — the better!
While the sea is not warm enough to stay in for hours, it is certainly pleasant for cooling off after a walk or some sunbathing. However, if you like your water to be at warm-milk temps (+25°C or higher), then you should consider another destination for your winter vacation or choose a hotel with a heated pool.
|
Emirate |
Average water temperature |
|
|
Start of January |
End of January |
|
|
Dubai |
+23,6°C/74,5°F |
+21,4°C / 70,5°F |
|
Sharjah |
23,6°C / 74,5°F |
21,5°C / 70,7°F |
|
Ajman |
23,8°C / 74,9°F |
21,6°C / 70,9°F |
|
Ras Al Khaimah |
24,3°C / 75,7°F |
22,6°C / 72,7°F |
|
Abu Dhabi |
22,1°C / 71,8°F |
20,7°C / 69°F |
|
Fujairah |
24,6°C / 76,3°F |
23,1°C / 73,6°F |
Even though Fujairah is the coolest destination of the Emirates (temperature-wise of course, as Dubai holds the fort as the coolest and the most sought-after emirate), the water temperature here is higher than anywhere else. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, loses in both races — it has the lowest sea and air temperatures in January; it’s a good thing though, as many travelers come here on day trips that focus more on culture and not beach outings. Interestingly, the sea temperature in early January in the UAE is higher than in late January: This is because the water warms up and cools down way slower than the air.
What to pack for January?
A pretty reasonable question that many tourists ask themselves while getting ready to visit Dubai in winter is what to wear here. Here is a simple list that would be more than enough (think of it as Joan Didion-esque packing index that you can add on to based on your itinerary):
- Swimsuits (duh, who comes to Dubai without a swimsuit);
- Shorts or skirts;
- T-shirts and light tops for your day walks;
- Light trousers and long-sleeve shirts (preferably linen or cotton) for general protection from the sun or for a desert safari (Bedouins are onto something with their head-to-toe coverage);
- A hoodie or a light jacket for a breezy night out.
When it comes to Dubai’s dress code, it has become more lenient in recent years. Even though it’s an Arabic country, it is common to see people wearing short tops and skirts when out and about. Still, it’s good to extend some basic courtesy and be decent enough (wear nothing too revealing, that is) in government and religious establishments.
One rule that you should 100% follow when in Dubai is being vary of the sun: Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and all things SPF. Trust us, you’ll enjoy your vacation much more if you don’t get a sunburn or a heatstroke!
Which emirate to choose for your trip?
Where to stay if you’re visiting the UAE in January? Here is a short rundown of the main resorts that are usually favored by tourists in winter:
Dubai
Dubai is the most obvious and enticing choice for your January getaway for two reasons — highly developed infrastructure and never-ending entertainment options.
Why do we personally love Dubai so much? The reasons are threefold:
✔️You can find a suitable hotel for any price and taste here — from the luxurious 5* Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah to the simple and reliable 3* Citymax Hotel by the metro.
✔️You also have a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. The choices are incredibly diverse: The classic beachy areas of Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah, the newer quarter of Bluewaters, the luxurious Downtown and Business Bay where you can marvel not only at stunning architecture, but also the latest Porsches and Ferraris, the historical, skyscraper-free Al Fahidi neighborhood, and more.
✔️You won’t find as many activities, beaches, restaurants, shops, markets, and museums in any other emirate. Because of this endless range, Dubai in January is perfect for everyone — couples, families, bachelors, and solo travelers.
Abu Dhabi
Even though Abu Dhabi lacks perfect weather conditions compared to other emirates, it is still the capital of the UAE, which implies certain high standards of leisure. People often compare Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and truth be told, the capital loses in terms of sheer variety of entertainment options that Dubai is so famous for; with few Abu Dhabi’s impressive resorts working overtime to make up for the discrepancy.
Abu Dhabi is particularly great for family vacations. It is a much more pedestrian-friendly emirate than Dubai: You can take an evening stroll or go on a short run whenever you get the chance in Abu Dhabi (Dubai could never, with all the viaducts and constant construction!).
Another wonderful aspect of the capital is the number of adventure parks that would impress not only kids but also adults. There is something here for every taste:
🔹Adventure-clad Ferrari World,
🔹The cartoon-themed Warner Bros.World (with rumors of a Harry Potter zone opening soon!),
🔹And the exciting water park Yas Waterworld.
All of these parks are situated on one island (Yas Island!), making them easily accessible, unlike in Dubai, where you often need to take taxis all over town in search of fun times.
The drawback of Abu Dhabi is its mediocre beaches, with the only exception being Saadiyat Island, which has quite a few great ones (with prices that reflect the quality). The difference between the well-maintained beaches of Dubai and the plain ones in Abu Dhabi is frequently noted in reviews.
Sharjah
This emirate is a great option if high prices discourage you from visiting the UAE in January. There is no real border between Dubai and Sharjah; Sahara Center Mall actually marks where one emirate ends and another begins. However, the difference between the two is palpable: Buildings in Sharjah are lower, the cafes and restaurants are simpler (and way more reasonably priced), and the beaches are bigger. However, the laws are more stringent, with alcohol being banned.
But do you really need alcohol when you can have a marvelous time at an all-inclusive (no alcohol) hotel on the beachfront for half the price of a similar hotel in Dubai? You can spend your time on day trips to the closest emirates, visiting Dubai whenever you want via a free hotel transfer (we have created a very thorough one-day itinerary for cases just like this). Staying at Sharjah proves to be a worthy endeavor if you love saving money and don’t mind prolonged travel times!
Ajman
Moving along the coast, Sharjah turns into Ajman. This emirate not that popular with globetrotters. In fact, we might have omitted it altogether if not for a conversation we once had with a traveler in Thailand. He told us that he loves Ajman with all his heart and for very convincing reasons: Here, you can have almost an entire beach to yourself, stay at a wonderful hotel without worrying about the price, and, unlike Sharjah, enjoy a variety of alcoholic drinks from local liquor stores.
If you’re searching for a beach vacation, Ajman is a fantastic choice. It doesn’t have much to offer besides soaking in that good Vitamin D from the sun and swimming in the sea — there are only a couple of malls, one museum, and a mosque. However, the prices are very reasonable, and that makes all the difference!
Fujairah
Fujairah is situated on the opposite side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman instead of the Persian Gulf. This is why the water temperature here is always warmer than in other emirates. Fujairah offers a unique and exciting hiking-worthy landscape, along with the clearest water and excellent conditions for snorkeling or diving. If any of these activities appeal to you, then Fujairah deserves serious consideration.
Ras Al Khaimah
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This emirate can be described as somewhat atypical. Unlike other emirates that either ban alcohol or sell it in designated shops, alcohol restrictions are unheard of in Ras Al Khaimah. The biggest advantage of Ras Al Khaimah is its affordability, especially compared to luxurious Dubai. If you’d like to save some money, this emirate is for you. Additionally, you’ll find virtually empty beaches and hotels, as few travelers decide to venture this far from the main UAE airports.
Which emirate is warmer in January?
As mentioned before, the difference in temperatures across the Emirates is minimal due to the short distances between them. However, the slightly variated temps can make or break your entire experience, so choose wisely:
- Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah are more suitable for those who prefer warm sea.
- Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah are cooler and more pleasant for long walks.
Travel expenses for your January trip to the UAE
The period from the end of December to the beginning of January is definitely a high season in Dubai. If spending New Year’s Eve in the UAE is not at the top of your bucket list, we advise you plan your vacation closer to the second half of January, when the holiday rush subsides. This way, you’ll still get to enjoy some winter festivities, but you’ll also save a significant amount of money.
How to get to the UAE in January?
Dubai is a popular destination worldwide, so finding an airplane ticket is not a problem. However, not overpaying for your flight can be a challenge. To secure the best price, we recommend scouting out several aggregators (we love using Kiwi.com) and double-checking the prices on the airlines’ websites as well. Here are some estimates of what your plane ticket might cost:
- A round-trip from NYC will cost one person approximately $1,500. But if you don’t mind layovers, you can find deals for as low as $1,000.
- Flights from Europe (Paris, in particular) are twice as cheap: $800 for a direct round-trip and $500 with a stopover.
Where to stay in the UAE in January?
We have mentioned before that some of the emirates are more budget-friendly than others which usually has to do with the good old demand-supply model. The less touristy the emirate is, the greater deals you can get. Here is a comparative table with the average prices of accommodation in the Emirates that might help you make a wiser choice.
The prices mentioned here are for a 1-night two-person stay, and these are rough estimates.
| Emirate | 3-star hotel | 4-star hotel | 5-star hotel |
| Dubai | $100 | $150 | $400 |
| Sharjah | $75 | $120 | $250 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | $80 | $130 | $300 |
| Abu Dhabi | $120 | $180 | $400 |
| Fujairah | $80 | $130 | $250 |
Side note: If you’d like to get more serious about budgeting your winter vacation in Dubai, check out our article dedicated to prices in Dubai.
A short guide to Dubai’s neighborhoods
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If your pick fell on Dubai, you have to keep in mind that the emirate is an entire world in and of itself. So, naturally, your vacation experience would differ according to the area you choose to stay in. Here is a short intro to the seven most suitable neighborhoods for tourists (and if you’d like to know more, we have a full article dedicated to this topic).
- Downtown Dubai — the very heart of the city features most of the architectural wonders and tourist attractions. We wouldn’t recommend staying here for two reasons: The prices are truly outrageous — not just for accommodation, but also for food and drinks. Additionally, the city center isn’t ideal for a beach vacation. It takes effort to get to the beach areas from here. It seems wise to stay Downtown only if you plan to shop extensively and dine at luxurious restaurants throughout your entire stay.
- Dubai Marina — unlike Downtown, this is a perfect area for those hoping to enjoy the beach and the sea. Another great feature of Dubai Marina is its smart urban landscape. The neighborhood has everything from malls to a variety of entertainment options. You don’t even have to leave the area to check all the boxes on your vacation must-do list.
- Palm Jumeirah — this is the luxurious part of the city with grand and expensive hotels, posh and elegant dining options within those hotels, and no public transport. If you’re looking for a secluded vacation and do not need to watch your spending, Palm Jumeirah will work perfectly. And you do not need to worry about the level of service here — it is splendid by default.
- Umm Suqeim — we discovered this neighborhood by pure chance, but now we dare to call it the best area for beach vacations. The reason is rather simple: Umm Suqeim’s biggest attraction is its long beach line with bike lanes and great infrastructure, including free showers and changing rooms. The only real issue with this neighborhood is its remoteness from the metro line. But this also means fewer tourists and more space.
- Deira — this is probably the most budget-friendly option in Dubai. Other advantages of staying here are its closeness to the airport, well-connectedness to the rest of the city, and two decent beaches. The drawbacks are present but manageable: Deira is quite dirty (with lots of trash everywhere) and noisy (or authentic, it all depends on your perspective!).
- Bur Dubai — this neighborhood once used to be the center of Dubai. This is why it has a number of real attractions that are worth your time — for example, Dubai Frame, one of the coolest structures we ever laid our eyes on. The neighborhood is quite cheap and pleasant, but if you’re aiming for some luxury, it’s not for you.
- Al Barsha — this seems like a perfect match for those who want to be close to the heart of the city but are not ready to overpay. The neighborhood itself doesn’t really have much to offer, but most of the hotels have free transfers to the beach, and the metro line is right around the corner.
Our best Dubai hotel recommendations
To tell you the truth, the hotel industry in the UAE is so advanced that most of the time you can’t choose wrong. So treat the list presented here as a sort of personalized guide featuring the hotels that we believe offer the best value for money (plus a couple of the more outlandish options that clawed their way into the list, just for the fun of it):
- 4* Al Seef Heritage Hotel (Al Fahidi; from $160 per night) — a great choice for those tired of skyscrapers and all the poshness that is synonymous with Dubai. This heritage hotel is perfect for getting the vibe of the real Arab Emirates. Imagine the everyday scene that surrounds a wealthy sheikh: Stone walls, wood accents, and Eastern ornaments prevail in the interior, and outside the window — a busy bazaar. That’s what you get while staying at this hotel. The bazaar is amazing: We’ve spent hours exploring and enjoying every nook and cranny of it. Another advantage of Al Seef is that the embankment is just minutes away, and for 2 AED ($0.50) you can take a boat to other less popular spice markets.
- 5* Atlantis The Palm (Palm Jumeirah; from $750 per night) — it’s not always the case that a hotel becomes an actual destination, but Atlantis is that exception. It now has a rival with the opening of Atlantis The Royal, but The Royal is still relatively new and doesn’t have as many loyal admirers yet. Besides outstanding reviews, The Palm also has a fantastic water park and a great beach.
- 5* Atlantis The Royal (Palm Jumeirah; from $1000 a night) — the hotel that made worldwide headlines by inviting the one and only Beyoncé (!!!) to perform at its grand opening. The hotel maintains high standards, with fantastic service, luxurious rooms that will please even the most discerning guests, and diverse entertainment options including a water park and an aquarium.
- 4* Centara Mirage Beach (Dubai Islands; from $200 per night) — the best way to sell you on the idea of this hotel is to mention that it’s set only 100 meters away from the beach. Back in the 2010s, some artificial islands were created in the Deira district with plans to build another Palm in Dubai. But something went wrong, and the project was suspended. This hotel is one of the first to reopen after the large-scale initiative resumed in 2020. The location is promising, but for now, there’s no infrastructure apart from the beach, hence the attractive price for a great — and new — family hotel with a water park and a heated pool.
- 3* Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park (Dubai Investments Park; from $70 per night) — a small, budget-friendly option that is not far from the EXPO 2020 complex. It doesn’t really stand out among other offers, but we stayed here in September and can personally vouch for it. Here’s what’s great about this hotel: A metro station is a minute’s walk away (and the train arrives empty, which is unheard of for Dubai), it’s six stops (or 15 minutes) to Dubai Marina, and it has a heated rooftop pool in case the sea temperatures in January don’t sit right with you.
- 4* Aloft Palm Jumeirah (Palm Jumeirah; from $220 a night) — a 4-star hotel situated on the beachfront. Its somewhat remote location is counterbalanced by free shuttles to various Dubai malls. It also offers a wide range of entertainment from bowling to foosball. And the sea here is clean and pleasant to swim in (especially when compared to that of hotels set on the inner branches of the Palm).
- 4* Marina Byblos (Dubai Marina; from $230 per night) — a wonderful choice for first-timers — it has a prime location at an acceptable price. The hotel itself is not without its flaws, but given the beauty and accessibility of the Dubai Marina promenade, the hotel’s drawbacks can be overlooked.
- 4* Ink Hotel (Bur Dubai; from $140 a night) — a good and simple hotel with a ton of positive reviews. It has everything one might need: An outdoor pool, pleasant views, and a terrace. All the works!
An important disclaimer! There is a mandatory tourist tax that you have to pay upon check-in in the UAE.
5-star hotels — 20 AED ($5.50) per day
4-star hotels — 15 AED ($4) per day
2 or 3-star hotels —10 AED ($2.70) per day
The tax is calculated per room, not per number of guests. So, if a family of four is staying in one room in a 4-star hotel for a week, they’ll pay 15×7 = 105 AED ($30). The tax can be paid with a credit card or in cash with dirhams.
Things to do in Dubai in January
If you plan to ring in the New Year in Dubai, there are several things to keep in mind:
➕The biggest advantage is the chance to witness Dubai’s fireworks, which regularly make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. It is definitely something to experience at least once in your lifetime!
➖The biggest disadvantage is the cost of celebrating. Even though January is not the peak season in the UAE, during the holiday rush the costs are quite similar. And we’re not just talking about accommodation or flight tickets. For example, booking a table for New Year’s Eve at a restaurant might cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000. It is possible to enjoy the festivities without paying too much, but that requires some extra planning — so take it seriously!
But what is left of Dubai’s New Year aftermath for late January visitors? Here is what to expect based on our last year experience:
- The Christmas market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah usually keeps the lights and decorations in place until January 7.
- The market by the Museum of the Future runs until January 4.
- Winter Garden in Al Habtoor City is open until January 31, but considering that all other markets close in early January, this one will likely only have food stalls, workshops for children, and other entertainment without the Christmas tree.
Generally, we would divide vacation in Dubai into five categories: Active holiday, beach leisure, educational and gastronomic activities, and shopping & strolling. Let us tell you a bit about each of these categories, which could and should be combined during your holiday.
Shopping & strolling
It includes wandering around all of Dubai’s main promenades and city squares (how wonderful that the weather is perfect for that!), visiting the three largest malls — Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City, and Mall of the Emirates — as well as exploring the gold, spice, and perfume souks.
Side note: Mark your calendars for December 13th, 2024 — January 19th, 2025. During these dates, the Dubai Shopping Festival will take place. It’s a haven for shopaholics that comes clad with amazing deals and fantastic sales.
Another essential addition to this category is visiting attractions. This includes the observation decks at Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and The View at the Palm — find out more about the differences between these viewpoints. Explore the modern Bluewaters district and stroll along the wide promenade at Kite Beach. Don’t forget to catch the free dancing fountain show at Burj Khalifa. These are essential highlights for any must-do list in Dubai in January.
Educational activities
These in Dubai definitely include exploring the historic Al Fahidi district and taking a ride on a traditional abra boat, discovering the gallery district with its Los Angeles vibes at Alserkal Avenue, and visiting the renowned Museum of the Future and Al Shindagha Museum.
Active holiday
For that we always recommend going on a desert safari, watching camel races, and taking a trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Mosque or visit the Louvre Museum.
Also don’t miss out on helicopter rides and boat trips around Dubai Marina for the chance to admire and appreciate the beauty of Dubai from different angles.
Beach leisure
In Dubai, it is pretty straightforward: Swimming in the Persian Gulf or the hotel pool, sunbathing, and repeating it all over again is a standard activity when in the Emirates. Among Dubai’s free and decent beaches, we recommend Dubai Marina Beach, La Mer Beach, Kite Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach. As mentioned earlier, the low season in the UAE is not a reason to leave your swimsuit at home.
And finally, our favorite category — gastronomic adventures!
According to our calculations, it’s the category that tends to be the most expensive during a vacation. Oh well, it’s not like anyone can say no to a yummy meal, no matter how much it costs! If you don’t look for inexpensive places specifically, the average price for a main dish in Dubai is about 50–80 AED ($14–$22).
Which spots are definitely worth a gander when you’re in Dubai? Here are some of our favorites:
- Afghan Palace (near Dubai Marina) — Afghan cuisine and affordable lunches (we would fly to Dubai just for their chicken pulao)
- Operation Falafel (Dubai Marina) — cheap and tasty wraps
- The Byron Bathers Club (Palm Jumeirah) — a good beach club with a top-notch bar
- Wild & the Moon (a chain throughout the city) — brunches, avocado, smoothies, and other healthy options.
Is going to the UAE in January worth it? Our review
Is January a good time to visit Dubai and other Emirates? Based on tourist reviews and our own experiences, we would claim that visiting Dubai in January is 100% percent worth it.
If you decide to ring in the New Year here, you will get all the perks of celebrating the holiday in a unique setting. Arriving later on in the month? Still, you can at least witness some leftover lavish city decorations. In fact, Dubai has long been praised for the sheer scope and richness of its Christmas decorations. All shopping malls here use their stunning December and January decor to fight for the visitors’ attention (it’s not all deals and sales, sometimes the key is a wonderfully put together store window!).
The main activities that tourists dedicate most of their vacation to in the UAE in winter are swimming, shopping at numerous malls, evening walks, and daytime excursions.
Final thoughts
Let’s summarize all of the points we’ve mentioned above and highlight the pros and cons of a trip to the UAE in January 2025.
Pros:
+ an unusual way to celebrate New Year’s or spend the holiday season
+ lower prices in the second half of January compared to peak months in autumn/spring
+ opportunity to see Christmas and New Year markets and decorations, with discounts and sales flowing well into late January
+ absence of scorching heat while still relatively pleasurable water temps
+ the low season is nice as there are no crowds on the streets and in shopping centers, and no lines at museums and viewpoints
Cons:
— for travelers sensitive to the cold, mornings and evenings in the UAE may be a tad uncomfortable, but this can be resolved by putting on some extra layers
— not everyone may be able to swim for long in the winter sea, but almost all hotels have heated pools
— prices may be inflated due to the mass arrival of tourists in Dubai in January during the New Year holidays.
If the disadvantages still outweigh all the pros of coming to Dubai in January, read our article on the best time to visit Dubai to choose the month that works better for you.
Still have questions regarding traveling to Dubai in January? Leave them in the comments down below!
