The Weather of Dubai in January
While the desert is too hot to be outdoors throughout the year, the winters in Dubai are the most pleasant time, when you can enjoy the cool weather without layering up and hiding indoors. The skies are clear and bright blue, and this is the perfect time for all sorts of outdoor activities- including but not limited to sightseeing, adventure sports, and desert safaris. While the days are sunny and bright, the nights are cooler, with occasional rain. This weather is perfect for putting on your exploring shoes and taking a stroll through the city, or grabbing a picnic basket and unwinding on the beach.
Average temperature: 19 °C (65 °F)
Average sea temperature: 20 °C (70 °F)
Average rainfall: 10 mm (0.4 inches), which usually falls on 1-6 days of the month
Average humidity: 43% to 91%
Things to do in Dubai in January
1. Dubai Shopping Festival
This is a month-long shoppers paradise, that is held every year in Dubai. In 2020 it will take place from December 26th to February 1st. The DSF is a city-wide event with shopping and entertainment options in multiple venues. This is the world’s largest shopping festivals, and there are more than a hundred brands participating this year. You can find the most exciting deals not just in terms of shopping, but also at restaurants and tourist attractions which are gearing up for the festival. The city is said to come together and twinkle during this time, and you will find breathtaking firework displays at various parts of town on Thursdays and Fridays. Finally, the Global Village in Dubai is the perfect place to head to with family and friends during this time, as it will have a total carnival atmosphere with all sorts of song and dance on the streets.
2. Desert Safari
In Dubai in January, the weather is perfect to go for a safari through the desert sands. The drive through the vast deserts in the cool weather, against a backdrop of the clear, blue skies, spending a night in the desert with music and food- it all spells adventure and romance. Head to the desert early in the morning to catch the sunrise, go on an exhilarating dune bashing ride on a safari jeep, or if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, go for a stroll through the desert on camel-back. For adventure buffs, there is sand skiing, quad biking, and hot-air ballooning. If you’re there with your family or friends, opt for an activity-filled night, with dancing and musical performances, complete with a bonfire and buffet dinner. If you’re there with your partner, go for a safari at night, and top it off with stargazing!
3. New Year in Dubai
If you happen to be in Dubai in January especially on New Year’s Eve, get ready for a magical night! The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, hosts a spectacle for its visitors on the eve of the new year, with the most breathtaking fireworks display. Get there early to make sure you get a spot! If you don’t get a spot you can also find other equally beautiful spots to catch these record-breaking fireworks, be it at Burj Al Arab beach, or on a yacht at the Dubai Waterfront. Dubai is also famous for its New Year's Eve parties, which you can take your pick from!
4. Street Shopping
Dubai in January is the perfect time to go beyond the glittering malls in the city and head to the street markets, to experience the true hustle and bustle of the city. The Meena Bazaar, originally called Cosmos Lane, is known to resemble the market of the same name in Delhi and offers a wide variety of Indian and Pakistani clothes and Jewellery. Dubai is most famous for its Deira Old Souq, which is a dense, winding market, full of shops selling fabrics, clothes, jewellery, and shoes at affordable prices. You can take a break from shopping at the many street food stalls in the market. Another place where you can get affordable clothes and shoes is the Karama Shopping Complex. There is also the Dragon Market, a dragon-shaped shopping complex with more than 4000 shops, selling furniture, electronics, toys, stationery, building material, and so on. For the cheapest electronics, you can also head to Al Fahidi Street, next to the Al Fahidi metro station.
Things to Know Before Visiting
- The weather in Dubai in January is pleasantly warm during the day, but you might want to carry a light shawl or sweater for the night time.
- You will also need the cover-ups in case you decide to go to an air-conditioned place or a religious monument.
- Make sure to carry an umbrella in case you catch the rain while you’re there.
- January is also the peak season for tourists visiting Dubai, so make sure to make your bookings in advance, not just for hotels but also for all the sought-after sight-seeing spots, such as the Burj Khalifa.
- If you’re planning to go to the beach, go in the afternoon because the water can tend to get too chilly in the mornings and in the evenings.