Visiting Dubai, the jewel of the Middle East, is an unforgettable experience, so it’s no wonder this bucket-list destination attracts more than 15 million visitors yearly!
Although, it’s essential to consider the timing of your visit, as July is a sweltering summer month in Dubai.
July is an excellent time to visit Dubai as there are fewer tourists, short queues at major attractions, and budget-friendly off-season prices.
However, with daily highs of up to 122 Fahrenheit and limited rainfall, the unrelenting heat can be unbearable and potentially dangerous for vulnerable tourists.
If you are still planning on visiting Dubai in July, it’s essential to address the obvious, the heat! However, should you enjoy sizzling hot summers, refreshing dips in the ocean, and fabulous bargains visiting Dubai during this time is ideal!
July Weather In Dubai
If you know anything about Dubai, you’ll know that once summer hits, which peaks around June to August, the air temperature becomes sweltering, with average maximum and minimum temperatures ranging from 104 F to 84 F, respectively.
Even though Dubai is located in desert terrain, humidity is typically relatively high during July, with daily average levels around an uncomfortably sticky 51%.
In addition, the lack of cloud cover and meager bursts of wind will surely make you uncomfortable if you spend your July in Dubai unprepared!
This is accompanied by an apparent lack of rainfall of only 10mm per month, making venturing outside in Dubai during July a potentially dangerous endeavor whereby you can suffer from a range of symptoms associated with too much sun exposure, including dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke.
So, if you’re still set on visiting during the hottest month of the year, dress wisely and pack the right items.
Wear flowy clothing items made out of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics such as linen and cotton, and be sure to bring water and hats along. Remember to lather on sunscreen!
However, with the cons come the pros! During July, the sea temperature can reach a balmy 90F which is great for paying a visit to one of Dubai’s many beaches for a quick cool-off!
In addition, with over 12 hours of daylight, you can escape the blistering heat in Dubai’s many air-conditioned malls and indoor activities.
Best Places To Visit During July In Dubai
Even though the extreme weather conditions can seem like a bit of a bummer if you were expecting to spend most of your time in Dubai outdoors, it’s actually a blessing in disguise!
Not only will you get to experience Dubai’s niche of activities performed inside, but you can also explore massive shopping centers!
In Dubai, you can literally do anything indoors that you can think of, including scuba diving at Deep Dive Dubai, race driving at the Dubai autodrome, and visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Ironically, you can also visit the Ice Lounge, where you can beat the heat and sip on some hot drinks!
Some other great ways to cool down during July include visiting Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort complete with penguin sculptures and snowboarding.
You can also put on your swimming costume, slather on plenty of sunscreen and visit the Aquaventure Waterpark, home to tons of slides and synthetic beaches.
If shopping is more up to your speed, you can also visit the world-famous Dubai Mall, which hosts designer stores such as Prada, Burberry, Elie Saab, Hugo Boss, Givenchy, and Chanel.
Also, be sure to watch out for the frequent exhibitions, which consist of work from local and international artists!
Top Dubai Events In July
Another great reason to visit Dubai in July is to attend one of its major annual events, like the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival, especially if you need a little retail therapy.
In addition, this summer festival is the best time to go bargain hunting in Dubai, so you can literally shop till you drop!
The Dubai Summer Surprises Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year as they offer significant discounts and fantastic deals for a wide range of things like hotel packages, top attractions, fine dining, you name it.
Attending the incredible Eid Al Adha Festival (Festival of Sacrifice) in Dubai City is another excellent reason to travel to Dubai in July, as it marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
And it’s a truly special time, as the malls are full of attractions, cultural events, and bargain basement deals.
The Benefits Of Visiting Dubai In July
July is an excellent time to explore Dubai as there are smaller crowds, and you won’t have to wait in ridiculously long queues at public attractions.
It will also prevent you from feeling suffocated and overwhelmed by the enormous crowds typically present in the cooler months of December until February.
As a result of reduced tourists, you’ll likely see that you end up spending less on hotel stays, activities, airfare, and restaurant-going.
Traveling within Dubai in July is also more convenient and quicker with less traffic. Consequentially, this is usually accompanied by lower taxi prices and Ubers.
The off-season of July also has the unforeseen positive consequence of tourists being less likely to be pick-pocketed. The smaller crowds provide fewer targets and, therefore, less distraction.
However, it’s still advisable to always keep your guard up when you’re strolling through busier areas!
If you manage the heat during the day, visiting during July in Dubai is still worth it since you can explore Dubai’s abundance of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants into the wee hours of the night!
Catching a glimpse of the Burj Khalifa lit up at night is also another great activity you can do!
Visiting Dubai In July: Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks if you are planning on visiting Dubai in July and you really want to make the most of your vacation:
- Plan activities and excursions for the evenings when it has cooled down.
- Petty crimes are not uncommon, so keep an eye on your belongings even in off-season periods.
- Some tourist attractions don’t have pedestrian crossings or sidewalks, so be careful when you are crossing a busy intersection.
- Travel with a sun hat and an umbrella to shield you from the harsh Gulf sun.
- Top attractions like the Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa are top-rated, even in the offseason. So, purchase your tickets well in advance to avoid standing in long queues, and have a great time!