Planning a trip to Dubai but not sure when is the best time of year to go?
You might wonder if March is a good time to visit this stunning city in the UAE, considering it is springtime in the northern hemisphere. Will it be too hot or too cold, and will the weather make visiting unpleasant?
March may not be the best time to visit Dubai for some tourists. March is the peak season to visit Dubai as the weather conditions are favorable, and the average daytime temperate is around 82°F.
This makes travel to and accommodation in Dubai more expensive, and there will be more crowding.
Dubai is known for luxury tourism and shopping year-round, though it has seasons when it is more pleasant to visit.
Because Dubai has a desert climate, most visitors prefer to go on vacation there when the weather is a little cooler. Those cooler months will also attract more crowds, however.
Is Dubai Worth Visiting In March?
The best time suggested to visit Dubai is usually from November to March. This season is when Dubai gets most of its annual rainfall, and visiting the attractions Dubai has to offer is at its most appealing.
After this, the summer temperatures can get very high, which is perfect for sun-seekers.
Thankfully, no matter the season, Dubai’s many shops and tourist facilities are all air-conditioned, so if you prefer indoor excursions and shopping, you won’t have to worry too much about the heat year round.
March is at the tail-end of the rainy season, but the full humidity of summer hasn’t struck.
Is Dubai Very Hot In March?
As summer approaches, Dubai is getting hotter in March as the temperatures creep up. The heat is still at bearable levels, and while it is humid, there is a chance of rain which helps alleviate this.
You can expect an average high March temperature of 28 Celsius – approximately 82 Fahrenheit, and the average low is 18.3°C (64.9 °F). However, Dubai is situated in a desert, and you should expect temperatures to spike due to the climate.
The highest recorded March temperature in Dubai was 41.3 °C (106.3 °F), and the lowest recorded was 11°C (51.8 °F). The weather is most comfortable in the early morning, to warm in the afternoon, with the temperature beginning to taper off around 10 pm.
With this in mind, you can count on an average mean temperature of around 23.6°C (74.5 °F), a relatively pleasant warm temperature for most international travelers.
Although the humidity in March is around 52%, Dubai usually gets almost six days of rain during this month. After March, you can expect the rainfall levels to drop off rapidly.
Can You Swim In Dubai In March?
Because of the climate, you can swim all year round in Dubai, though it does get a little cooler in January.
Visitors often consider March one of the perfect months to go swimming in Dubai, as the average sea temperature in that month is about 23.1°C (73.6 °F).
It’s usually clear and sunny in March, making beach days a pleasure. Although you will get a few days of rain, there is not much rain, and the average rainfall is 0.5inches.
You’ll get about 12 hours of sun during March, giving you plenty of time to hit the beach. Dubai has several Blue Flag beaches that are well worth visiting.
Although the city was originally made famous as a tourist destination for its dazzling skyscrapers and fantastic shopping, more people are headed there to soak up the sun on its gorgeous beaches.
Beaches To Visit In Dubai In March
Some of our favorite beaches to hit include Jumeirah Public Beach, a free beach and one of Dubai’s few public beaches open to sunseekers from the city.
The water is rather warm, so perfect for swimming, though unlikely to help you cool down. Spend a few hours sunbathing on the sands at Jumeirah beach, in the neighborhood often called Dubai’s ‘Beverly Hills’.
Initially only a residential area, it is home to several cafés, a running track, and a boardwalk. Be sure to pack your sunscreen and bring some bottled water when visiting!
If you’re looking for another free beach to head to and are keen to try watersports like kitesurfing, head to the appropriately named Kite Beach and try a kitesurfing course.
With pure white sands and a host of VIP options to hire, like loungers, umbrellas, and towels, it’s a great beach for families. Grab Emirati fast food, international street food, juice, or your favorite ice cream at one of the many food stands.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach, you’ll likely have to head to one of the private beaches, such as the stunning Ghantoot Beach, located just outside of Dubai.
Managed by the Golden Tulip Hotel, this beach is popular for beach BBQs and parties but is quieter during the week. Access 30AED/$8
Is It Expensive To Go To Dubai In March?
Thanks to the comfortable weather as the season turns, March is considered one of the better months to visit Dubai. This will make it more expensive and crowded than in February or September, with higher prices on the beach cafes.
Dubai is not a cheap destination, and flights and accommodation will still be fairly pricey in March, but far less so than in July or December.
While Dubai has some of the most expensive hotels in the world, there are also budget options, so it’s possible to go in March and keep your costs down with careful planning.
The cheapest times to fly to Dubai and stay in a hotel are from early January to late March and late August to Early December, so by traveling in March, you can still get a few good deals on your flight and accommodation.
The average cost to visit Dubai for a week can range from as low as $861 to $2,286, so with careful choices such as booking economy flights, keeping daily expenses down, and staying in 2-3 star hotels
Tips To Keep Costs Down In Dubai In March
Use sites like Booking.com to compare hotel prices. While Dubai is known for its expensive hotels, there are also cheaper alternatives like guesthouses and self-catering apartments.
You can also use Airbnb to find rooms and guesthouses to stay in. Avoid spending money in hotel restaurants, and head to the city to find cheaper eateries such as Allo Beirut, Boston Lane, or Little Bali.
Use public transport in Dubai to save travel costs. If you’re going to stay a while and plan on using public transport like the Dubai Metro often, opt for a Nol card.
You can’t use cash to travel on buses and metros in Dubai, so getting a card such as the Red Nol or Silver Nol is a must.
How Will Ramadan Affect My March Trip To Dubai?
Ramadan is an extremely holy time of the year in Islamic culture and falls on the ninth month of the lunar calendar; Muslims all over the world spend this time fasting, praying, and reflecting.
Muslims in Dubai will fast from sunrise to sunset, which can affect meals during the day. Some employers will observe shorter working hours, while others will be eager to get extra sales and work during this quiet month.
When planning your trip to Dubai, check if Ramadan falls over your vacation period. For example, in 2023, Ramadan will begin on March 22 and last til April 21.
As a tourist, no one in Dubai expects you to participate in Ramadan, but you should show respect for those who are.
It is unacceptable, for example, to walk around eating food and drinking in public during the day of Ramadan. You can be fined for doing so, though this rarely happens.
Previously, restaurants which catered to tourists and were open during the day had to blackout their windows and screen the eating areas, but this is likely to have changed by 2023.
Some tourists have found they can get good deals on ticket prices and events with Ramadan offers, so this may be an incentive to travel then.
Guidelines For Non-Muslim Tourists During Ramadan
If your March vacation in Dubai extends into Ramadan, here are the guidelines you must observe.
- Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat or drink in public during fasting hours
- Do not act in an aggressive manner
- When in public, do not dance or play music (headphones are permitted)
- Wear appropriate clothing that covers your body, like long pants and maxi dresses
- Swearing is considered extremely offensive during the holy month, so avoid doing so
- Don’t refuse a gift or an invitation to join an iftar (sundown feast to break the fast)
What’s On In Dubai In March?
March is an excellent time to visit Dubai for cultural events, and there are many arts, food, literature, and music festivals. Check out VisitDubai.com to see what events are happening during your stay.
Art Festivals
Dubai’s international art fair, Art Dubai, takes place every year in March and boasts an array of international and local artists, showcasing a global look at art.
World Art Dubai is also great for collectors to pick up affordable art from up-and-coming talent.
Food Festivals
Foodies will love to head to Taste of Dubai to see the best of Dubai’s exciting gastronomic offerings. Local and international chefs will prepare their best dishes at this annual food fair, usually in February or March.
Head to a hands-on cooking masterclass, sample the food and drink, and catch international music from DJs to jazz bands.
Literature Festivals
While the date is subject to change annually, the Emirates Literature Festival sometimes occurs in March, and if you’re an avid reader, this is one not to miss.
Local and international writers gather to share their work, and the festival offers events for adults and children.
With a program packed full of writers in panel discussions, workshops, poetry readings, and writing masterclasses, it offers something for readers and writers alike.
Music And Entertainment
The Coca-Cola Arena and Dubai Opera House host performers throughout March, and you can see what’s on and catch live local and international performers at their venues.
Things To Do
Many tourist and family attractions are still open in Dubai during March, so you will have plenty to do and see. Attractions to add to your list include:
- Visit the world’s tallest building — The Burj Khalifa. Grab an unbelievable view from the deck, with cheaper tickets available during non-prime hours (morning and evening). Cost 135 AED-210 AED ($37-$57)
- An evening Dhow Cruise on a wooden dhow to enjoy the views of Dubai’s skyline from Dubai Creek. Expect to pay 55-118 AED ($15-$32)
- Experience unique family entertainment at the Dubai Dolphinarium, and watch the seal and dolphin shows. Prices vary but expect to pay 115 AED ($31) for adults and 50 AED ($14) for children.