Dubai is situated in the Arabian Desert right near the Tropic of Cancer and, therefore, has a very hot, arid climate. Temperatures in Dubai regularly get above 115 degrees F! This has a significant impact on the amount of rainfall that this desert city receives. It does not often rain in Dubai.
Rainfall in Dubai is highly seasonal. Rain mainly falls during the winter months between November and March. On average, rain only falls in Dubai for 25 days of the year, but this is highly variable. In 2018 it only rained on 14 days of the year, while in 2019, it rained on 38 days of the year.
It is best to go on holiday in Dubai during the winter (especially if you are interested in enjoying outdoor activities), even though this is the rainy season. Temperatures are much lower between October and April, and the big thunderstorms that fall over the city are quite something to experience!
How Often Does It Rain In Dubai?
Rainfall in Dubai is very infrequent. On average, it rained 25 days per year between 2005 and 2020. This means that rain only falls for 6% of the days in a year! The highest number of days with rainfall recorded in this time was in 2019, when it rained for 38 days in the year.
Between May and October, the summer months, it almost never rains in Dubai. The average number of days with precipitation during this period is less than 1.
Dubai gets most of its rain during the winter, from November to March. Even during the “rainy” season, rain does not fall very often. November has an average of 1.3 rainy days, and December has an average of 3.8 rainy days.
The rainiest time of the year in Dubai is from January to March. There are on average 5.5 rainy days in January, 4.7 rainy days in February, and in March (the rainiest month), there are on average 5.8 rainy days.
What Is Dubai’s Climate?
Dubai’s climate is typical of a desert. It is very hot and dry. Compared to other cities in the Gulf, like Riyadh and Kuwait City, Dubai has a slightly milder climate.
Because Dubai is so close to the Tropic of Cancer, the city does not have four seasons but two – summer and winter. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100 to 115 degrees F.
Dubai is a coastal city, so it has high humidity levels, especially during the summer months. Summer in Dubai is also very windy, and because there is so little precipitation, there are frequent sandstorms.
Unless you really enjoy blistering heat, humidity, and dust clouds, it is wise to avoid visiting Dubai for a summer holiday! Winter is the most agreeable season to visit this fascinating global city.
The climate during winter, from the end of October until early April, is much milder and more pleasant for spending time outdoors. The average daytime temperature on winter days is 72 degrees F, and at night it drops to a balmy 54 degrees F.
During the winter, Dubai’s humidity levels are much lower. There are big thunderstorms in Dubai during winter. They come with strong winds and cooler temperatures, but despite this, it is still the best time for a holiday!
Artificial Rainstorms In Dubai
Climate change is causing rainfall in Dubai to become more and more unpredictable and unreliable, and temperatures are rising higher than they have ever been. In July 2019, a record high of 120 degrees F was recorded!
These extreme weather patterns and the ever-sinking water table have spurred scientists in the United Arab Emirates to develop ways to manipulate the weather and create artificial rainfall to ensure the country’s water security. This is known as cloud seeding.
Cloud seeding is not a brand-new technology. During the 60s and 70s, the United States government funded several research projects to develop an effective method of cloud seeding.
Dry ice, silver iodide, potassium iodide, liquid propane, or table salt was released into the air above clouds using an airplane or ground-based dispersion devices. The particles created nuclei around which raindrops could condense, enhancing rainfall.
The problem with these methods is that releasing these substances into the atmosphere has potentially negative environmental impacts. In 2021, scientists in the UAE developed a new cloud seeding method that is much less risky for the environment.
It involves using drones to fly at low altitudes, delivering an electric charge to molecules in the air, and creating big, heavy raindrops. In hot climates, small raindrops evaporate long before they hit the ground, so drops need to be as large as possible.
This method of cloud seeding has proved very effective. In July 2021, huge rainstorms were created over several regions of the UAE. In the future, this may be an important way for Dubai and other cities in the UAE to make it rain more frequently.
Dubai’s Average Annual Rainfall Volume
Rainfall in the UAE and specifically in Dubai is inconsistent. The UAE averages anywhere between 140-200 mm (5.5-7.8 in.) of rainfall per year. Mountainous regions in the UAE understandably experience double this volume of rain per year.
For Dubai (where precipitation is poor), annual rainfall averages about 95 mm (3.7 in.) per year. Most of the Dubai Emirate’s annual rainfall occurs between December and April.
Does It Ever Snow In Dubai?
Dubai’s average winter temperatures, which range from 75 to 57 degrees F, are a little too high for snow to fall. But that is not to say that it never snows in Dubai!
While snowfalls are extremely infrequent, they do occur. The higher-altitude, mountainous areas of Dubai, like Jebel Jais, do experience snow when temperatures drop below freezing.
Instead of snow, Dubai often receives hailstorms during winter. Sharjah and Jumeirah are two areas where hail frequently falls.
Conclusion
Being a country in the middle of the Arabian Desert, rain does not frequently fall in Dubai. When it does rain, it is generally during the wintertime, between November and March. Rain comes in the form of large storms and is accompanied by strong winds, cool temperatures, and sometimes hail.
If you want the most from your holiday in Dubai and experience lots of outdoor activities, it is best to visit during winter, even though it is the rainiest time of the year. If is extremely unlikely that it will rain every day that you are there, and the cooler daytime temperatures and lower humidity will make your stay much more pleasant.