Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in January
January enjoys the mildest weather of the year making is a popular time of year to visit Dubai and enjoy its many outdoor events and natural highlights.
The first week after the new year is quite busy, but you will find for the rest of the month, there are fewer crowds than you’d ordinarily experience in Dubai in December making it the ideal time to visit.
The weather is on the cool side for water-based activities – some water parks may close late in the month for annual renovations – but there are still plenty of things to enjoy around the city and beyond without the stifling heat of the hotter summer months.
Further Reading: The best times to visit Dubai
Dubai weather in January
Dubai’s average day time maximum temperature in January is 24.2 (76F), with highs as much as 31.8c (89F) and overnight lows averaging 14.6c (58F).
In January, you should expect sea temperatures on average of 23.9c (75F). Maximum sea temperatures are expected of 25.9c (77F) through to a minimum 22c (73F).
Both rain and fog can commonly occur in January. There is little you can do to prepare for them but if it rains, seek cover fast as it can pour hard and fast, but tends to clear quickly. Fog tends to form overnight and burns off during the morning – do factor this in if you are planning an early morning Burj Khalifa visit – you may be looking out on a blanket of white, or with brilliant views of the skyscrapers poking through the clouds!
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in January here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in January.
Dubai Special Events January 2020
- The Dubai Shopping Festival 26th Edition is held from 26 December to 1 February 2020 at venues all over the city.
- Hankook 24H Series – motorheads will enjoy this 3-day event from 9 to 11 January 2020
- The Dubai Marathon, 10km road race and 4km Fun Run will be held on Friday 24 January 2020, passing many of the city’s most famous landmarks
**Note that some water parks do their annual maintenance in the coolest winter months, some rides and attractions may be closed. Check these dates with popular attractions such as Aquaventure, Wild Wadi, Legoland Dubai and Laguna Waterpark at La Mer before booking tickets to avoid any disappointment.
Suggested Dubai activities in January
January is perfect for cooler weather activities, but possibly too cold for being in the water, so why not try Dubai from the sky while day time temperatures are manageable?
- Skydive Dubai from the iconic Palm Jumeirah
- Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Not for the faint-hearted, Zipline over the Dubai Marina
Places to visit in Dubai in January
Keeping on our theme of the great outdoors, we suggest you visit:
- Dubai Global Village – for a whirlwind trip around the globe and a feast of colour and magic hidden on the outskirts of Dubai. Entry is super cheap for the experience you get, open from 4pm to midnight (1am on Thu/Fri) Mondays families & ladies only.
- Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – Open all year round but best visited in the cooler winter months when migratory bird numbers are at their peak. This is one of Dubai’s best outdoor nature experiences so close to the city where you can observe mangrove life and the most treasured guests the pink flamingoes.
- Al Seef Waterfront – transitioning from old to new Dubai, the Al Seef Waterfront is a great new venue for dining creekside and watching the daily traffic pass, perfectly combined with a tour through the Al Fahidi District and the Dubai Museum.
Day Trips from Dubai in January
It’s a great time of year not only for exploring Dubai, but exploring around the Emirates. We suggest January is the perfect time of yeat to make a day trip to:
- The Liwa Desert – head beyond Abu Dhabi and toward Saudi border to experience the rich red dunes of the empty quarter and historic forts from a bygone era. Best to go with an experienced 4×4 driver to tackle the giant dunes. Look out also for the Liwa International Festival Moreeb Dune.
- The Musandam Peninsula – a whole other country in a day? Why not?! Musandam is our absolute favourite part of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s the tiny enclave of Oman that sits to the very north-east of Dubai & the UAE, jutting into the straight of Hormuz. Here you can sail by traditional boat amongst the giant mountainous that have earnt it the nickname “the Norway of Arabia” and enjoy dolphin spotting on a truly magical day out – best tackled with a guided tour to get you through the border crossing process.
Dubai with Kids in January
Try one of the exquisite outdoor family Brunches on a Friday afternoon for delectably delicious food and kids entertainment galore – from candy bars to bouncy castles. Most hotels will let under 6’s in for FREE, and 6 to 12-year-olds eat at 50% off.
Our full guide to the best family-friendly brunches coming soon but we highly recommend you try Bubbalicious at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi (also one of our top pick family hotels) or head out to Dubai Parks and Resorts to enjoy the Lapita Daycation package, including pool access.
Check out the best things to do in every month in Dubai here
Before you go…more things to know about visiting Dubai in January
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws and customs to be aware of.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here: