Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in May
If you are looking for a beachy getaway holiday then get set because May is the month for you in Dubai! Hot, but not summer extreme hot; plenty of activity still happening around town, Eid-al-Fitr celebrations and sea temperatures hit their sweet spot with little chance of rain – welcome to sunshine time in Dubai!
- Further Reading: The best times to visit Dubai
Dubai weather in May
Day time temperatures rise significantly over the course of May. Your average daytime maximum in May is 37.8c (100F), but don’t be surprised if temperatures can hit as high as 43.5c (110F) by the end of the month. You can expect overnight lows down to 25.2c (77F).
Humidity is at the lowest point in May so it is a drier heat than usual, and rainfall is unlikely – though not unheard of – in May in Dubai.
Sea temperatures are not quite at their summer peaks but do significantly warm up in May making it ideal for beachgoers to still enjoy a dip in the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can expect lows of 26.3c (79.3F) in the water through to highs of 31.2c (86.2F) by month-end.
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in May here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in May
Dubai Special Events May 2020
May in 2021 will be dominated by the Holy Month of Ramadan, proceeded by Eif-al-Fitr celebrations mid-Month. Gone are the days when Ramadan was considered a quiet month in Dubai where nothing happened – quite the opposite Ramadan 2021 in Dubai is shaping up to be an exciting time of cultural enrichment.
- Holy Month of Ramadan – the 9th month of the Hijri calendar will fall on approximately 12 April to 11 May 2021 (the official start and end dates are determined by a moon sighting committee)
- Eid-al Fitr – the end of fasting is a 3-day Muslim celebration marked with prayers and celebrations from sundown 11 May 2021 (it’s not unusual for the Government to last-minute declare the whole week as a public holiday)
- 3-day super sale – expected to coincide with Eid this is a shopping extravaganza across the city – malls stay open 24 hours a day and huge discounts and deals to be had
Will cafes and restaurants be open during the day in Dubai during Ramadan?
We are still seeking clarity as to what exactly the rules will be going forward. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, very limited restaurants and cafes were open during Ramadan 2020, offering only takeaway services.
During 2019, dining establishments were no longer being asked to apply for a license nor blackout their windows during the Holy Month. We expect this to be the case going into 2021 as local needs evolve to balance with tourism needs in the city.
We will update here accordingly when the rules for non-Muslim tourists in 2021 become clearer.
Suggested Dubai Activities in May
Bearing in mind the Holy Month of Ramadan, it’s important to note that business opening hours will change at this time of year. Some shops and attractions may open earlier than usual, then close for the afternoon, reopening after Iftar (the evening breaking of the fast). Always check the details closer to the time with anything you’ve booked.
We suggest that the following activities may be a great way to spend your time in Dubai in May this year:
- Experience a traditional Iftar at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the city’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Take a night cruise down the Dubai canal to experience the thriving evening culture
With the kids in May?
- Cool of at one of Dubai’s outdoor adventure playgrounds such as Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm or at Wild Wadi, attached to Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
- Make a day trip to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to enjoy a double-header theme park day at Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
Check out the best things to do in every month in Dubai here!
Before you go… things to know before you visit Dubai
- 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.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- 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:
