Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in November
Take me back to October | Jump forward to December
November brings with it some of the most pleasant weather of the year, perfect to start exploring Dubai’s great outdoors again and seeing many seasonal events return for the winter season.
- Further Reading: The best times to visit Dubai
Although Dubai is fully reopened now and welcoming overseas tourists once more, there are still entry testing requirements in place for COVID-19 and some attractions may be facing restricted numbers or reduced opening hours in line with Dubai Municipality safety measures.
Learn more about Dubai’s re-opening to tourism and COVID testing requirements here.
Dubai weather in November
Temperatures drop significantly over the month of November from highs of 38°C/100°F at the start of the month down to the high 20s/low 80s by month-end. Overnight lows are around 20°C/68°F and as the humidity starts to fall, morning fog can be a common occurrence – leading to some spectacular cityscape views.
The sea temperature averages 28.4°C/83°F so it is still pleasant to take a refreshing dip in the water and perfect for the sun worshippers too without getting too hot and sweaty.
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in November here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in November.
Dubai Special Events November 2020
- Flag Day – Held every year on 3 November, Emirati’s take great pride and honour in displaying their National Flag. Signalling the unification of the 7 Emirates – the flag represents justice, peace, tolerance, power and moderation. Homes and businesses will unfurl their flags on this day and all the way through to National Day on 2 December you will see the city blanketed in red, green, white & black.
- Breakout Dxb – on 6/7 November 2020, Rove Hotel Downtown is gearing up for the first-ever Breakout Dxb, the emirate’s newest music, culture and arts event. Expect a stacked line-up of homegrown creative talent, with headlining performances by Layla Kardan, Hamdan Al Abri, Lobito Brigante and many more.
- Diwali Fireworks at the Pointe – the city’s greatest new fountain show will host a Diwali special event on Friday the 13 November, honouring the Festival of Lights.
- Dubai Design Week – The region’s largest creative festival, held in Dubai Design District between 9 November and 14 November 2020, covers architecture through to interior design and graphic design.
Suggested Dubai activities in November
As the weather is starting to cool, it’s a great time to check out the return of some amazing seasonal events and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Dubai Global Village has reopened for season 2020/21 – an incredible world showcase of food, shopping and entertainment – and only 15 AED entry it’s one of the bargain night-spots in Dubai
- Explore the city from the water. There are plenty of services that offer tours from several locations now, including the Dubai Canal, Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina. Our top pick is to hire a small group boat and choose your own itinerary, BYO your own snacks and let your captain whisk you around Dubai’s top sites!
- Take on an evening desert safari, quad bike, ride a camel and enjoy a traditional Bedouin feast while watching a belly dancing show and smoking shisha! Check out just some of the available options here, or even consider an overnight desert camp.
- Attend an outdoor market, such as Ripe Markets held every Friday & Saturday.
- Try our one of Dubai’s evening Brunches, many are held in outdoor gardens for a unique Dubai experience.
- Enjoy sundowner drinks from many of Dubai’s most exclusive beachfronts and rooftops.
Day trips from Dubai in November
Whilst border crossing into neighbouring Abu Dhabi remains challenging due to the need to provide a negative COVID test result to enter (and overseas visitors must have already completed 14 days in the country or must self-quarantine) there’s still plenty to explore beyond Dubai city if you head to the mountains and the Northern Emirates (learn more about all 7 Emirates here):
- Day trip to Hatta in the Hatta Mountains – enjoy a variety of outdoor sports at Wadi Hub and water-based activities on Hatta Dam.
- Take on the UAE’s tallest peak Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy a huge variety of outdoor adrenaline activities from the world’s longest zipline to the Jais Sky Maze perched atop the mountain.
- Enjoy a snorkelling trip to the country’s east coast Fujairah.
>> Our complete day-trippers guide for Dubai can be found here
Your November Splurge in Dubai
With the opening of the largest water fountain display in the world at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, this would be our recommended time to spoil yourself to a stay at Atlantis the Palm (book a Palm-facing room, not Ocean) so you can enjoy the spectacular show beneath + all Atlantis guests get access to Aquaventure, the Lost Chambers Aquarium and any exit requirement COVID testing can be done in-house, with the cost redeemable on F&B.
With the kids in Dubai this November?
- Spend an afternoon and evening at ultra-fun new beachfront venue La Mer. Here you will find the Laguna Water Park, not as big as Dubai’s main water parks Atlantis & Wild Wadi but a perfect size for families and still plenty of classic rides with thrills and spills. Head onward to an evening of fun with the colourful beachfront and food outlets of La Mer.
- Nighttime extravaganza Dubai Garden Glow is back for its 6th season. A beautiful evening light display, get there early to also experience the Dinosaur park as day turns to night then watch the light show come alive. This year’s theme “back to nature” is sure to have your little ones in awe.
- Get kids active outside at Aventura Parks. A ropes and zipline course will see them confidently flying through the treetops of the Ghaf forest in Mushrif Park.
- Dubai Safari Park – A nature experience not far from the city, the new and improved safari park promises family’s the opportunity to see over 2500 through interactive experiences and large enclosures.
You can find our complete guide of things to do with your kids in Dubai here.
Check out the best things to do in every month in Dubai here!
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to 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:
