Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in October 2021
Take me back to Dubai in September | Jump forward to Dubai in November
October is when Dubai starts to see a glimpse of a return to the milder days of winter. Outdoor seasonal events and al fresco dining venues around the city begin to dust off their covers and re-emerge from the summer heat ready for a busy new winter season.
October 2021 should be an exceptional month for Dubai. The start of Expo2020 and being one of the most open cities in the world for tourism, along with simply superb beach weather; here’s exactly what you can expect!
Learn more about Dubai’s re-opening to tourism and COVID testing requirements here.
Is October a good time to visit Dubai? Weather in October
The start of the month is still extremely hot in Dubai and you should expect temperatures in excess of 40°C/104°F. However, by month-end, the humidity starts to drop and the air temperature cools significantly giving way to bearable outside heat during the day.
The average day time high you should expect in October is 35.6°C/96°F.
Average seas temperatures drop down to around 31°C/76°F which is great for swimming, but the ground will still be very hot (i.e. the sand still scorches your feet!!)
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in October here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in October.
Dubai Special Events October 2021
- Expo2020 – postponed for a year due to COVID, the much awaited international event will start on 1 October 2021 and run through until March 2022. Get your free entry ticket with your Emirates airlines or FlyDubai boarding pass!
- Mai Dubai City Half Marathon – a return of the outdoor sporting events calendar kicks off with this 5km/10km/21km event through the city streets on 15 October 2021 – face masks on, of course.
- Opening of Madame Tussauds – the first instalment of the incredible wax works museum in the Middle East will open it’s doors to a star-studded line up on 14 October 2021.
- Launch of Ain Dubai – The world’s largest observation wheel will finally welcome it’s first public guests from 21 October 2021.
Note many schools locally take a mid-term break towards the end of October, this can be a few days or a full week. It shouldn’t make attractions significantly busier but you will see more families out and about mid-week.
Suggested Dubai activities in October
As it’s still pretty hot outside we’re all about keeping our cool in October, but no need to be trapped indoors all day. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the beaches and water parks when the air temperatures not so stifling and the water temperatures are beautifully warm.
- Head to Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm for a day of splashing good fun at one of the world’s biggest and best water parks. If it’s getting too hot outside at the peak of the day, make sure you head into the Lost Chambers aquarium, the largest in the UAE – save by buying a combo ticket!
Top Tip: If you stay at Atlantis the Palm then your hotel stay will include your entry to Aquaventure!
Top Tip: Guest staying at any of the Jumeriah Hotels can get tickets to Wild Wadi Water Park, attached to Jumeirah Beach Hotel
- Explore around Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This modern take on an old souk (market) always has something happening! It is mostly indoors so great to tackle when it’s still a bit too hot outside. Enjoy cooling off at a show at the Madinat Jumeirah Theatre, or take an Abra ride through the canals. A great place to stock up on your Dubai souvenirs, albeit pricier than the traditional markets in Deira.
- Enjoy the return of outdoor terraces and rooftop bars in Dubai. We’re excited to see some new openings slated for the 2021 including:
- Hola – rooftop vibes at Meydan with a Mediterranean vibe
- The second location of Soho Garden opening on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
- It’s also an ideal time to enjoy the city’s beach clubs that hit back into full swing with the cooling days. You can see our complete collection of favourite Dubai Beach Clubs offering day passes here.
October Splurge
Enjoy afternoon tea at the city’s most iconic building, the acclaimed “7 star” Burj Al Arab. You’ll need to save your pennies for one of Dubai’s most luxurious dining options at Skyview Bar & Restaurant.
You can find all the luxury afternoon tea options in Dubai here.
October Day Trips from Dubai
Abu Dhabi has thrown it’s borders back open to domestic travel which moves it right back to the top of our suggested day trips from Dubai.
Easy to reach either public bus (newly reopened from one location only) or by private tour or transfer, here’s what you can expect to find in the neighbouring capital:
- The “Big 3” Cultural sites in Abu Dhabi you can see on a single day trip tour from Dubai, these are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace.
- The “Big 3” theme parks of Yas Island – namely Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterpark and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Just be mindful although you can domestically cross to Abu Dhabi now with no border check, any public building, mall, hotel , park or beach you wish to visit in Abu Dhabi will require you to have a “Green Pass” installed on the Alhosn App. You must be vaccinated or have an exemption with recent PCR test in order to activate the green status. Learn more about Alhosn and the Green Pass here before booking a trip to Abu Dhabi.
Some suggested day tour operators that will help you with transfers to Abu Dhabi:
- Take a trip to the highest point in the UAE! As the day time temperatures drop away a little, plan yourself an early morning visit to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
- While you’re there, take on the longest zipline in the world! Jebel Jais Flight will see you soaring up to 150km/hr through the Hajar Mountains. There’s also the Jais Sky Tour and the Jais Sky Maze for adrenaline-seekers to try their hand at and make it a full day in the mountains. At the peak, you are approximately 2 hours away from Dubai.
- After something more serene? You can try an organized picnic service from Dubai to Jebel Jais, where your transport and all your trimmings for a meal in the mountains is arranged for you.
- Or alternatively, a bit of a hidden favourite we love is visiting is Suwaidi Pearl Farm in the tiny northern RAK village of Al Rams. There’s a great guide here to all there is to see and do this winter in RAK
Dubai with kids in October
Family activities are back in full swing in Dubai, with safety precautions in place.
It is still quite hot for outdoor adventures but by October first thing in the morning and early evening are pleasant enough to be out. If you’ve already tackled some water park fun as we mentioned above, why not try:
- Aventura Parks – a tree surfing and ziplining adventure through the Ghaf trees of Mushrif Park. A floodlit option is available to enjoy the park in the evenings.
- October is the perfect time to enjoy the best public beaches in Dubai. Why not try La Mer in the early evening (Laguna Water Park has a sundowner package offer running just now), followed by dinner in one of the water-side restaurants.
- Kite Beach is another local favourite for a simple splash or to join in some water sports or combine with a day at the beach with a picnic in the park at popular outdoor spot Al Mamzar Beach Park.
- A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without experiencing Dubai Global Village. This evening extravaganza is due to return on 26 October 2021 to brighten Dubai evenings once more with a taste of food, dance and shopping from around the world.
- Dubai Garden Glow and Miracle Garden Dubai are also expected to re-open by month end. We eagerly await opening dates!
Our complete guide to kids activities in Dubai can be found here.
More frequently asked questions about Dubai in October
Yes! We’d argue one of the best months if you really like your heat. The edge has gone from the peak of summer but you’ll still find the days are hot and the evenings are mild.
If you are a little averse to the heat though, we’d recommend you restrict travel to the UAE between November and March.
Dubai starts October with average day time highs of 42°C/108°F, dropping to highs of 32°C/90°F by month end. It is the month you’ll experience the biggest drop in temperature as the country transitions around mid-month from the summer heat to the milder winter months. You can learn more about Dubai’s weather in October here.
October temperatures can’t really be described as cold. You’ll find average lows during the month overnight of 24.5°C/76°F.
It is quite unusual – though not unheard of – for rain to occur in Dubai in October. No need to pack an umbrella but it can happen. If it does rain in Dubai it usually leaves as quick as it arrives.
Dubai doesn’t really follow traditional seasons – more a long hot summer and a mild winter starting from October. Based in the Northern Hemisphere, October could be said to be fall/autumn in Dubai.
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:
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