As a longtime UAE resident (25 years and counting!) who’s worked and lived across the country, I’m excited to share the top things to do during winter in UAE. It’s the season many of us here eagerly await, and for visitors, it’s the best time to visit UAE.
Through my blog and social media, I’ve shared countless firsthand experiences over the years and keep the information up-to-date. This guide to things to see and do is packed with tried-and-tested winter activities, insider tips, and everything you need to make the most of a UAE winter.
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Winter In UAE
The winter season in UAE brings milder weather, light breezes and sometimes even chilly nights, especially in the mountains and desert. The daytime temperature between November and March typically ranges from 24 C (75 F) to 32 C (90 C). Rain is rare, but there can be occasional showers.
Winter is a fun season filled with outdoor activities, cultural festivals and scenic destinations across the UAE. Even the desert comes alive with campers, daytrippers, hot-air balloon rides, evening entertainment, pop-up cafes and seasonal festivals. If there’s been a lot of rain in the previous months, it’s wonderful to see the desert and mountains turn green and new lakes appear.
It’s also an excellent time to visit the outdoor theme parks in the UAE. Now, let’s get started on some of the best places to see in UAE during winter!
Best Places To Visit In UAE In Winter
The best places to visit in UAE in winter are out of the city so you can enjoy the many different environments and activities in the UAE, from adventure sports and hiking to glamping and desert safaris, and outdoor festivals to beach fun, there’s plenty to do.
Ras Al Khaimah
Whether you want to go on adventures or have a relaxing break, Ras Al Khaimah is the place to be! This upcoming destination is less crowded and less expensive than Dubai and offers stunning scenery, fantastic hotels, adrenalin-pumping adventure, gentle hikes, watersports, desert safaris, history and more!
Cheaper and less crowded than nearby Dubai, it makes for the perfect holiday spot. A visit to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, is a must. If you’re brave enough, you can fly down the longest zipline in the world, cross the Via Ferrata or sign up for a Bear Grylls course while the less adventurous can enjoy fine dining on the peak after a gentle hike.
Where To Stay In Ras Al Khaimah
Although the mountains offer lots of fun, the best place to stay in Ras Al Khaimah is on the coast, where you can enjoy relaxing on gorgeous white beaches looking out to uninterrupted views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf waters.
The hotels that line the coast from Al Marjan Island, through Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab up to Ras Al Khaimah city cater for every kind of traveller, but for a luxurious and relaxing stay, the new Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is top of my list!
➡️ Book Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort Here!
Sharjah
Sharjah is known as the cultural emirate in the UAE, reflecting its passion for art, culture, heritage and learning. With over 26 museums, numerous art spaces and a winter full of festivals and fairs, there’s plenty to see and do. An added focus on the environment and sustainability means there are several protected areas with endangered breeding programmes from the Mountain Conservation Centre and Mangrove Centre in the east to Wasit Wetlands in the west.
In Sharjah, explore the past and traditional architecture at The Heart of Sharjah, dine and watch the world go by at Al Majaz Waterfront or Al Qasba Canal, wander through meadows or between silk floss trees on Al Noor Island or swim along Sharjah’s pristine white shores.
Where To Stay In Sharjah
To truly immerse yourself in the rich culture and history, The Heart of Sharjah is the ideal location to stay. With several museums, art spaces and traditional souqs on your doorstep, there will be plenty to see. In the pleasant Sharjah winter weather, you’ll also be able to walk to Al Buhairah Lake. Alternatively, buy a ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to see all the main places of interest in Sharjah city.
Chedi Al Bait is set within the restored homes of pearl merchants, giving you an exquisite old-world feeling. Drink coffee in the inner courtyard, read in the old library and pamper yourself in the spa before enjoying a perfect night’s sleep in a beautifully decorated room. (Note: Sharjah is an alcohol-free emirate, including hotels.)
Fujairah
Fujairah is best known for its mountains and hiking trails, forts, extensive beaches and excellent scuba-diving in the Indian Ocean. It’s a very popular picnicking and camping spot in the winter, whether on the beach, in a wadi or up a mountain. It’s also much quieter and more affordable than its neighbours on the Arabian Gulf coast.
If you love outdoor activities, Fujairah is the perfect choice. As well as hiking and diving, you can have fun at Fujairah Adventure Park, take a boat trip or go deep-sea fishing!
Where To Stay In Fujairah
Fujairah calls for a stay at a beach resort for sure so you can enjoy the views across the Indian Ocean, go for a swim or try out some water activities. The two best areas are Dibba Fujairah in the north and the city of Fujairah in the south. The Palace Beach Resort near the town allows you to enjoy the sea, outdoor activities and nearby attractions such as Fujairah Grand Mosque and Fujairah Fort, as well as nearby shopping malls. For Dibba Fujairah, I like to stay at Le Meridien Al Aqah.
➡️ Book Palace Beach Resort Fujairah Here!
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, has a different feel to its northern neighbour and a distinct charm with a unique blend of heritage and luxury. Art and culture lovers will find plenty to explore in Abu Dhabi’s Al Saadiyat Cultural District, home to the Abrahamic Family House and the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi winter attractions include a line-up of outdoor events and festivals, such as the Maritime Heritage Festival and, of course, gorgeous beaches!
Winter in Abu Dhabi brings mild, comfortable temperatures, perfect for strolling along the Corniche, kayaking through the mangroves or exploring Abu Dhabi attractions like the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the opulent Qasr al Watan.
Where To Stay In Abu Dhabi
Several areas make for great vacations in Abu Dhabi, but the Corniche is an excellent base with easy access to the beach, the Corniche itself, parks, malls and several Abu Dhabi attractions. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options, catering to all travellers, but the 5-star St Regis Abu Dhabi is great if you want comfort, pools, a sea view and a private beach.
If you plan to spend a lot of time at Abu Dhabi theme parks, consider staying on Yas Island at Hilton Yas Island or the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island with its unique design.
➡️ Book St Regis Abu Dhabi Here!
Dubai
Dubai’s winter season is ideal for outdoor adventures, with perfect weather to explore everything from iconic city landmarks and beach resorts to deserts and mountain lakes. The cooler temperatures during winter in Dubai make it ideal for visiting outdoor attractions like the Miracle Garden, wandering through Al Fahidi and Shindagha Historical Districts, taking an abra ride on Dubai Creek or enjoying fun water sports like jet skiing.
Dubai winter attractions also include Global Village, where you can shop for unusual goods, taste international cuisine, watch live performances and enjoy hair-raising rides. For a desert adventure, head to the dunes for a fun night under the stars. For a more authentic experience, check out Platinum Heritage’s unique tours.
Where To Stay In Dubai
If you like the older part of town more, look out for places near Dubai Creek. This gives you easy access to heritage sites and souqs and also to the metro to get to other locations. For something with a difference, take a look at XVA Art Hotel or the Arabian Boutique Hotel in Al Fahidi Historical District.
In the newer part of the city, popular areas like Downtown Dubai or the Dubai Marina provide a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to serviced apartments. My friends who visit Dubai with family often find renting an apartment most cost-effective.
Dubai doesn’t have a centre as such but Downtown Dubai, home to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, is a good base to explore both old and new Dubai.
➡️ Book Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai Here!
Winter Travel Tips
To help you have the best experience of winter In UAE, here are a few tips!
Be prepared for the outdoors
You’re unlikely to feel very cold outdoors in the UAE winter, however, it can get cool near the beach, in the desert and in the mountains. And then, some indoor places have the air conditioning cranked up! So pack an extra layer like a sweater or hoodie. If you’re planning to head to the mountains and wadis, pack some boots with a good grip and ankle support to avoid injuries on the rough terrain.
Bring a decent-sized, reusable water bottle. You’ll need it if you’re spending time outdoors, and taking it when you dine out will save you a lot, too, as some places charge astronomical prices for water (even local water.)
Go beyond the usual touristy places
The majority of tourists who come to the UAE in winter or summer only go to Dubai or add in a quick sightseeing tour to Abu Dhabi and maybe a desert trip. The UAE has so much more and is waiting for you to get out there and discover it.
From camel beauty pageants and Arabian horse shows to fantastic light festivals and dune festivals and kayaking in mangroves to staying in a nature reserve with deer, oryx and even cheetahs, there’s so much more than busy beaches and shiny skyscrapers! (You’ll find plenty right here on my blog!)
Booking tours and activities
If you’re tight on time, book a city tour and then go back to places you really liked to explore more. You can find lots of tours on Viator or GetYourGuide or ask at your hotel. Of course, always check out the reviews.
If you’re doing out-of-town activities and you’re on vacation, you’ll need to book a tour, but inside the cities, you can easily explore yourself by taxi or, in some places, by metro (Dubai), Hop On Off Sightseeing Bus, water taxi or abra or on foot.
If you’re going on a longer hike, go with a group for safety. There are plenty of paid trips you can sign up for with adventure companies or if you’re on a budget, take a look on MeetUp for free groups.
Respect local culture and laws
Respect local culture, for example, avoid skimpy clothes, especially in more conservative areas, dress appropriately, remove shoes when visiting mosques and don’t play music during the call to prayer.
Be sure to ask before taking photos of people or just avoid having people in your photos. The UAE has strict privacy laws that don’t allow photographing people without their permission or posting photos of others online without permission.
If you have an opportunity, interact with Emiratis, even if it’s just a greeting or a smile!
Other top places to visit
Include other emirates on your winter trip to UAE if time allows. The UAE is fairly small so it’s easy to do a day trip to Ajman or Khorfakkan. If you love history, don’t miss Mleiha in Sharjah Central Region and Kalba is great for nature lovers.
To experience the desert at its best, visit Liwa Oasis and try to time your visit with the Moreeb Dune Festival or Al Dhafra Festival.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about winter in UAE! For other questions, you might find the answers in my other posts all about the UAE!
What is the coldest month in UAE?
The coldest month in the UAE is usually January, sometimes going into early February.
Does it ever snow in UAE?
Occasionally, there is snowfall at the very top of Jebel Jais. This doesn’t last long and the road is closed off nowadays when it snows to avoid traffic problems on the mountain, so don’t waste your time heading there for that elusive Instagram shot!
Is Dubai very cold in winter?
The temperature in Dubai doesn’t drop very low, however, it can be much colder at night in the inland areas, such as mountains, desert and open plains. The wind can sometimes be chilly, making it seem colder. Generally, you won’t feel cold in Dubai in the daytime with the temperature between November and March around 75-88ºF (24-31ºC.)
Wrap-up on Winter in UAE
Winter is the perfect time to visit the UAE and experience all the country has to offer, from lively city life and cultural landmarks to heritage festivals and outdoor adventures in the mountains, deserts and along the coast. Whether you’re exploring Abu Dhabi’s historical sites, hiking in Fujairah’s rugged mountains, or simply soaking up Sharjah’s rich culture, winter is undoubtedly the best season to visit the UAE.
As you plan your trip, consider staying in more than one destination, exploring seasonal festivals and making time for popular attractions, but don’t forget to add some hidden gems to your UAE itinerary. With pleasant weather and a range of activities to suit every type of traveller, winter in UAE promises amazing memories.
If you liked this post, you might also like Sustainable hotels and eco-friendly resorts in the UAE. If you want to see more of the UAE beyond Dubai, go to my home page and start your exploring right there!
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