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How do we make the most of the cooler months?
From October to April the UAE is outdoors. Beaches, desert, mountains and big events all come back, and the best ones book up early.
In 30 seconds
- Outdoor season runs roughly October to April, with daytime highs around 25°C in mid-winter
- Big events cluster in November and December, so book tickets and long weekends early
- Camp, hike and swim only where it’s allowed, and check the weather after rain
SeasonOct–AprCooler months
Mid-winterAbout 25°CAverage daytime, Dec to mid-March
BusiestNov–DecEvents and the National Day weekend
Dates for this season
| When | What |
|---|---|
| From 14 Oct 2026 | Global Village opens for Season 31, running to May 2027 |
| 31 Oct – 29 Nov 2026 | Dubai Fitness Challenge: 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. Free Dubai Ride on 1 Nov and Dubai Run on 22 Nov. Register on the official site |
| 27–29 Nov 2026 | Emirates Dubai 7s rugby |
| 2–3 Dec 2026 | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) public holiday |
| 4–6 Dec 2026 | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina |
| December to January | Dubai Shopping Festival: dates for this season aren’t announced yet |
| Early 2027 | Ramadan, then Eid al-Fitr, expected in March. Exact dates depend on the moon |
| 1 Jan 2027 | New Year’s Day public holiday |
See What changes during Ramadan? and weekends and short trips to plan around the holidays. Event dates can change
Beaches
- Swim where there are lifeguards, and follow their flags and instructions
- For evening swims, Dubai has lit night-swimming beaches with lifeguards at Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1
- Khor Al Mamzar Beach reopened in May 2026, with a night beach open 24 hours
- Swimwear is for the beach: cover up when you leave it
Desert camping
Dubai Municipality runs a winter camping season at Al Aweer, with a permit applied for online or in the Dubai Now app. Last season ran from late October to the end of April, with permits for 3 to 6 months. This season’s dates haven’t been announced yet.
- Camp only in designated areas, and take all your rubbish home
- Fireworks and loudspeakers aren’t allowed at the Al Aweer camps, and you must have a fire extinguisher
- Never leave a fire or coals unattended
Mountains and hiking
Hatta and Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah are at their best from October to April.
- Carry at least 3 litres of water each, and wear proper shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- Tell someone your route and keep your phone charged. In an emergency, call 999
- Groups of more than 10 should register with Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism authority before hiking Jebel Jais
- After heavy rain, wadis can flood fast and trails can close: check before you go
Fog on the roads. Fog is common on winter mornings. Slow down and keep your distance. In Abu Dhabi, speed limits drop to 80 km/h on some roads in fog, shown on the electronic signs. Don’t drive with your hazard lights on: use them only once you’ve stopped safely.
What to do next
- Register for the Dubai Fitness Challenge
- Book the National Day long weekend now
- Save the night-swimming beaches for the warmer evenings
Keep going
Sources
- Visit Abu Dhabi: weather
- Global Village: Season 31
- Gulf News: Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 dates
- u.ae: public holidays
- Formula 1: 2026 calendar
- Dubai Economy and Tourism: Dubai Shopping Festival
- The National: Ramadan 2027 expected dates
- Dubai Municipality: night swimming beaches
- Dubai Media Office: Khor Al Mamzar Beach (May 2026)
- Dubai Municipality: winter camps
- Visit Jebel Jais: hiking
- Gulf News: fog and speed limits (Sep 2026)