United Arab Emirates in January

Coolest month (20–24 °C days); Dubai Shopping Festival; desert nights cold — pack a layer.

• Gulf coast · Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah townbest weather

  November to March runs 20–30 °C; June to September sits at 40–46 °C with humidity that makes nights sticky; shamal winds bring dust in spring and early summer.

• Hajar mountains · Hatta, Jebel Jais, Wadi Shawkacool

  Jebel Jais summit is 8–10 °C cooler than the coast and can drop near freezing on winter nights; wadis flood after rare storms.

• Inland desert · Al Ain, Liwa, Al Wathba, Sweihanbest weather

  Drier heat, often above 48 °C in July and August; Sweihan has recorded above 50 °C. Winter nights in the dunes are cold.

• East coast · Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Dibbabest weather

  Gulf of Oman side: slightly cooler sea breezes, but July–August humidity is extreme; calm water for snorkelling Oct–May.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Fireworks at Burj Khalifa on 31 Dec close roads from the afternoon; hotels at peak.

• Dubai Shopping Festival

  Mid-Dec – Jan (check)

  Sales, fireworks and concerts; malls packed in the evenings.

Crowds · United Arab Emirates

High

Prices · United Arab Emirates

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Gulf coast

  Best weather of the year (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah town)

• Inland desert

  Best weather of the year (Al Ain, Liwa, Al Wathba, Sweihan)

• East coast

  Best weather of the year (Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Dibba)

• Dubai

  Warm days, cool nights; hotel prices peak.

• Abu Dhabi

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Sharjah

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Al Ain

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Ras Al Khaimah

  Best months: Nov–Mar