January in Dubai brings cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions. With mild weather, occasional rain, and plenty of sunshine, it offers a pleasant escape from harsher winter climates.
Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your January trip to Dubai by a long time experienced resident who’s seen all the seasons in Dubai.
Dubai weather January
January in Dubai brings cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions and activities.
The mild weather, occasional rain, and plenty of sunshine, offers a pleasant escape from cold winter climates with highs ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day and dropping to lows of 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) at night.
Humidity is moderate and humidity levels in Dubai can vary due to being by the sea with 40% being the average for January.
Rainfall is infrequent but possible in January, though you can expect mostly clear and sunny skies. The average January rainfall is 14mm.
Windspeed changes depending on your locations however January averages range from 8 mph to 9 mph, which is classed as a gentle breeze. Overall in Dubai, you can expect pleasant and comfortable weather during your holiday in January.
Past weather in Dubai in January
What was the weather in Dubai in January like last year or in recent years? The average high for January 2024 was 24°C (75°F) according to Weather Spark, with humidity levels ranging from 13% to 83%.
In January 2024, there were a few days of light and moderate rain towards the end of January with the rest of the month being dry. There was also some days with haze at the beginning of the month.
Over the past decade, most days in January have experienced mild winds, often described as a gentle breeze. This provides a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Rain in Dubai in January
Rainfall in Dubai during January is infrequent, so you can generally expect clear and sunny skies throughout most of the month.
An average of 10-15 mm of rainfall is typically recorded during January, occurring over about 3 to 4 days in recent years. In some years, rainfall has been as low as 0 mm. So you’re unlikely to need to pack your umbrella!
How hot will it be in January?
January’s temperatures are mild compared to Dubai’s sweltering summer months. Daytime temperatures typically stay between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F).
While nights are cooler, the temperatures don’t suddenly drop like they do in other countries. So you’ll only experience the lowest of 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F) if you’re awake just before dawn or just after dawn.
Is January a good time to go to Dubai?
Yes, January is a great time to visit Dubai. With its cooler climate, you can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities, explore cultural landmarks, and attend seasonal events.
However hotel rates are higher due to being peak tourist season, but the pleasant weather and vibrant atmosphere make it worth paying the extra money.
Can we swim in Dubai in January?
Yes, you can definitely swim in Dubai during January, as the sea remains pleasantly warm. A lot of resorts and hotels have temperature controlled swimming pools as well.
The water temperature typically ranges from 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) in January, with an average of 22°C (72°F) offering a comfortable swimming experience.
While it may feel cooler than heated hotel pools, most I’ve come across in Dubai are heated to 28°C in comparison. So a dip in the sea can provide a refreshing break from the hot desert sun.
Dubai is also known for it’s relatively calm seas, it’s not great for surfing due to this but it is possible and there is a small surf scene in Dubai. However for swimming, the calm seas are great but always check any safety reports plus signs before swimming in the sea.
Activities to do in Dubai in January
1. Take a private tour to Hatta
The Hatta region is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring around the Hatta Dam. A beautiful man made lake thanks to the dam and a very unique part of Dubai that many tourists miss.
A private tour is the perfect opportunity to explore Hatta at your own pace
January’s cooler weather makes it perfect for all the outdoor activities at Hatta and really taking time to enjoy the scenic mountain views. It’s also worth staying over night at the JA Fort Hotel
🌅 Explore Dubai’s outdoor beauty 🌅
2. Watch a Dubai Drone show
This completely free activity is shown during January due to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), however the shopping festival drone show ends 12th January so you’ll have to be in Dubai early to mid January to catch it!
You can see the drone show at 8 pm and 10 pm from either JBR beach or Blue Waters Island.
3. Visit Aquaventure at Atlantis
January is the perfect time to visit Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, one of the best waterparks in Dubai! The cooler, sunny weather means you can enjoy all the fun without the summer heat wearing you out.
The winter season however it is busiest so make sure to head straight to the most popular rides like Tower of Poseidon early in the morning to avoid the big lines. You’ll also find themed lazy rivers or choose to relax on their private beach.
“When you visit Dubai, you must visit Atlantis Aquaventure park. Amazing water slides, the best allover the world
But I recommend to buy the aqua express access to decrease waiting time in every slide”Haitham (Read more reviews)
💦 Check prices for Aquaventure 💦
4. Take a walking tour of Al Fahidi Historical District
Explore Dubai’s rich history in the Al Fahidi Historical District. Wander through its narrow lanes, visit museums, and a mix of authentic Emirati culture melted with the culture of the many Indian expats in this charming neighborhood.
A walking tour is a perfect way to immerse yourself in this culturally-rich area, wandering through the narrow pathways and looking up at wind-tower houses. January’s cool and pleasant weather is perfect for exploring while trying bites of food along the way!
🚶 Save money with one of the CHEAPEST activities in Dubai 🚶
5. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The majority of Sheikh Zayed Mosque is outdoors and the marble flooring can get hot during the heat. This makes walking around in socks or barefoot not the most pleasant experience however during January you won’t need to worry about that!
It’s one of the best times to visit this world famous location!
I highly recommend if you haven’t rented a car to take a tour, a lot of the sites in Abu Dhabi are quite spread out along with the mosque being further out from the main city. You’ll get to see the main attractions all in 1 day plus learn many interesting facts from your tour guide.
“Really very good. The visits to to the mosque and the museum in Abu Dhabi were exceptional. You could only admire the construction of this huge mosque and all what we could see in the Louvre museum. But how Abu Dhabi has changed since I used to work there until 1990”
Michel (Read more reviews)
🌅 Book a TOP RATED tour to Abu Dhabi 🌅
What to Pack for Dubai in January
For a January trip to Dubai, pack light layers to stay comfortable during the day plus a light jacket, thin jumper or shawl for the cooler evenings. Dubai is somewhere where the dress code is luxury and dress up, so if you want to fit in with the locals make sure to pack your designer items too!!
- Light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings)
- Long pants or jeans
- Short-sleeve shirts and tops
- Light scarf (optional for chilly mornings & AC)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear (for beach trips or hotel pools)
- Sunglasse
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat or cap
- Sandals or flip-flops for beach or pool use
Curious about other months and seasons in Dubai? Find out more:
- Weather in Dubai in October, is it still hot during this month?
- What is the weather like in November in Dubai, what to know & pack
- Thinking of doing Christmas in Dubai? Find out what to expect weather wise in December
