The short answer
Dubai's tourism information recommends November to April for camping in the desert and advises against the hot months. Several offers are seasonal in their own right. One balloon operator flies from October 1 to May 31, one overnight camp operator lists October 1 to April 30, and the Hatta season for 2026 was announced to start on September 28. There is no single legal safari season, so every operator sets its own months.
This is an independent guide, not run by a weather service, a tourism authority or a tour company. The temperature table below shows older long-term averages for the city of Dubai. It does not predict the weather on your day, and it does not describe the dunes, Hatta or Liwa exactly.
Read the travel advisories first
Status as of October 21, 2026.
Germany
The Federal Foreign Office has advised against non-essential travel to the UAE since September 30, 2026 (status October 21, 2026). It cites a volatile regional situation and the risk of airspace closures.
United Kingdom
The FCDO updated its advice on July 24, 2026. It points to the risk of further escalation, flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures.
United States
The State Department has listed the UAE at Level 3, Reconsider travel, since August 29, 2026, citing terrorism and armed conflict. This is a US rating, not a ban on tourist travel.
What this means for planning
Read your own government's current advice before you book. Choose flexible cancellation terms, and check the terms of a safari or balloon flight before you pay. Operators also change times for weather or operations.
Our pick: a balloon flight, with dates to check
Balloon operators fly in seasons, as noted above, so check the dates and the travel advice above before you book.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Desert tours by season
Safaris, balloon flights, overnight camps and more, with live prices and availability.
Climate in Dubai by month
Average daily high and low, and average monthly rain.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0 (75) | 13.7 (57) | 11.3 |
| February | 24.6 (76) | 14.5 (58) | 35.7 |
| March | 27.9 (82) | 17.0 (63) | 22.4 |
| April | 32.4 (90) | 20.1 (68) | 7.6 |
| May | 36.8 (98) | 23.5 (74) | 0.7 |
| June | 38.8 (102) | 26.1 (79) | 0.0 |
| July | 40.6 (105) | 28.9 (84) | 0.0 |
| August | 40.4 (105) | 29.3 (85) | 0.0 |
| September | 38.7 (102) | 26.3 (79) | 0.0 |
| October | 35.1 (95) | 22.7 (73) | 0.0 |
| November | 30.5 (87) | 18.3 (65) | 1.8 |
| December | 26.2 (79) | 15.4 (60) | 14.3 |
The figures come from the World Meteorological Organization's weather information service for the city of Dubai and cover 1974 to 1991. They are monthly averages. A month with 0.0 mm of average rain can still have a storm, and an average high does not tell you the temperature at 2 p.m. on your day.
What runs when
Seasons listed by individual operators and sources.
| Activity | Season or timing listed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Desert camping | November to April | Recommended by tourism information; advises against the hot months |
| Hot air balloon (one operator) | Daily, October 1 to May 31 | The pilots decide on the weather; fog and wind can delay or cancel |
| Overnight camp (one operator) | October 1 to April 30 | The electricity in the camp is switched off late at night; take warm clothing |
| Hatta resorts and hub | Season 9 from September 28, 2026 | Other listings give October 1 to May 5 and September 28 to May 31 |
| Hatta kayaking | Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., also in summer | Other Hatta offers close for the season |
| Camel racing | October to April, mostly early Saturday and Sunday mornings | General season description, not a 2026/27 race calendar |
| Moreeb Hill Climb, Liwa | Generally December or January | Check dates and tickets for 2026/27 |
Heat, rain and the time of day
Weather is a planning issue in every month.
From June to September, average highs in the table are above 38 °C (100 °F). Evening and morning safaris avoid the midday hours: one evening example picks you up around 4 p.m., and one morning example returns around noon. A balloon flight starts even earlier, with pickup between 3 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. depending on the listing.
Winter is milder but not storm-free. Germany's Federal Foreign Office warns of heavy rain, flooding and flash floods in wadis, especially in winter, and advises leaving wadis when a warning is issued. In April 2024, heavy rain flooded highways in the UAE and led to an airport closure in Dubai. That event is history, not a current closure, and it shows that the monthly averages do not rule out extreme days.
Balloon flights are weather-dependent. If the pilots cancel, the operator lists a rebooking or a full refund.
Ramadan and the calendar
Culture can matter more than weather for a week.
Ramadan moves through the year, so check its dates for your trip. A blanket ban on all dance shows or alcohol in every safari camp during the whole month is not documented. Operators differ: one serves no alcohol at any time of year, and others offer drink packages.
The UK FCDO warns that eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day, and loud music or dancing, can cause offense during Ramadan. One operator asks guests to drink the water it provides in the vehicle during the day. The tips guide has the details.
Desert safari tips →
Best time for the Dubai desert: frequently asked questions
What is the best month for a desert safari?
There is no single best month. Tourism information recommends November to April for camping, and many seasonal offers start in October. Check the season of the operator you want.
Can I do a desert safari in summer?
Some operators run in summer, and evening and morning times avoid the midday heat. Average highs are above 38 °C (100 °F) from June to September in the table. Balloon and overnight offers have their own months, so check them.
Does it rain in the desert near Dubai?
Average rain is highest from December to March in the table, with 35.7 mm in February. Storms and flash floods can still occur, especially in winter. Heavy rain flooded highways and led to an airport closure in April 2024.
When does the Hatta season start?
Season 9 was announced for September 28, 2026. Other listings give October 1 to May 5 and September 28 to May 31. Kayaking is listed as open daily, including in summer.
What do travel advisories say about the UAE?
Germany's Federal Foreign Office has advised against non-essential travel to the UAE since September 30, 2026 (status October 21, 2026), citing a volatile regional situation and the risk of airspace closures. The UK FCDO updated its advice on July 24, 2026 and points to the risk of further escalation, flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures. The US State Department has listed the UAE at Level 3, Reconsider travel, since August 29, 2026, citing terrorism and armed conflict. Read your own government's current advice before you book, and choose flexible cancellation terms.