Climate of Dubai

Dubai has a hot desert climate. Dubai has two distinct seasons - summer and winter. Summer in Dubai begins around the last week of April and ends around the first week of October. This period is characterized by extremely hot weather, hot winds and high humidity. Due to the city's close proximity to the sea the temperatures in Dubai are slightly milder in summer in comparison to other Gulf cities such as Kuwait City and Riyadh. However, this means the city has high humidity which can make the weather extremely unpleasant in summer. Rainfall is scarce during the summer months, but the windy conditions ensure there are frequent dust storms. Temperatures regularly climb above 38 °C (100 °F) during this period and fall to around 26 °C (79 °F) overnight. Winter in Dubai begins around the last week of October and lasts until the beginning of April. The winter season has the most pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Most of the precipitation takes place during this season. Strong thunderstorms are not uncommon to the city during this period, this is accompanied by strong north-westerly winds and lower temperatures. Average daytime high during the winter season is around 22 °C (72 °F) with overnight lows of 12 °C (54 °F). Rainfall has been increasing over the past few decades in the city accumulating to more than 130 mm (5.12 in) per year.

Clouds over Dubai in winter

The urban heat island effect does have its toll on Dubai as well, for example during the winter months when temperatures regularly fall to around 5 °C (41 °F) in the outskirts of the city and its suburbs, the temperatures in Central Dubai rarely fall below 9 °C (48 °F). This can be clearly seen when comparing weather data from the city's two airports - Dubai International and Dubai World Central. The highest temperature recorded in Dubai is 52.8 °C (127 °F) reached in July 2019.[1] Whereas the lowest recorded temperature in Dubai is 2 °C (36 °F).

Classifications

Dubai Climate according to major climate systems

Climatic scheme	Initials	Description
Köppen system[2][3][4]	BWh	Hot desert climate[lower-alpha 1]
Trewartha system[5]	BWh	Desert climate
Alisov system[6]	N/A	Tropical climate[lower-alpha 2]
Strahler system[7]	N/A	Dry tropical climate
Thornthwaite system[8]	E A'	Arid and megathermal
Neef system[9][10]	N/A	Dry climate of trade winds

Climate data

Climate data for Dubai
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	31.6 (88.9)	37.5 (99.5)	41.3 (106.3)	43.5 (110.3)	47.0 (116.6)	46.7 (116.1)	49.0 (120.2)	48.7 (119.7)	45.1 (113.2)	42.0 (107.6)	41.0 (105.8)	35.5 (95.9)	49.0 (120.2)
Average high °C (°F)	23.9 (75.0)	25.4 (77.7)	28.3 (82.9)	33.0 (91.4)	37.7 (99.9)	39.5 (103.1)	40.9 (105.6)	41.3 (106.3)	38.9 (102.0)	35.4 (95.7)	30.6 (87.1)	26.2 (79.2)	33.4 (92.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)	19.1 (66.4)	20.5 (68.9)	23.0 (73.4)	27.0 (80.6)	31.4 (88.5)	33.4 (92.1)	35.5 (95.9)	35.9 (96.6)	33.3 (91.9)	29.8 (85.6)	25.4 (77.7)	21.2 (70.2)	28.0 (82.3)
Average low °C (°F)	14.3 (57.7)	15.5 (59.9)	17.7 (63.9)	21.0 (69.8)	25.1 (77.2)	27.3 (81.1)	30.0 (86.0)	30.4 (86.7)	27.7 (81.9)	24.1 (75.4)	20.1 (68.2)	16.3 (61.3)	22.5 (72.4)
Record low °C (°F)	1.5 (34.7)	6.9 (44.4)	9.0 (48.2)	13.4 (56.1)	15.1 (59.2)	18.2 (64.8)	20.4 (68.7)	23.1 (73.6)	16.5 (61.7)	15.0 (59.0)	11.8 (53.2)	8.2 (46.8)	1.5 (34.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	18.8 (0.74)	25.0 (0.98)	22.1 (0.87)	7.2 (0.28)	0.4 (0.02)	0.2 (0.01)	0.8 (0.03)	0.2 (0.01)	0.0 (0.0)	1.1 (0.04)	2.7 (0.11)	16.2 (0.64)	94.7 (3.73)
Average precipitation days	5.5	4.7	5.8	2.6	0.3	0.2	0.5	0.5	0.1	0.2	1.3	3.8	25.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours	251	241	270	306	350	345	332	326	309	307	279	254	3,570
Mean daily sunshine hours	8.1	8.6	8.7	10.2	11.3	11.5	10.7	10.5	10.3	9.9	9.3	8.2	9.8
Source 1: Dubai Meteorological Office[11]
Source 2: climatebase.ru (extremes)[12]

Climate data for Dubai
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average sea temperature °C (°F)	20.9 (69.6)	20.6 (69.1)	22.3 (72.1)	25.0 (77.0)	28.5 (83.3)	31.2 (88.2)	32.2 (89.0)	32.8 (91.0)	31.9 (89.4)	29.7 (85.5)	27.1 (80.8)	23.3 (74.0)	27.1 (80.8)
Average Ultraviolet index	6	8	10	11+	11+	11+	11+	11+	11	8	6	5	9.1
Source #1: seatemperature.org[13]
Source #2: Weather Atlas[14]

Seasonal climate

The climate of Dubai is warm and sunny due to its position near the line of the Tropic of Cancer.[15] During the winter season it has an average daytime temperature of 25 °C (77 °F). Nighttime temperatures near the coastline range between 12 °C (54 °F) to 15 °C (59 °F), while in the desert they are 5 °C (41 °F) with the nights being relatively cool throughout the year. Near coastal areas humidity averages between 50% and 60%. In the summer, the weather in Dubai is very hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 43 °C (109 °F) mainly in the months of July and August. The sea temperature could also reach 37 °C (99 °F), with humidity averaging over 90%.[15] Rainfall in Dubai is infrequent and does not last for a long period. It mostly rains during the winter period between December and March in the form of short downpours and an occasional thunderstorm. On average, rain falls only 25 days a year.[11]

February is the wettest month in Dubai with an average of 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain.[16] The weather in Dubai is extremely dry in the month of June with little or no rain; however, on some days such as on June 21, 2019, chance of heavy rain with thunderstorm can unexpectedly fall on one of the days of June, despite it is being the driest month in Dubai[17][16]. March and December also record some amount of rainfall. The rainfall during January, April, July, October and November are about average while the amount of rain in May, August and September are comparatively lower.[16] The hottest month is August with the average high temperature exceeding 43 °C (109 °F). January is the coolest month with the highs of about 24 °C (75 °F) and lows of about 16 °C (61 °F). Dubai tends to be extremely hot in the months of July and August, with temperatures hitting around 45 °C (113 °F), and with lows of barely less than 30 °C (86 °F), making it the most unpleasant time to visit Dubai. During the months of May, June, September, and October, temperatures are hot, but rather quite bearable, with highs of no more than 41 °C (106 °F) with lows of about 27 °C (81 °F) on average, making it an ideal time to visit the beach or swimming pool. [18]

Climatic conditions by month

Dubai
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     21     27 12     18     30 13     26     36 15     19     42 18     2     45 23     1     47 26     3     45 28     4     44 28     3     46 27     2     43 23     27     36 18     8     29 14 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm Source: [19]
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     0.8     81 54     0.7     86 55     1     97 59     0.7     108 64     0.1     113 73     0     117 79     0.1     113 82     0.2     111 82     0.1     115 81     0.1     109 73     1.1     97 64     0.3     84 57 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches

In January the average maximum daytime temperature in Dubai is 24 °C (75 °F). The average rainfall is 10 mm (0.4 inches) of, with rain generally falling on just two days of the month. While the average sea temperature in January is 22 °C (72 °F).[20] January is also know for having days of unusual precipitation events . On January 15, 2008 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain was recorded in 24 hours.[21]

In February the average maximum daytime temperature in Dubai is 25 °C (77 °F). The average rainfall is 35 mm (1.4 in) during February. While the average sea temperature is 22 °C (72 °F).[20]

In March the average temperature is 28 °C (82 °F), with moderate heat and humidity. The average rainfall is 27 mm (1.1 in) during March, with rain generally falling on just four days of the month. While the average sea temperature is 23 °C (73 °F).[20] Strong thunderstorms often hit the city during this month, which if followed by increase in temperatures.

In April the average daytime temperature is 32 °C (90 °F), with high heat and humidity. The average rainfall is 8 mm (0.31 in) with rain generally falling on just two days of the month. The average sea temperature in April is 24 °C (75 °F).[20]

In May the average temperature is 37 °C (99 °F), with very high heat and humidity. The average rainfall is 1 mm (0.039 in) during May, with rain generally falling on just one day of the month. The average sea temperature is 28 °C (82 °F).[20]

In June the average temperature is 39 °C (102 °F), with very high heat and humidity. The average rainfall is less than 1 mm (0.039 in) during June, with a possible chance of rainfall that could be expected to fall on one of the days of the month.[22] The average sea temperature in June is 31 °C (88 °F).[20]

In July the average temperature is extremely high 42 °C (108 °F) with extreme heat and humidity. The average rainfall is less than 1 mm (0.039 in) during July, with a possible chance of rainfall that could be expected to fall on one of the days of the month. The average sea temperature in the month of July is 32 °C (90 °F).[20] Strong thunderstorms often quickly develop during these summer months and hit the outskirts of the city in areas such as DWC Airport, Al Lisaili, Lahbab, Al Khawaneej, Al Awir and Muhaisnah areas, especially during the late afternoon.[23]

In August the average temperature is extremely high 43 °C (109 °F), with extreme heat and humidity. The average rainfall is less than 1 mm (0.039 in) during August, with a possible chance of rainfall that could be expected to fall on one of the days of the month.[24] The average sea temperature in August is 32 °C (90 °F).[20]

In September the average temperature is 39 °C (102 °F), with very high heat and humidity. There is very little chance of any rainfall during September. Average sea temperature in September is 32 °C (90 °F).[20]

In October the average temperature is 36 °C (97 °F), with high heat and humidity. The average sea temperature around Dubai Airport in October is 30 °C (86 °F).[20]

In November the average temperature is 31 °C (88 °F), with moderate heat and humidity. On average only 3 mm (0.12 in) of rainfall may occur in November. Average sea temperature in November is 28 °C (82 °F).[20]

In December the average temperature is 26 °C (79 °F), cool to warm with high humidity. The average rainfall during the month is 15 mm (0.59 in). With rain generally falling on just 2 days of the month. The average sea temperature in December is 25 °C (77 °F).[20]

Sandstorms and Extreme Events

During the summer season, a low pressure area develops over Dubai forcing strong north-westerly winds to blow from Saudi Arabia. These winds, also known as Shamal (north) in Arabic, become gusty and unpredictable on reaching Dubai. Shamal boost up the desert sand and reduce visibility and the dust storm sandstorms may last for several days. Notable sandstorms that hit Dubai during the last few years include:

• On April 18, 2008 a severe sandstorm hit Dubai and reduced visibility to 1,500 meters.[25]
• On March 10, 2009 a moderate sandstorm reached Dubai which lowered down the visibility and temperature.[26]
• On March 2, 2010 Strong winds caused sandstorms in Dubai and other regions of United Arab Emirates.[27]
• On January 28, 2011 a sandstorm hit Dubai for a short time.[28]
• On February 26, 2012 a strong sandstorm hit Dubai and other parts of the country.[29]
• On April 2, 2015 a very strong sandstorm hit Dubai and other parts of the country. It started to clear out closer to the evening. In some areas visibility use reduced to 500 metres.[30]
• On March 1, 2019, a strong sandstorm hit Dubai along with very strong winds after heavy rainfall, bringing temperatures down by 10 °C (50 °F).[31]
• On June 21, 2019, after scorching hot temperatures of about 49 °C (120 °F) in the afternoon, the weather broke down into a strong sandstorm, which eventually caused thunderstorms to rumble in parts of Dubai along with heavy rain, causing temperatures to drop sharply to about 32 °C (90 °F). This is one of the rarest rainfalls ever occurred in Dubai in the month of June. [32][33]
• From January 7 to around January 12th ,2020, record breaking rains hit Dubai and other regions of the UAE . The incessant storms brought strong winds and hailstorms and brought down temperatures severely. Unusually heavy rain hit Dubai, with rainfall reaching 150 mm/hour for 2.5 hours, according to preliminary reports, the storms also flooded various regions of the emirate as well as flooded the Dubai Airport, leading to the cancellation of most flights. [34]

Notes

1. Also called tropical and subtropical desert climate
2. Dry tropical climate

References

1. Citation error. See inline comment how to fix.
2. "Dubai, United Arab Emirates Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
3. Millington, Andrew; Nagendra, Harini; Kopecká, Monika (2018-07-02). Urban Land Systems: An Ecosystems Perspective. MDPI. ISBN 9783038429173.
4. "Dubai International Airport - SKYbrary Aviation Safety". www.skybrary.aero. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
5. "Trewartha maps". kkh.ltrr.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
6. Cmapm, Kliimavöötmed svg: Urmasderivative work (2011-06-16), Русский: Климатические пояса Земли по Б. П. Алисову., retrieved 2019-07-01
7. "World Strahler Climate Map".
8. Feddema, Johannes J. (January 2005). "A Revised Thornthwaite-Type Global Climate Classification". Physical Geography. 26 (6): 442–466. doi:10.2747/0272-3646.26.6.442. ISSN 0272-3646.
9. "Klimaklassifikation". www.spektrum.de (in German). Retrieved 2019-07-01.
10. "Klimazonen nach E. Neef (1989)". Klett-Perthes.
11. "Climate (Average Temperatures:1977–2015;Precipitation:1967-2009)". Dubai Meteorological Office. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
12. "Dubai, Emirates". Climatebase.ru. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
13. "Monthly Dubai water temperature chart". Seatemperatures.org. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
14. "Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Climate data". Weather Atlas. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
15. "Dubai Geography – Information, climate and weather in Dubai". Dubai.com. 2013-05-27. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
16. "Weather in Dubai City – Information on the Weather in Dubai, UAE". Visit-dubai-city.com. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
17. "Rain lashes UAE after scorching 49°C temperatures".
18. http://www.allyearweather.com/dubai.php
19. "NASA Earth Observations Data Set Index". NASA. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
20. Weather2Flights.com. "Airports – Who flies there?". Weather2flights.com. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
21. "Downpour continues as Dubai receives record rainfall". Gulf News. 2008-01-16. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
22. "Video: Rain hits parts of Dubai, Sharjah; weather warning issued".
23. "Freak summer rain shower hits Dubai". Esquire Middle East. Retrieved 2020-08-12.
24. "Here's why UAE was hit by rain and dust storm in summer".
25. "Severe sandstorm reduces visibility in Dubai". Gulf News. 2008-04-19. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
26. "Moderate sandstorm reaches Dubai". Gulf News. 2009-03-11. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
27. "Earth Snapshot – Sandstorms Over Dubai, United Arab Emirates – March 2nd, 2010". eosnap.com. 2 March 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
28. Kazmi, Aftab (29 January 2011). "Sudden storm brings life to a halt in UAE". Gulf News. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
29. "Sandstorm rages across the UAE". Gulf News. 26 February 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
30. "Major sandstorm blots out Dubai sky". BBC News. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
31. "UAE weather: Rain and 60kph high winds lash the Emirates". The National. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
32. "UAE weather: Rain lashes in parts of UAE". The National. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
33. "So much for the start of summer in the UAE". Gulf News. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
34. Reporter, Staff. "Revealed: Just how much rain did Dubai receive?". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2020-04-06.

External links

• Dubai weather – UAE's National Center of Meteorology and Seismology
• Weather of Dubai
• Dreamsofdubai
• Climate-Charts.com
• Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Emirates 24/7