Is January a good month to visit Dubai?

Yes, with caveats. Comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds than peak summer. Sea around 21°C — most visitors swim without a wince.

Can you swim in Dubai in January?

Sea temperature averages 21.3°C — most visitors swim comfortably. Sea around 21°C — most visitors swim without a wince.

What's the average rainfall in Dubai in January?

About 13 mm on the 1991-2020 baseline — dry.

Is January crowded in Dubai?

Quiet by tourism standards. January in Dubai is for travellers who want the locals' version of the city.

Dubai · January 2026

Dubai weather in January 2026

Comfortable summer-shoulder weather — Dubai averages a 24.2°C high in January. Largely dry. Sea 21.3°C — comfortable.

Avg high

24.2°C

Avg low

14.3°C

Rainfall

12.5 mm

Dry

Sun

0 h/day

Sea temp

21.3°C

Comfortable

What to wear

Daytime is t-shirt-and-shorts; evenings warrant a jumper or a light jacket near the water. Sun-block on the strong end of the spectrum — UV is still high under haze.

What’s open in January

Year-round spots plus seasonal venues whose own season covers January. Tap through for the editorial detail page.

Common questions

Is January a good month to visit Dubai?: Yes, with caveats. Comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds than peak summer. Sea around 21°C — most visitors swim without a wince.
Can you swim in Dubai in January?: Sea temperature averages 21.3°C — most visitors swim comfortably. Sea around 21°C — most visitors swim without a wince.
What's the average rainfall in Dubai in January?: About 13 mm on the 1991-2020 baseline — dry.
Is January crowded in Dubai?: Quiet by tourism standards. January in Dubai is for travellers who want the locals' version of the city.