Dubai is the second-largest among the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and it is also the emirate’s capital city. At a height of 52 feet (17 meters) above sea level, the city has a surface area of 4,110 square kilometers.
The general answer to the query, “does it snow in Dubai?” is no, unless we’re talking about artificial snow. The main reason is that Dubai experiences a tropical desert environment with warm winters and scorching summers. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a winter wonderland in this arid city!
The city has some of the best spots in the world where visitors can enjoy the winter season, including world-class ski slopes, indoor snow resorts, and spectacular winter activities. Therefore, if you want to experience winter in the sun, Dubai is the place to be.
This article will take a closer look at the city’s climatic and weather conditions as well as the winter-related activities and amenities available to enable all potential visitors to make an informed decision and create an ideal travel itinerary to this region.
Dubai’s Climate
For most of the year, Dubai has a hot, dry, and sunny climate with an average temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). The hottest months are from June through September when the average temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). However, the city occasionally gets rain, especially in December and January when the average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius.
The city’s hot and dry weather is mostly a result of its closeness to the Tropic of Cancer, which is the northernmost sphere of latitude on Earth at which the sun is directly above the region. All the places, including Dubai, where the tropical sphere crosses, experience similar hot and arid climates.
Seasons In Dubai
Generally, there are only two major seasons in Dubai, the dry and wet seasons.
The Dry Season
The dry (summer) season is from the last week of April to the first week of October, and extreme heat, hot winds, and high humidity are the defining features of this period. However, because of its proximity to the sea, Dubai experiences slightly cooler summer temperatures compared to other Gulf cities like Riyadh and Kuwait City.
Since there is little rain throughout the summer, there are often dust storms caused by windy weather. Temperatures frequently exceed 38 °C (100 °F) and drop to about 26 °C (79 °F) at night.
The Wet Season
During the final week of October to the first few weeks of April, Dubai experiences its wet (winter) season. It is also during this time when the city frequently experiences intense thunderstorms, along with strong winds out of the northwest.
The average temperature during the day is around 22 °C (72 °F) and 12 °C (54 °F) at night. Over the previous few decades, the city has experienced an increase in rainfall, which now totals more than 5.12 in (130 mm) annually.
When Does It Snow In Dubai?
Dubai’s climate prohibits it from experiencing snowfall; hence, there isn’t any snow in the region. However, it is essential to review the conditions that make the formation of snow possible so as to comprehend why it doesn’t snow in Dubai.
Atmospheres at or below freezing point, 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), are ideal for creating snow. But, the temperature must remain below the freezing point from the skies to the ground to prevent the melting of the snow as it descends. Therefore, snow cannot form in Dubai because the temperature never drops below ten degrees, even during the coldest winter.
January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of about 20°C. Evenings can be rather chilly, so if you consider visiting the city during this period, it would be best to carry some warm attire.
Where Does It Snow In Dubai?
There is no historical evidence of natural snowfall in Dubai. However, snow has only been reported four times in the previous 20 years in the tallest peak of Jebel Al Jais, located in Ras Al Khaimah on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
At 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, Jumeirah, a suburb in Dubai, is the coldest place as it experiences average wintertime temperatures that range from 20 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to 29 degrees Celsius (84.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Although Jumeirah cannot experience snowfall due to the area’s climate and height, there are times when hailstorms occur during the winter.
Enjoying The Snow and Cold Air in Dubai
Dubai is usually considered the ideal winter escape destination due to its clear skies, desert landscape, and warm (but sometimes hot) climate. Although it does not snow in Dubai, below are some of the best places to engage in winter-related activities.
The Chillout Ice Cafe
Being in a place where it is only 6 degrees Celsius when it is 40 degrees outside is quite tempting. It is the case in Dubai’s Chillout Ice Cafe, where visitors and locals can seek to relax in this unique establishment and rejuvenate from the scorching heat.
The entire interior is composed of crystal ice, including the lighting fixtures, furniture, walls, and murals. The establishment’s interior, which is decorated with ice sculptures, and ice cubes with unique lighting that continually changes and gives the impression of a magnificent snowy realm, will impress you.
It is important to note that utensils and glasses are also made of ice. You will be asked to place an order by selecting meals and drinks from a menu engraved on the ice plates. Fortunately, visitors shouldn’t be concerned about freezing or getting sick in the ice cafe; each person is given a warm fur hat and outfit, while the cafe’s chairs are coated with thick fur mats.
Ski Dubai
One of the most well-known resorts for indoor skiing in Dubai is called Ski Dubai. It contains a 22,500 square-meter indoor skiing area with an 86-meter-high indoor mountain and five elevation slopes of varying degrees of difficulty.
Throughout the year, the skiing area is kept at a temperature between 30.1 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius) to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius). Quad and tow lifts are useful in bringing snowboarders and skiers to the mountain’s summit.
The resort includes snowboarding, skiing, and a 3,000-square-meter Snow Park play area. The temperatures in the resort are also low enough to support an ideal habitat for real penguins. Therefore, if you visit Dubai, you can enjoy skiing and interact with the penguins since the resort is open every day.
The Ice Skating Rink
This facility is also one of the few locations in the United Arab Emirates where you can escape the scorching heat. It has a special climate-control system that creates a cool and pleasant temperature.
Dubai’s skating rink meets all the international standards, such as the Olympic size dimensions. It also serves as a venue for competitions and international sporting events, such as figure skating exhibition programs and hockey championships.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning modern cities in the UAE and globally. The city is where cutting-edge solutions and modern technology coexist with ancient traditions. Although it does not snow in Dubai, the city has remarkable snow and winter-related facilities guaranteeing a festive vibe and memorable experiences.
