Dubai in Winter – 18 Fantastic Things To Do

(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)

Wondering what to do in Dubai in winter? Here are my 10 favourite things to do, from festive favourites to top attractions. 

Dubai is one of my favourite destinations in the world. The winter season in Dubai is a highly anticipated and enjoyable time of the year.

Throughout this season, all residents and visitors look forward to various entertaining outdoor activities, adventure sports, beach soaking, walking tours, food festivals, shopping festivals, and events.

People of Dubai love to spend time outdoors during winters due to the pleasant temperature drops that come after the the sweltering hot climate. November to March are the winter months in Dubai, having an average temperature that ranges from 21°C to 32°C during the daytime, while 15°C to 20°C during the evenings.

In my opinion, winter is a fantastic time to explore Dubai. So if you are heading to Dubai this winter, here are the 18 best things to do!

1. Visit the Beaches

Dubai is known worldwide for its exotic beaches, and winters are the perfect time when you can visit those beaches during the day to unwind, get a good tan, swim, or relax.

Make a visit to the Jumeirah beach to enjoy various water sports or relaxation while viewing the iconic Burj Al Arab. Grab a delicious Manakeesh from Al Mallah at the Mamzar Beach, or go kite flying and kite surfing among various colorful kites at the famous Kite Beach.

Here are some of the best adventure activities Beaches you can opt from :

• Go Parasailing at the Palm Jumeirah and get awed by the stunning views of Dubai City’s skyline.
• Get guided by a professional Scuba Diving Instructor and also get your pictures clicked underwater.
• Go Jet Skiing past the views of the stunning Burj Al Arab.

2. Plan an Incredible Staycation

Staycations are a great way to take a break from the city life. Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is an ideal place having various resorts and hotels offering fantastic beach views, relaxing spas, pools, entertainment activities and more.

You don’t need to break your banks as these staycations cater to all ranges whether you are looking for luxurious or a budget friendly stay. Sofitel, The Palm is one of the best resorts at Palm Jumeirah that offer great value for money.

3. Go For A Road Trip

Winters are the perfect season to take a road trip to scenic places such as Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, Al Hajar Mountains in Oman, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, or Musandam Peninsula. This is the time when the heat won’t wear you out, and you will enjoy these marvelous places while capturing those Instagram-worthy memories. You can drive by yourselves or hire a car to take you there with your family and friends.

4. Visit The Al Qudra Lake

Imagine an Oasis in the middle of a desert? Al Qudra Lake is the answer to your imagination. It is a man-made wonder which has a huge cluster of lakes and wildlife, including 130 species of birds. It is located in the middle of the Seih Al Salam Desert and Bab Al Shams.

You can also go cycling on its 86 km long cycling tracks. Al Qudra Lake also has a mesmerizing view of the sunset. Make sure you take snacks and drinks with you as it has no eateries nearby.

5. Organize Barbecue Picnics at the Nearest Park

Family picnics are so much fun. Dubai has barbecue spots in various parks, namely the Mushrif Park, Creek Park, Zabeel Park, Safa Park, and the Al Mamzar Beach Park.

Just get yourselves equipped with your picnic baskets, mats, and some sporty gears to play around with and visit any of these Dubai’s favorite picnic spots to spend your day filled with delights.

6. Visit The Desert

Dubai is blessed with the most picturesque and scenic deserts. There are so many adventurous things you can do in a desert, minus the scorching heat in Dubai during winter.

Take a Wildlife Tour, Falconry Safari, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Desert, visit a Desert Resort, Camp in the Desert, or plan a Desert Safari trip.

There are so many tour companies providing well-equipped Desert adventures in Dubai, and I have found bookings through Viator/GetYourGuide to be one of the most reliable ones.

7. Take a Yachting trip from Dubai Marina

Yachting is one of the most wonderful activities in Dubai. Sail on the clear blue waters of the ocean with the most amazing views of Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and Palm Jumeirah. You can take a yachting trip either for partying, spending some quality time with your near ones, or to rejuvenate yourself away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

8. Dine Outdoors and at Food Trucks

Winters are a great time to enjoy meals at food trucks, beachside cafeterias, street-side restaurants, rooftops, or at scenic outdoor sitting arrangements offered by many restaurants in Dubai. Go on a food tour at Al Shindagha, La Mer, or City Walk, and you will discover the most lively outdoor dining restaurants with the coolest ambiance.

9. Take a Hiking Trip to Hatta

For hiking enthusiasts, Hatta is a go-to place from Dubai. The difficulty level of hiking trails ranges from beginner to professional hikers. It has also been designed for those who are less physically able.

Be prepared to get some breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, dams, lakes, farms, and parks during your hike. You can also explore the region by biking on the trails.

10. Drive an F1 style racing car at Dubai Autodrome

Get your adrenaline rushing while you drive a single-seater F1-style racing car at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubai Motor City. You will be guided by a professional crew and equipped with all the racing gear.

11. Spend a day at the Global Village

Global Village is the largest outdoor entertainment festival that takes place in Dubai every year during the winter months. Visiting the Global Village is like taking a mini tour around the world.

It represents many countries showcasing their famous landmarks, traditional cuisines, culture through live entertainment, and also various shopping kiosks. There are also many amusement rides and fun games at the Global Village.

12. Walking Tour Of Old Dubai

Taking a heritage walking tour of old Dubai would be a pretty interesting and enriching activity to do during winter. You will get to know a lot about Dubai’s heritage, the local life, and all the knowledge about its origin. A walking tour of Al Bastakiya or the Dubai Creek brings you close to its local life and gives a fresh perspective on its culture.

13. Shop at Great Discounts

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. The holiday season is a time for great discounts on almost all the high-end and local brands. The Dubai Shopping Festival, which is a month-long event held during this time, offers amazing discounts across all the shopping malls in Dubai.

You also get chances to enter into everyday, weekly, or monthly raffle draws on your shopping bills. Many fun events and entertainment activities are also a part of this shopping extravaganza.

14. Attend a Sports Events

Dubai hosts many sports events during the winter months. Look out for the Dubai Rugby Sevens, T20 Cricket Festival, Horse Racing, Beach Polo Tournament, Dubai World Cup Carnival, Football Matches, Dubai Marathon, Golf Tournament, and lots more fun sports events. You can check the entire sports event calendar here.

You can also join a sports club in Dubai and practice your favorite sport regularly.

15. Go Skiing at Ski Dubai

You can go skiing at Ski Dubai, located at the Mall of the Emirates, to take in the real feel of winter. Ski Dubai offers various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, tobogganing, bobsleighing, and much more. There is a ‘Snow Penguins’ show too at Ski Dubai, which is a visual treat for those who love penguins.

16. Unleash yourselves at Wild Wadi Waterpark

Spend a day at Dubai’s most famous and adventurous water park – The Wild Wadi Water Park. It has about 30 incredible water rides that include surf rides as well. A fun-packed and thrilling day is what you are going to have at this amazing water park. Spending your day at Wild Wadi Water Park is one of the best ways to spend your winter in Dubai.

Note that the Wild Wadi Water Park remains closed for a brief period in January for maintenance purposes.

17. Watch a movie at Outdoor Cinemas

You can visit Vox outdoor cinema at the Rooftop Galleria Mall to watch the latest movies. These cinemas have a good seating area, food, beverages, and also offer blankets in case it gets very cold. You can also visit the Habtoor Grand at Dubai Marina, which hosts outdoor movie shows on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

18. Join Outdoor Fitness Clubs

Get fit by joining outdoor fitness clubs, boot camps, outdoor gyms, or practicing outdoor Yoga. You can find free access to gym equipment at Sky Dive Dubai Drop Zone, Safa Park, and Al Barsha Pond Park. There are various fitness centers organizing outdoor Yoga classes in Dubai.

Related Read : Top Things To Do & Places To Visit In Dubai

Do let me know what you are planning to do in Dubai during this winter season in the comment box below.

Till then, stay healthy and keep exploring!

If you haven’t already, like Cheerful Trails on Facebook for more travel diaries and photos!

Save It On Pinterest By Clicking On Any Of The Images Below;