Dubai in July is not for the faint-hearted—but for savvy travellers, it offers unique advantages. In this article, we break down what it’s really like to visit the city at the peak of summer. From indoor attractions and hotel deals to cultural etiquette and travel hacks, we’ve covered all bases.
While the sun blazes outside, you’ll discover how to enjoy Dubai from a cooler, more laid-back perspective. This guide will help you decide if July is the right fit for your trip and how to turn the season’s challenges into part of the adventure.
Dubai Weather In July
Dubai Weather Snapshot (2024 Data):
- Highs: Up to 41°C
- Average Temperature: Around 35°C
- Lows: Around 29°C
- Average Monthly Rainfall: Just 0.8mm
- Muggy Days (Humidity): Around 27 days per month
July in Dubai is hot—there’s no sugar-coating it. Expect daytime temperatures to soar above 40°C, with nights offering little relief. Humidity levels also climb, making the heat feel even more intense.
Rain is nearly nonexistent, so don’t pack an umbrella. Instead, focus on sun protection and staying cool. With around 27 humid days in the month, the air can feel thick and heavy, particularly near the coast.
Outdoor activities are generally limited to very early mornings or evenings, while midday hours are best reserved for air-conditioned malls, hotels, and indoor attractions. If you’re not used to extreme heat, it can be a shock—but with the right planning, it’s absolutely manageable.
Is July a Good Time to Visit Dubai?
It depends on what kind of traveller you are. July in Dubai is defined by intense heat and humidity, but it also comes with perks that savvy visitors can take advantage of—if they know how to plan smart.
One of the biggest draws? Lower prices. Hotels, resorts, and even luxury properties often slash their rates by 30% or more. You’ll find some of the best-value stays of the year during this off-peak season. Tourist hotspots like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and indoor entertainment venues tend to be much quieter too, meaning fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience.
For those who don’t mind sticking to indoor attractions, July can be a surprisingly enjoyable time. Think five-star spa days, dining with a view (in air-conditioned comfort), desert sunset views from hotel balconies, and indoor adventures like skiing at Mall of the Emirates.
That said, the extreme heat—often over 40°C with heavy humidity—makes outdoor excursions like desert safaris, beach days, or walking tours challenging, if not inadvisable. Most locals and experienced travellers spend the majority of the day indoors, venturing out only in the early morning or after sunset.
If your trip is about relaxation, luxury, shopping, and top-notch dining rather than hiking, dune bashing, or beach hopping, July could be the perfect time to experience Dubai for less—without the usual tourist buzz.
Dubai in July with Kids
Travelling to Dubai with kids in July can be totally doable—as long as you’re not planning to be outdoors much. With temperatures regularly climbing above 40°C and high humidity making it feel even hotter, outdoor play is best kept to the early mornings or skipped altogether.
That said, Dubai is exceptionally family-friendly and built for indoor living during the summer. From massive malls with play zones to world-class attractions like Dubai Aquarium, KidZania, and the Green Planet, there’s plenty to keep children entertained in fully air-conditioned comfort.
Many resorts also offer shaded or indoor pools, kids’ clubs, and summer activity programmes, making it easier for families to unwind without overheating.
Top tip: Avoid midday travel between places, pack cooling wipes and hydration bottles, and consider booking accommodation close to indoor attractions.
Things To Do In Dubai In July
Dubai might be sizzling in July, but the city doesn’t slow down. In fact, it shifts its focus to indoor entertainment, family-friendly festivals, and mega sales. While you’ll want to avoid being outdoors for long, there’s still loads happening beneath the air-conditioned skyline.
Note: Event schedules can vary slightly year to year, so always check platforms like Dubai Calendar or Platinumlist for the most current info.
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)
Timing: Late June to early September
Dubai’s biggest city-wide retail and entertainment festival continues through July with huge shopping discounts, raffle draws, and family-friendly events in malls. If you’re here to shop or entertain the kids, DSS is a July highlight.
Modhesh World
Timing: July through August
A massive indoor family festival located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring rides, shows, arcade games, edutainment zones, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters. Perfect for keeping kids engaged and cool all day long.
Latin Crazy Tribe – Dubai Summer Paradise
Timing: Beginning of July
A vibrant week-long Latin dance festival featuring themed nightly parties, workshops with international artists, and social events including a boat party and pool party. Dedicated rooms for Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba keep the energy flowing all day and night. Great for both beginners and seasoned dancers.
Cost of Flights in July
July can offer surprisingly good flight deals to Dubai, especially compared to the high season in winter.
We researched flights for a single traveller departing from London between July 1st and 8th, without additional luggage, and found some fares as low as £320. In comparison, flights from London in January (5th–11th) averaged around £586 for the same criteria.
That’s a saving of £266, or approximately 45.4%, just by travelling in July instead of January.
Since July is part of Dubai’s off-peak travel season, prices are typically lower. Plus, with fewer people booking flights during this time, last-minute deals are more common — offering even more potential savings if you’re flexible.
Where to Stay in Dubai in July
With July’s extreme heat, your accommodation plays a huge role in how comfortable your trip will be. Whether you’re travelling in style or on a tighter budget, here are some options to consider:
Resorts & Hotels
During Dubai’s hottest month, staying somewhere with strong air-conditioning, shaded pools, and indoor entertainment can really enhance your stay. For full-on luxury, Atlantis, The Palm is hard to beat — it’s practically a destination in itself.
If you’re after a mid-range option, Hilton Dubai The Walk in JBR gives you easy access to both the beach and Dubai Marina, along with great on-site facilities.
For a budget-friendly stay that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf offers clean, air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop pool, and free shuttles to popular spots.
Holiday Rentals in Dubai
Holiday rentals are an excellent choice in July, particularly for families or longer stays. They offer more space and privacy, plus the freedom to set your own pace — ideal when dealing with hot days.
At Zennova Holidays, we offer a handpicked range of stylish, air-conditioned apartments throughout the city, perfect for cooling off after sightseeing or lounging indoors. Our rates typically drop by around 35% in July, so you can enjoy more space for less.
What to Wear in Dubai in July
With July being one of the hottest months in Dubai, dressing smartly for the heat is essential. Think lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen to help keep you cool. Light colours are best, as they reflect the sun and help you stay comfortable. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves if you plan to be outdoors at all.
Dubai is quite modern and international, but modest dress is still appreciated in many public areas. It’s a good idea to cover shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting malls, souks, or cultural sites. For mosques or religious places, you’ll need to dress more conservatively — women should bring a scarf to cover their hair, and both men and women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the arms and legs.
Indoors, it’s a different story. Most indoor spaces — from shopping centres to restaurants — crank up the air-con, so you might want to carry a light cardigan or shawl to stay comfortable.
Whether you’re exploring cultural attractions or simply moving between your hotel and the pool, dressing with both comfort and respect in mind will help you make the most of your time in Dubai this July.
Is Dubai Crowded During July?
No — July is one of the quieter months in Dubai when it comes to tourism. With daytime temperatures soaring, many travellers opt for cooler destinations, meaning fewer crowds at popular attractions, malls, and beaches.
This makes July a great time to explore Dubai without the usual hustle and long queues, especially if you’re focusing on indoor experiences. Hotels, resorts, and even restaurants tend to be more relaxed, and you’re more likely to find availability at top spots that are usually booked solid during the high season.
If you enjoy a calmer pace of travel and want to avoid tourist-packed sights, July offers a more peaceful way to experience the city — provided you’re prepared for the heat.
Average Costs of a Trip to Dubai in July
If you’re planning a mid-range getaway, a single person can expect to spend between £1,250 – £1,900 (US$1,620 – US$2,460) for a one-week stay in Dubai in peak-season, excluding flights. This includes a stay at a comfortable hotel, meals at mid-range restaurants, transport around the city, and entrance to popular attractions.
July is part of Dubai’s off-peak travel season, so there are plenty of opportunities to save. With fewer tourists and intense summer heat, hotels and resorts typically lower their prices. In fact, accommodation and activity costs can be up to 30–35% cheaper than during the high season, especially if you book in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals.
What To Pack For Dubai In July
When packing for Dubai in July, the intense heat is the top consideration. Here’s a simple list of essentials:
- Light, Breathable Clothing: Opt for loose, lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. Avoid dark colours as they absorb heat.
- Swimwear: If you’re staying at a hotel or resort with a pool, pack swimwear for relaxation.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sandals or comfortable shoes are great for walking, but keep in mind that some places may require covered shoes.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the intense sun.
- Modest Attire: While Dubai is modern, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially in public spaces and religious sites. Bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the heat by carrying a refillable water bottle.
- Evening Wear: Some upscale restaurants and venues may have a dress code, so pack a nice outfit for evenings out.
