May in Dubai is hot and sunny, and the rise in temperature from spring is clear. It is still a good month for the beach and the pool, especially earlier in the day, but the midday heat can be intense.
Tourist numbers start to ease off in May as the weather gets hotter, which can make the city feel a little quieter compared with the peak winter months.
This guide gives a straightforward look at the weather, costs and what to expect if you are planning a trip to Dubai in May 2026.
Dubai Weather In May
| Dubai May Weather Snapshot (2025 Data) | Details |
| Highs | Up to 38°C |
| Average Temperature | Around 31°C |
| Lows | Around 24°C |
| Average Monthly Rainfall | 0.9mm |
| Muggy Days (Humidity) | Around 17 days per month |
May in Dubai brings hot, bright days and warm evenings as the city moves into its early summer weather. It is still possible to enjoy the beach and pool, but the heat becomes more intense, especially in the afternoons. Rain is almost non existent in May, with less than 1 mm recorded across the month.
Expect long sunny days, with around eight to nine hours of sunshine and almost twelve hours of daylight. Daytime temperatures average roughly 31°C and can climb to highs of around 38°C. Nights stay warm too, settling near 24°C. Humidity also begins to rise, with around seventeen noticeably muggy days during the month.
Overall, May offers consistently sunny weather and long daylight hours, but it does feel significantly hotter than spring. It suits travellers who enjoy reliable heat and do not mind planning their outdoor time around the hotter parts of the day.
Is May A Good Time To Visit Dubai?
May can be a good time to visit Dubai if you enjoy hot weather and want plenty of sunshine. It marks the start of the quieter travel period, so you may find better availability at hotels and attractions compared with the peak winter months.
Families or travellers sensitive to heat will need to plan around the middle of the day, as outdoor activities are far more comfortable in the mornings and evenings. Fortunately, Dubai has a huge range of indoor attractions, so it is easy to mix cooler, air conditioned options with shorter spells outdoors.
Evenings remain lively across the city, with waterfront areas, malls and restaurants staying busy. If you like warm nights, long days and a slightly calmer atmosphere, May can work well as long as you are prepared for the stronger heat.
Is Dubai Crowded in May?
May in Dubai sees a shift to a calmer visitor pattern, with fewer tourists than earlier in the spring. The city still feels lively, but attractions and public spaces are generally easier to navigate.
In 2025, Dubai welcomed around 1.53 million international visitors in May, bringing the total for the year to 8.68 million by the end of the month. This represents a year on year increase of about 6.9 percent compared with the same period in 2024.
Major sights such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the main beachfront areas can still be busy at popular times, especially weekends, but queues and crowd levels tend to be more manageable overall.
For travellers who prefer a slightly quieter Dubai without missing its main highlights, May offers a good balance.
Visiting Dubai in May with Kids
May is still a workable month for families, but it does require a bit more planning. The city stays lively and attractions remain fully open, and with fewer tourists around, many family venues feel less crowded than earlier in the year.
Water based days tend to be the easiest for children. Aquaventure, Wild Wadi and hotel pools offer plenty of shaded spots and cooler areas to recharge. For variety, indoor attractions such as Ski Dubai, The Green Planet and Dubai Aquarium give families a comfortable break when you want time away from the heat.
Most parents find that keeping outdoor activities to the first part of the day works best, saving indoor venues for early afternoon. Evenings are still active across the city, so things like waterfront walks, kid friendly restaurants and light shows slot in nicely after sunset.
With a balanced schedule, May offers plenty for children to enjoy without feeling limited by the conditions.
For more information on things to do with kids in Dubai check out our article ‘10 Things To Do With Kids In Dubai’.
Things to Do in Dubai in May 2026
May still offers a strong mix of activities, with plenty to choose from whether you prefer waterparks, cultural venues or relaxed evenings around the city. Outdoor attractions are still doable with good timing, while indoor venues provide easy options for the warmer parts of the day. The slightly quieter visitor period also means many popular spots feel more manageable than they do earlier in the year.
Below, we highlight five recommended activities for May, followed by five seasonal events and experiences that may take place during the month.
Note: Event dates can shift year to year, so it is best to check Dubai Calendar or Platinumlist for the latest information.
Dubai Activities In May
| Activity | Description | Website / Search URL |
| Waterpark Day (Aquaventure or Wild Wadi) | May is one of the best months for waterparks. The water stays refreshing, and shaded areas help you enjoy a full day. Ideal for families and couples who want an active outing without spending too long in direct sun. | Search: Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai |
| Early-Morning Desert Adventure | Desert trips are still possible in May but are best taken at sunrise. Morning safaris offer dune drives, wildlife spotting and sandboarding before temperatures climb. Evening options are also available with camp experiences and entertainment. | Search: Dubai Morning Desert Safari |
| Beach Clubs and Pools | While afternoons get hot, mornings at beach clubs or resort pools remain popular. May is a good time to enjoy quieter venues, midweek offers and shaded cabanas. | Example: https://www.blaueventsdubai.com/beach-clubs (or search Dubai beach clubs) |
| Indoor Mega-Attractions | May is perfect for exploring Dubai’s major indoor venues without peak-season queues: The Green Planet, Dubai Aquarium, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Museum of the Future all work well for midday plans. | Example: https://www.thedubaimall.com/ |
| Evening Marina and Creek Experiences | Evenings stay busy across Dubai. Dinner cruises, dhow trips along the Creek and Marina walks are all popular in May, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the city after sunset. | Search: Dubai Marina dhow cruise |
Dubai Events and Festivals In May
| Event | Dates (2026) | Location | Description |
| Global Village – Season 30 Finale | Ends 10 May 2026 | Global Village, Dubai | The last days of Dubai’s biggest multicultural attraction, with pavilions, live shows and food stalls. One of the final large-scale outdoor events before the summer break. |
| Arabian Travel Market (ATM) | 4–7 May 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre | A major international travel and tourism expo attended by global industry leaders. Good for professionals or travellers curious about future travel trends. |
| Dubai Comedy Festival 2026 | TBD (typically held in May–June or autumn depending on year) | Multiple venues across Dubai | Annual comedy festival with international stand-up acts, Arabic-language shows, and family-friendly performances. Organisers have confirmed a 2026 return, but dates are not yet released. |
| International Galleries & Art Exhibitions (Alserkal Avenue) | TBD (runs every May) | Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz | Alserkal hosts rotating exhibitions, film nights and cultural programming through May before summer closures. Exact event names vary by year. |
| Hotel & Dining Summer Preview Offers | Runs throughout May 2026 | Citywide | Many restaurants, brunch venues and hotels run early-summer promotions in May as the season shifts. Not a single event, but a recurring annual trend worth noting for travellers. |
| Dubai Opera – Spring Performances | TBD (May 2026 programme pending) | Dubai Opera | Dubai Opera typically schedules musicals, orchestras and touring shows in May before the lighter summer schedule. 2026 lineup TBA. |
| End-of-Season Beach Club Events | TBD (late May 2026) | JBR, Palm Jumeirah, La Mer | Many beach clubs hold closing events before adjusting hours for summer. Themes vary, but late-May “closing parties” are common annually. |
| Yacht & Marina Experiences – Shoulder Season | Available throughout May | Dubai Marina / Dubai Harbour | May remains popular for sunset yacht tours and private charters before humidity spikes. Not a fixed event — but an annual experience trend for May visitors. |
Cost of Flights to Dubai in May
Based on our research, a return flight with British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) typically takes around 7 hours 20 minutes on the outbound journey and around 7 hours 50 minutes on the return.
For May dates checked during our research, direct return fares with British Airways start from around £492 (approximately AED 2,360), with prices varying depending on the exact travel dates, availability and luggage options.
Cheaper return fares from around £235 (approximately AED 1,128) are also available with other airlines. These typically involve one or more stops and longer overall travel times.
Where to Stay in Dubai in May
In May, most visitors prefer areas that keep travel times short and offer plenty to do indoors and in the evenings. Downtown and Business Bay are convenient bases, placing you close to malls, restaurants and major attractions. Dubai Marina and JBR work well too, especially if you want a mix of beach access and a lively atmosphere without relying on long daytime trips.
For a more relaxed stay, Palm Jumeirah is a popular choice in May. Many resorts here are designed for guests who want to spend most of the day on site, with shaded pools, private beaches and a good selection of dining options.
Serviced apartments remain a strong option this month, offering more space for downtime and flexibility for families or longer stays. Zennova Holidays provides a range of apartments across several central neighbourhoods.
Dubai May Travel costs
Typical Costs In May
| Category | Typical Price Range / Info |
| Public transport (metro / tram / bus) – one-way | AED 6 (≈ £1.20) |
| Taxi start fare | AED 12 (≈ £2.50) |
| Meal at budget-friendly / casual eatery | AED 30–60 (≈ £6–£12) |
| Meal at mid-range restaurant (main + drink) | AED 100–150 (≈ £20–£30) |
| Serviced apartment – budget/basic | AED 200–340 per night (≈ £40–£70) |
| Serviced apartment – mid-range | AED 340–580 per night (≈ £70–£120) |
| Longer-stay serviced apartment (monthly) | AED 10,000–20,000/month (≈ £2,000–£4,000) |
| Overall daily cost — budget traveller estimate | AED 420/day (≈ £85/day) |
| Typical daily cost — mid-range traveller | AED 1,060/day (≈ £220/day) |
Sample May Daily Budgets (Per Person)
| Style | Estimated Daily Spend |
| Budget (basic serviced apartment + cheap eats + public transport) | AED 350–450 (≈ £70–£90) |
| Comfortable / Mid-range (mid-range serviced apartment + mix of dining, taxis, activities) | AED 700–1,000 (≈ £140–£200) |
| Relaxed / Mixed (nicer serviced apartment + some splurges + paid attractions) | Varies depending on activities chosen |
What to Wear in Dubai in May
May is a hot month in Dubai, so light, breathable clothing is the most practical option. Fabrics like linen, cotton and moisture-wicking materials help keep you comfortable when you’re outdoors or moving between attractions.
You won’t need layers in the evening, but you may want something light for strong indoor air-conditioning, especially in malls, cinemas and restaurants.
Modesty guidelines still apply in public areas: covering shoulders and knees is advisable in malls, traditional neighbourhoods and cultural sites. Loose-fitting outfits remain the easiest way to stay cool while meeting local expectations.
Swimwear is fine at pools, beach clubs and hotel beaches, but it should be covered when walking through public areas. A scarf or shawl can be useful for added sun protection or for visiting religious sites.
Comfortable footwear is key in May. Sandals, trainers or breathable walking shoes work well for daytime plans. In the evenings, many restaurants and lounges favour smart-casual attire, so a simple dress, collared shirt or tailored trousers will suit most venues.
What To Wear In Dubai In May
- Lightweight, breathable clothing such as linen or cotton
- A thin layer for strong indoor air-conditioning
- Swimwear plus a cover-up for moving through public areas
- Comfortable sandals or trainers for daytime walking
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for malls and cultural sites
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A reusable water bottle (electrolytes optional but useful)
- Smart-casual evening wear for restaurants and lounges
What is Dubai like in April and June?
If you’re planning a trip around this time of year, it’s useful to compare May with the months on either side. You can dive deeper with the guides below:
- Read our guide on Visiting Dubai in April.
- Read our guide on Visiting Dubai in June.
These will help you decide which month suits your plans best.