Climate of Dubai explained
Dubai features a tropical desert,[1] hot arid climate. Dubai has two seasons – winter and summer. Rainfall has been increasing over the past few decades in the city accumulating to more than 130mm per year.
Seasons
Summer
Summer in Dubai begins around the last week of April and ends around the first week of October. This period is characterized by extremely hot weather, hot winds and high humidity. Due to the city's close proximity to the sea, the temperatures in Dubai are slightly milder in summer in comparison to other Gulf cities such as Kuwait City and Riyadh. However, this means the city has high humidity which can make the weather extremely unpleasant in summer. Rainfall is scarce during the summer months, but the windy conditions ensure there are frequent dust storms. Strong thunderstorms, Tropical cyclone, and dust storm are not uncommon in the city during this period, these are accompanied by strong north-westerly winds and lower temperatures. Temperatures regularly rise above 38C during this period and fall to around 26C overnight. The highest temperature recorded in Dubai is 50.1C, reached in July 2023.[2]
Winter
Winter in Dubai begins around the last week of October and lasts until the middle of April. Most of the precipitation takes place during this season. Strong thunderstorms are not uncommon in the city during this period, these are accompanied by strong north-westerly winds and lower temperatures. The average daytime high during January, the coolest month, is around 22C with overnight lows of 12C. The lowest recorded temperature in Dubai is 5C, reached on early mornings from 10 to 12 January 2021.[3]
An urban heat island effect does exert an effect on Dubai as well, for example during the winter months when temperatures regularly fall to around 15C and lower in the outskirts of the city and its suburbs, the temperature in Central Dubai rarely falls below 18C. This can be clearly seen when comparing weather data from the city's two airports - Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. In the summer however, the opposite is true with average highs to be reaching about 43C in the suburbs and 38C in Central Dubai.
Climate data
Climate data for Dubai |
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Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
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Average sea temperature °C (°F) | 20.8 (69.4) | 20.6 (69.1) | 22.3 (72.1) | 25.0 (77.0) | 28.5 (83.3) | 30.7 (87.2) | 32.2 (90.0) | 32.8 (91.0) | 31.9 (89.4) | 29.7 (85.5) | 27.1 (80.8) | 23.3 (74.0) | 27.1 (80.8) |
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Average Ultraviolet index | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 8 | 6 | 5 | 9.2 |
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Source #1: seatemperature.org[4] |
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Source #2: Weather Atlas[5] | |
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Seasonal climate
The climate of Dubai is warm and sunny due to its position near the line of the Tropic of Cancer.[6] During the winter season it has an average daytime temperature of 25C. Nighttime temperatures near the coastline range between 12C to 15C, while in the desert they are 5C with the nights being relatively cool throughout the year. Near coastal areas humidity averages between 50% and 60%. In the summer, the weather in Dubai is very hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 43C mainly in the months of July and August. The sea temperature could also reach 37C, with humidity averaging over 90%.Rainfall in Dubai is infrequent and does not last for a long period. It mostly rains during the winter period between November and March in the form of short downpours and an occasional thunderstorm. On average, rain falls only 25 days a year.
February is the wettest month in Dubai with an average of 35mm of rain. The weather in Dubai is extremely dry in the month of June with little or no rain; however, heavy rain with thunderstorm can unexpectedly fall on some days in June, despite it being the driest month in Dubai, with an example being June 21, 2019.[7] [8] March and December also record some amount of rainfall. The rainfall during January, April, July, October and November are about average while the amount of rain in May, August and September are comparatively lower.The hottest months are July and August with the average high temperatures exceeding 43C. January is the coolest month with the highs of about 24C and lows of about 16C. Dubai tends to be extremely hot and humid in the months of July and August, with temperatures hitting around 45C, and with lows of barely less than 30C, making it the most unpleasant time to visit Dubai. During the months of May, June, September, and October, temperatures are hot, but rather quite bearable, with average highs of no more than 41C and with lows of about 27C on average, making it an ideal time to visit the beach or swimming pool.[9] [10] [11]
Climatic conditions by month
In January the average maximum daytime temperature in Dubai is usually around 25C, with average lows of about 16C. The average rainfall is 10 mm (0.4 inches) of, with rain generally falling on just two days of the month. While the average sea temperature in January is 22C.[12] January is also known for having days of unusual precipitation events . On January 15, 2008, 110mm of rain was recorded in 24 hours.[13]
In February the average maximum daytime temperature in Dubai is 27C with the average minimum nighttime temperature of 17C. The average rainfall is 35mm during February. While the average sea temperature is 22C.
In March the average daytime temperature is 30C, with moderate heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in March is about 20C. The average rainfall is 27mm during March, with rain generally falling on just four days of the month. While the average sea temperature is 23C. Strong thunderstorms often hit the city during this month, which is followed by an increase in temperatures.
In April the average daytime temperature is 34C, with high heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in April is about 23C. The average rainfall is 8mm with rain generally falling on just two days of the month. The average sea temperature in April is 24C.
In May the average daytime temperature is 38C, with very high heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in May is about 26C. The average rainfall is 1mm during May, with rain generally falling on just one day of the month. The average sea temperature is 28C.
In June the average daytime temperature is 40C, with very high heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in June is about 28C. The average rainfall is less than 1mm during June, with a possible chance of rainfall that could be expected to fall on one of the days of the month.[14] The average sea temperature in June is 31C.
In July the average daytime temperature is extremely high 43C with extreme heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in July is about 31C. The average rainfall is about 1mm during July, with rain occasionally falling on just one of the days of the month. The average sea temperature in the month of July is 32C. Strong thunderstorms often quickly develop during these summer months and hit the outskirts of the city in areas such as DWC Airport, Al Lisaili, Lahbab, Al Khawaneej, Al Awir and Muhaisnah areas, especially during the late afternoon.[15]
In August the average daytime temperature is extremely high 43C, with extreme heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in August is about 32C. The average rainfall is less than 1mm during August, with a possible chance of rainfall that could be expected to fall on one of the days of the month.[16] The average sea temperature in August is 33C.
In September the average daytime temperature is 39C, with very high heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in September is 28C. There is very little chance of any rainfall during September. Average sea temperature in September is 32C.
In October the average daytime temperature is 36C, with high heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in October is 25C. The average sea temperature around Dubai Airport in October is 30C.
In November the average daytime temperature is 31C, with moderate heat and humidity. The average minimum temperature in November is 21C. On average only 3mm of rainfall may occur in November. Average sea temperature in November is 28C.
In December the average daytime temperature is 27C, cool to warm with high humidity. The average minimum temperature in December is 18C. The average rainfall during the month is 15mm. With rain generally falling on just 2 days of the month. The average sea temperature in December is 25C.
Sandstorms and extreme events
During the summer season, a low pressure area develops over Dubai forcing strong north-westerly winds to blow from Saudi Arabia. These winds, also known as Shamal (north) in Arabic, become gusty and unpredictable on reaching Dubai, lifting up desert sand and reducing visibility. The sandstorms may last for several days; notable sandstorms and extreme weather events that hit Dubai during the last few years include:
- On 18 April 2008, a severe sandstorm hit Dubai and reduced visibility to 1,500 meters.[17]
- On 10 March 2009, a moderate sandstorm reached Dubai which lowered down the visibility and temperature.[18]
- On 2 March 2010, strong winds caused sandstorms in Dubai and other regions of United Arab Emirates.[19]
- On 28 January 2011, a sandstorm hit Dubai for a short time.[20]
- On 26 February 2012, a strong sandstorm hit Dubai and other parts of the country.[21]
- On 2 April 2015, a very strong sandstorm hit Dubai and other parts of the country. It started to clear out closer to the evening. In some areas visibility use reduced to 500 metres.[22]
- On 1 March 2019, a strong sandstorm hit Dubai along with very strong winds after heavy rainfall, bringing temperatures down by 10C.[23]
- On 21 June 2019, after scorching hot temperatures of about 49C in the afternoon, the weather broke down into a strong sandstorm, which eventually caused thunderstorms to rumble in parts of Dubai along with heavy rain, causing temperatures to drop sharply to about 32C. This is one of the rarest rainfall to ever occur in Dubai in the month of June.[24] [25]
- From 7 January to around 12 January 2020, record-breaking rain hit Dubai and other regions of the UAE. The incessant storms brought strong winds and hailstorms and brought down temperatures severely. Unusually heavy rain hit Dubai, with rainfall reaching 150 mm/hour for 2.5 hours, according to preliminary reports, the storms also flooded various regions of the emirate, including the Dubai Airport, leading to the cancellation of most flights.[26]
- A cold wave hit the UAE from 6 January to 12, 2021. Temperatures dipped in Dubai as well. In the city temperatures dipped to 8C, and in the outskirts to 5C.[3]
- On 17 July 2021, dust and sandstorm hit Dubai followed by heavy rain.[27]
- From 31 December 2021 to 2 January 2022, heavy rainfall hit Dubai, with most areas of the city receiving over 60 millimeters of rainfall in two days time and reaching to even 140 millimeters in various areas of the city.[28]
- From 21 January to 24, 2022, a minor cold wave hit Dubai accompanied by strong and cool winds, with day time temperatures settling around 17C and falling to 10C at dawn in the city and to 8C in the outskirts.[29]
- From 26 July to 28, 2022, heavy rainfall lashed in Dubai along with other emirates including Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah. Temperatures rapidly dipped from 43C to 26C. Large floods occurred in most areas due to the intense rain, affecting residents.[30] [31]
- On 14 August 2022, a severe sandstorm hit Dubai and other emirates, reducing visibility to 500 meters.[32] [33]
- From 25 January to 27 2023, record breaking rainfall hit Dubai, with a 100mm of rain falling in the span of just 3 days, further temperatures stayed between 18 °C and 9 °C for 3 days.[34] [35]
- On 21 March 2023, a severe thunderstorm hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates causing temperatures to drop to between 12C and 17C [36]
- 2023 April was notoriously cool in Dubai, with the 40C benchmark not being reached the whole month, the first time since records began.
- On the morning of 8 May, temperature fell to 17C marking the coldest May temperature in decades.
- On 2 June 2023, Dubai has marked another minimum record with strong wind gusts reaching 40 km/h (25 mph) reducing the outdoor maximum temperature to 35C in the afternoon instead of the usual average high of 40C on the same day. The following day, on the early morning of 3 June 2023, temperatures fell down to 24C in the city and 21C in the outskirts, marking another coldest June temperature in decades.
- On 15 July and 16, 2023, Dubai marked the hottest temperatures ever recorded where it reached 49C in the afternoon, and with the highest low temperature of 37C at night, this has been the hottest recorded temperature for decades.[2]
- On 16 April, 2024, a record breaking rainstorm hit Dubai, producing 255mm of rainfall. The extreme weather conditions were predicted by United Arab Emirates National Center of Meteorology (NCM) on 10th April.[37] [38] The annual average in the UAE averages between 140 to 200 mm. Accusations that the storm had been preceded by cloud seeding were denied by the UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM), which coordinates cloud seeding missions in the region.[39] as well as international experts.[40] [41]
- With just being 5 months into the year, 2024 has already been the wettest year for Dubai on record with the total rainfall received in this time period ranging between 275mm to 325mm across Dubai, almost three times the average annual precipitation of a 100 mm.[42]
- Between 10 June and 29 June 2024, a severe heatwave struck Dubai and other parts of the UAE with temperatures reaching 46C in the city and 49.4C in the suburbs, instead of the normal high of 38C in the city and 42C in the suburbs around this period. Although Dubai also received a few 1mm of rain during the early mornings between 18 and 21 June, temperatures remained warm at about 33C, which would normally be 28C on normal days in June.[43]
- In 17 July 2024, Dubai’s ‘feel like’ temperature rose to a brutal 62C.[44] Authorities in Dubai have issued warnings and advised residents and tourists to take precautionary measures in views of this.
External links
Adaptation Plan] – Emirates 24/7
Notes and References
- Web site: Geographic Location & Climate . 21 Apr 2024 . Dubai Government Media Office.
- Web site: UAE temperature crosses 50°C for first time this summer. Khaleej Times. July 20, 2023.
- Web site: UAE weather: Temperature dips to below 0°C. 2021-01-15. Khaleej Times. en.
- Web site: Monthly Dubai water temperature chart . Seatemperatures.org . 20 January 2014.
- Web site: Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Climate data . Weather Atlas . 8 March 2017.
- Web site: Dubai Geography – Information, climate and weather in Dubai . Dubai.com . 2013-05-27 . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Rain lashes UAE after scorching 49°C temperatures. 21 June 2019.
- Web site: Weather in Dubai City – Information on the Weather in Dubai, UAE . Visit-dubai-city.com . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Magnus Hansén . All year weather in Dubai . Allyearweather.com . 2022-08-09.
- Web site: Dubai, Dubai - June Weather - Holiday Weather.
- Web site: Weather in UAE Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
- Web site: Airports – Who flies there? . Weather2flights.com . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Downpour continues as Dubai receives record rainfall . Gulf News . 2008-01-16 . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Video: Rain hits parts of Dubai, Sharjah; weather warning issued.
- News: Freak summer rain shower hits Dubai. 2020-08-12. Esquire Middle East – the Region's Best Men's Magazine. 21 July 2020 . en.
- Web site: Here's why UAE was hit by rain and dust storm in summer. 23 August 2019 .
- Web site: Severe sandstorm reduces visibility in Dubai . Gulf News . 2008-04-19 . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Moderate sandstorm reaches Dubai . Gulf News . 2009-03-11 . 2013-06-01.
- Web site: Earth Snapshot – Sandstorms Over Dubai, United Arab Emirates – March 2nd, 2010 . eosnap.com . 24 June 2018 . 2 March 2010.
- Web site: Kazmi . Aftab . Sudden storm brings life to a halt in UAE . . 24 June 2018 . 29 January 2011.
- Web site: Sandstorm rages across the UAE . Gulf News . 24 June 2018 . 26 February 2012.
- Web site: Major sandstorm blots out Dubai sky . BBC News . 24 June 2018 . 2 April 2015.
- Web site: UAE weather: Rain and 60kph high winds lash the Emirates . The National . 2 March 2019 . 16 November 2019 . en.
- Web site: UAE weather: Rain lashes in parts of UAE . The National . 21 June 2019 . 11 July 2020 . en.
- Web site: So much for the start of summer in the UAE . Gulf News . 21 June 2019 . 11 July 2020 . en.
- Web site: Revealed: Just how much rain did Dubai receive? . Khaleej Times. en. 2020-04-06.
- Web site: Rain falls in Dubai as downpours hit parts of the UAE . The National . 17 July 2021 . 13 August 2021.
- Web site: 2022-01-03. UAE weather: More rain hits Dubai as cloud-seeding planes take to the skies. 2022-01-19. The National. en.
- Web site: UAE: Cold weather, partly cloudy skies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other Emirates, lowest temperature recorded at 1.7°C on Friday. 2022-02-01. gulfnews.com. 22 January 2022 . en.
- Web site: In pictures: Heavy rain lashes UAE, residents rescued in rain-affected Fujairah. gulfnews.com. 27 July 2022 . 2022-07-31.
- Web site: Major emergency response after UAE hit by floods. thenationalnews.com. 27 July 2022 . 2022-07-31.
- Web site: VIDEO: Dust storm blankets parts of UAE, residents urged to 'avoid driving'. gulftoday.ae. 14 August 2022 . 2022-08-19.
- Web site: Flood warning for Northern Emirates after thick dust blankets Abu Dhabi and Dubai. thenationalnews.com. 14 August 2022 . 2022-08-19.
- Web site: UAE weather: Rains pound Dubai, Sharjah, other emirates; police urge drivers to take extra caution . 2023-01-28 . Khaleej Times . en.
- Web site: @Storm_centre . 2023-01-28 . Twitter . en.
- Web site: UAE weather: Rain hits Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates . 21 March 2023 . 2023-04-06.
- Web site: Evans . Tom . 2024-04-14 . UAE weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast from Monday . 2024-05-02 . The National . en.
- Web site: 2024-04-11 . Rain, thunder and lightning in Dubai as stormy weather arrives early . 2 May 2024 . The National . en.
- Web site: UAE government unit denies cloud seeding took place before Dubai floods. cnbc.com. 17 April 2024 .
- News: Canon . Gabrielle . 17 April 2024 . Don't blame cloud seeding for the Dubai floods . 2024-05-02 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
- Web site: Did cloud seeding cause Dubai floods? Why experts say no . 2024-05-02 . Al Jazeera . en.
- News: 18 April 2024 . Dubai's wettest day in history: 1.5 years of rain in 24 hours. What's behind UAE's record rainfall? . 14 May 2024 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
- Web site: UAE records hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 49.4°C . 2024-06-16 . 2024-07-02.
- Web site: 2024-07-18 . Dubai hit by dangerous ‘feels like’ temperature of 62C . 2024-07-19 . euronews . en.