Dubai - What To Wear, And When!

Dubai’s summer runs from May to November, and its winter from December to February. March and April are the spring months, which although are a break from the cold, unfortunately don’t last long enough, before the blistering summer starts. Dubai is within the top 50 cities in the world in terms of annual sunshine hours, and temperatures regularly reach as high as 50°C in summer, then drop as low as 5°C in winter.

Here is your month to month guide of the seasons, including clothing recommendations:
JANUARY – WINTER COOL
Temperature usually between 14-21°C 
The cool light rainfall makes it is an ideal time to wear quick drying and warming merino wool or lightweight cashmere. 

 

FEBRUARY - WINTER COOL 
Temperature usually between 15-23°C 
Still a cool month, with a chance of rain, so make sure you have a wool cardigan and a cashmere wrap to hand.

 

MARCH – LIGHT SPRING 
Temperature usually between 18-25°C 
Ideal weather to wear viscose and cotton shirts and dresses.

 

APRIL - SPRING
Temperature usually between 20-32°C 
The start of spring signals the start of cotton tees and dresses, but not sleeveless just yet.

 

MAY - SUMMER START 
Temperature usually between 23-37°C 
Similar to a British Summer, it is best to wear fresh linen fabrics or cooling cotton.
 
JUNE - SUMMER
Temperature usually between 25-40°C
Let the linen dresses commence!

 

JULY - SUMMER
Temperature usually between 28-42°C 
As it becomes more humid hot, linen and bamboo are the ideal fabric choices.

 

AUGUST - SUMMER
Temperature usually between 30-41°C 
Usually it is still rather humid so fabrics that help to wick away body sweat are ideal, such as bamboo & cotton.

 

SEPTEMBER - SUMMER
Temperature usually between 28-39°C 
A less humid month but still rather warm, ideal to wear viscose or cotton mix dresses and trousers.

 

OCTOBER - SUMMER 
Temperature usually between 24-35°C 
Still warm but now more fresh, with a light breeze wear viscose shirts, paired with light cotton pants.

 

NOVEMBER - SUMMER 
Temperature usually between 20-30°C 
As the cooler winds arrive, pack viscose nylon mix knitwear, keeping you warm or cool as you need.

 

DECEMBER - WINTER 
Temperature usually between 15-26°C 
The start of winter, with the odd rainy day, wear light knitwear in merino wool or cashmere, which helps balance your body temperature.
 
OTHER WARDROBE CONSIDERATIONS 
Although a popular tourist destination, please remember that Dubai is a Muslim country, so it is important to dress modestly. A lot of public spaces, including shopping malls, have signs reminding tourists to dress appropriately. When dressing modestly cover your chest, no obvious cleavage displays, your shoulders, and ideally keep that skirt to your knees. Showing the midriff is especially frowned upon.
Although these are guidelines, it is quite common in Dubai to see younger tourists and party goers wearing quite skimpy garments. So we advise, if you want to wear less, keep a wrap, scarf or cardigan in your bag, and on hand if traditional Emiratis or security guards comment on your dress code, so you can easily cover up.  
However you prefer to dress, be especially considerate over the Ramadan period, when its upmost important to be respectful of the UAE culture, at this time it is best to remain covered from shoulder at least to the knees. Do remember that Ramadan is earlier by 10 days each year. When visiting a Mosque, women have to cover their hair, bodies and legs, although covering the face is not a must.
 
VOYA KEY ITEMS TO PACK
Of course a bikini or swimsuit is an essential, but remember to pack cover up kaftans, or wrap dresses, when leaving the beach or the pool areas.
 
VOYA CAPSULE WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS