Dubai
A popular winter-sun choice with hotels built to impress, and a city that works as both a week's holiday and a stopover.
- Flight from UK
- Roughly 7 hours direct
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Currency
- UAE dirham
- Time
- UK +4h (+3h in British summer time)
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Dubai is a popular choice for winter sun, with November to March generally offering warm conditions and more comfortable temperatures than the summer months. There are direct flights from several UK airports and from many European cities, and hotels that treat the resort itself as the destination. It is also a genuine city, with an older, cheaper side that most package holidays never show.
Why go
Winter warmth. Between November and March conditions are generally warm and dry, which suits a break from a northern European winter. The hotel standard is generally high, the beaches are clean and managed, and families are well looked after. For a longer trip, Dubai also works as a stopover on the way to Asia or Australia.
Where to stay
Dubai Marina and JBR — high-rise, lively, with a long public beach and a walkable promenade of restaurants. The easiest area for a first visit.
Palm Jumeirah — the artificial island of large resort hotels, each with its own beach. Best if you plan to stay in the hotel; less convenient for getting about.
Downtown — around the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. No beach, but central, with the big-name attractions on the doorstep and easy metro access.
Jumeirah — the stretch of beach between Downtown and the Marina, mixing resort hotels with a quieter residential feel.
Deira and Bur Dubai — the old city either side of the Creek: souks, traditional boats, cheaper hotels and the closest thing to everyday Dubai life. Worth a day even if you stay on the beach.
When to go
November to March is the main season: typically warm days, comfortable evenings, and the city at its busiest. October and April are hot but manageable and a little cheaper. From roughly June to September the heat is extreme, with life moving indoors — hotels discount heavily, but beach days are limited to early morning and evening. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan falls on different dates each year. During Ramadan, some daytime opening hours and dining arrangements change; check the dates for your travel year and current local guidance.
Getting there
From the UK, direct flights run year-round from London and several regional airports. Dubai is also a major hub with direct services from cities across Europe and beyond. Neighbouring Abu Dhabi is another possible gateway; road time to Dubai varies by your starting point, destination and traffic.
Search flights to DubaiGetting around
The metro is modern, inexpensive and runs along the main axis of the city, including the Marina, Downtown and the airport. Taxis are plentiful and metered. Ride-hailing apps operate. Distances are large and walking between districts in the heat is rarely practical, so plan days by area. Car hire is possible but unnecessary for most visitors.
Who it suits
Families (large resort hotels with pools and kids' clubs), couples wanting a warm week in winter, anyone stopping over on a long-haul trip, and travellers who like modern cities. Less suited to those looking for local character over comfort, or for budget travel — Dubai can be done economically in the old city, but the resort experience is not cheap.
Planning notes
- Dubai has laws and customs that differ from the UK on dress, alcohol, public behaviour and photography. UK visitors should read the GOV.UK travel advice for the UAE before travelling; visitors from other countries should check their own government's guidance. Check entry requirements for your passport.
- Alcohol is available in licensed venues such as many hotels, restaurants and bars. Drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public places is illegal. Check current UAE travel advice before travelling.
- Hotel prices vary sharply by season; booking winter stays early can pay.