- November to March brings warm, sunny days around 24-30°C
- Flights from London take about 7 hours
- Stay in Dubai Marina or JBR for the beach, Downtown for the sights
- Use the metro and abras to save on taxis
- Airports
- Dubai International (DXB)
- Best time to go
- November-March
- Type
- City
Dubai is the go-to winter sun city break for many UK travellers: guaranteed sunshine from November to March, beaches, big-name hotels and a seven-hour direct flight. Behind the headline-grabbing skyline there is also an older Dubai of creekside souks and wind-tower houses that is well worth a morning.
It can be as lavish or as budget-conscious as you like. Luxury is everywhere, but so are good-value hotels, cheap eats and a clean, efficient metro.
Why go to Dubai
- Winter sun: dependable warm weather when the UK is at its greyest.
- Big sights: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and the Museum of the Future.
- Beaches and pools: long public beaches and resort hotels on the Gulf.
- Easy stopover: a popular break on the way to Asia or Australia.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains on your doorstep |
| Dubai Marina and JBR | Beach, waterfront walks and restaurants; metro and tram links |
| Palm Jumeirah | Resort hotels and private beaches; you will rely on taxis |
| Jumeirah | Low-rise, close to public beaches and the Burj Al Arab |
| Deira and Bur Dubai | Old Dubai, souks and the creek; often the best value |
| Business Bay | Modern towers near Downtown, often cheaper |
Hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai can cost a fraction of beach resorts and are on the metro, so you can still reach the beach in under an hour.
Top things to do
- Burj Khalifa: ride to At the Top on levels 124 and 125, or pay more for level 148. Sunset slots sell out, so book ahead.
- The Dubai Fountain: free shows in the evenings outside the Dubai Mall, usually every 30 minutes.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: restored wind-tower houses, galleries and cafés by the creek.
- Abra across Dubai Creek: traditional wooden water taxis cost just a few dirhams.
- Gold and Spice Souks: in Deira, just across the creek.
- Desert safari: dune drives, camel rides and dinner at a desert camp; choose an operator with good reviews and safety standards.
- Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame: striking modern landmarks with views.
- Beaches: Kite Beach, JBR Beach and Sunset Beach are free and have views of the Burj Al Arab.
See our UAE guide for Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Getting there and around from the UK
Direct flights from London take about 7 hours, with non-stop services from Heathrow, Gatwick and several regional airports including Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. Dubai International (DXB) is close to the city: the metro Red Line runs from Terminals 1 and 3 to Downtown and the Marina.
UK passport holders get a free visit visa on arrival, currently for 30 days; check the latest Foreign Office advice.
Getting around is easy with a Nol card for the metro, tram and buses. Taxis and ride-hailing are reasonably priced, and abras cross the creek.
Best time to visit
November to March is the best time, with daytime highs around 24-30°C. December and January are busiest and most expensive, especially around Christmas and New Year. From June to September temperatures often top 40°C, but hotel prices fall sharply if you plan to spend your time indoors or by the pool.
During Ramadan, which moves earlier each year, eating and drinking in public during daylight should be avoided, though many restaurants stay open.
Budget tips
- Travel in shoulder season: late October, November and March bring good weather at lower prices.
- Book a package: flight and hotel deals often beat booking separately; check current prices.
- Use the metro: it is clean, cheap and reaches most sights.
- Enjoy the free stuff: public beaches, the Dubai Fountain, souks and Al Fahidi cost nothing.
- Eat in Karama, Deira or Satwa: Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern cafés are excellent value.
- Watch the extras: alcohol is expensive, and hotels add service charges, VAT and a nightly Tourism Dirham fee.
Top attractions in Dubai
Dubai on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai hot in winter?
It is warm rather than hot, with daytime highs around 24-30°C from December to February, and cooler evenings. The sea is still pleasant for swimming.
Do I need a visa for Dubai from the UK?
No advance visa is needed. British passport holders get a free visit visa on arrival, currently valid for 30 days. Check the latest Foreign Office advice before you travel.
How long is the flight from the UK to Dubai?
About 7 hours from London on a direct flight, and a little longer from northern England and Scotland. Dubai is 4 hours ahead of the UK in winter.
Is Dubai expensive?
It can be, but it does not have to be. Mid-range hotels, the metro, street food and free beaches keep costs down. Alcohol, beach clubs and big attractions add up fast.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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