Weather in Dubai in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Dubai and ranks 39th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within United Arab Emirates it is 1st of 2 (United Arab Emirates in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Dubai is 16.6°C warmer by day and 11.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Dubai peaks at 24.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 125 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.7°C; one night in ten drops to 10.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 31.0°C (1991-01-23) and the coldest night 6.2°C (2013-01-18).

Rain in January

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 2 days with 1 mm or more, 17 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2020 with 144 mm, the driest 1995 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 65%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 22.0°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 21.1°C to 22.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (33.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:06 and sets about 17:50 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 31%.

Is January a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes - it is one of the better months: warm days, little rain and long sunny days. The best months for Dubai on our scoring are November, December, February; months averaging 25°C or more: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm afternoons, cooler evenings

Dubai's coolest month is still considerably warmer than January in London, where the average daytime high is 7.4°C. That makes January a sensible choice if you prefer walking around in warmth to managing strong heat. Days reach 25°C about 36% of the time, but only 1% reach 30°C, so do not plan around consistently hot afternoons. Pack light daytime clothing, sun protection and a jumper or jacket for after dark. The colder nights can fall to around 10°C or lower, making that extra layer useful rather than just precautionary. Midday is a sensible time for sunbathing; evenings are better approached as mild rather than balmy.

Swimming is reasonable, rain is usually a minor concern

The sea averages 22°C, which puts swimming on the cards, though it may feel fresh when you first get in. If you like very warm water, this is the main compromise with a January trip. Aim for the warmer part of the day and have something dry to put on afterwards. There are about 7.3 hours of sunshine within 10.6 hours of daylight, so plan your beach time and outdoor activities before evening. Rain is usually a limited interruption, with about 2 rainy days during the month. That supports an outdoor-focused holiday, but it is sensible to keep plans flexible if a wet spell arrives rather than assume every day will be dry.