Weather in Dubai in September

How September compares

September is the 4th warmest month of the year in Dubai and ranks 1st of 134 destinations we compare for September - see where else is hot in September. Within United Arab Emirates it is 1st of 2 (United Arab Emirates in September). Against London's average high of 18.6°C in September, Dubai is 21.7°C warmer by day and 15.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in September

The typical September day in Dubai peaks at 40.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 42.6°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 26.3°C; one night in ten drops to 24.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest September day here reached 45.6°C (2018-09-06) and the coldest night 21.3°C (2015-09-24).

Rain in September

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 0 days with 1 mm or more, 1 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest September was 2015 with 4 mm, the driest 1991 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 54%.

Sea temperature in September

The sea averages 32.8°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 32.0°C to 33.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (33.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 11.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:05 and sets about 18:23 local time in mid-September. Average cloud cover is 7%.

Is September a good time to visit Dubai?

September is not the strongest month here: hot days with intense heat. 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.

Plan around the heat, not the rain

The daytime average is already demanding, and the warmest 10% of days reach 42.6°C or more. Treat midday as a time for air-conditioned breaks rather than prolonged walking or sitting in direct sun. Keep outdoor plans flexible, carry water and choose light, loose clothing with sun protection. Early morning and evening are more sensible times to be outside, but neither should be treated as reliably cool. Humidity averages 54%, so the heat may feel close as well as strong. With about 0 rainy days, a waterproof is much less useful than a plan for getting out of the sun.

Swimming weather, but little cooling from the sea

At 32.8°C, the sea is comfortably warm for swimming, but it is unlikely to provide the cooling contrast you might expect from a dip. That makes September better suited to relaxed swims with shaded breaks than long stretches lying in the sun. There is about 11.3 hours of sunshine a day, so opportunities for sunny outdoor time are plentiful; tolerating it is the limiting factor. If your ideal holiday means being outside from morning until evening, the combination of strong heat and very warm water is a significant catch. If you prefer short outdoor sessions between air-conditioned rests, it is easier to work with.