United Arab Emirates
Dubai in May
☀️ Dry seasonVery hot, a little humid and mostly dry. Watch for extreme heat risk.
🎒 Pack: light, breathable clothes & sunscreen · sunglasses & hat
Why May scores 6.5What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort6.3
- !Very hot (38°C highs / 25°C lows)
- !Humid (dew point 20.3°C)
- ✓Mostly dry (~0 mm rain)
- Air quality5.9
- !Elevated (PM2.5 ~33 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards8.5
- !Extreme heat: Average daily high 38°C
- Safety baseline5.0
- ·High caution
| May | Jan | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.5 Good | 8.8 Excellent |
| Season | ☀️ Dry season | ☀️ Dry season |
| High / low | 38° / 25° | 24° / 14° |
| Rain | 0 mm | 19 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 20° | dew pt 13° |
| PM2.5 | 33 µg/m³ | 27 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Dubai weather-station normals. Rainfall: Dubai weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsMay 2027
Long weekendThere's at least one long weekend. Domestic travel picks up and popular spots get busier over those days.
- Eid al-Adha 15–18 May · 4 days off in a row
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Explore DubaiEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyA city in the United Arab Emirates known for skyscrapers, luxury shopping, desert excursions and the historic creekside souks.
No major events on our calendar for May.
Coming up later
New Year's Eve fireworksEvery year31 December every year
A major fireworks show from the tower.
Why go: Downtown roads close early; arrive hours in advance.
Where: Burj Khalifa and Downtown
UAE National DayEvery year2 December every year
Celebrations with fireworks and events.
Why go: Expect holiday crowds.
Where: Citywide
Dubai Shopping FestivalDate variesUsually mid-December to January
Sales, events and fireworks.
Why go: Good time for discounts.
Where: Malls and markets across the city
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, with observation decks.
💡 Sunset slots are the most popular; book ahead.
Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain
A huge mall next to a choreographed fountain show.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Restored old houses with wind towers along Dubai Creek.
Dubai Creek and abra rides
Cross the creek by traditional wooden water taxi.
Gold and Spice Souks
Traditional markets in Deira.
Desert safari
Tours into the dunes, often with dune driving and dinner.
💡 Most comfortable in the cooler months.
Shawarma
Spit-roasted meat in flatbread, a popular street food.
Luqaimat
Fried dough balls with date syrup.
Machboos
Spiced rice with meat or fish.
Camel milk products
Camel milk drinks, ice cream and chocolate.
Dates
Fresh and dried dates.
Dates
Boxed dates, plain or stuffed.
💡 Supermarkets and date shops
Gold jewellery
Jewellery sold by weight.
💡 Gold Souk in Deira
Oud and perfume
Arabian perfume oils and incense.
💡 Perfume shops and souks
Spices
Saffron and spice blends.
💡 Spice Souk
Airport transfer Kiwitaxi
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