What January feels like in Dubai
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Dubai's year. Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights stay mild. Some humidity hangs in the air, noticeable when the sun is strong.
Rain in Dubai in January
January is a dry month in Dubai; rain falls about one day in 16. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 9 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 8 mm per wet day. January is Dubai's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:06 am and sets around 5:49 pm local time, giving 10 h 44 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-December (9 min longer). About 92% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Dubai. Compared with December, afternoons are 2°C (3.6°F) cooler, with 7 mm more rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 26.2°C (79.2°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: a good fit — warm and mostly dry on the coast.
Tips for visiting Dubai in January
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Dubai in January?
Expect around 24.2°C (75.6°F) in the afternoon and 13.7°C (56.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Dubai in January?
Hardly — only about 2 rainy days and 18 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Dubai in January?
Based on the averages: versatile layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Dubai?
February, narrowly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Dubai's months, against #3 for the other. February is warmer.