Destination guide · United Arab Emirates
What to pack for Dubai: packing list by season
What to pack for Dubai in every season: the clothes, shoes and day-bag essentials that matter, with the weather to expect and local tips.
Dubai has a hot desert climate: very hot, humid summers and warm, sunny winters. Indoors, malls, metro and hotels are strongly air-conditioned.
Modest dress is expected in public places such as malls and older districts, while swimwear is fine at pools and beaches.
Typical weather by season
Winter Dec–Feb
Warm, sunny days and cooler evenings: the most comfortable months.
Spring Mar–May
Heating up quickly towards summer.
Summer Jun–Sep
Extremely hot and humid; most life moves indoors.
Autumn Oct–Nov
Still hot, easing towards winter.
The long-term pattern, not a forecast. Coastal city. Desert trips are hotter by day and cooler at night. Always check the forecast before you pack — Wayfold does this for you.
What to pack for Dubai
Clothes
Shoes
Day bag
Add the basics from our city break packing list (48 items).
Eating out in Dubai
Dishes to look for in United Arab Emirates: Shawarma, Al machboos, Harees, Hummus. Tipping: Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, around 10% is customary. Tap water: varies — many people drink bottled.
More in the United Arab Emirates travel guide: what to eat, diet flags and entry rules. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Local tips
- 1
Mosques that welcome visitors ask for covered arms and legs, and headscarves for women.
- 2
Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening in the hotter months.
- 3
Opening hours change during Ramadan; check before you go.
- 4
Carry a layer: the gap between street heat and indoor air-conditioning is large.
Before you go
- Entry (US passports)
- Check the current entry requirements for your passport on the official government advice before you book. U.S. Department of State(opens in a new tab)
- Entry (UK passports)
- Check the current entry requirements for your passport on the official government advice before you book. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice(opens in a new tab)
Entry rules change. This is general information, not legal advice — check the official source before you travel.
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