Dubai in May
In May, Dubai averages 38°C (100°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May in Dubai is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Dubai
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Dubai (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (33°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (33°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (40°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Dubai
Times shown for Dubai local time (Asia/Dubai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Dubai — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Dubai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Dubai in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Dubai's popularity.
May in United Arab Emirates — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Daylight fasting month. Many restaurants close until sunset, some attractions close midday, and Islamic countries change their pace dramatically. Eid (3 days after Ramadan ends) brings major travel surge.
Plan: Tourists can usually still find food, but dress modestly and avoid eating publicly during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful experience to plan for.
Crowds & pricing — May in Dubai
Dubai is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Dubai
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Dubai — May
Across the year Dubai's sea swings from 21.7°C (February) to 34.6°C (July) — May sits at 29.7°C.
Dubai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 18 mm | 3 | — |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 25 mm | 3 | — |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 22 mm | 2 | — |
| April | 33°C / 91°F | 21°C / 70°F | 7 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 38°C / 100°F | 25°C / 77°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| June | 40°C / 104°F | 28°C / 82°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 41°C / 106°F | 30°C / 86°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 41°C / 106°F | 30°C / 86°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| September | 39°C / 102°F | 27°C / 81°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 35°C / 95°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 16 mm | 2 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dubai in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Dubai in May?
In May, Dubai averages a high of 38°C (100°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Dubai in May?
May is generally dry in Dubai, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Dubai?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Dubai in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Dubai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.