May in Dubai averages highs of 37 °C (98 °F) and lows of 25 °C (77 °F), with almost no rainy days and 13 h 22 min of daylight. The sea is warm, around 29 °C (84 °F).
May weather in Dubai at a glance
average high to low each dot ≈ 3 rainy days
Is May a good time to visit Dubai?
Tough month: very hot and fairly dry. May is usually low season in Dubai: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
Our rule: a month scores 2 points for comfortable average highs of 18–28 °C (1 point for 14–18 or 28–32 °C) and 2 points for 5 or fewer rainy days (1 point for 6–10). Average highs above 35 °C or below 8 °C make it a tough month whatever the rain. A rainy day here means 2 mm of rain or more. 4 points = great, 3 = good, 2 = mixed, 0–1 = tough.
Holidays and events in May 2026
- Eid al-Adha, around 27 May 2026 (approximate): a public holiday of several days public holiday
Banks and many shops close on public holidays, and museums may change their hours, so check before you go.
Things to do in Dubai in May
May is hot, so do outdoor sights early in the morning or after 5 pm and save museums and markets for midday.
- Al Fahidi and the creek abra — old Dubai, best in cooler hours outdoors
- Desert safari — late afternoon into evening outdoors
- Jumeirah and JBR beaches outdoors
- Burj Khalifa — book a sunset slot indoors
- Dubai Mall and the fountain shows — evenings indoors
- Museum of the Future — timed tickets indoors
- Beach and swimming — the sea averages 29 °C (84 °F) in May. outdoors
Where to stay: Downtown for the Burj Khalifa and metro; Dubai Marina or JBR for the beach; Deira for value and the creek.
What to pack for Dubai in May
- Light, breathable clothes, a hat and a water bottle: highs reach 37 °C (98 °F), so plan indoor time around midday.
- Swimwear.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for mosques and temples.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
What a day in Dubai costs
| Budget traveller | Mid-range | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical total per person, per day | €70–160 | €200–450 |
Excluding flights. May is usually low season in Dubai: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
May in nearby cities
| City | High / low | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petra | 28° / 17° | 0 | Good time to go |
| Tbilisi | 21° / 11° | 11 | Mixed weather |
| Cairo | 34° / 19° | 0 | Mixed weather |
Plan your Dubai trip
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FAQ
Is May a good time to visit Dubai?
By the numbers, May is a tough month: very hot and fairly dry, with average highs of 37 °C (98 °F) and almost no rainy days. May is usually low season in Dubai: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper. The best months for weather are January, February, December.
How warm is Dubai in May?
Average highs are 37 °C (98 °F) and lows 25 °C (77 °F) (2015–2024 averages). The sea is warm, around 29 °C (84 °F).
Does it rain a lot in Dubai in May?
Expect about 0 days with 2 mm of rain or more, about 2 mm in total. It is the 4th driest month of the year in Dubai.
Sources: climate averages from Open-Meteo historical weather (ERA5 reanalysis, 2015–2024); sea temperatures from the Open-Meteo marine API (2023–2024); public holidays from Nager.Date. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of the month. Averages are a guide, not a forecast. Costs are typical ranges per person per day, excluding flights.