by Undoubtedly, Dubai is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a traveler’s paradise. Dubai signifies art, architecture, and modern technologies in the land of the sand. Did you know that a few decades ago, Dubai was just a dry desert? Look at it now.
This rapid development of this sand city to an embodiment of modern-day infrastructure and technology has attracted millions of tourists from different parts of the earth. Whether you plan to visit Dubai with family, friends, or even solo, this wonderful emirate has something for every preference.
The city of Dubai has the world’s tallest buildings, snow parks, amusement parks, desert safari, high-class luxurious hotels, restaurants, and the largest mall on earth. This is why it is also known as the traveler’s paradise.
Weather in Dubai in January
Dubai in January offers perfect weather conditions for tourists, with average temperatures ranging between 15°C (59°F) to 24°C (75°F). The pleasant climate makes January in Dubai one of the best times to explore outdoor attractions and activities.
With minimal rainfall and low humidity, you can expect clear, sunny skies perfect for sightseeing and desert adventures. The comfortable temperatures during January in Dubai make it an ideal time for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Top Things to do in Dubai in January
1. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Skyscrapers, malls, dunes, adventure sports, an aquarium, safari Park, and now Dubai also has one of the biggest theme parks in the world. This is insane; it seems like Dubai has everything.
The IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest Indoor theme park in the world and has four different areas: IMG Boulevard, Marvel, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure, and Cartoon Network. The Marvel zone is most popular among children, and it has hundreds of adventure rides like Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and The Hulk Roller Coaster. As the theme park is an indoor one, visiting it is one of the best indoor activities to try in Dubai, especially during the summer season.
2. Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a gigantic skyscraper with a height of 2772 feet; it is the tallest building in the world. It is a unique structure, and your trip to Dubai is incomplete unless you visit this magnificent piece of architecture.
The “at the top” observation deck in the Burj Khalifa provides a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city of Dubai, with the blue ocean on one side and the sand dunes on the other. However, remember to book the ticket in advance to avoid standing in long lines.
3. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Interested in Dubai’s history? Then you must visit the residence of the former emperor of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. It is now a museum of historical photographs and documents, and tourists get to take a peek at the city’s history.
4. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and is visited every day by millions of tourists, especially during the winter months. The mall acts as a gateway to the Burj Khalifa, and if you are interested in ice skating, there is an ice ring where you can have fun.
There are multiple gaming zones where you and your kids can enjoy. Additionally, every day the mall hosts hundreds of live musical events. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual extravaganza that kicks off each year in late December and continues through January, offering unparalleled shopping experiences and entertainment for visitors from around the globe.
5. Palm Jumeirah
Designed like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is the smallest planned island in Dubai. You will find beautifully decorated hotel towers and some of the best restaurants in the city. You can also enjoy 100s of activities like skydiving, paragliding, and the sunset scene from the beaches is something you must not miss.
6. La Perle Show
This is one of the most beautiful productions on the earth and is something you must visit while staying in Dubai. You will witness several aerial performances, dances, and aqua shows. The beautiful costumes and the breathtaking sets are just amazing. The La Perle show is a great way to spend an evening in the city of Dubai.
7. Dubai Miracle Garden
Love nature? Then a good idea would be to spend a lovely afternoon walking slowly through the colorful garden full of flowers.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a great place for family outings and picnics where you can relax and spend quality time with your loved ones amongst the multi-colored flowers.
8. SkyDiving
If you love adventure sports, then Dubai has a skydiving point where adventure seekers from different parts of the globe come to experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving.
There are at least 10 to 15 companies in Dubai that offer skydiving experience along with an instructor. Usually, an airplane carries you to a height of approximately 10000 feet, after which you jump out of the plane strapped to an instructor to enjoy this exciting 7-minute freefall.
9. Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is one of the favorite spots among animal enthusiasts. Its four themed zones, sprawling over 119 hectares of land, serve as a safe abode for 3,000 animals, such as birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.
You can be part of many immersive experiences, including a thrilling drive-through experience that allows you to see some of its majestic residents freely wandering in their natural habitat.
10. The Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai aquarium and the underwater zoo are among the biggest aquariums in the world and are home to 2 million beautiful aquatic life. You will find multiple fish species like stingrays, sharks, and other tropical fishes.
In the underwater zoo, you can witness a collection of marine life, seahorses, coral, etc.
11. Race at Dubai Autodrome
You have seen F1 cars racing on TV, but have you ever felt what it is like behind the wheel? Well, at the Dubai Autodrome, you can choose your favorite car and enjoy three of the most exciting laps of your life in the UAE motorsport arena.
You can feel the thrill and the adrenaline rush as you drive through race tracks.
12. The Dubai Fountain Show
In January, one of the biggest attractions in Dubai is the Fountain Show. Hop on a yacht and sail over Burj Lake to witness this magically choreographed fountain, the second largest in the world.
The fountain has a height of 900 feet and sprays over 25000 gallons of water every time, producing a majestic show. The 6600 lights and 50 + colored projectors add to the drama. The fountain also plays music from different genres.
13. Skiing at Ski Dubai
Can you imagine skiing in the desert? You can ski at the first indoor ski resort in the Mall of Emirates. The mall is very popular among tourists for the number of indoor activities during the winter months.
At this 22500m of the ski area, you can enjoy other indoor activities like snowboarding, ice skating, etc.
14. Desert Safari
Your Dubai holiday Is incomplete without the desert safari. This desert safari is a one-of-a-lifetime experience. You can stay at the traditional Bedouin tents in the desert and enjoy the local delicacies served by the Sheikhs. In addition, you can also go Dune bashing and quad biking.
In the evening, you will witness live belly dance performances by some of the best dancers in Dubai.
15. Hot Air Balloon Travel
If you are not an adventure sports lover, you can enjoy the peaceful hot air balloon ride across the desert. Hop on a hot air balloon in the Dubai desert and enjoy the full view of the city.
If you are lucky, you can also witness the beautiful sight of sunrise through the Hajar mountains.
16. Dubai Opera
A fine connoisseur of music, are you? Then you would not want to miss the Dubai Opera. This musical night is an adaptation of a famous masterpiece, Broken Wings, written by Khalil Ghibrain in 1912.
You can experience the show throughout January, and remember to book tickets in advance as the exhibit is extremely popular.
What to Eat in Dubai in January
January in Dubai brings perfect weather for enjoying both indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Here are some must-try dishes and dining experiences.
- Al Harees – A traditional wheat and meat dish perfect for cool January evenings
- Food Festivals – Many restaurants offer January offers and special menus
- Desert Dining – Experience traditional Bedouin-style dining under the stars
- Street Food at Global Village – Try international cuisines in comfortable weather
- Seafood at Dubai Creek – Fresh catches at waterfront restaurants
- Friday Brunches – A Dubai tradition at its best during the pleasant January weather
- Arabic Coffee and Dates – Essential traditional refreshments
What to Pack in Dubai in January
When planning your Dubai in January wardrobe, consider these essentials:
- Light Layers – Mornings and evenings can be cool
- Modest Clothing – Respect local customs
- Swimming Gear – For beach visits and water parks
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – For exploring IMG World and Ferrari World
- Light Jacket or Sweater – For indoor air-conditioning
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats
- Semi-formal Attire – For fine dining and Dubai Opera
- Conservative Clothing – For visiting mosques and traditional areas
Events in Dubai
Dubai in January is packed with exciting January events.
Date December 15 – January 29
The largest shopping festival in the Middle East, offering unbeatable discounts, promotions, and experiences across various malls and shopping centers.
Date January 5-12
Showcasing the best of world cinema, featuring international and local films, workshops, and celebrity appearances.
Date January 24-26
A celebration of jazz music featuring renowned international and local artists performing live.
Date January 1
Spectacular fireworks displays illuminate Dubai’s iconic landmarks, celebrating the start of a new year.
Date January 18-21
A culinary journey through the Arabian Desert, featuring gourmet food, live cooking stations, and cultural experiences.
Date January 25-28
Vibrant kites from around the world adorn Dubai’s skies, with kite-flying competitions, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Tips to Visit Dubai in January
- Book Accommodations Early – January is peak season
- Pre-book Popular Attractions – Including Burj Khalifa and IMG World
- Compare Dubai in December vs Dubai in January for better rates
- Use Metro During Rush Hours
- Combine Indoor/Outdoor Activities
- Take Advantage of January Offers
- Plan Desert Activities for Mid-day
- Consider Package Deals
- Download Local Apps for Offers
- Check Event Calendars
FAQs for Dubai in January
Is January a good time to visit Dubai?
How crowded is Dubai in January?
What are the best things to do in January?
How does Dubai in November compare to Dubai in January?
Are January offers worth waiting for?
There are hundreds of things to do in the month of January in Dubai. So, just book a flight and explore the city of dreams with your loved ones.
