Dubai is one of the world’s most glamorous cities—a place where desert sands meet futuristic skyscrapers, where tradition blends with luxury, and where shopping, food, and adventure never seem to end. While most travelers flock to Dubai between November and March for cooler weather, visiting in September has its own unique advantages.
September marks the transition from the intense summer heat to the more pleasant autumn season. It’s considered the “shoulder season,” which means lower hotel prices, fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions. If you’re wondering whether September is the right time to visit Dubai, this ultimate guide has you covered.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Dubai in September—from weather and what to wear, to the best things to do, events, itineraries, and insider travel tips.
1. Introduction to Dubai in September
Dubai in September is not your typical tourist season. The weather is still hot, but it’s milder compared to July and August. Beaches are quieter, flights and hotels are cheaper, and malls are buzzing with promotions.
Why visit Dubai in September?
- Lower Prices: Hotels and flights can be up to 30% cheaper than peak season.
- Fewer Crowds: Easier to explore attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
- Warm Sea: Arabian Gulf waters are perfect for swimming at ~32°C.
- Deals Everywhere: Dining, shopping, and spa offers are common in September.
For those who want luxury at a fraction of the cost, September is one of the best times to experience Dubai.
2. Weather & Climate in Dubai in September
Dubai’s September weather is still hot, but more manageable than the summer peak.
Average Temperatures
- Daytime Highs: 36°C – 40°C (97°F – 104°F)
- Nighttime Lows: 28°C – 30°C (82°F – 86°F)
- Sea Temperature: ~32°C (90°F)
- Humidity: 50–80% (especially in evenings)
Sunshine & Daylight
- Around 11–12 hours of sunshine daily.
- Sunrise: ~6:00 AM | Sunset: ~6:30 PM.
Comparison with Other Months
| Month | Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | 41°C (106°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm | Low | Low |
| August | 41°C (106°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm | Low | Low |
| September | 38°C (100°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 0 mm | Medium | Medium |
| October | 35°C (95°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm | High | High |
👉 Best time for outdoor activities is early morning and evenings. Use the afternoons for malls, aquariums, and indoor theme parks.
3. What to Pack & Wear in September
Dubai is modern but conservative, so packing wisely ensures comfort and respect for local culture.
Clothing Guide
- Men: Linen shirts, cotton t-shirts, shorts/trousers. Avoid sleeveless tops in public areas.
- Women: Maxi dresses, loose skirts, wide-leg trousers, breathable tops. Avoid revealing outfits in malls.
- Kids: Light cotton clothes, hats, sandals.
Essentials
- Sunglasses & sun hat.
- High-SPF sunscreen.
- Light scarf/shawl (for women in mosques).
- Swimwear (only at beaches, pools, and waterparks).
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
👉 Tip: Carry a light jacket—indoor places are heavily air-conditioned.
4. Pros and Cons of Visiting Dubai in September
Pros
✅ Cheaper flights & hotels.
✅ Less crowded attractions.
✅ Warm sea for swimming.
✅ Great indoor entertainment options.
Cons
❌ Hot & humid weather.
❌ Outdoor sightseeing limited in afternoons.
❌ Fewer cultural events compared to winter.
👉 Verdict: If you can handle heat and plan wisely, September offers excellent value.
5. Where to Stay in Dubai in September
Dubai has a huge variety of accommodation—from budget hostels to 7-star luxury resorts.
Best Areas to Stay
- Downtown Dubai: Near Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall (great for first-time visitors).
- Dubai Marina & JBR: Beachfront luxury + nightlife.
- Deira & Bur Dubai: Budget-friendly + cultural experience.
- Palm Jumeirah: Iconic luxury resorts.
Hotel Recommendations
Luxury
- Atlantis The Palm 🌟
- Burj Al Arab 🌟
- Armani Hotel Dubai 🌟
Mid-Range
- Rove Downtown
- Hilton Garden Inn Mall of the Emirates
- Wyndham Dubai Marina
Budget
- Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf
- Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai
- Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
👉 September = shoulder season = huge discounts, even at luxury hotels.
6. Things to Do in Dubai in September
Indoor Attractions
- Dubai Mall: Shopping, aquarium, ice rink, VR Park.
- Burj Khalifa: Visit At The Top observatory (best at sunset/evening).
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: World’s largest indoor theme park.
- Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates): Indoor snow park.
Outdoor Attractions
- JBR Beach & Kite Beach: Swimming, kayaking, watersports.
- Desert Safari: Dune bashing, camel rides, BBQ dinner.
- Dubai Miracle Garden (opens mid-September to October).
Cultural Experiences
- Al Fahidi Historical District: Wind-tower houses, Dubai Museum.
- Dubai Creek Abra Ride: Traditional boat ride.
- Souks: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk.
Family-Friendly
- Aquaventure Waterpark.
- Wild Wadi Waterpark.
- Dubai Dolphinarium.
👉 Pro Tip: Plan outdoor fun in the early morning or evening to avoid peak heat.
7. Food & Dining in Dubai in September
Dubai is a foodie’s paradise with international cuisines and traditional Emirati dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
- Al Harees – wheat & meat slow-cooked.
- Machboos – rice dish with meat & spices.
- Luqaimat – sweet dumplings.
- Shawarma – popular street food.
Dining Experiences
- Desert Dinner Safaris.
- Luxury dining at Burj Al Arab.
- Street food at Al Karama & Satwa.
September Dining Deals
Hotels and restaurants often launch summer promotions in September (buffets, 2-for-1 deals, brunches).
8. Shopping in Dubai in September
Dubai = shopping heaven.
Where to Shop
- Dubai Mall – luxury brands.
- Mall of the Emirates – Ski Dubai + shopping.
- Souks – bargain for gold, spices, textiles.
- Outlet Mall – year-round discounts.
September Sales
- Back-to-School Promotions in malls.
- Dubai Home Festival (furniture, interiors, décor).
9. Events & Festivals in September
- Dubai Home Festival – discounts on homeware.
- Summer Surprises Extensions – ongoing shopping sales.
- Restaurant Week Promotions – dining offers.
While September lacks major cultural festivals, shopping & food deals more than make up for it.
10. Travel Tips for Dubai in September
- Stay hydrated—carry a reusable water bottle.
- Use the Metro & taxis (all air-conditioned).
- Respect dress codes in public spaces.
- Book tickets online in advance.
- Use apps like Careem for easy transport.
11. Cost of Visiting Dubai in September
Budget Traveler: $70–100/day.
Mid-Range Traveler: $150–250/day.
Luxury Traveler: $400+/day.
👉 Savings Tip: Book hotels directly or via comparison sites in September for big discounts.
FAQs About Dubai in September
Q: Is it too hot in Dubai in September?
Yes, it’s hot, but manageable with planning. Stay indoors mid-day.
Q: Can I swim in September?
Absolutely—the sea is warm and ideal for swimming.
Q: Are attractions crowded?
Not as much as winter, making it easier to explore.
Final Thoughts
Dubai in September is perfect for travelers who want to experience the city without breaking the bank. While the weather is still hot, the advantages—lower prices, fewer crowds, great shopping deals—make it an underrated month to visit.
If you’re willing to plan around the heat, you’ll discover a side of Dubai that’s more relaxed, affordable, and enjoyable than the peak season rush.
In short: Dubai in September = affordable luxury + warm beaches + indoor fun + fewer crowds.
My name is Tuhin, the founder of Royal Dubai Travel, a premier travel agency in Dubai dedicated to crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for tourism and years of expertise in the industry, Tuhin specializes in curating personalized tours, luxury experiences, and hassle-free travel solutions for visitors to Dubai. Whether you’re looking for desert adventures, city explorations, or VIP travel services, Royal Dubai Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey.
For travel inquiries and expert recommendations, connect with Tuhin and explore the best of Dubai with confidence!
