Uae in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Uae

43°C (111°F) High Temp

30°C (86°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak indoor attractions season - malls, museums, and air-conditioned venues are comfortable escapes from heat, with extended hours and special August exhibitions
Low tourist crowds at outdoor attractions mean significantly shorter lines at Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa, and desert safari bookings are 30-40% easier to secure
Hotel rates drop 25-35% compared to winter peak season, with luxury resorts offering their best deals and complimentary upgrades more readily available
August rainfall brings dramatic evening thunderstorms that cool temperatures by 5-8°C (9-14°F) and create spectacular photography opportunities over the skyline

Considerations

Outdoor activities between 10am-6pm are genuinely uncomfortable with feels-like temperatures reaching 48°C (118°F) - desert safaris and beach time require early morning or late evening timing
Humidity makes walking between attractions exhausting - budget extra time and taxi costs for short distances you'd normally walk in cooler months
Many outdoor pools and beach clubs reduce operating hours or close sections during peak afternoon heat, limiting daytime resort experiences

Best Activities in August

Dubai Mall and Indoor Entertainment Complexes

August is peak season for Dubai's world-class indoor attractions. The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Walk offer comfortable climate-controlled environments with extended shopping hours, ice skating, indoor skiing, and aquarium visits. Afternoon thunderstorms make indoor timing perfect, and tourist crowds are 50% lower than winter months.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most indoor attractions. Dubai Aquarium and VR Park tickets are typically AED 100-200. Visit during afternoon hours (1-5pm) when outdoor attractions are least comfortable. Check the booking widget below for current indoor experience packages.

Early Morning Desert Safari Adventures

August sunrise safaris (5:30-9:30am) offer the year's most comfortable desert experience with temperatures at 32-35°C (90-95°F). Wildlife is more active in cooler hours, and the contrast between air-conditioned 4WDs and manageable outdoor temperatures is perfect. Evening safaris work well too, starting after 6pm when temperatures drop.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise safaris 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for AED 200-350 per person. Ensure vehicles have strong AC and morning refreshments included. Avoid midday desert tours completely in August.

Marina and JBR Beach Evening Activities

August evenings along Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence come alive after 7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 35°C (95°F). The Marina Walk, beach clubs with evening service, and waterfront dining create the perfect August experience. Sunset yacht cruises benefit from dramatic storm cloud backdrops.

Booking Tip: Marina dinner cruises typically cost AED 150-400 and book up quickly for sunset slots. Reserve 3-5 days ahead. Beach club day passes (AED 100-300) offer better value for evening use only. See current marina cruise options in the booking section below.

Burj Khalifa and Downtown Photography Tours

August's variable weather creates dramatic sky conditions perfect for Burj Khalifa photography. Thunderstorms and cloud formations provide dynamic backdrops unavailable in clear winter months. Indoor observation decks are comfortable year-round, and lower tourist numbers mean better photo opportunities without crowds.

Booking Tip: At The Top tickets range AED 150-500 depending on level and timing. Book sunset slots (6-8pm) for dramatic storm light photography. Fast-track options reduce outdoor waiting time. Photography tours typically cost AED 300-600 for 3-4 hours.

Traditional Souk and Heritage District Walking

Early morning souk exploration (7-10am) in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Gold/Spice Souks offers authentic Dubai culture when temperatures are manageable at 30-33°C (86-91°F). Traditional wind tower architecture provides natural cooling, and shopkeepers are more welcoming before afternoon heat sets in.

Booking Tip: Self-guided souk walking is free, but cultural tours with AC transport cost AED 200-350. Start by 8am latest and finish before 10am. Heritage village guided tours include indoor museum time and typically last 2-3 hours with transport.

Luxury Spa and Wellness Resort Experiences

August is peak season for Dubai's world-renowned spa resorts. The contrast between outdoor heat and luxurious indoor/covered outdoor spa treatments creates the ultimate relaxation experience. Many resorts offer special summer wellness packages, and spa availability is better than busy winter months.

Booking Tip: Luxury spa day passes cost AED 400-1200 including pool access and facilities. Book treatments 48 hours ahead as locals also escape heat this way. Look for packages combining multiple treatments with pool access and meals for best value.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Dubai Summer Surprises

The city's major summer festival featuring shopping discounts up to 90%, indoor entertainment shows, and family activities across major malls. Fireworks displays and cultural performances are timed for cooler evening hours, taking advantage of August's dramatic storm-lit skies.

Mid to Late August

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Summer Events

Indoor literary events, book signings, and cultural discussions held in air-conditioned venues across the city. Perfect August activity combining culture with climate-controlled comfort.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses for any outdoor time, even brief walks between air-conditioned buildings

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for afternoon thunderstorms that can be intense but brief (20-30 minutes)

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable materials - you'll do more indoor walking between air-conditioned spaces

Insulated water bottle to maintain cold drinks - dehydration happens quickly when moving between 43°C (111°F) outdoor and 18°C (64°F) indoor temperatures

Light scarf or shawl for over-air-conditioned indoor spaces like malls, restaurants, and transport

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration packets for managing heat and humidity-induced dehydration

Quick-dry towel for unexpected perspiration and post-thunderstorm humidity spikes

Portable phone charger as batteries drain faster in extreme heat

Insider Knowledge

Dubai Metro offers the most comfortable way to travel in August - stations and trains are heavily air-conditioned and you avoid outdoor walking. Purchase a day pass for AED 22 and use covered walkways to connect to major attractions.

Local Emiratis escape to mountain resorts in Hatta during August - follow their lead and book day trips to Hatta Dam area where temperatures are 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than downtown Dubai.

Shopping mall prayer rooms often have the strongest air conditioning and are open to all visitors for cooling breaks during extended indoor exploration - major malls have them on every floor.

Ramadan timing varies yearly but when it coincides with August, many restaurants operate reduced daytime hours and some outdoor venues close entirely until sunset - plan dining accordingly and respect local customs.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities like desert safaris, beach days, or walking tours between 10am-6pm thinking you can handle the heat - even locals avoid outdoor exposure during these hours in August

Underestimating air conditioning intensity and arriving underdressed for indoor venues - bring layers as restaurants, malls, and hotels keep temperatures at 16-18°C (61-64°F)

Planning to walk between nearby attractions instead of using taxis or metro - even 200m (656 ft) walks become exhausting in 43°C (111°F) heat with 70% humidity