Uae in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Uae

30°C (86°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect desert weather - daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F) are ideal for outdoor activities without the scorching heat of summer months
Valentine's season brings spectacular dining events and romantic desert experiences, with many hotels offering special packages 20-30% below peak season rates
Cool evenings at 15°C (59°F) make rooftop dining and outdoor events comfortable - locals say this is when Dubai truly comes alive after sunset
Low humidity compared to summer months means you can actually enjoy walking between attractions and outdoor souks without constant air conditioning breaks

Considerations

Weekend accommodation prices spike 40-60% due to regional tourists from neighboring GCC countries taking advantage of the pleasant weather
Occasional sandstorms can reduce visibility and affect outdoor plans - happens 2-3 times per month and locals monitor weather apps religiously
Popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and desert safaris get crowded between 4-7pm when temperatures are most comfortable for tourists

Best Activities in February

Old Dubai Heritage Walking Tours

February's cool mornings (18-22°C/64-72°F) are perfect for exploring Al Fahidi Historical District and Gold Souk on foot. The lower humidity means you can spend 3-4 hours walking without discomfort, something impossible during summer. Locals recommend starting at 8am when the souks open and light is perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Book heritage district tours 5-7 days ahead through certified Dubai Tourism operators. Tours typically cost AED 150-300 ($40-80) and include traditional abra rides. Look for small group sizes (maximum 12 people) for better experience. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Desert Safari and Dune Experiences

February offers the perfect desert weather - warm days for dune bashing and cool evenings for Bedouin camps. Evening temperatures drop to 15-18°C (59-64°F), making traditional dinners under stars comfortable without heavy clothing. This is peak desert season when local Emiratis also enjoy desert camping.

Booking Tip: Book desert safaris 10-14 days ahead as February is premium desert season. Expect to pay AED 200-400 ($55-110) for standard tours, AED 500-800 ($135-220) for luxury camps. Choose afternoon departures (2pm pickup) for optimal lighting and temperature. See current desert safari options in the booking section below.

Dubai Marina and JBR Beach Activities

Sea temperatures reach comfortable 22°C (72°F) in February, perfect for water sports and beach time. The 30°C (86°F) air temperature means you can enjoy beach activities from 10am-5pm without overheating. Local families flock to JBR on weekends for the Easttimor reason.

Booking Tip: Water sports and beach activities book up quickly on weekends. Reserve jet skiing, parasailing, or yacht charters 7-10 days ahead. Day rates typically run AED 300-600 ($80-165) for water sports, AED 800-1500 ($220-410) for half-day yacht charters. See current marina water activity options in the booking section below.

Dubai Creek and Traditional Dhow Experiences

February evenings are perfect for dhow dinner cruises - cool enough at 18°C (64°F) to sit on deck comfortably, with clear skies for city skyline photography. This is when locals choose to do creek tours, avoiding the summer heat and winter crowds of December-January.

Booking Tip: Dhow cruises fill up quickly in February due to pleasant evening weather. Book 5-7 days ahead for dinner cruises (AED 120-250/$33-68) or cultural day trips (AED 80-150/$22-41). Sunset cruises departing 5:30-6pm offer best temperatures and lighting. See current dhow cruise options in the booking section below.

Hatta Mountain Adventures

Cool February weather makes the 1.5-hour drive to Hatta worthwhile for hiking and kayaking. Mountain temperatures run 5°C (9°F) cooler than Dubai, perfect for outdoor activities. The wadi pools are at ideal temperature for kayaking, and hiking trails are comfortable in the moderate heat.

Booking Tip: Hatta day trips require advance booking as transport capacity is limited. Full-day tours cost AED 250-400 ($68-110) including transport from Dubai. Book 7-10 days ahead, especially for weekend departures. Look for tours including both mountain activities and dam kayaking. See current Hatta adventure options in the booking section below.

Dubai Fountain and Downtown Walking Tours

February's comfortable evening temperatures make Downtown Dubai perfect for extended walking tours. You can comfortably walk from Dubai Mall to Souk Al Bahar after sunset without the oppressive heat. The fountain shows at 6pm and 7pm happen at perfect temperatures for outdoor viewing.

Booking Tip: Downtown walking tours book heavily in February due to ideal weather. Reserve spots 5-7 days ahead for guided tours (AED 100-200/$27-55) or photography walks (AED 150-300/$41-82). Evening tours starting 5pm offer best temperatures and lighting. See current downtown tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Dubai Shopping Festival

February marks the peak of DSF with daily fireworks at Dubai Festival City, mega sales across all malls, and special cultural performances. The cool weather makes mall-hopping and outdoor festival areas much more enjoyable than summer months.

Mid to Late February

Dubai Food Festival

February showcases outdoor food markets and beach dining events that would be impossible in summer heat. Local and international chefs set up temporary restaurants and food trucks across the city, taking advantage of the perfect evening weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants - many mosques and cultural sites require covered legs, and breathable fabric works in 30°C (86°F) heat with 70% humidity

Light sweater or jacket for evening - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) and indoor air conditioning can be aggressive

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and desert reflection intensifies sun exposure significantly

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls become slippery, and traditional souks have uneven surfaces

Scarf or shawl for both sun protection and mosque visits - serves dual purpose and essential for many cultural sites

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential for Dubai's sprawling layout and batteries drain faster in heat

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days with quick downpours, though most rain lasts only 20-30 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Sunglasses with UV protection - desert glare is intense even in February's moderate temperatures

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated crucial even in cooler February weather, and many venues offer free refills

Insider Knowledge

Book weekend accommodations by early January - regional GCC tourists flood Dubai in February for the weather, driving weekend rates up 40-60%

Use Dubai Metro during peak sun hours (11am-3pm) - it's fully air-conditioned and connects all major attractions, while walking can still be uncomfortable midday

Shop for gold and electronics during Dubai Shopping Festival in February - this is when merchants offer genuine discounts, not just tourist pricing adjustments

Avoid outdoor activities between 12pm-2pm even in February - while not dangerous like summer months, you'll be more comfortable before 11am or after 3pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm clothes - evenings at 15°C (59°F) can feel surprisingly cool after experiencing 30°C (86°F) daytime temperatures

Not checking weekend vs weekday pricing - accommodation and activity costs can double on weekends due to regional tourist influx

Scheduling too many outdoor activities for midday hours - even in pleasant February, 11am-2pm outdoor time should be limited for comfort