Uae in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Uae

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak tourist season with perfect weather - daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and cool evenings at 13°C (55°F) make it ideal for desert safaris, city walking tours, and outdoor dining
Dubai Shopping Festival runs throughout January with discounts up to 75% at malls, plus daily fireworks and entertainment events - brands offer their deepest annual discounts
Minimal rainfall (only 10 rainy days) means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled, and humidity drops to a comfortable 70% compared to summer's oppressive 90%+
Abu Dhabi hosts Formula 1 testing and motorsport events in late January, while Dubai Marathon typically occurs mid-month with road closures creating unique city atmosphere

Considerations

Hotel rates reach annual peaks with luxury resorts charging 200-300% more than summer rates - expect to pay AED 800-1,500 ($220-410) per night for 4-star properties
Major attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame have 60-90 minute wait times even with pre-booked tickets due to peak season crowds
Desert safari bookings fill up 2-3 weeks in advance, and popular restaurants require reservations made 10-14 days ahead or face disappointment

Best Activities in January

Desert Safari and Dune Bashing Adventures

January's cool evenings make desert camps actually enjoyable - temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset, perfect for traditional Bedouin experiences. Daytime dune bashing is comfortable without the scorching heat that makes summer safaris unbearable. Evening camps with BBQ dinners, camel rides, and cultural shows operate at peak quality during these months.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as slots fill completely during peak season. Expect to pay AED 200-400 ($55-110) per person for standard packages. Look for operators offering hotel pickup/drop-off and traditional camp experiences rather than touristy setups. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Abu Dhabi Cultural District Tours

Perfect weather for exploring Saadiyat Island's outdoor cultural sites and Sheikh Zayed this destination courtyards. The 25°C (77°F) daytime temperature makes walking tours comfortable, while the marble courtyards of the this destination aren't burning hot like in summer. Louvre Abu Dhabi's outdoor dome sections are pleasant to explore.

Booking Tip: Combine multiple attractions in day tours to maximize value - typically AED 300-500 ($80-135) for full-day cultural tours. Book guided tours for skip-the-line access at peak season. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Dubai Marina and JBR Beach Activities

January's moderate humidity makes beach walks and water sports enjoyable without the exhausting heat. Marina Walk is perfect for evening strolls at 13°C (55°F), while daytime beach activities like jet skiing and parasailing operate in ideal conditions. The Dubai Tram and water taxi services connect attractions comfortably.

Booking Tip: Water sports booking windows are shorter due to demand - reserve jet ski or parasailing 5-7 days ahead. Expect premium pricing during peak season: AED 250-450 ($70-125) for motorized water sports. Book through beach resort operators for equipment quality assurance.

Al Fahidi Historic District Walking Tours

The cooler January weather transforms Old Dubai exploration from a sweaty ordeal into a pleasant cultural immersion. Traditional wind tower architecture can be appreciated during comfortable 2-3 hour walking tours through narrow alleyways. Gold and spice souks are bustling but not uncomfortably hot.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well in January's pleasant weather, but guided tours (AED 150-250 per person) provide cultural context tourists miss. Start early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and temperature. Current heritage tour options available in booking widget below.

Fujairah Mountain and Wadi Adventures

January offers the only comfortable window for UAE mountain hiking and wadi (valley) exploration. Temperatures in Fujairah's Hajar Mountains stay around 20°C (68°F), perfect for hiking trails to hidden pools and ancient villages. Off-road adventures to Snoopy Island and Dibba are comfortable without summer's dangerous heat.

Booking Tip: Mountain tours require 4WD vehicles and experienced guides - book through operators offering insurance and emergency communication. Day trips typically cost AED 400-600 ($110-165) including transport from Dubai/Abu Dhabi. Weather can change quickly in mountains, so choose operators with backup plans.

Ras Al Khaimah Adventure Sports

January's perfect weather makes RAK ideal for the UAE's most adventurous activities. Jebel Jais zipline (world's longest) operates in comfortable conditions, while via ferrata climbing routes are manageable without extreme heat. Mountain resorts offer hiking trails and scenic drives that are unbearable in summer months.

Booking Tip: Adventure activities book out completely on weekends during peak season. Reserve zipline experiences 10-14 days ahead, expect to pay AED 650+ ($180) for premium zipline experiences. Weather conditions are optimal but check wind speeds for high-altitude activities.

January Events & Festivals

Early January through Late January

Dubai Shopping Festival

Month-long festival featuring mall-wide sales up to 75% off, daily fireworks shows at multiple locations, street performances, and food festivals. Major brands offer their deepest annual discounts, and malls extend hours with entertainment programs.

Mid January

Dubai Marathon

International marathon with road closures creating car-free zones through Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Jumeirah. Even non-runners enjoy the festival atmosphere and street food vendors that pop up along the route.

Late January

Abu Dhabi Festival

Cultural festival featuring international performances at Emirates Palace and Cultural Foundation, with outdoor concerts and art exhibitions taking advantage of January's perfect weather for evening events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light layers for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - pack cotton t-shirts for 25°C (77°F) days and a warm jacket for 13°C (55°F) evenings

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index hits 8 even in winter, and desert/beach reflection intensifies exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring attractions with minimal public transport

Modest clothing for mosque visits - long pants and sleeves required, women need headscarves (often provided at entrance)

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 51 mm (2 inches) of rainfall over 10 days means brief but intense downpours

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation and booking apps drain batteries quickly, and desert tours last 6-8 hours

Cash in AED - many traditional souks and food courts don't accept cards, keep AED 200-300 handy for small purchases

Comfortable day pack - hotel locations often require 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles) walks to metro stations or attraction entrances

Evening outfit for fine dining - January's pleasant weather makes rooftop and outdoor restaurant dining peak season

Swimwear for multiple occasions - hotel pools, beach clubs, and water parks all operate at ideal temperature in January

Insider Knowledge

Dubai Metro extends hours during Dubai Shopping Festival, but avoid traveling 4-6pm when schools end - cars and metro become extremely crowded with families heading to festival events

Book desert safaris for midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) to avoid weekend crowds when local families join tours, making experiences more crowded and less authentic

Restaurants with outdoor seating charge premium prices in January but offer the Easttimor menu as indoor sections - book indoor tables and ask to move outside when weather is perfect to save 20-30%

Dubai Parks and Resorts operates extended hours in January but queue times are longest 11am-3pm - arrive at opening (10am) or after 4pm for significantly shorter waits at popular rides

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation in Dubai Marina or Downtown without checking Dubai Marathon dates - entire areas become inaccessible to cars during race weekend, stranding tourists without metro access

Assuming all outdoor attractions stay open during brief January rain showers - many desert tours and zipline activities cancel for safety, leaving tourists with no backup plans

Packing only summer clothes because 'it's the Middle East' - January evenings drop to 13°C (55°F) and desert camps get genuinely cold after sunset, leaving tourists shivering during outdoor dinners