Uae in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Uae
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to March-April peak, with luxury resorts offering attractive packages before summer heat arrives
- Ideal beach weather with 40°C (105°F) highs making pool and beach days comfortable, while evenings cool to pleasant 24°C (75°F) for outdoor dining
- Ramadan ends in early May 2025, bringing busy Eid celebrations and extended shopping hours returning to normal by mid-month
- Optimal conditions for desert activities - mornings start cool enough for camel treks and dune bashing, while late afternoons offer spectacular golden hour photography
Considerations
- Humidity climbs to 70% making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - locals avoid being outside between 11am-4pm
- Occasional sandstorms during transition period can disrupt outdoor plans and reduce visibility for 24-48 hours
- Air conditioning costs peak as buildings work harder, and some older attractions may feel stuffy during afternoon visits
Best Activities in May
Early Morning Desert Safari Tours
May offers the last comfortable window for desert experiences before summer intensity. Morning temperatures around 28°C (82°F) make camel riding and dune bashing enjoyable, with perfect lighting for photography. Sandboarding and falconry demonstrations work best before 10am when sand temperatures are manageable.
Burj Khalifa and Sky-High Experiences
May's clear mornings and late afternoons provide exceptional visibility from observation decks. The 70% humidity creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography, while avoiding the haze of summer months. Sunset timing around 7pm allows for comfortable evening visits.
Traditional Souq Walking Tours
May's moderate evenings make covered souq exploration ideal after 5pm when temperatures drop and local shoppers emerge. Gold Souq and Spice Souq come alive with authentic atmosphere, while afternoon heat keeps tourist crowds lighter.
Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruises
Perfect weather for outdoor deck dining with comfortable 24°C (75°F) evening temperatures. May offers calm waters and clear skies ideal for Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek cruises, with extended daylight providing sunset views during dinner service.
Beach Club and Water Sports
May hits the sweet spot for beach activities - water temperatures reach comfortable 26°C (79°F) while air remains pleasant for poolside lounging. Morning beach sessions (7-11am) and late afternoon activities (4-7pm) avoid peak heat while maximizing comfort.
Cultural Heritage Site Tours
May's moderate mornings make outdoor heritage sites like Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and traditional architecture tours comfortable before afternoon heat. Museums and cultural centers offer air-conditioned refuge during peak temperature hours.
May Events & Festivals
Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations
Three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan features spectacular fireworks, traditional performances, and special shopping festivals across all emirates. Experience authentic Emirati hospitality with extended family gatherings and cultural displays in heritage villages.
Dubai Shopping Festival Extension
Special May edition featuring end-of-season sales up to 75% off, with many retailers clearing inventory before summer. Malls extend hours and offer additional entertainment including live music and cultural performances.