Desert Safaris
Best Time of Year for a Dubai Desert Safari
The most comfortable time for a Dubai desert safari is November to March. Average daytime highs in Dubai are around 24–30°C, and evenings in the dunes are cool enough that you'll want a jacket. From May to September, daytime highs average 37–41°C, so choose a morning safari (pickup 7:00 AM) or a late-afternoon sunset trip, and skip the middle of the day. Safaris run all year round. The season only changes the time you go out and what you pack.
Written by Daman, founder of Desert Thrill. He plans and checks every desert, Abu Dhabi and city tour we run. Weather averages checked 20 October 2026.
Daman, founder of Desert Thrill · Published Jun 26, 2026 · Updated Oct 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Facts checked 20 October 2026
Month by month
| Months | Average day high / low in Dubai | What it's like in the dunes | Our pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | 24–26°C / 15–17°C | The best weather of the year. The desert gets properly cold after sunset. | Any safari. Bring a jacket. |
| Mar–Apr | 28–33°C / 18–22°C | Warm afternoons and lovely evenings | Evening or Golden Hour |
| May–Sep | 37–41°C / 26–31°C | Very hot during the day. Sunset and early morning are bearable. | Morning safari, or the evening safari with plenty of water |
| Oct–Nov | 30–34°C / 21–25°C | Cooling down week by week. November evenings are comfortable. | Evening, Golden Hour or VIP |
Averages are for Dubai city (Dubai International Airport). The open desert is hotter in the day and cooler at night.
When is it busiest? November to March is peak season, and evening safaris often sell out. Book at least 4 hours before pickup. On peak dates, book a day or more ahead, so you get a car and one of our best guides.
Best time for a desert safari with kids
For families, we recommend:
- November to March, on an evening safari. It's the coolest time of year, the kids get the sunset, a camel ride and the camp shows, and you're back at your hotel in the evening.
- In the hot months, the morning safari (pickup 7:00 AM). It's over before the real heat of the day.
- A private car if you can. With VIP Private you set the pace, the guide focuses only on your family, and for 6 people it costs less than 6 shared Premium tickets (AED 950 for the car vs 6 × AED 175).
Ages and safety:
- Normal dune bashing is from age 3. For younger children, the driver goes very slowly with no jumps, so they still see the dunes and the sunset.
- Older relatives can ask for the same gentle drive.
- We don't provide child car seats, so bring your own if your child needs one.
- Every car carries sick bags. If anyone feels unwell, tell the guide and they'll stop straight away.
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Morning or evening? It depends on the season
| Pickup time | Best months | |
|---|---|---|
| Evening safari (Premium, standard, VIP) | It follows sunset: about 2:00 PM in winter, 3:00 PM in autumn and early winter, and 4:00 PM in peak summer | All year, and best from Nov to Mar |
| Golden Hour sunset safari (no dinner camp) | Same as evening safaris | Oct–Apr is best. In summer it's the cooler end of the day. |
| Morning safari | 7:00 AM | May–Sep, and families with small children |
Shared cars can pick you up 30–40 minutes earlier than these times, depending on how many hotels are on the route. We confirm your exact pickup time by 7:00 PM the day before.
Sunset in Dubai ranges from about 5:30 PM in late November to about 7:10 PM in early July. That's why our pickup times move with the season: we want you in the Lahbab dunes for the light, not stuck in traffic.
What to bring, by season
- All year: sunglasses (the thing guests forget most often), sunscreen, and closed shoes for sandboarding.
- November to February: a jacket. The desert gets cold after sunset, and you'll want it at the camp.
- May to September: a hat, light long sleeves, and extra water.
More in our what to wear and bring guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is winter the best time for a desert safari in Dubai?
- For comfort, yes. December to February has the mildest days and cool evenings. It's also the busiest season, so book ahead.
- Can you do a desert safari in summer?
- Yes. We run safaris all year. In summer, choose the 7:00 AM morning safari or an evening trip that reaches the dunes for sunset, and drink plenty of water.
- What's the best time of day for a desert safari?
- Late afternoon into sunset, for the light and the cooler air. In summer, early morning is also a good choice.
- Which safari is best for young children?
- An evening safari from November to March, or the morning safari in the hot months. The driver can make the dune drive very gentle for little ones.
Not sure which safari to book? Compare them in which desert safari should you book, check prices, or message us on WhatsApp.
