Seasons in Dubai
The heat runs April to October
Dubai is in its hot season right now, April to October. Heat this steady changes the day rather than just the outfit — shade, water and air-conditioned indoor stops matter more than what you wear.
Going in April
Serious heat — over 40°C most days in July and August, with humidity that makes the evenings worse than the afternoons. Life moves indoors and outdoor sightseeing stops being realistic in the middle of the day.
What this means for your bag
Loose, covering clothes
Long and loose beats short and tight in serious heat: it keeps the sun off skin and moves air. Linen and light cotton in pale colours.
See the Summer Sun Kit packReal sun protection
High-factor sunscreen, a hat with a brim and sunglasses. Reef-safe sunscreen is worth buying before you go — it is expensive and hard to find at the beach.
See the Beach & Pool Kit packA bottle you will actually refill
Heat like this needs far more water than you think. A filter bottle also spares you buying a plastic bottle every two hours.
See the Health & Wellness packA layer for indoor air conditioning
Malls, buses and restaurants are cooled far below the street, and the swing is what makes people ill. A light long sleeve doubles as sun cover and as dress code for temples and mosques.
See the Smart Casual Evening pack
Build a packing plan around the season you are actually travelling in.