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Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in October
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October is when Dubai starts to see a glimpse of a return to the milder days of winter. Outdoor seasonal events and al fresco dining venues around the city begin to dust off their covers and re-emerge from the summer heat, ready for a busy new winter season.
In this Dubai October guide:
We are still updating some of the information in this post for 2024 – events listed may still relate to 2023.
Is October a good time to visit Dubai? Weather in October
The start of the month is still extremely hot in Dubai, and you should expect temperatures in excess of 40°C/104°F. However, by month-end, the humidity starts to drop, and the air temperature cools significantly, giving way to bearable outside heat during the day.
The average daytime high you should expect in October is 35.6°C/96°F.
Average sea temperatures drop to around 31°C/76°F, which is great for swimming, but the ground will still be very hot (i.e., the sand still scorches your feet!!).
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in October here and our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in October.
Dubai Special Events October 2024
We are still finalising our list of shows and events as the announcements keep coming this month! Grab your planners and get these dates in the diary:
Shows & Entertainment in Dubai This October
- The Stick Man Live on stage will be a brilliant show for kids on 5 and 6 October 2024 at Meyana Theatre
- Kasabian will be bringing their Rock n Roll energy to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 13 October 2024
- Experience a set of Musical Magic with Peter Bence Pianosphere on 18 October at CocaCola Arena
- Eric Prydz Holo Live will bring a stunning 3D Holographic and visual effects show to the closing of GITEX Global on Friday 18 October 2024, Expo City Dubai
- Trib Fest at The Irish Village Al Garhoud will bring a stellar lineup of tribute artists smashing out greatest hits from Maroon 5, Oasis Sterophonics, Kasabian, Olly Murs, Bruno Mars, Kylie Minogue and more on 19 October 2024
- Heading just an hour out of town, look out for the inaugural Seven Wonders event in Ras Al Khaimah on 24 October 2024. Held at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi, Armin Van Buuren will be the premier artists for their launch event.
- Calvin Harris will be performing at the Grand Opening of Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience on 26 October 2024 at Dubai Harbour
- Thrilling play The Woman in Black will debut in Dubai at Zabeel Theatre from 30 October to 2 November 2024
Sports & Community Events in Dubai This October
- Dubai Fitness Challenge is always a great way to work off those summer days spent inside. Running 26 October and through 24 November 2024; there’s always a huge variety of events to get involved with across the city.
- Emirates and the Museum of the Future will host the first Aviation Future Week, taking place from 15-17 October 2024
- Further aviation experts will be hitting town for the Dubai Heliconference 2024 from 22-24 October 2024 at Skydive Dubai, expected to see the launch of many innovative new products for the Middle East
Note that many schools locally take a mid-term break in the middle of October; this can be a few days or a full week. It shouldn’t make attractions significantly busier, but you will see more families out and about mid-week. When many European schools take a break at the end of October, crowds in Dubai can also increase.
Suggested Dubai Activities in October 2024
As it’s still pretty hot outside, we’re all about keeping our cool in October, but we don’t need to be trapped all day indoors. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the beaches and water parks when the air temperatures are not so stifling and the water temperatures are beautifully warm.
Top Tip: If you stay at Atlantis the Palm then your hotel stay will include your entry to Aquaventure!
Top Tip: Guest staying at any of the Jumeriah Hotels can get tickets to Wild Wadi Water Park, attached to Jumeirah Beach Hotel
- Ripe Market will make its triumphant outdoor seasonal return at Academy Park on 12 October (running through until May 2025). This is one of winter’s hottest local hangouts, offering fresh food, handicrafts, and family activities.
- It’s also an ideal time to enjoy the city’s beach clubs that hit back into full swing with the cooling days. You can see our complete collection of favourite Dubai Beach Clubs offering day passes here.
October Splurge
Enjoy afternoon tea at the city’s most iconic building, the acclaimed “7 Star” Burj Al Arab. You’ll need to save your pennies for one of Dubai’s most luxurious dining options at Skyview Bar & Restaurant.
Day Trips from Dubai in October 2024
The capital city Abu Dhabi is Easy to reach either public bus, or by private tour or transfer; here’s what you can expect to find in the neighbouring capital:
- You can see the “Big 3” Cultural sites in Abu Dhabi on a single day trip tour from Dubai; the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace.
- The “Big 4” theme parks of Yas Island – namely Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterpark, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and now the brand new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi!
- Catch NBA action in Abu Dhabi from 3 to 6 October. Two matches, the Boston Celtics vs. the Denver Nuggets, are scheduled, plus a fan appreciation day at Etihad Arena and the NBA District at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Some suggested day tour operators that will help you with transfers to Abu Dhabi:
- Take a trip to the highest point in the UAE! As the daytime temperatures drop away a little, plan an early morning visit to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
- While you’re there, take on the longest zipline in the world! Jebel Jais Flight will see you soaring up to 150km/hr through the Hajar Mountains. There’s also the Jais Sky Tour and the Jais Sky Maze for adrenaline-seekers to try their hand at and make it a full day in the mountains. At the peak, you are approximately 2.5 hours away from Dubai.
Dubai With Kids in October 2024
Family activities are back in full swing in Dubai. It is still quite hot for outdoor adventures, but by October, first thing in the morning and early evening are pleasant enough to be out.
If you’ve already tackled some water park fun, as we mentioned above, and looking for something new, why not try:
- Aventura Parks – a tree surfing and ziplining adventure through the Ghaf trees of Mushrif Park. A floodlit option is available to enjoy the park in the evenings.
- October is the perfect time to enjoy the best public beaches in Dubai.
- Kite Beach is another local favourite for a simple splash, to join in some water sports, or to combine a day at the beach with a picnic in the park at the popular outdoor spot Al Mamzar Beach Park.
- A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without experiencing Dubai Global Village. This evening extravaganza will return in mid-October to brighten Dubai evenings once more with a taste of food, dance, and shopping from around the world.
- Dubai Garden Glow and Miracle Garden Dubai are also expected to re-open by month-end.
Our complete guide to kids activities in Dubai can be found here, along with our guide to all the seasonal event reopenings for winter 2024-25
More Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai in October
Yes! We’d argue one of the best months if you really like your heat. The edge has gone from the peak of summer, but you’ll still find the days are hot and the evenings are mild.
If you are a little averse to the heat, though, we’d recommend you restrict travel to the UAE between November and March.
Dubai starts October with average daytime highs of 42°C/108°F, dropping to highs of 32°C/90°F by month-end. It is the month you’ll experience the biggest drop in temperature as the country transitions around mid-month from the summer heat to the milder winter months. You can learn more about Dubai’s weather in October here.
October temperatures can’t really be described as cold. You’ll find average lows during the month overnight of 24.5°C/76°F.
It is quite unusual – though not unheard of – for rain to occur in Dubai in October. No need to pack an umbrella, but it can happen. If it does rain in Dubai, it usually leaves as quickly as it arrives.
Dubai doesn’t really follow traditional seasons – more a long, hot summer and a mild winter starting from October. Based in the Northern Hemisphere, October could be said to be fall/autumn in Dubai.
Check out the best things to do in every month in Dubai here!
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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