Summer in the UAE
Let’s not sugarcoat it: summer in the UAE is intense.
When you think of summer in the UAE, two things comes to mind: heat and humidity —and lots of it.
From June through September, temperatures regularly soar above 40°C (104°F), with humidity levels climbing well above 70%, which makes the air feel even heavier.
But while the sun blazes outside, The country doesn’t hit pause at all. The cities have mastered the art of turning any and all indoor spaces into an oasis of activity, comfort, and even adventure.
Yes, It gets Hot — Really Hot:
Daytime highs often sit around 42–45°C (107–113°F), and the nights don’t offer much relief, typically hovering in the mid-30s. The combination of heat and humidity can be a shock, especially if you’re new to the region and are stepping outside over midday. But here’s the thing — you rarely need to.
The visionaries, engineers and architects behind the building of the country have kept your year-round comfort in mind when designing the cities and their amenities.
The main cities are built with the summer heat at the forefront of all planning. Virtually every building, car, metro station, and bus stop is air-conditioned.
This isn’t just a cities that adapt to summer — it was designed to thrive in it.
Indoor Adventure Activities Await: So Stay Cool
While outdoor strolls and beach days are best saved for early mornings or evenings, the country offers a massive array of indoor adventure experiences that keep residents and visitors happily occupied during the hotter months.
Here are a few for you to consider:
Indoor Adventure Activities, Theme Parks & Attractions:
There are loads of indoor adventure activities to be enjoyed and our PickYourPlayground app is full of exciting options for you to try. Whether it’s with a friend, your tribe, or your family there’s so much to experience within the air conditioned comfort of Dubai’s adventure community.
While there are some big names (see below) for you to wile away some time exploring, it’s also a great time to step out of your comfort zone and try some of the smaller, owner operated adventure activities. Think escape rooms, parkour lessons, rock climbing or even ice skating to name a few.
Some of the bigger names you may be familiar with, and which are always good options for the whole family are:
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: A giant indoor amusement park featuring Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur zones—all under one roof.
- Movie houses and the Dubai Opera, plus
- Coca-Cola Arena with its summer schedules that include concerts, comedy shows, and theater—most indoor venues run year-round.
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to see current specials and discounts so you can have fun while saving some of those hard earned dirhams.
Mall Culture:
Dubai takes the idea of a mall to the next level. We’re talking about mega-complexes that double as entertainment hubs. You don’t just shop—you ski indoors, dive into aquariums, and zip-line through atriums.- The Dubai Mall: Home to the Dubai Aquarium, VR Park, and an Olympic-sized ice rink, not to mention over 1,200 stores.
- Mall of the Emirates: Famous for Ski Dubai, the world’s first indoor ski resort in the desert.
- City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall: Offer everything from bowling alleys to escape rooms and trampoline parks.
Wellness & Leisure:
There’s no doubt that one of the things the UAE has built its tourist reputation on is luxury! Luxury spa retreats, luxury yoga studios, world class indoor swimming pools, and fitness centers that feel like movie sets. All these thrive in the summer months. Whether you’d like to experience a traditional luxury hammam session, or a serene float tank escape, summer is the time to truly unwind indoors.Accessibility: A City Made for Easy Movement
One of Dubai’s biggest strengths is how easily you can get around without breaking a sweat – yes, even over the sweltering summer months.
Public transport: The Dubai Metro is clean, efficient, and fully air-conditioned and many malls and tourist spots are connected directly to metro stations via covered walkways.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are plentiful and affordable for short indoor-to-indoor hops. All the cars are fully air conditioned and the drivers are known to be friendly, accommodating and safe.
Mall connections: Major malls have expansive underground parking, valet services, and even internal shuttle systems (hello, Mall of the Emirates buggies!)
Regardless of where you decide to go you can get there door-to-door in air-conditioned comfort.
Hydration is key:
Always carry a water bottle, even indoors. There are exceptionally clean restrooms everywhere, so this is one city you never have to worry about consuming lots of water. And, there are water refill stations so don’t buy water in bottles. Do your bit for the planet and invest in a refillable, insulated bottle and keep it topped up all the time.
Plan your outdoor time:
Mornings and evenings are your best bet if you want to visit the beach, desert, or old souks. The UAE is well know for it’s safe cities and walking after dark when its cooler is not a problem. There are wonderful facilities along the beautiful beach front and even a floodlit 24hr beach, with lifeguards, so you can enjoy an evening swim with all the family.
Dress appropriately:
Wearing lightweight, breathable, natural fabrics are best in the heat, but keep in mind your locations. Whilst beachwear is perfect for pool days and beach adventures, remember the dress code for public spaces away from these bodies of water.
With the air-conditioning everywhere you will find in Summer you need to layer, even more so than in Winter. Even indoors, layering helps when you go from the hot exteriors into chilly air-conditioned buildings. Invest in one of the delightful pashmina’s at the souks and carry this for over your shoulders, they come in very handy for women!
Final Thoughts
Summer in the UAE may not be beach weather in the traditional sense, but the city’s innovation, infrastructure, and entertainment options make it one of the best places to enjoy indoor life to the fullest.
Whether you’re a resident looking for a way to beat the heat or a tourist wondering if the UAE in July is a good idea — the answer is yes!! Just stay inside (mostly), and you’ll have a blast.
Download PickYourPlayground from the app/play stores and find a beat the heat adventure … excitement awaits in unexpected places!