Dubai

Dubai in August: What to expect, Where to go and Things to do

17 July, 2025

With its extravagant interior retreats, amazing discoveries, and scorching sun rays, Dubai in August is undoubtedly a patchwork of contrasts. With top-notch entertainment, fantastic shopping festivals, and stunning interior attractions, the City of Gold energizes even during the hottest times of the year. As the Dubai temp in August regularly exceeds 40°C, the city is at its most intense climatically, but also at its most accessible for savvy travelers. The Dubai temperature in August means outdoor activities during the day are limited, yet Dubai reinvents itself indoors.

This month offers a unique way to experience the city's innovation and glitz, from enjoying sunset desert safaris and air-conditioned, cozy malls to splash-filled adventures at prestigious water parks. You’ll find the best places to visit in Dubai in August combining luxury, comfort, and amazing entertainment, all in amazing air conditioning. Don't pass up the opportunity to see this vibrant city where opulence and history coexist. Therefore, we advise you to look more closely at the comprehensive guide to Dubai in August if you have been considering doing this.

Weather Conditions in August

During the hottest months of the year, Dubai temperature in August peaks above 40 degrees with the highest humidity. UV levels are at their highest, while showers are almost nonexistent. Most stay indoors, enjoying the benefits of indoor theme parks at malls and museums. Sea temperatures can get to about 33 degrees, although a cool, gentle breeze can provide some respite for humans. It is advised to engage in outdoor activities in the evening or early morning while being properly hydrated and using prudence.

The weather in Dubai in August is defined by extreme heat, relentless sunshine, and high humidity. Daytime highs rise steadily, with Dubai temp in August commonly reaching 41°C or higher, while nights bring little relief with minimum temperatures hovering between 29°C and 31°C. Rain is virtually non-existent during this period; August averages less than 1 mm of rainfall, making it one of the driest months of the year. Sunlight remains abundant, with up to 10–12 hours per day and an over 11 UV index, so skin and eye protection are essential.

Reasons to Visit Dubai in August

Smaller Crowds: Fewer tourists brave the heat, so popular landmarks, restaurants, and shopping malls are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Exceptional Value: Take advantage of some of the lowest prices on hotel stays, flights, and dining, with summer sales at malls and attractions.
Indoor Attractions: Dubai’s best indoor facilities, like theme parks, museums, and aquariums, run at full throttle, providing plenty of things to do out of the sun.
Summer Events: Annual events like Dubai Summer Surprises turn August into a celebration of shopping, family entertainment, and exclusive deals.
Late-night Life: The city pulses after dark, with open-air lounges, night markets, and cultural events making the most of cooler evenings.

Places to Visit in Dubai in August

1. Burj Khalifa – At The Top

The world's highest structure, the Burj Khalifa, must be seen when visiting Dubai. With its impressive structure, this 163-story building is crammed with dining options, retail centers, hotels, and much more. Here, visitors can access the observation decks named At The Top for a breathtaking city perspective. As the weather cools, visit the Burj Khalifa in the evening to witness the sunset. This world wonder is among the best places to visit in Dubai in August for both thrill-seekers and photographers.

Location: Downtown Dubai
Timings: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Fees: Starting at AED 169; fast-track and Sky Level tickets cost more.

2. Dubai Frame

One of the city's unique attractions is the Dubai Frame, a stunning specimen of architecture that you simply must see. You may take in stunning views of the city and its skyline from here. With breathtaking views of Dubai from both the north and the south, it is the largest picture frame in the world. Tickets for the observation deck, which gives you a view of both modern and historic Dubai, can also be reserved.

Location: Zabeel Park
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children.

3. Dubai Mall

If you enjoy shopping and lounging in air conditioning, you should definitely check out The Dubai Mall, one of the biggest retail centers in the world. With more than 1200 shops, an enormous aquarium, a fantastic indoor ice rink, and a number of dining options, this site is ideal for a family day. In August, you can also anticipate fantastic off-season savings. Dubai Mall remains at the heart of what to do in Dubai in August, from retail therapy to enjoying lunch beside the Dubai Fountain’s choreographed dancing water shows.

Location: Downtown Dubai
Timings: 10:00 AM – midnight
Entry Fees: Free Entry

4. Dubai Aquarium

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is another well-liked animal-themed destination in the city. More than 30,000 aquatic critters may be found in this indoor facility, and if you're up for an adventure, you can cage dive with sharks. Because you can enjoy the air-conditioned aquarium and discover the secrets of marine life, this is one of the greatest places to explore in the summer. As a highlight for families and marine-life lovers, it’s among the indoor attractions that can fill an entire afternoon, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai in August.

Location: Ground & Level 2, Dubai Mall
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: Packages from AED 120 per person.

5. The Green Planet

The Green Planet, which is situated in City Walk, replicates the exotic, multisensory sensation of passing through a lush, green rainforest. From enigmatic woodland pools to treetop canopy platforms, cliffhanging gardens, and waterfalls encircled by aquatic life, birds, butterflies, and other living things, visitors can discover a variety of breathtaking sceneries. A perfect destination to explore nature without ever stepping outside, especially appealing in the heat of Dubai in August.

Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: AED 150 for adults.

What to Do in Dubai in August

1. Visit the Museum of the Future

The first museum of its kind is called the Museum of the Future. Constructed to change the way people think about the future as it exists today, the distinctive building is now home to a number of immersive futuristic scenarios designed to put guests in an empowering future. In an immersive experience that engages all five senses, visitors take an active role. The Museum encourages people to rethink the future and all of its potential by purposefully fusing elements of science, technology, and spirituality.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fees: AED 145

2. Enjoy Rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure

Visit the world's largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, for a fun-filled day that will never be forgotten. You can encounter characters from Cartoon Network that you grew up with, such as Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls, in the first zone. In the second area, you can interact with your favorite Marvel superheroes and experience rides like the Thor Thunder Spin, which are just as thrilling as the films themselves. In the third zone, which includes rides like the Velociraptor and the Adventure Fortress, get ready to run for your life as you experience a prehistoric dinosaur age at The Lost Valley. It provides world-class rides and entertainment entirely indoors, making it an essential choice for what to do in Dubai in August with families or thrill-seekers.

Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd
Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (weekends until 11:00 PM)
Entry Fees: AED 335 (adults & children above 1.05m in height)

3. Go Skiing at Ski Dubai – Mall of the Emirates

Defy the desert heat and ski, snowboard, or zipline through real snow at Ski Dubai. Experience the thrilling rush of the wind across your face as you glide down immaculate slopes. Enjoy year-round real snow, construct snowmen, engage in thrilling snowball fights, and, with any chance, get to meet cute penguins. There is something for everyone at this attraction, regardless of your level of skiing experience. This indoor winter wonderland, complete with penguins, is one of the city’s most unique attractions and answers the question, “what to do in Dubai in August?"

Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Fees: From AED 220 (Snow Park), AED 275 (Ski Slope)

4. Take in the Views at The View at the Palm – Nakheel Mall

Offering 360-degree panoramas from the Palm Jumeirah’s tallest vantage point, The View at The Palm is the place to see Dubai’s architectural ingenuity. The indoor lounge and viewing deck provide comfort even with the Dubai temp in August outside. The exhilarating three-minute elevator ride with floor-to-ceiling digital displays sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The outdoor terrace and premium lounge offer perfect spots to watch mesmerizing sunsets and city lights illuminate the horizon.

Location: Level 52, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (timings may extend on weekends)
Entry Fees: AED 100 (non-prime hours), AED 158 (prime hours)

5. Watch the Show at the Dubai Fountain

Spanning eight acres, the Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain show. This amazing water monument's design consists of two arcs and five circles of varying sizes. Up to 83 thousand liters of water can be shot up to 500 feet by the strong nozzles. The platform's 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors produce up to 1000 water and light patterns, creating a mesmerizing image. From contemporary, international pop selections, such as those by Michael Jackson, Andrea Bocelli, or Whitney Houston, to classical Arabic pieces, the accompanying music is diverse. Every day, there are fountain shows that go on for up to five minutes, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai in August.

Location: Burj Lake, Downtown Dubai
Timings: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, every 30 minutes
Entry Fees: Free (Boardwalk access AED 20)

Tips to Visit Dubai in August

Plan the majority of your activities indoors to avoid the heat, such as going to museums, malls, and indoor entertainment venues.
In order to stay hydrated during hot weather, always keep a refillable water bottle with you.
To stay cool, dress in breathable, light clothing made of natural materials. Keep in mind to respect local customs by dressing modestly.
Plan your activities for early mornings or evenings when the weather is comparatively cooler if you intend to go outside.
When you're outside, seek out places with cover so you can take pauses and avoid the sun.
To prevent sunburn, use sunscreen with a high SPF on a frequent basis.
To guarantee a fun and safe journey, pay attention to weather predictions and any advisories.

What to Pack For Visiting Dubai in August

Because of the intense heat and excessive humidity, packing for Dubai in August requires careful thought.
To stay cool and comfortable during the day, it is imperative to wear clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and composed of natural materials like cotton and linen.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF are essential for shielding your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Carrying a reusable water bottle is also a smart idea if you want to keep hydrated all day.
Even though Dubai is a multicultural city, it is advised to dress modestly to show respect for local traditions, particularly when visiting places of worship or residential areas.
Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for seeing the city's many attractions.
Finally, because air conditioning can get rather cold, remember to bring a lightweight jacket or shawl for indoor locations.

Where to Stay in Dubai in August

Opt for hotels connected to malls or metro stations for easy, cool access.
Choose accommodations with excellent climate control and on-site leisure facilities.
Consider business hotels, it’s off-peak for conventions, resulting in great summer offers.
Resorts on Palm Jumeirah or Downtown Dubai provide both luxury and shelter from the heat.
Look for properties with shaded pools or indoor spa facilities.
Book early to secure discounts for extended summer stays.

FAQs

1. Is it too hot to visit Dubai in August?

Ans: Yes, the Dubai temp in August reaches record highs, typically 41–43°C in the day and 29–31°C at night. For those who tolerate heat well or plan to stay mainly indoors, August can still be enjoyable, especially with unique deals.

2. Are attractions open in August?

Ans: All major attractions, malls, theme parks, museums, and entertainment venues, remain open and uncrowded in Dubai in August. Most activities have robust air conditioning. Some outdoor activities, like waterparks and evening markets, also operate but are best visited after sunset.

3. What is the best time of day to go out in Dubai in August?

Ans: Given the Dubai temp in August, limit most outdoor activity (or even short walks outdoors) to very early mornings and after sunset. Sunset onwards is when many locals and savvy travelers venture out, as the temperature falls and humidity eases slightly.

4. Is a desert safari recommended in August?

Ans: Desert safaris are not ideal in August due to extreme daytime heat. If desired, book sunset or evening safaris with premium operators who offer air-conditioned vehicles, shaded seating, and plenty of water. Safety and comfort should be top priorities.

5. How to get around Dubai comfortably in summer?

Ans: Metro, trams, and taxis are fully air-conditioned and reliable for traversing the city in comfort. RTA buses also offer cooled interiors. Avoid walking long distances outdoors and use ride-hailing apps for door-to-door convenience, especially when considering what to do in Dubai in August.