In July, Dubai offers discounts on luxury hotels, uncrowded rooftop bars, and tourist attractions free from the usual crowds.
In the summer, Dubai transforms into a haven for indoor activities, offering seasoned travelers a welcome respite from the desert heat. As temperatures soar outside, the slopes of Ski Dubai and the Green Planet rainforest provide refreshing escapes. Savvy visitors plan their Dubai itinerary to include both air-conditioned morning activities and evening activities when temperatures cool down.
In July, you’ll find a city that has masterfully adapted to summer, with nightly fountain shows and swimming on the beach after sunset. The annual Summer Surprises festival brings a shopping spree to the city, while fine dining restaurants suddenly open their doors to customers without prior reservations. Discover unexpected activities to do in Dubai during July, taking advantage of its stunning indoor attractions.
Why go to Dubai in July?
Luxury hotels offer great summer discounts in July
Five-star hotels in Dubai reduce their ratings by up to 60% during July, making luxury accommodations surprisingly affordable. Hotels offer their lowest rates of the year and sometimes even provide free upgrades and dining discounts to attract visitors during this quieter season.
Dubai’s world-famous shopping malls are fully air-conditioned
The city’s fantastic shopping malls maintain a perfect temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) regardless of the sweltering heat outside. In addition to shopping, these massive complexes offer a range of entertainment options, from water parks to themed amusement parks, making them complete destinations where you can easily spend entire days in comfort and coolness.
Dubai’s popular rooftop bars are less crowded
The popular high-rise lounges, which usually require reservations weeks in advance, become surprisingly easy to access during July. Most rooftop bars boast high-tech cooling systems that make enjoying evening cocktails comfortable despite the seasonal temperatures.
You can dine at popular restaurants without a prior reservation.
July offers a rare opportunity to experience Dubai’s renowned culinary scene more easily, as restaurants that usually require reservations months in advance suddenly become available on the same day. Even celebrity chef restaurants welcome walk-ins during this quieter season.
July is the best time to visit Dubai’s water parks.
Due to the extreme heat, Dubai’s world-class water parks offer the perfect respite, with water temperatures at ideal levels to counteract the desert heat.
What is the weather like in Dubai during July?
July in Dubai is extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Humidity is also high, especially near the coast, making the heat feel even more intense. This combination creates a climate where indoor activities dominate daytime routines, while evenings offer more relaxed outdoor experiences. Pack lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the heavily air-conditioned indoor attractions.
- Average daytime temperature: 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius)
- Average overnight temperature: 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius)
- Average number of days with rainfall: 0 days
- Average hours of sunshine: 11 hours per day
Top suggested activities in Dubai during July
1. Enjoy shopping at the Dubai Summer Surprises festival
Dubai Summer Surprises transforms the city into a shopper’s paradise throughout July, offering massive discounts at nearly every mall and shopping district. This annual event combines shopping fun with entertainment, featuring daily prize draws where shoppers can win luxury cars and substantial cash prizes simply by making purchases at participating venues. Major malls like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates extend their opening hours during the festival, often remaining open until midnight.
In addition to shopping, the festival offers indoor entertainment for families seeking respite from the heat, with pop-up performances and special food offers. Each week focuses on different retail categories, from electronics to fashion, allowing shoppers to plan their visits accordingly. For visitors looking for suggested activities in Dubai during July, this luxury shopping festival is the perfect choice for air-conditioned entertainment.
Address
Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
working hours
Open Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Open Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to midnight.
2. Go indoor skiing at Ski Dubai to escape the summer heat
Snow-covered slopes await inside Mall of the Emirates, where Ski Dubai maintains a cool ambiance of −1°C (30°F) regardless of the sweltering heat outside. This massive indoor ski resort boasts five slopes of varying difficulty levels, including the world’s first Black Diamond indoor ski run, all covered in real snow that is refreshed nightly. The dramatic temperature contrast between the mall entrance and the magical winter wonderland within creates a truly magical experience that is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Dubai during July.
Address
Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working hours
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM;
Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM;
Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to midnight
3. Explore the inland rainforests at The Green Planet
A four-story biodome in City Walk houses The Green Planet Museum , a fully enclosed tropical rainforest that offers a verdant respite from Dubai’s summer aridity. The world’s largest artificial tree forms the centerpiece of this indoor ecosystem, which supports over 3,000 plant and animal species.
For visitors to Dubai in July, this immersive experience is the perfect escape from the heat, while also offering educational opportunities to learn about plants not native to the region. Educational presentations throughout the day highlight conservation efforts and the interconnected nature of tropical ecosystems, making this an enjoyable, informative activity suitable for all ages.
Address
Green Planet – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
working hours
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4. Enjoy a night swim at Jumeirah Beach accompanied by lifeguards after sunset.
Nighttime is the best time to visit Jumeirah Beach in July, when the daytime heat has subsided and the waters of the Arabian Gulf are still warm enough for swimming. Designated nighttime swimming areas on the beach feature underwater lighting, creating a magical yet safe atmosphere, with lifeguards on duty until 10 pm during the summer months.
This beach experience after dark showcases Dubai’s nature in July: a city that adapts to extreme temperatures by shifting activities to the cooler evening hours. For visitors to Dubai in the summer , a nighttime swim offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the city’s beautiful coastline without the daytime sun, while the sea breeze provides natural cooling as you relax on the beach.
Address
Jumeirah Beach – Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
working hours
Open 24 hours
5. Watch the Dubai Fountain show at night when the temperatures cool down.
The world’s largest choreographed fountain system puts on a spectacular water show against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa every evening, shooting jets of water up to 500 feet (152 meters) high. During July, the Dubai Fountain shows are especially enchanting after sunset when temperatures cool and the illuminated water dances to the sounds of Arabic and international music.
If this is your first visit to Dubai , this free attraction is an unmissable experience that perfectly captures the city’s grandeur. Evening shows run every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, giving you the chance to see the show multiple times during Dubai’s July nights. The main viewing areas fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to secure a front-row spot along the railing, or book a table at one of the lakeside restaurants for a more comfortable viewing experience while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Address
1 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Street – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
working hours
Open 24 hours