You’ve probably seen the photos: golden deserts, towering skyscrapers, luxury malls glowing at night. Dubai looks like a dream vacation. But here’s the truth most travel blogs won’t tell you-Dubai isn’t cheap. Unless you go at the right time.
Let’s cut through the noise. If you want to visit Dubai without draining your savings, the cheapest month to go is May. Not June. Not April. May. Why? Because it’s the sweet spot between the end of the cool season and the brutal heat that kicks in by early June. Flights drop. Hotels slash prices. Even the big attractions start offering discounts just to keep crowds coming.
Why May Is the Best (and Cheapest) Month to Visit Dubai
Most people think winter is the best time to visit Dubai-December to February. And yeah, it’s lovely. But it’s also the most expensive. Hotels charge double. Flights are packed. You’re competing with tourists from the UK, Russia, and Germany who all have the same idea.
By May, those crowds are gone. The weather is still bearable-average highs around 38°C (100°F), but the humidity hasn’t hit its peak yet. It’s dry heat, not swampy. You can still get outside in the early morning or late evening. And here’s the kicker: hotels that cost £300 a night in January drop to £120-£160 in May. Emirates and flydubai often have one-way fares from London under £250 during this window.
Think of it like this: May is when Dubai takes a breath. Tourists are gone. Locals are indoors with AC running full blast. The city is quieter, the lines are shorter, and the deals are real.
What You’ll Save by Going in May
Let’s break it down with real numbers from 2025 data:
- Flights: Round-trip from Manchester to Dubai averages £620 in January. In May? £310-£380.
- Hotels: A 4-star hotel in Downtown Dubai: £280/night in December. £135/night in May.
- Attractions: Burj Khalifa tickets drop from £42 to £28. Dubai Mall aquarium tickets go from £25 to £18.
- Car rentals: A compact car that’s £50/day in winter drops to £25-£30 in May.
That’s a potential saving of over £1,000 for a 5-day trip for two. That’s not just a few extra meals-that’s a desert safari, a dhow cruise, and a night at a rooftop bar with zero guilt.
What to Avoid: The Worst (and Most Expensive) Times to Visit
Don’t go in July or August. Seriously. Temperatures regularly hit 45°C (113°F). The humidity makes it feel like walking through a sauna with a hairdryer on your face. Most locals stay indoors. Outdoor attractions like the Dubai Fountain or the Miracle Garden shut down or operate limited hours. And guess what? Prices don’t drop. They stay high because there’s still a trickle of tourists who don’t know better.
December through February? Great weather. Terrible value. You’re paying a premium for comfort. If you’re on a budget, you’re better off skipping this window unless you’ve got the cash to burn.
What You Can Still Do in Dubai in May
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time. Dubai is built for heat. Here’s what still works in May:
- Indoor attractions: Dubai Mall, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are all air-conditioned and packed with things to do.
- Desert safaris: Book one for late afternoon. The sand cools down fast after sunset. You’ll get dune bashing, camel rides, and a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars-all without sweating through your shirt.
- Beaches: Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach have shaded loungers, water sports, and beachside cafés. Go early or after 5 PM.
- Food: Dubai’s food scene is insane. Try a shawarma from a local spot in Deira for £2, or book a table at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Burj Khalifa for under £30.
You don’t need to sit in a hotel pool all day. You just need to plan smart.
How to Book the Best Deals in May
Don’t just wait until April to start looking. Start monitoring prices in February. Set up alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner. Use incognito mode when searching-some sites raise prices if they see you’ve been looking.
Book hotels with free cancellation. Things change. Maybe you get a better deal later. Maybe the weather turns nastier than expected. Don’t lock yourself in.
Look for packages. Sometimes, airlines bundle flights with hotel stays at a 20% discount. Flydubai and Emirates often run these in March and April for May travel.
Also, skip the luxury hotels in Palm Jumeirah unless you’re splurging. Downtown Dubai or Deira are cheaper, better connected, and just as fun.
May vs. October: The Other Budget-Friendly Option
Some people say October is the best time. And it’s close. But here’s the difference:
| Factor | May | October |
|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature | 38°C (100°F) | 34°C (93°F) |
| Flight Prices (London-Dubai) | £310-£380 | £350-£420 |
| Hotel Prices (4-star Downtown) | £120-£160/night | £180-£230/night |
| Crowds | Very low | Moderate (some European tourists return) |
| Best For | Maximum savings, quiet city | Still warm but slightly cooler, better for outdoor activities |
May wins on price. October wins on comfort. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the heat, May is your best bet. If you want a little more breathing room temperature-wise and can spend a bit more, October works.
What No One Tells You About Dubai in May
Here’s the secret: locals know May is the cheapest time. That’s why they book their own vacations then. You’ll see more Emirati families at the mall, at the beach, and at the cinema. You’ll get to see Dubai the way locals live-not as a tourist spectacle, but as a real city.
And here’s another thing: the city feels different. Less frantic. More relaxed. The drivers aren’t as aggressive. The waiters aren’t rushing you. You can actually sit at a café and watch the world go by without feeling like you’re being herded.
It’s not just cheaper. It’s better.
FAQ: Your Questions About the Cheapest Month to Visit Dubai
Is May really the cheapest month to go to Dubai?
Yes. May consistently has the lowest prices for flights and hotels because it falls between peak season and the extreme summer heat. While June is hotter, May still offers great deals before prices climb again in October. Data from 2025 shows average flight prices drop by 45% compared to December, and hotel rates fall by nearly 50%.
Is Dubai too hot to enjoy in May?
It’s hot-around 38°C-but not unbearable if you plan right. Avoid midday sun. Stay in air-conditioned spaces between 11 AM and 4 PM. Do outdoor activities early morning or after sunset. Most attractions, malls, and hotels are designed for this heat. You’ll be fine.
Are there any events in Dubai in May?
Yes. May hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival’s final week, which still has discounts on electronics, fashion, and jewelry. There are also cultural festivals like the Dubai International Film Festival (in early May) and art fairs at Alserkal Avenue. It’s quieter than winter, but there’s still plenty happening.
Should I avoid Dubai in June instead of May?
June is hotter and more humid, but prices are still low. If you can handle 40°C+ and don’t mind the humidity, June can be even cheaper than May. But May is the safer bet-better weather, same savings.
Can I visit the desert in May?
Absolutely. Desert safaris are best booked for late afternoon. The sand cools quickly after sunset, and you’ll enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and dinner under the stars without the scorching heat. Many tours include air-conditioned transport to and from your hotel.
Final Tip: Book Early, But Not Too Early
Don’t wait until April to start looking. Start checking prices in February. The best deals appear 6-8 weeks before departure. But don’t book too far ahead-prices can still drop. Set alerts. Be flexible with your dates. Even shifting your trip by a week can save you hundreds.
Dubai doesn’t have to be a luxury splurge. With the right timing, it’s one of the most affordable exotic destinations you can visit. May gives you the best mix of low prices, decent weather, and real experiences-not just tourist traps.
So if you’ve been putting off Dubai because you think it’s too expensive? It’s not. You just need to go when no one else is looking.
