Curious to know the desert temperature at night in Dubai? So listen! It’s 35 to 40°C when you arrive at the dunes in the afternoon. You’re in a T-shirt, sweating, thinking the Dubai desert is always hot 24/7!
By 9 pm, you’re wrapped in every blanket you can find, wondering how on earth it dropped so fast. That’s the Dubai desert at night. And yes, it really does get cold (sometimes shockingly cold).
We run overnight camps every single day, so we know exactly what you’ll feel. So let’s see what the truth is behind the most common question ‘How cold is the Dubai desert at night’!
Dubai Desert has only two real seasons: extremely hot and surprisingly cold. Here’s exactly what you’ll feel in the desert, based on UAE National Centre of Meteorology data and our daily camp records.
Summer (April – October)
Winter (November – March)
Daytime highs: 24–30 °C (75–86 °F) – perfect weather for dune bashing and camel rides
Night-time lows: 6–18 °C (43–64 °F)
The desert is always 5–10 °C colder than Dubai city at night because there are no buildings to hold heat. That 12 °C you see on your phone in Dubai Marina becomes 5–7 °C in the dunes with the breeze. First-time visitors are always shocked by how cold it gets after sunset.
The desert swings wildly between scorching days and surprisingly cold Dubai desert temperature at night because of three simple factors:
This clearly shows that the answer to “why is it cold in the desert at night?” isn’t based on just one reason. Instead, the desert temperature at night in Dubai is a combination of several key factors that work together to make the Dubai desert noticeably colder after sunset.
Several elements shape how cold the desert feels during your Dubai Desert Safari. The main ones are: what you wear, the wind chill factor, humidity levels, and the location or altitude of the desert area.
Understanding these helps you prepare properly so you can stay comfortable and enjoy every moment of your tour.
What you wear has a huge impact on how cold you feel. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are perfect for the daytime heat, but they’re not enough once the sun goes down.
As temperatures drop in the evening, layers become essential. Without a warm layer, you might feel uncomfortably cold during night-time activities such as stargazing, watching live shows, or sitting by the campfire.
Always bring a light jacket, hoodie or shawl so you can add warmth easily after sunset.
The desert is often open and exposed, which means the wind can play a big role in how cold it feels. Even if the actual temperature isn’t very low, a steady breeze can make it feel several degrees colder.
This is especially noticeable in wide, open dune areas where there is nothing to block the wind. Wind can quickly pull heat away from your body, so dressing in layers and choosing clothing that offers some protection from the breeze will help you stay warm and relaxed throughout your safari.
Deserts naturally have very low humidity, and this affects both daytime heat and night-time cold.
During the day, the dry air makes the heat feel stronger. At night, the same dry air cannot hold warmth, so the temperature drops quickly after sunset.
Because there’s little moisture to “trap” the heat, warmth escapes fast, and the air can feel surprisingly chilly. This is why layering is so important in the evening, even if the day felt hot.
Not all desert areas feel the same. The specific location of your Dubai Desert Safari also influences how cold it gets.
Higher or more inland areas usually have bigger temperature swings, with hotter days and cooler nights compared with spots closer to the coast.
The type of terrain matters too. Rocky areas and open sandy dunes release heat at different speeds, which affects how quickly the air cools down.
Safaris in more exposed regions will often feel colder in the Dubai desert night temperature, making warm layers and sensible clothing even more important.
Well, if you’re wondering how to enjoy most of your time in the Dubai desert, and what is the best time for a desert safari?
Despite the Dubai desert’s low temperature at night, choosing the right month and weather conditions can make all the difference.
So, when exactly is the best time to enjoy the desert at its finest? Let’s break it down.
From daytime to evenings, the following are the months for the best time to visit the Dubai desert:
December
January
February
Here are the months to avoid if you don’t want cold desert nights: December, January, and February. Temperatures regularly drop to 4–12 °C after dark!
So pack yourself like you’re heading to winter in Europe. Avoid overnight safaris and nighttime chilling in these months unless you love bundling up!
December & February
January (coldest month)
These three months are the only ones when most guests end up wearing every layer we own. If you dislike real cold, simply avoid overnight trips from December through February.
If you are a chionophile (who loves the cold weather) and heading for a Dubai desert safari at night, think simple, comfy layers. Afternoons are still warm, so start with a light cotton T-shirt or breathable top that you’re happy taking photos in.
After sunset, the desert cools down fast, so bring a light jacket or hoodie you can easily throw on. Go for trousers, joggers or leggings instead of shorts so your legs don’t feel cold on the dunes.
Trainers or closed shoes are much better than sandals; they keep your feet warm and make walking on sand easier. A small scarf or shawl is the perfect extra layer, and in winter, a beanie for you (and the kids) is a smart bonus.
Even when you know how cold it gets in the desert in Dubai at night! You still need to be ready, so here is a quick checklist for you:
✓ Puffy jacket
✓ Fleece
✓ Beanie + scarf
✓ Closed shoes & thick socks
✓ Long pants
✓ Power bank (cold kills batteries fast)
✓ Light daytime clothes
✓ Hoodie/jacket for after sunset
✓ Water bottle
✓ Blanket or sleeping bag (overnight)
✓ Check weather forecast
✓ Book with a trusted operator
When the temperature in the Dubai desert drops, comfort depends on who you’re travelling with. At Sahara Thrills, we run evening and overnight desert safari dubai all year round, so we understand exactly how the desert feels at every hour, and we prepare for it.
From warm seating areas and cosy blankets to hot drinks and guides who know when the breeze will pick up, we quietly handle the cold so you can focus on the experience: dune bashing, camel rides, stargazing and a relaxing camp under the stars.
If you want a night safari that feels organised, safe and comfortably warm, even on the coldest winter nights, Sahara Thrills is your go-to desert partner in Dubai.
1. How cold does the Dubai desert actually get at night in winter?
December–February: 6–12 °C average, often 4–8 °C before sunrise. Inland dunes feel 5–8 °C colder than Dubai city.
2. What is the coldest month in the Dubai desert?
January, average night lows 6–11 °C, with occasional drops to 4 °C or lower just before dawn.
3. When is the best time for an overnight safari without being cold?
October, late March and April – nights stay a comfortable 18–23 °C with just a light jacket needed.
4. Do I need a winter jacket for an evening desert safari?
Yes, November–March. After 8 pm a proper puffy jacket is essential; a hoodie alone won’t keep you warm.
5. Can I sleep comfortably with just a blanket in winter?
No. December–February, you need a 0 °C or warmer sleeping bag plus layers; a blanket alone leaves most guests shivering.
6. Will my phone battery die faster in the cold desert night?
Yes. Below 10 °C, lithium batteries lose 20–30 % capacity overnight. Keep your phone inside your jacket.
7. What is the average Dubai temperature in winter?
The average Dubai temperature in winter ranges from 20°C to 28°C during the day and drops to 10°C to 15°C at night.
8. Is the desert cold at night in summer?
While not freezing, summer desert nights are cooler than the day, often dropping to around 25°C (77°F).
