You’ve seen the postcards. Blazing sun, glass skyscrapers reflecting the heat, and people lounging by infinity pools. But if you’re looking at the Dubai 10 day weather forecast for this mid-January stretch, you might notice something a bit "off." The temperatures aren't hitting those 90-degree marks you expected.
Honestly, it's kinda chilly.
Right now, Dubai is smack in the middle of what the Emirates Astronomical Society calls "Der Al Sittin." It’s a 60-day folk-calendar period where the desert chill really bites. We aren't talking London-in-November cold, but for a city built on heat, the current 68°F (20°C) feels like a different world.
What the Dubai 10 day weather forecast actually means for your trip
If you’re landing this week, pack a sweater. No, seriously.
The forecast through late January shows a consistent pattern of daytime highs hovering around 69°F to 72°F. It sounds like a perfect spring day in many parts of the world, but the wind is the real player here. We’re seeing northwesterly "Shamal" winds coming off the Persian Gulf at about 15 to 25 mph. That breeze makes 70°F feel more like 64°F, especially if you’re near the water at Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah.
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The breakdown of the next week and a half
The first half of the forecast is dominated by clear, sunny skies. Expect a high of 69°F on Saturday and Sunday. It’s peak "walking weather." You can hike the Hatta mountains or stroll through the Miracle Garden without breaking a sweat.
By Tuesday, January 20, things warm up slightly to a high of 72°F, but don’t let that fool you. The humidity is sitting at a comfortable 63%, which means there’s no "muggy" feeling to trap the heat. Once that sun dips behind the Burj Khalifa around 5:50 PM, the mercury plunges.
Nightly lows are dropping to 61°F. If you're heading out for a desert safari, that 61°F in the open dunes feels like 50°F. The sand loses heat incredibly fast.
Rain in the desert? Don't bet on it
People always ask about the rain. Historically, January gets maybe two days of actual rainfall. The current Dubai 10 day weather forecast shows a measly 5% to 10% chance of rain on Monday and again next Saturday.
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Basically, it’s not going to happen.
If it does, it'll be a "blink and you'll miss it" drizzle that dries before it even hits the pavement. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) is mostly warning about dust and blowing sand rather than rain. Those Shamal winds can kick up a haze that drops visibility, which is way more likely to mess with your "top of the Burj" photos than a rainstorm.
Humidity and the "RealFeel" Factor
Dubai humidity in the summer is a nightmare. In January? It's a dream.
We’re looking at an average humidity of 55% to 65% over the next ten days. This is the sweet spot. Your hair won't frizz, and you won't feel like you're breathing through a wet towel. However, higher humidity at night can lead to some spectacular morning fog. If you wake up and can’t see the building across the street, don't panic. It usually burns off by 10:00 AM, leaving behind those crisp blue skies.
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Surviving the "Cold" (Dubai Style)
It's funny watching tourists in shorts next to locals in puffer jackets. But there’s a reason for the layers. Malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates blast the AC regardless of the temperature outside.
If it's 69°F outside and 65°F inside, you're going to want a hoodie.
Actionable insights for your January visit:
- Book the outdoor stuff now: This is the only time of year when Al Seef, Global Village, and the outdoor terraces at DIFC are actually pleasant.
- Sunscreen is still non-negotiable: The UV index is hitting 4 or 5 daily. Even if it feels "cool," the Arabian sun is strong. You’ll burn before you realize you’re hot.
- Sea temperatures are brisk: The Gulf is sitting at about 73°F (23°C). It’s refreshing for a quick dip, but maybe not for a long afternoon soak unless your hotel pool is heated.
- Watch the wind: If you’re planning a yacht charter or a deep-sea fishing trip, check the wind speeds. Anything over 20 mph (which we expect next Wednesday) can make the Gulf pretty choppy.
The current Dubai 10 day weather forecast confirms that we are in the absolute "Goldilocks" zone of the year. Not too hot, just cool enough to be active, and predictably dry. Just remember that the desert is a land of extremes—what starts as a sunny 70-degree afternoon will quickly turn into a shivering 60-degree night.
Pack a light down jacket or a thick pashmina. You’ll thank me when you’re watching the Dubai Fountain show at 9:00 PM.
Next Steps:
Check the wind speed specifically for the day of any planned boat trips, as the Shamal winds often peak in the mid-afternoon. If you're heading to the desert, ensure your tour operator provides blankets for the evening camp, as temperatures in the dunes can drop 5-10 degrees lower than the city center.