Dubai is usually a furnace. Most people think of it as a place where you melt the moment you step off the plane, but right now, things are different. If you’re looking at the weather in dubai 10 days out, you aren't seeing 40°C heat. You’re seeing something that looks more like a crisp European spring.
Honestly, it’s gorgeous.
But there’s a catch. This "perfect" weather comes with its own set of weird quirks—like "whiteouts" that hide the Burj Khalifa and winds that can turn a desert dinner into a sand-flavored disaster.
The 10-Day Outlook: What’s Actually Happening?
Right now, we are smack in the middle of January 2026, which is historically the coolest month in the Emirates. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), we're currently being squeezed between a weak low-pressure system from the east and a high-pressure system from the west.
What does that mean for your holiday?
Basically, temperatures are dropping. We’re looking at daytime highs of around 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F). That sounds warm, but once the sun dips behind the skyscrapers at 5:45 PM, the mercury plunges. You’ll see lows hitting 14°C (57°F), and if you head out into the desert or up toward the mountains like Jebel Jais, it gets even colder. Earlier this month, the NCM even noted a potential 9°C drop in certain areas.
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Don't be the person shivering in a tank top at a rooftop bar. You’ve been warned.
The Forecast Breakdown (Jan 14 – Jan 24)
If you're planning your itinerary, keep an eye on these specific shifts:
- Mid-week (Jan 14-15): Expect plenty of sunshine, but humidity is creeping up at night. This is the prime window for "mist alerts."
- The Weekend Shift (Jan 16-18): Stronger north-westerly winds are moving in. These are known locally as Shamal winds. They’ll kick up dust, so if you have asthma or sensitive eyes, maybe skip the open-top bus tour on Friday.
- The "Rain" Chance (Jan 21-22): There’s a legitimate chance of light rain. In Dubai, "rain" usually means a 15-minute sprinkle that everyone posts on Instagram like it’s a hurricane. Still, it can make the roads incredibly slick because of the oil buildup.
The Fog: Dubai’s Most Beautiful Danger
You’ve probably seen the photos. The top of the Burj Khalifa poking out of a sea of white clouds. It looks like a sci-fi movie.
That’s not clouds; it’s dense sea fog.
In the next 10 days, high humidity (reaching up to 90% at night) combined with cooling land temperatures makes fog almost certain. The NCM has already issued several "red" and "yellow" alerts this month for visibility dropping below 1,000 meters.
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If you’re driving a rental car toward Abu Dhabi at 6:00 AM, be careful. The visibility can hit zero in seconds. Usually, by 10:00 AM, the sun burns it off and you’re back to blue skies.
Why This Weather Changes Your Plans
Dubai is built for the heat, so when it gets "cold," the city comes alive in ways you might not expect.
1. The Outdoor Markets are Peaking
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) just wrapped up its main run, but the outdoor markets like the Ripe Market at Academy Park are in their prime. You can actually sit on the grass without sweating through your shirt.
2. Desert Safaris are Better (and Busier)
In the summer, the desert is a survival test. Right now, it’s the main event. However, keep in mind that the desert loses heat fast. While it’s 24°C in the city, the dunes might feel like 12°C by 8:00 PM.
3. The Water is... Refreshing
The sea temperature is hovering around 21°C (70°F). For people coming from the UK or Canada, that’s "warm." For locals, it’s "freezing." Most hotel pools are heated, so you’ll be fine, but the open ocean might give you a bit of a shock.
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Packing: The Layering Rule
Forget what you think you know about desert dressing. For the next 10 days, you need layers.
- Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, linen, and definitely sunglasses. The UV index is still around 4 or 5, so you will burn if you aren't careful.
- Evening: A light denim jacket, a hoodie, or a pashmina. If you’re doing a dhow cruise in the Marina, the sea breeze is surprisingly biting.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. January is the only month where you can actually walk from the Dubai Mall to City Walk without needing a taxi.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
A common misconception is that "it never rains in Dubai."
Actually, January and February are the wettest months. We’re talking an average of 11mm to 17mm for the month. It’s not much, but when it does rain, the city isn't really built for drainage. Expect puddles that look like small lakes and traffic that moves at a snail's pace.
Another mistake? Assuming the sun isn't strong because it's "cool." The air temperature hides the intensity of the sun. You’ll feel a pleasant breeze, go for a 3-hour walk, and realize later that you’re as red as a lobster. Wear the SPF 30.
Actionable Tips for the Next 10 Days
If you are on the ground right now or arriving soon, do these three things:
- Check the NCM App: The National Centre of Meteorology app is way more accurate for local sandstorms and fog than the default weather app on your iPhone.
- Book Outdoor Tables: This is the only time of year people want to sit outside. If you want a view of the fountains at the Dubai Mall, book your table 3 days in advance.
- Plan Indoor Backups for Friday: If the Shamal winds pick up as predicted, outdoor visibility will be poor and it’ll be dusty. Use that day for the Museum of the Future or the Dubai Aquarium.
The weather in dubai 10 days from now is looking like the sweet spot of the year. It’s that rare window where the city feels less like a concrete jungle and more like a coastal paradise. Pack a sweater, watch out for the morning fog, and enjoy the only time of year when you can actually breathe the air.
To get the most out of your trip, try to schedule your Burj Khalifa visit for a mid-afternoon slot after the fog has cleared but before the evening haze sets in. This ensures you get those 60-mile views across the Gulf. You should also keep a light windbreaker in your bag if you plan on visiting the Hatta Mountains, as the wind chill there is significantly higher than in the downtown area.