What to wear in Dubai in April

Are you wondering what to wear in Dubai in April. In this guide we will cover everything from what to wear at certain Dubai tourist attractions in April, how to dress for the heat and also how to adhere to the Dubai dress code.

Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Weather in Dubai in April

No matter what time of year you are visiting Dubai will be hot. But how hot? And what do you need to pack for Dubai in April.

Is Dubai very hot in April?

Dubai is hot in April but it is far from the hottest month of the year. The average high in Dubai in April is 33 while the average low is 21C.

From our experience of living in the UAE, I think of April as a transition month from Winter to Summer as the temperatures towards the end of the month really start to heat up.

The added heat will mean that if you are visiting in Dubai in April you are likely to be doing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. The weather is great for pools and beach clubs but you will also be heading to some air conditioned venues such as the mall. Therefore you will need to have outfits for Dubai that follow the dress code rules for all these situations.

Is Dubai cold at night in April?

While the temperatures in Dubai during the day in April are hot, they do drop during the night. However I would not classify it as cold in Dubai at night in April.

Does it rain in Dubai in April?

Rain is not something people associate with Dubai being a desert. However even though rain in Dubai is rare it does occur – but does it rain in Dubai in April.

April does in fact get some rain, you can expect one to two days. However it is unlikely to be for the whole day.

If it does rain, you may find the water hangs around for a while as there is very little drainage in the city.

Dubai Dress Code

Before we start to put together the guide to what to wear to Dubai in April it is important to understand the Dubai dress code. That is because Dubai is in an Islamic country and as such has rules about what you can and can’t wear.

The general rules for the Dubai dress code for both men and women is

Keep your shoulders covered
Keep your knees covered
Nothing overly revealing.

And it is important to remember that these rules apply to both men and women. Lots of people assume that rules connect to the Dubai dress code are solely aimed at women but this isnt’t true.

For a complete guide on what NOT to wear in Dubai check out this post. And if you are visiting other countries in the region be sure to check out our wondering what to wear in the Middle East post which offers a helpful country comparison.

Also remember that different places will also have different dress code standards. For instance on hotel property you will be able to be more liberal in your clothing but in public places modesty is VERY Important.

For more information on what to wear in specific places in Dubai be sure to check out our guides:

Tips for how to dress in Dubai in April

Alongside the Dubai dress code rules as stated above there are a couple of other things you should consider when putting together your packing list.

Air Conditioning

Even though the temperatures are high in Dubai you will find the air conditioning fierce in some indoor places.

Beaches, Beach Clubs, Swimming Pools and Water Parks

Dubai Beaches Dress Code what to wear on the beach in Dubai

Depending on where you are heading to indulge in some swimming you will need to adjust your swim wear accordingly.

Bikinis are more appropriate at beach clubs and private spaces while public beaches you should have a more modest piece of swimwear.

Religious Sites

If you are planning to visit some religious sites while in the UAE you will need to ensure you have very modest clothing with you. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times and clothing shouldn’t be tight or overly revealing.

What to wear in Dubai in April for Women

Maxi Skirts

A Maxi skirt is always on my Dubai packing list. Maxi skirts are a great modest but cool piece of clothing providing that there isn’t an overly high slit that reveal your knee.

Maxi Dresses

A Maxi dress is another staple of my Dubai packing lists. I try and pick one made of a natural fabric such as cotton so it is more breathable.

I would advise picking a dress that has at least some cap sleeves to make it more appropriate for the Dubai dress code.

Click here to shop Maxi Dresses

Cardigan

It might sound strange to be heading to a country that has daytimes temperatures in the 30s and recommend taking a cardigan but I am. The reason is because the indoor venues such as the Dubai mall, Burj Khalifa or in hotels the air conditioning is very strong so you will want an extra layer.n

T Shirts

A T Shirt that covers the shoulder is great wherever you are heading in Dubai.

Swimwear

When I am traveling to Dubai in April my preference is to take one pieces for swimming. That is because they can work at whatever beach or water park you are at.

If you are traveling and using the private beaches and beach clubs however then you can wear whatever type of swimwear you desire.

Beach Cover

Now although you can wear swimwear in Dubai on beaches and in the waterparks, swimwear is definitely only appropriate at these places. As soon as you leave the beaches and water parks and head onto the boardwalks, shops, restaurants and bars you will need to cover up.

We advise choosing a beach cover that covers both your knees and shoulders again to adhere to the Dubai dress club.

For this reason I usually opt for beach kaftans such as the one below

Bsubseach Black Long Half Sleeve Beach Kaftan Dress Women Casual V Neck Side Slit Swimwear Bikini Cover Up

Size(inch): Bust:64.57″ Shoulder:32.28″ Length:46.06″
Half sleeve bikini cover up for women, Loose and Roomy
Suitable for: Party, Daily Wear, Swimming pool, Beach
Lightsome polyester fabric, perfect for summer
Note: This item may grow crumpled in transit, ironing or washing it by hand in 30-degree water will be flat.

Depending on how long your Dubai itinerary and how often you are planning to hit the beach and pool will affect how many covers you want to take. Personally I usually travel for one week in Dubai with two kaftans.

Click here to shop kaftans for Dubai.

Shorts (Longer Length)

We often get asked “Can I wear shorts in Dubai?”. And the answer is surprisingly yes but they have to be the right type.

If you want to wear shorts in public they have to be longer length and cover the knee. If you just want to use shorts in your hotel and around a private pool then you can pick whatever variety you wish.

Sandals

When I am thinking about the best shoes for Dubai in April I would also suggest taking sandals. The sun if hot in Dubai and these can be used in a variety of places such as the mall and the beaches.

Sneakers

Sale

adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneaker, White/Chalk White/Zero Metallic, 8

adidas womens Sneaker

Our go to brands are:

Hoka,
Sketchers Go Walks or
All Birds

Click here to shop good sneakers

Flip Flops

Although the most important shoes for Dubai are definitely sandals and sneakers, you may also want to pack a pair of flip flops with you for wondering around the pool and beach.

Click here to shop flip flops

Underwear

This goes without saying.

Pashmina

For any trip to Dubai whatever time of year you are traveling we recommend taking a pashmina. This is for two reasons:

The air conditioning can be very strong so you may want to have a pashmina as an extra layer for some indoor locations.
It can be used to make an outfit more modest when required.

Pyjamas

Sun hat

The sun is very strong in Dubai so to protect your face from the sun while walking around the city and for hanging out on the beach.

Click here to shop sun hats

Sunglasses

Sun safety in Dubai is very important so be sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses that have good UV Protection.

What to Pack for Dubai in April for Men

Although many people think Dubai dress code rules only apply to women but they apply to men too. Therefore be sure that men keep shoulders and knees covered when out in public in Dubai.