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What to wear in Dubai in Summer

What to wear in Dubai in Summer

Are you wondering what to wear in Dubai in Summer? Summer can be a tricky time to pack for in the Middle East as the temperatures soar but you still have dress codes and air conditioning to contend with. In this guide, we will cover everything from what to wear at certain Dubai tourist attractions in summer, 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 Summer

No matter what time of year you are visiting Dubai will be hot. But how hot is summer in Dubai?

Is Dubai very hot in Summer?

Dubai is undoubtedly hot in Summer. Although Summer is technically classified in June, July or August you can also expect hot temperatures in May, September and October.

The average highs in Summer in the UAE are over 40°C / 104F which is undoubtedly hot. And in the desert where there is little shade it can feel much hotter.

These temperatures mean that you will have a juxtaposition of things you need to pack. From items that cover the skin for dress code and to protect from the sun but are light and breathable to some layers that you will need for the cranked up air conditioning at indoor venues.

Is Dubai cold at night in Summer?

While the temperatures in Dubai are very high during the day in Summer they do drop during the night. However I certainly wouldn’t say it was cold.

Does it rain in Dubai in Summer?

Rain is not something people associate with Dubai at any time of year but especially so in Summer. . For this reason you shouldn’t worry about rain when putting together your Dubai packing list.

Dubai Dress Codes

Before we start to put together the guide to what to wear to Dubai in Summer 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.

And although you will see people not adhering to these rules, especially in places like Dubai Mall, I urge you to always be respectful while in Dubai.

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 isn’t true.

For a complete guide on what NOT to wear in Dubai check out this post. However it is also worth pointing out that on 5* hotel properties aimed at international tourists you will be able to be more liberal in your clothing by comparison to public places.

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 Summer

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 especially in the summer. For this reason you will want to add some items like cardigans, sweaters and pashminas to your packing list.

Beaches, Beach Clubs, Swimming Pools and Water Parks

Dubai Beaches Dress Code what to wear on the beach in Dubai
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 such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the neighbouring emirate, 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

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.

Cotton Pants

To keep your knees covered for certain public places but keep cool we recommend wearing lightweight cotton pants.

T Shirts

T Shirts are appropriate throughout Dubai for men.

Longer Length Shorts

While at hotels and on the beach shorter length shorts are fine, we recommend packing a long length pair for certain public places.

Shirts

While T shirts are appropriate in most public places, button down shirts should be added to your packing list if you plan on eating at some of Dubai’s fine dining establishments.

Sandals

Sandals are appropriate for men as well as women.

Sneakers

Sneakers are great for the days you plan on doing lots of walking in Dubai.

Flip Flops

Again if you are at the beach and hotel, you may if you have room want to add some flip flops to your packing list too.

Dubai Packing List (non clothing)

Now we have covered the clothes you should pack for Dubai, we will look at the non clothing items to put on your Dubai packing list

  • Documents
  • Suncream
  • Aloe Vera
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Toiletries
  • Medication and their related prescriptions
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water bottle – it is important to stay hydrated in Dubai
  • Cooling Towel
  • Quick Dry Towel

What else would you add to this Dubai in April packing list?