A Guide to Dubai in January For Done Pretending to Keep Resolutions
Starting a new year can feel like a big deal — new goals, new plans, and maybe too many gym promises. But our guide to Dubai in January makes it easier to start fresh!
This time of the year means the weather is just right, with daytime temps around 24°C (75°F) and nights dropping to about 14°C (57°F). Not too hot to sweat, not too cold to freeze — perfect for going out and enjoying life under the sun!
If you’re tired of the same old New Year routines, our guide to Dubai in January could be the sunny but chill reset you didn’t know you needed.
What to Pack and Wear
Since January is the coolest month in Dubai, it’s one of the best times to explore comfortably without sweating buckets.
When you think about what to wear, pick clothes that are light and let your skin breathe. Cotton or linen shirts, loose pants, or flowy skirts work well because they keep you cool and respect local customs–avoid tight or very revealing clothes, especially if you want to visit places like mosques or markets!
For shoes, choose comfy sandals or sneakers because you will probably walk a lot. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and a wide hat — the sun can still be strong even in winter.
Evenings can get a bit cooler, so pack a light sweater or jacket to stay warm. If you want to go to nice restaurants or events, bring some smarter clothes like a collared shirt for men or a simple dress for women.
For the beach or pool, pack your swimsuit but also bring a cover-up like a kaftan or sarong for walking around outside the water.
It’s important to respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or traditional markets. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women might also need a scarf to cover their heads in some places. Having a light scarf or shawl with you is useful for both modesty and staying warm at night.
What to Do in Dubai in January
1. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Media Credit: hotairballoonuae
Website: https://hotairballoonuae.com/tours/
Address: Tiffany Tower – Suite no: 1202 Cluster W – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 285 5682
Operating Hours: Monday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
For an unforgettable experience to welcome the new year, take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert!
The trip begins before sunrise with a hotel pickup in Dubai, followed by a quiet drive to the desert. You’ll watch the huge balloon inflate while enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee. After a short safety talk from the pilot, the magic begins!
From the sky, you’ll see endless golden sand dunes and maybe even spot camels or gazelles walking below. One of the best parts is the falcon show during the flight! A falcon flies alongside the balloon, and it’s a sight that’s hard to forget.
The ride lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. It may sound scary, but the pilot makes sure everything goes smoothly! After landing, the driver will take you back to the hotel.
Pro Tip:
Be ready for pickup around 4:00 AM, as the ride starts before sunrise. It’s an early start, but seeing the desert from the sky as the sun comes up is truly worth it.
2. Go Skydiving Over Palm Jumeirah
Media Credit: skydivedubai
Website: https://www.skydivedubai.ae/
Address: Al Seyahi St – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 377 8888
Operating Hours: Monday – 8 AM to 1 PM; Tuesday – 8 AM to 1 PM; Wednesday – 8 AM to 1 PM; Friday – 8 AM to 1 PM; Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM; Sunday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 2,199
For anyone visiting Dubai in January, Skydive Dubai’s Palm Dropzone is an experience worth considering! This popular skydiving center is near the famous Palm Jumeirah and offers one of the most memorable ways to see the city—from 13,000 feet in the air.
The tandem skydive is a great option for first-time jumpers. With an experienced instructor by your side, there’s no need to worry about anything but enjoying the moment. The views are amazing.
From above, the Palm Islands, Burj Al Arab, and the coastline, and more!
The full media package is a helpful add-on. Photos and videos are included, which makes it easy to share your jump or simply look back on it later.
The team at Skydive Dubai is friendly, professional, and organized. The check-in and prep process are smooth, and the instructors are calm, supportive, and great at helping people feel at ease, especially those feeling nervous!
Pro Tip:
It’s best to keep your mouth closed and breathe through your nose during the freefall. The strong wind can make it hard to breathe with your mouth open and may also affect how your photos look.
3. Visit Global Village
Media Credit: globalvillageuae
Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/
Address: 38C5+F57 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114
Operating Hours: Monday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Tuesday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Wednesday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Friday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM; Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Admission Costs: AED 25 for weekdays-only tickets; AED 30 for any day tickets
Visiting Global Village when it’s open is always highly recommended! From October to May,this massive outdoor attraction has food, shopping, entertainment, and culture from all over the world.
More than 30 larger-than-life pavilions represent different countries, each with its own design, crafts, and traditions! Walking through the place feels like taking a trip around the world. Each pavilion offers something unique, whether it’s colorful clothes, handmade goods, or local snacks.
The food is a major highlight. There are so many dishes to try–they even have the famous Turkish ice cream. (Some stalls offer free samples, so try asking!)
The park also offers live performances, music, and family-friendly rides. There’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy a plate of food while watching a show or just taking in the fun atmosphere. The lights and decorations in the evening make it feel even more special!
It’s best to visit after sunset when the weather is cooler and the lights are at their best. Some of the shops may sell similar items, so make sure to look around first or do some bargaining! Some staff can be a bit pushy in some areas, so try exercising a little patience when shopping.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable walking shoes because Global Village is very big and involves a lot of walking. Sneakers or soft sandals will help keep your feet from getting tired.
4. Catch the Dubai Fountain Show
Media Credit: thedubaifountain
Website: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/experiences/experiences-nearby/#dubai-fountain
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 888 8888
A visit to Dubai in January can’t be complete without catching the show at the Dubai Fountain! It’s in Downtown Dubai, right next to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
The show runs every evening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with a new performance every 30 minutes. Each one features a different song, and the water moves in perfect time with the music. The fountain reaches up to 150 meters high and shines with colorful lights!
The lights from the fountain and surrounding buildings make the area feel bright and even more pretty. The show is free to watch, and no reservation is needed. For a great view, the balcony near the Apple Store in Dubai Mall is a good spot.
The Time Out Market terrace also offers a clear view of both the fountain and Burj Khalifa. For those who want to be closer, there’s a ticketed boardwalk that puts you right next to the water. You can even ride a boat on the lake for a fee!
Pro Tip:
Sometimes the fountain is under maintenance, which doesn’t happen often. While you might feel disappointed to miss the show, you might see the full fountain without water—a rare and interesting view that most people never get to see!
5. Visit Bluewaters Island & Ain Dubai
Media Credit: bluewatersdubai
Website: https://bluewatersdubai.ae/en/
Address: Bluewaters Island – Dubai
Operating Hours: Monday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Tuesday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Wednesday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Friday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: Ain Dubai views start at AED 145
If you’re thinking about visiting Dubai in January, Bluewaters Island and its famous attraction, Ain Dubai, are great places to visit. Located just across the water from Dubai Marina, this island offers sea views and a city feel–a great place to spend time in winter!
Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel at 250 meters, is the centerpiece of the island. The views from the top are amazing, stretching across the city skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the sea.
There are more than 200 shops and restaurants. You can find many places to eat, like Demon Duck by chef Alvin Leung and the Italian restaurant Alici. Families will enjoy the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum, the indoor play area Tr88house, and intriguing illusions at Illusion City.
Getting to Bluewaters Island is easy. You can take the Dubai Metro and then the F57 bus, drive by Sheikh Zayed Road, or take a water taxi. The island also has a nice path along the water where you can walk and take pictures!
Pro Tip:
Plan your visit for after midday. Most restaurants, shops, and attractions start opening around this time, so arriving later means more places will be ready to welcome you!
6. Relax and Unwind in The Beach, JBR
Media Credit: thebeachdubai
Website: https://www.thebeach.ae/en
Address: The Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 590 5090
Operating Hours: Monday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Tuesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Wednesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Friday – 10 AM to 1 AM; Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM; Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
The Beach at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is a great place to visit, especially in January when the weather is cool and pleasant–you get the best of the city life and beach vibes!
This spot is more than just sand and water. It’s a fun and peaceful place with clean sand and gentle waves. You can take a walk along the path, read a book, or simply sit back and enjoy the sun.
There are many cafés and shops to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy spending time at the Pavilion at The Beach! It has several restaurants all in one place, with great views of the sea.
If you feel like being active, there are fun water sports like parasailing and banana boat rides. You can also take a calm camel ride and enjoy views of Dubai’s tall buildings!
When it gets dark, this place becomes even more exciting! If you’re lucky, you may just stumble upon street shows, pop-up markets, fancy cars. It’s a great place to spend time with family or friends and while enjoying the city’s social scene.
Pro Tip:
The Beach is usually clean, but you might see some trash in busy spots. Please use the bins and remind others to do the same so everyone can enjoy a clean and beautiful place.