Septembers sunshine is welcomed across Dubai as summer and all of the heat finally begins to fade away. This transitional month is when the city is back to life after the indoor months with beach clubs opening up and cultural venues beginning their seasons.
A perfect weekend in Dubai in September could be catching a world-class performance at the Dubai Opera or climbing the Dubai Frame for views. Discover the best things to do in Dubai during this perfect shoulder season, with summer deals and the first taste of autumn’s pleasant weather.
Why go to Dubai in September?
September is low season for hotels in Dubai
The right time to get great deals at some of the best hotels is in September here in Dubai. This is shoulder season and these luxury hotels have exceptional value. Many 5 star resorts drop rates to as much as 50% off winter rates, and everything (service, pools, dining, etc) is running.
Dubai’s Malls offer post-summer merchandise sales before winter collections
In September, this is the last clearance before the winter clothes come in, so the stores at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are putting summer clothes on sale. There are some really good deals on summer clothes that locals and visitors alike will not need with cooler temperatures coming.
Outdoor daytime activities start to become pleasurable again
By the middle of September, the brutal summer heat starts to recede as daytime high temperatures reach a maximum of 100 F, (38 C) allowing brief outdoor activity again. You can begin to walk along the beachfront promenade, or outdoor dining is an option again as restaurants begin to set up their terrace seating and prepare for the outdoor season ahead.
Dubai’s well-known pool parties are back in September after their summer hiatus.
In September, the renowned pool party scene in Dubai will be back up and running, after a break for summer. We will see new concepts, new DJs, and new venues, as well as more enthusiastic crowds celebrating the return of outdoor entertainment. There is commonly a re-opening special for entry fees and beverage packages in September to rekindle the energy of the new season.
September offers the best of both winter and summer advantages
You’ll see the best of summer and winter advantages in September. The advantages of summer (cheap hotel rates and less tourists) will still be present, combined with the first signs of winter’s advantages (wonderful weather). It will also be easier to make dining reservations and see more locals because they’re back from summer travels.
How is the weather in September in Dubai?
Dubai’s September weather marks the end of the extreme summer temperatures and the beginning of fall with significantly more comfortable temperatures. Early in September it will still be hot with high temperatures near 104° F (40° C) but monthly average temperatures reach their low point by late September. Humidity descends from summer’s overbearing highs, thereby making the heat a little more bearable. Pack light breathable layers, sun-protecting clothing, a thin cardigan for heavily air-conditioned indoors, and walking shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing.
Top things to do in Dubai in September
1. Have fun at the Dubai Sports World Event as it ends in September
You can catch the last days of the Dubai Sports World at Dubai World Trade Centre, where you will find over 50 indoor courts and fields, so you can play everything from padel tennis to basketball in air-conditioning. The great news is that, as a super-sized pop-up sports complex finish up, it should be surprisingly not crowded in September – many international visitors simply do not know it is still running. Remember, this could be your last chance until next year, if you want to enjoy this summer activity and experience one of the cool things to do in Dubai in September for active travelers needing to expel some energy indoors.
2. Enjoy a performance at Dubai Opera as it launches its new season
December marks the end of exciting programming in the magnificent Dubai Opera. The new artistic season will begin again in September with international productions setting the tone for the ensuing months, starting with classic orchestras and ballet costumes, to major Broadway productions and contemporary dance. No matter where you sit, even the last seat, you will hear perfect acoustics in the intimate space, and see every detail and thoughtfulness in the staged design.
Arrive an hour before showtime, so that you can join some champagne on the rooftop garden, with the sun setting behind the Burj Khalifa. There are great things to do in Dubai in September, but the pop of the season opening and the excitement of this being the time of year when they are doing their greatest shows makes it one of the most unique things to do in Dubai if you are into the arts or just looking for an evening out to remember.
3. Visit the Dubai Frame for views of the city
The massive golden Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park is an ideal September attraction for spectacular views as the temperatures drop and visibility improves. You’ll ride the panoramic elevator to the top section, where a 305-foot-long (93-meter-long) glass walkway provides amazing views of the city. If you look at Old Dubai to the north, you’ll see the wind towers and souks and if you look to the future for the skyline to the south with the Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers dominating the view.
The experience features an immersive museum on the ground floor that showcases everything related to Dubai’s transformation from fishing village to a global megalopolis. By visiting the Dubai Frame, you will actually see what Dubai is like in September; a glowing metropolice city that is transitioning from summer heat to much more acceptable temperatures.
