Dubai in February 2027: Weather, Ramadan, Events and Desert Trips

February is one of Dubai's sweet-spot months. Days are warm, sunny and dry, the sea is pleasant for swimming at midday, and the desert is perfect from morning to night. February 2027 has one big difference from recent years, though: Ramadan is expected to begin on 8 February, so for most of the month you'll experience Dubai during the holy month, with calmer days, lively evenings and the chance to share an iftar meal at sunset in the dunes. This guide covers the real weather, the key dates, how desert trips change during Ramadan and a simple five-day plan.

What is the weather like in Dubai in February?

February sits between the coolest month, January, and the warmer days of spring. According to the World Meteorological Organization's 1991–2020 climate normals for Dubai International Airport, the average daily maximum in February is 26.1°C and the average daily minimum is 16.4°C. Rainfall averages just 9.9mm, typically falling on about two days, so most of the month is bright and dry.

Source: WMO 1991–2020 climate normals for Dubai International Airport. Individual days can be warmer or cooler.

What this means for the desert

The desert warms up and cools down faster than the city. In February, that means comfortable, sunny afternoons on the dunes, when you can sandboard or ride a quad bike without the heat of later months. After sunset, the temperature drops noticeably, especially in the first half of the month, so evenings around the fire at camp feel fresh rather than cold. Days are also getting longer: sunset moves from about 6pm at the start of February to around 6:20pm by the end, giving you a little more daylight for evening trips.

Ramadan in February 2027: what visitors should know

The UAE's Astronomy Centre and the Emirates Astronomical Society expect Ramadan 2027 to begin on Monday 8 February, lasting 29 or 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr expected on 9 or 10 March. The exact dates depend on the official moon sighting, so confirm them close to your trip.

Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Visitors are welcome, and Dubai stays open, but the rhythm of the city changes:

• Days are quieter. Some restaurants and cafés open later or screen their dining areas during daylight hours, and opening times for shops and attractions can change.
• Evenings come alive. After sunset, iftar (the meal that breaks the fast) brings families and friends together, and many hotels set up Ramadan tents and late-night suhoor menus.
• Respect the fast in public. The UK government's travel advice notes that eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during daylight hours, loud music and dancing may cause offence. Dress modestly, especially in malls and traditional areas.
• Drive carefully at dusk. Roads can be busy just before iftar, as people head home to break their fast.

How desert safaris change during Ramadan

Desert safaris keep running during Ramadan, and for many visitors this is the most memorable time of year to go. Operators' own notes, including listings on Visit Dubai's experiences platform, describe a few common changes:

Breaking the fast at sunset with dates and Arabic coffee in a quiet desert camp is a beautiful introduction to Emirati hospitality. If you're curious about the traditions behind it, our guide to Bedouin culture on a desert safari explains the coffee, the majlis and the customs you'll see. Always read your chosen tour's Ramadan notes, because each camp handles entertainment and drinks a little differently.

Key events in Dubai in February 2027

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

The highlight of the sporting calendar in February is the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Garhoud, near the airport. The 2027 edition runs from 14 to 27 February: the women's WTA 1000 event is played first, from 14 to 20 February, followed by the men's ATP 500 from 22 to 27 February. The official schedule lists day and evening sessions, so you can easily pair a morning in the desert with an evening at the tennis. Ticket prices vary by session and seat, so check the official tournament website.

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

The 17th edition of this popular community ride builds to a race weekend at Expo City Dubai on 6 and 7 February 2027, with the 92km Main Event on Sunday 7 February on traffic-free roads. If you're not riding, expect some road closures that morning.

Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden

Mild February evenings are perfect for Global Village, and the flower displays at Dubai Miracle Garden look their best in the soft afternoon light. You can skip the queue with the Dubai Miracle Garden Skip-the-Line Ticket. During Ramadan, check opening hours before you go, as attractions often adjust them.

The best desert experiences in February

Evening desert safari

The classic evening safari is wonderful in February. You head out in the afternoon for dune bashing and photos in golden light, watch the sunset from the dunes and then settle into camp for dinner as the air cools. During Ramadan, dinner usually starts at sunset, which in early February is just after 6pm. A well-reviewed all-in-one option is the Premium Desert Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner and Live Show; just check its Ramadan entertainment notes for your date.

Morning safari

A morning trip is a smart choice during Ramadan if you'd like a full day out but prefer to keep your evenings free for iftar in the city. February mornings are fresh and bright, perfect for dune drives and wildlife spotting.

Sunrise balloon and stargazing

Pre-dawn balloon flights are cool in February, so wear a light layer you can take off once the sun is up. On the other end of the day, long, dry nights make February a good month for stargazing away from the city lights. Flights depend on wind and weather, and reputable operators reschedule or refund if conditions aren't safe.

A simple five-day Dubai itinerary for February

This plan works whether your dates fall before or during Ramadan. During Ramadan, keep sightseeing for the morning and save evenings for iftar and the desert.

1. Day 1: Downtown Dubai. Visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, then watch the Dubai Fountain in the evening.
2. Day 2: Beach and an evening safari. Enjoy the beach at midday, then take an afternoon pickup for dune bashing, the sunset and dinner at camp.
3. Day 3: Old Dubai and Global Village. Explore Al Fahidi, the Creek and the souks in the morning, rest in the afternoon and head to Global Village in the evening.
4. Day 4: Sunrise in the desert and Miracle Garden. Start with a sunrise balloon flight or the Sunrise Desert Jeep Safari with Wildlife Experience, then visit Dubai Miracle Garden in the afternoon.
5. Day 5: Tennis or a day trip. Catch an evening session at the tennis if your dates match, or take a day trip to Hatta or Abu Dhabi.

Arriving earlier in winter? Our Dubai in January guide covers the coolest month of the year.

Pros and cons of visiting Dubai in February

What to pack for Dubai in February

• Light, breathable clothing for warm days, such as T-shirts, long-sleeved tops and light trousers.
• A light jacket or fleece for desert evenings and pre-dawn starts.
• Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees, which matters even more during Ramadan.
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for the dunes and the beach.
• Closed, comfortable shoes for the sand, plus a scarf or buff for dusty drives.
• Swimwear for the beach or pool; the sea is comfortable on warm afternoons.

For a full checklist, see our guide on what to wear on a desert safari.

Tips for booking in February

• Check the Ramadan notes for entertainment, drinks and dinner times before you book.
• Confirm pickup times, as some evening safaris adjust them so dinner lines up with sunset.
• Book event weeks early, especially around the tennis championships.
• Compare inclusions such as quad biking, sandboarding and transfers rather than just the headline price; prices vary by date and operator.
• Read the health and age policies before booking dune bashing. Our desert safari safety guide explains who should skip it.

Plan your February desert trip

February gives you warm, golden days in the dunes and, in 2027, the special atmosphere of Ramadan evenings in the desert. If you'd like help choosing the right safari for your dates, send us your trip details and we'll point you in the right direction. For a memorable morning, the Sunrise Balloon Flight with Camel Ride and Breakfast combines a flight with time on the dunes. You'll find current prices, availability, reviews and cancellation terms for our recommended experiences in the GetYourGuide section below.

Final thoughts

Dubai in February offers some of the best weather of the year, with sunny days, low rainfall and cool, starry nights in the desert. In 2027, the expected start of Ramadan on 8 February adds something extra: quieter days, lively evenings and the chance to break the fast with dates and Arabic coffee as the sun sets over the dunes. Respect local customs, check the latest dates and opening hours, book your event weeks early and you'll enjoy Dubai and its desert at their most welcoming.