Eid al-Adha (2027: about 16 May)
Moves about 11 days earlier each year
A public holiday with family gatherings and busy malls. Modest, festive outfits are ideal.
Highs38°C (100°F)
Lows26°C (79°F)
Rainy days~1
Daylight13 h
CrowdsModerate
May averages for Dubai International Airport. Source
May is hot (38°C) and the tourist season winds down, with hotel deals appearing. Do outdoor activities early morning or after sunset. Lightest fabrics plus a layer for indoors.
☀️ By day
Lightest loose fabrics. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning.
🌙 Evening
Breathable smart-casual, because it is still around 26°C after dark.
What's on in May
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
Indoor attraction season begins
May to September
The Museum of the Future, the Dubai Mall aquarium and indoor theme parks become the main event. Bring a layer for cold interiors.
May packing essentials
Your May outfit list
- Loose linen maxi dressCotton kurta with palazzoShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable wide-leg trousersShop Amazon ↗
- Light long-sleeve sun shirtShop Amazon ↗
- Cardigan for ACShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable sandalsShop Amazon ↗
- Scarf (mosques + sun)Shop Amazon ↗
- Linen shirtsShop Amazon ↗
- Lightweight trousersShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry teesShop Amazon ↗
- Knee-length shortsShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable sneakersShop Amazon ↗
Also pack
Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.
Dress code
- In malls, souks and public places, keep shoulders and knees covered; avoid sheer, very short or low-cut clothes.
- Mosques (e.g. Sheikh Zayed in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Mosque): long sleeves, ankle-length trousers or skirt, and a headscarf for women. Abayas are sometimes provided.
- Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches only — cover up when leaving the beach.