10 things to do in Dubai in January

The best month to visit Dubai is undoubtedly January, when temperatures are at their mildest. In addition, there are a number of events such as the famous Dubai Shopping Festival, as well as other internationally renowned sporting events such as the Dubai Marathon, the Dubai desert classic golf tournament, and the Dubai World Cup Carnival, a popular event for horse racing enthusiasts.

Although you might think that there is no ideal sun and beach destination in January, nothing could be further from the truth. Dubai is a perfect destination at this time of year, as temperatures in January are between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy a wonderful warm day without getting scorched. In contrast, in summer the temperatures are very high and the sun is scorching and burns a lot. In addition, the sea water in January is still the ideal temperature for swimming.

Here are some of the activities you can do on Dubai's beaches in January:

• Scuba diving in Fujairah: you can enjoy the beautiful waters of Fujairah, as well as its marine flora and fauna accompanied by an expert instructor.
• Snorkelling in Fujairah: if you don't have a diving licence, but don't want to miss the seabed, you can opt for a snorkelling activity on one of Dubai's most beautiful coastlines.
• Yacht trip: One of the best ways to enjoy Dubai's coastline is on board a yacht, from where you'll have spectacular views. You'll also be able to jump into the water along the way to see the seabed at the same time.
• Traditional sailboat ride: if you prefer something a little quieter, you can cruise along the coastline on a sailboat at night while enjoying a nice moonlit dinner.

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a must-do if you're travelling to this city of dreams. This impressive building was inaugurated on the 4th of January 2010, so if your trip coincides with the month of January you will have the opportunity to go up coinciding with its anniversary and it is always an extra plus, because as in all key dates there can always be some advantage or special event compared to other days of the year. Do not hesitate! Celebrate the birthday of this building by buying tickets for the Burj Khalifa.

It's always a good time to go to Atlantis Aquaventure, the world's largest water park with multiple slides and rides for adults and children alike. Also, if your trip coincides with New Year's Eve, keep in mind that this amusement park celebrates the New Year in a very special way with a unique and special entertainment and gastronomic experience for the occasion. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see a concert or show starring a major international artist. Every year they do better and better in this respect.

They don't really have a specific plan, but the offer of activities is very wide and for all kinds of tastes. There is always something to celebrate for the little ones in the house.

Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in January and attracts millions of visitors every year. Known by the acronym DSF, it offers multiple discounts and promotions of up to more than 70% on top brands, luxury goods and products of all categories, making it a major attraction for shopaholics.

This festival, which is spread throughout the city's shopping centres, shops and souks, offers a variety of entertainment activities. One of its main attractions is the raffles where participants can win anything from large cash prizes to vehicles or all kinds of luxury items.

The festival is well worth a visit and transforms the city with numerous shows and fireworks. In addition, there are a number of tours that run as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, so out-of-towners can find out all the details and get guidance and advice on the best prices. If you decide to go at this time of year and immerse yourself in the festival, I suggest you read the post Dubai's must-see neighbourhoods to see where some of the city's main souks are located.

There is a major sporting event in the month of January, the Dubai desert classic, an internationally recognised and prestigious golf competition that has been held since 1989 and usually coincides with the last week of January.

Dubai desert classic marks the end of the Gulf Swing, the Middle East golf season which is characterised by other major events such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Qatar Masters. Even so, the most renowned event is this tournament held in Dubai at the end of January.

If you like golf, you can't miss the Blacklight Minigolf 3D experience, an 18-hole 3D minigolf park where you can spend an unforgettable day with your family.

Another specific activity in January is the Dubai Marathon. This competition, which began in 2000, attracts thousands of runners and sponsors every year, so whether you are a lover of this sport or not, and your visit coincides with the month, don't hesitate to check out the date on which this event is held. It is a spectacle worth enjoying.

And if you're wondering why it's held in this month? The answer is clear: January is the month with the lowest temperatures(22 - 24 ºC). This is a magnificent average for this event, which at other times of the year would not be advisable due to the high temperatures in the city.

Traveller's tip

If you visit Dubai in January, I recommend that you take a tour to visit the Dubai Shopping Festival and get to know in detail the ins and outs of this internationally renowned shopping festival.

Another of Dubai's most spectacular events is the New Year's Eve celebrations. If your trip coincides with the first day of the year, the city celebrates this festivity in style with numerous fireworks displays and multiple events throughout the city, as well as the glamour and luxury that takes over Dubai on this special night.

It's a day when there are various shows by international artists in different parts of the city and the beaches are filled with music and dancing. It's a magical night that Dubai celebrates in style. So, if you have the opportunity to visit the city on this date, don't hesitate, fun is guaranteed!

And if you are in Dubai on New Year's Eve, be sure to read the post Dubai at Christmas in case you have time to enjoy some of the activities created especially for this time of year.

Would you have ever imagined enjoying the Three Wise Men in the middle of Dubai? Well, I can confirm that it is possible. The Three Wise Men Parade was created by the association Espanarab and celebrates this special moment, just like in our country, on the 5th of January. Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar also have a special feature compared to this celebration in our country: they arrive on camels. How else would they get there?

A gathering where there is no shortage of gifts, as well as typical products for the occasion, and which is attended by hundreds of people. In addition, during these days and on the occasion of this celebration, other types of events are also organised, such as Christmas film screenings, aperitifs and special meals in tapas bars or Spanish restaurants, and you can even enjoy the delicious "roscón de reyes" (ring-shaped cake).

For this, one option is La Despensa, a shop with Spanish products that celebrates Christmas in style, selling various typical products for the occasion. So, if you're thinking of not going to Dubai during the Three Wise Men's holidays because they might skip your house, don't worry, they won't overlook it.

Going to Dubai Mall is one of the most jaw-dropping visits of your trip. It is the largest shopping mall in the world and has more than a thousand shops, both big luxury brands and more modest brands. All the brands you can imagine are there. Well, although you can visit this shopping centre all year round, January offers a series of advantages. On the one hand, during the first days of the month you can still enjoy the remnants of Christmas and the New Year, the decoration of which is always a plus for the visit.

And, in addition, throughout the month of January, the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place, the shopping festival that we have already mentioned and which you can also enjoy in this Mall.

Another of the great passions of the Arab world is horses, and the races are a social event. Held since 1996, the Dubai World Cup Carnival takes place at an impressive racecourse, Meydan. It doesn't actually take place entirely in January, but opens in January and runs until March. Two months of horse racing for lovers of the sport.

In addition, on each of the days of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, there is a pop star concert, fireworks display or similar event. So those who are not so interested in the world of horses will also enjoy this event in style. It's definitely a key event in the city's calendar.

The temperature in Dubai in January is excellent for sightseeing, making it one of the best times to travel to Dubai. The minimum temperature is between 13 and 15º C and the maximum is 23 - 24 ºC and there is an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day.

As for rainfall, it rains an average of one day a month, but this is more common from November to March. Precisely because of this climate, just wear a sweatshirt or jacket and you will be able to enjoy this city comfortably in winter. In fact, don't forget to bring sunscreen.

However, bear in mind that January is one of the worst months for a trip to the Dubai desert, as sandstorms are common and are very uncomfortable when visiting the desert. But don't worry, you've already seen that there are plenty of things to do this month in the city, and if you want more inspiration I encourage you to check out these 16 things to do in Dubai.

January in Dubai is the peak tourist season. It is the month that receives the highest number of visitors, as the arid climate that characterises the country and its large number of hours of sunshine make it more suitable for visiting in this month than in the rest of the year, unlike most other destinations.

In addition, in the first days of January you can still enjoy the New Year and the last remnants of Christmas and in the second half of January there is the Dubai Shopping Festival, a festival with great discounts that brings millions of tourists to the city.

It's very important to be clear about the days marked in red on the calendar when visiting any place. In Dubai, the only public holiday of the month is 1 January, which coincides with the Christian New Year. So bear in mind that on this day the opening times of the main attractions may be different to the rest of the year or you may even find certain venues closed.

Prices in Dubai in January can be analysed from two points of view. On the one hand, in terms of flights and accommodation, it is one of the most expensive months of the year because it is high season. On the other hand, in terms of shopping, it is the cheapest month of the year because it coincides with the Dubai Shopping Festival and it is when you can find the biggest discounts and promotions on your purchases.

When packing your suitcase to go to Dubai in January, it is ideal to include a sweatshirt, jacket, cardigan, jumper or similar, because although the maximum temperatures are approximately 22 - 24 ºC, the minimum is around 15 ºC and it is advisable to bring something to keep warm at night because it cools down. Even so, read the post how to dress in Dubai and find out all the details of how to dress for your trip.