Dubai weather: Summer officially ends this week; what's reopening, what to do, where to go

It’s official. Summer in Dubai is finally coming to an end.

The Dubai weather has been unforgiving this year with heat and humidity being a daily battle (especially for those of us from northern Europe, not naming any names).

But there will be a welcome reprieve for those who can’t handle the heat as the season draws to a close officially on Sunday September 22.

According to the Emirates Astronomy Centre in Abu Dhabi, the autumn equinox arrives this Sunday at 4.44pm in the United Arab Emirates.

And if you’re looking to catch the sunset on Sunday for the start of autumn, then it will be at 6.19pm according to the official Magrib prayer timings.

This means that day and night will now be the same length which will then lead to fewer daylight hours in the day.

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But while summer will officially end this week, we’ll still see very hot temperatures for a little while longer.

This is because we are in the midst of the 40-day transitional period between peak summer and cooler temperatures following the spotting of the Suhail Star at the end of August.

This year’s summer solstice came early which brought us the longest day of 2024 on Thursday June 20. The longest day lasted for 13 hours and 48 minutes.

But the Autumn equinox means that the day and night will now be an equal amount of time.

During the Dubai summer, we see quite a few major outdoor attractions close to beat the heat.

But with summer drawing to a close, we are now seeing these places, as well as beach clubs, outdoor brunches and al fresco dining, are now reopening.

Things to get excited for as summer in Dubai ends

Global Village will return soon

Dubai is home to some of the most fun, interesting and exciting attractions around with something for all tastes.

Global Village has revealed it is returning for another season of fun, food and shopping on Wednesday October 16 while the likes of the Miracle Garden, Garden Glow and the Safari Park are also slated to return.

Not every major attraction has announced exactly when they’ll reopen but we’ll be the first to let you know when they do so watch this space.

J1 Beach to open in October

We’re all set for a major new beachfront destination as the most intense heat of the year draws to a close as J1 Beach is due to open in October.

There will be 13 exciting new licensed fine-dining restaurants and beach clubs opening up at the rebranded La Mer area of the city.

Look out for Dubai’s first private members beach club Chou Chou as well as Gigi Rigolatto and Ninive Beach.

Switch it up like al fresco

Dubai weather summer in Dubai Autumn Equinox — Outdoor dining is set to return to Dubai (Credit: Cala Vista)

Outdoor dining is returning across the city as Dubai’s summer period draws to a close.

It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. Grabbing a bite to eat, taking in the view and basking in the pleasant sunshine. That’s what it’s all about.

As for recommendations? It’s hard to beat Italian spot Cala Vista for a bit of that La Dolce Vita life with its picture-perfect Burj Al Arab views. And it’s reopening for alfresco season on Thursday September 19.

For a more complete list of outdoor restaurants in Dubai, including some with nice Burj Khalifa views, head over here.

Brunch anyone?

And finally, the one we’re probably the most excited for. The return of brunch season.

With live entertainment and no shortage of vibes, this is the time to grab your mates and just hang out all day with great bites, free-flowing drinks and silly chat.

We’ve got you covered with a full rundown of where to go and what to eat for all budgets right here.