Dubai summer start date revealed: Best things to do to stay cool

Time Out Dubai

21-05-2025

That's right, it's not even begun yet.
While the glasses have been steaming up and the walk to the Dubai Metro has been getting sweatier as heat and humidity levels have soared, summer in Dubai doesn't officially get underway until near the end of June.
According to astronomical calculations, the Dubai summer officially begins on Saturday June 21 this year.
The summer start date is marked by the summer solstice, which is also the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year in the hemisphere.
In the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its maximum tilt towards the sun, resulting in the sun appearing at its highest point in the sky at noon. This phenomenon leads to the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year.
During the Dubai summer, temperatures can often be in excess of 40°C – and in some parts of the UAE, it was as high as 50°C last year.
Current astronomical predictions state that summer in Dubai will last until Monday September 22 – which marks the Autumnal equinox.
While some will look to take advantage of Emirates' latest flights and the flydubai summer schedule for a quick getaway, the vast majority of people in Dubai will still be around during the season.
And that's why we've picked out some of the best things you can do in Dubai which will also keep you cool.
Beat the heat with these Dubai summer activities
For a full list of indoor Dubai summer activities – ranging from indoor attractions and water parks to cinemas and museums – head here. Below, are some of are favourites.
Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai
(Credit: Supplied)
Getting too hot out and about? Cool off at Ski Dubai. Whether you're meeting the penguins, zorbing along the snow or zipping down the slopes, it's a top way to keep active and have some fun in an icy environment.
Sound a bit strenuous? You can ditch the slopes a little early and enjoy the hot chocolate included in your ticket price instead.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 10am-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, skidxb.com (04 409 4000).
Cool off at Atlantis Aquaventure
(Credit: Atlantis Aquaventure)
Found at Atlantis The Palm, thrill-seekers can make the most of a line-up of world-class slides and cool off with a float around the lazy river.
Something for the little ones, the park also has a dedicated kids' zone featuring a giant pirate ship that is kitted out with water guns and giant buckets. Just remember to pick up some pool socks so your feet don't get too hot.
From Dhs360. Open daily 9.15am-6pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. atlantisaquaventure.com (04 426 0000).
Watch a summer blockbuster at Roxy Xtreme
If you're feeling the heat it's time to cool off in front of the silver screen.
Boasting the largest cinema screen in the Middle East, the Roxy Xtreme screen is a whopping 28m high by 15.1m wide, which is the size of two tennis courts. When watching a film here, you can even sit in the Director's Boxes, which host 12 people and come with food.
Prices vary. Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills, theroxycinemas.com (800 7699).
Underwater yoga at The Lost Chambers
(Credit: The Lost Chambers Aquarium)
This is as close to doing yoga under the sea as it gets. At this early-morning session (well, 8am) at the popular aquarium on the Palm, not only will you be put through your paces at a yoga class, but you'll also do so surrounded by the stunning tanks at the Lost Chambers aquarium.
You'll come out feeling relaxed and stretched, and you'll also get a chance to spot sharks, stingrays and jellyfish while you strike a pose.
Dhs175. Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun, 8am-9am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 1000).
Time Out Market
(Credit: ITP Images)
If you're other half just can't decide what they want to eat, take them here. The market is packed with some of the city's best food vendors guaranteed to satisfy any craving. In the mood for a filling treat? Grab the garlic knots from Pitfire Pizza. Want something a little more local? Be sure to try the spread from Liban.
Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421).
Explore Museum of the Future
(Credit: Supplied)
Chances are you've admired the Museum of the Future (after all, it's one stunning piece of architecture) but have you checked out inside yet?
The museum has a number of floors with different interactive experiences to explore. It recently celebrated its first birthday and with an AI-powered humanoid, Ameca, Bob the robot barista and flying robots inside a visit is something to be ticked off your to-do list this summer.
From Dhs159. Open daily 9.30am-7pm, Sheikh Zayed Road, museumofthefuture.ae (800 2071).
Be Pac-Man for the day
If this was one of your favourites as a kid, then you need to step inside the game and experience real-life Pac-Man.
Now at Active Games, the 45-minute maze will even get your heart rate up as you dodge hungry ghosts, collect power pellets and chase a high score.
From Dhs160. Mon-Wed 1pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Al Quoz, feverup.com
Other things to do in Dubai in summer
13 must-visit Dubai attractions remaining open for summer 2025
There's still lots to enjoy during the warmer months
The movies you have to catch this summer (and where to watch them)
The blockbusters you can't afford to miss
50 free things to do in Dubai in 2025
You won't believe what you can do