Dubai Winter Packing Guide: Essentials & Tips

Planning a trip to Dubai in winter? This Dubai winter packing list covers clothing, shoes, and essentials so you’ll stay stylish, comfortable, and respectful of local culture

This Dubai winter packing list will help you decide exactly what to bring for mild sunny days, cool evenings, and cultural dress expectations.

When people think of Dubai, they often imagine blazing sunshine and desert heat. While that’s true for much of the year, winter (December to February) is actually the best time to visit. Daytime highs sit around 24–26°C, evenings are cooler, and you can explore comfortably without the extreme heat of summer.

That said, packing for Dubai comes with its own challenges. The city blends modern resorts and malls with traditional culture, so modesty is expected in many public places. You’ll want to strike a balance between lightweight, breathable clothing and outfits that respect local norms.

Here’s a practical packing guide for Dubai in winter to help you feel comfortable, stylish, and prepared.

Clothing for Dubai in Winter

Winter Packing Tips for Dubai

For a 7–10 day trip, aim for versatile pieces you can mix and match:

2 to 3 lightweight dresses or tunic tops
2 pairs of linen or cotton trousers
1 to 2 skirts (midi or maxi length)
3 to 4 short-sleeve or sleeveless tops (fine for resorts and malls)
2 long-sleeve tops (for modesty and cooler evenings)
1 light cardigan or denim jacket
1 scarf or pashmina (great for covering shoulders or chilly AC)
1 smarter evening outfit (dress, jumpsuit, or shirt with trousers)
1 set of comfy loungewear or travel clothes
Swimwear and a cover-up for hotel pools and beaches

💡 Tip: Pack breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or lightweight blends. They’ll keep you cool in the sun but can be layered easily in the evenings.

Shoes

Dubai involves a lot of walking, whether through malls, souks, or attractions. Pack shoes that are both practical and presentable:

Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
1 pair of sneakers or light trainers
Optional: flats or wedges for dinners or evenings out

My favourite waterproof travel Sandals are these and these. I love my Birkenstock’s for everyday use and my Miss Sofie sandals for something comfy but a bit dressier.

Extras and Accessories

A few smart extras will make your trip much easier:

Sun hat and sunglasses for daytime exploring
Small crossbody bag for shopping and sightseeing
Light hoodie or fleece for desert safari evenings or strong AC indoors

Check out some of my favourite fleece options

Toiletries and Miscellaneous

Most hotels in Dubai provide good toiletries, so only bring what you really need:

Sunscreen (a must, even in winter)
Reusable water bottle
Basic toiletries (skip shampoo and soap if your hotel provides them)

NZ made face sunscreen that doesn’t break you out and cult favourite

What Not to Pack

Heavy winter gear, as you won’t need it in Dubai’s mild winter
Very short skirts, crop tops, or revealing outfits outside of resorts
Too many “just in case” items — laundry is easy, and malls are everywhere if you forget something

Before You Zip Your Bag for Dubai

Dubai is stylish but practical. The key is layers and modesty: breathable fabrics for the day, a light layer for evenings, and outfits that transition easily between modern and traditional settings.

If you plan a desert safari, bring layers, as the temperature drops quickly after sunset. And remember, modest clothing is required in mosques and traditional areas, so keep a scarf or long-sleeve top handy.

With this Dubai winter packing list, you’ll be ready to explore everything from the glittering Burj Khalifa to traditional souks while staying comfortable, stylish, and respectful of local customs.