Winter, from November to March, is the main season in Dubai. The heat that keeps everyone indoors in summer is gone, the sea is warm, evenings in the desert are cool, and driving turns from a necessity into a pleasure. Below: what to do, which trips are worth planning, and why it makes sense to book the car early.
Weather and what it changes for a driver
In winter the days are usually warm but without the summer heat, and evenings and nights are noticeably cooler, especially in the desert and in the mountains. Rain happens from time to time, usually in short bursts. On those days the roads become slippery and water collects in places, so slow down and keep a longer gap. Check the forecast before you set off, as it changes from week to week.
For a renter this means two things. First, you do not need the air conditioning at full blast, and fuel use is a little lower. Second, cars you would not want in summer start to make sense: convertibles, open cabins, SUVs for long drives. The weather lets you drive with the top down for most of the day.
Where to drive in winter
- Beaches. Marina, JBR and other city beaches are pleasant for long walks in winter. Parking near the beach may be paid, so read the sign.
- Desert evenings. Sunsets and a starry sky outside the city are at their best in winter. The roads to desert areas are paved, but driving onto sand needs a suitable car and only if the rental terms allow it. Partner-company cars cannot go off-road.
- Hatta. Mountains, a lake and cool air. It is roughly an hour and a half each way from Dubai on a good road.
- The east coast. Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. Beaches there are quieter in winter than in summer, and the road through the mountains is scenic.
- Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais. The mountain road is comfortable in winter, and the top is cooler than the city.
- Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche and the museums fit into one day.
- Old Dubai. The markets, the Creek and the waterfront in the evening. Here it is better to leave the car in a car park and walk.
We have separate articles on each of these routes with details on roads and toll sections. Remember that Salik in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi are separate systems, and the renter pays them at actual cost.
Winter season events
Winter is when Dubai holds most of its events: shopping festivals, seasonal parks and fairs, sports competitions, exhibitions and concerts. Exact dates and programmes change every year, so we do not list them. Check the organisers' official announcements and find out in advance where roads will be closed. The busiest areas are Downtown, the Burj Khalifa area, the Marina and the waterfronts on big holidays and on New Year's Eve. On those days the roads are congested and car parks fill earlier than usual.
If you drive to an event in the evening, add time for the road and for finding parking, or leave the car further away and walk. That is almost always faster than queueing at the entrance of a car park.
Which car for winter
Prices below are as of October 2026; the current price is on each car page. All these cars come with no deposit and from a 1-day rental.
| Purpose | Car | Day, AED | Week, AED | Month, AED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City and beaches, on a budget | Toyota Raize 2024 | 109 | 750 | 2,490 |
| Convertible for evening drives | MINI Cooper Convertible 2024 | 300 | 1,800 | 6,000 |
| Convertible with a strong engine | Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible 2024 | 300 | 1,800 | 6,000 |
| Family, Hatta and the coast | Toyota Highlander 2024 (7 seats) | 280 | 1,680 | 5,600 |
| Mountains and long highways | Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GXR 2024 | 520 | 3,120 | 10,400 |
We have more convertibles than the two in the table: for example the Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Convertible 2022 costs 349 AED a day, and the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet 2025 costs 550 AED. There are also cheaper cars from a partner company with a 1,000 AED deposit and a minimum of 3 or 7 days. The terms for each car are shown on its page.
Why you should book early in winter
Demand is highest of the year in the winter months: many tourists arrive, and in December and around holidays it grows even more. Popular models, convertibles and family SUVs go first. If you are travelling over New Year or other holiday dates, contact us early and tell us your dates, the number of passengers and the car you want.
What is included in the price: insurance, 250 km per day, and on rentals of 7 days or more, free delivery and return in Dubai (on shorter ones it is 210 AED for delivery and return together). Speeding fines and Salik tolls are paid by the renter at actual cost. To choose the best term, compare the weekly and monthly rates: on most cars a week's rental works out cheaper per day than paying day by day (for example, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible: 1,800 AED for the week instead of 2,100 for seven days at the daily rate).
Our office in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with Russian-speaking support.
