Magical March in Dubai – What to Expect in 2025 With Ramadan
- Travel
- May 9, 2025
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Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in March
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There really isn’t “Spring” in Dubai per se, but March is as close as it gets! You will see a quick transition from the milder days of the winter months through to long, warm days bathed with sunlight for most of the month. There’s a good reason March is often touted as the best time to visit Dubai!
You will experience pleasant weather in March to enjoy activities on the water and in the desert, and it will still be mild enough that you can spend much of the day outside without roasting.
For this reason, March tends to be one of the most action-packed months in Dubai for events around town, trying to squeeze every last minute of enjoyment out of the outdoor lifestyle in the city’s vast beaches, parks, and outdoor entertainment precincts.
Note that March 2025 coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan (approximately March 1 to March 29/30 in the Gregorian calendar, depending on the sighting of the moon). Visitors should be mindful that this is a month of fasting and reflection for Muslims in the UAE, and they should behave accordingly.
You can find out more about Ramadan in Dubai here.
In this Dubai March guide:
Dubai Weather in March
In March, you can expect average daytime temperatures of 23.1°C/73.6°F through to 28.7°C/83.7°F by month end. The overnight low in March is, on average, 17.9°C/64°F.
Sea temperatures in March are, on average, 23.6°C/74.5°F; still cool enough, you’ll be pleased to stay somewhere with a temperature-controlled pool! There are, on average, 8 hours of sunshine, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures.
Expect mostly long, sunny days, but it’s not unusual to experience rain showers or thunderstorms in March. We wouldn’t be packing the umbrella ‘just in case,’ but it does pay to have a rainy day plan up your sleeve – much like the hottest days of summer, these mostly revolve around planning indoor activities in Dubai.
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in March here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in March – you may still want a light jacket for the evenings, and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
Further Reading: The best times to visit Dubai: Every season explained
Dubai Special Events March 2025
Gone are the days when the city grinds to a halt during Ramadan; you will now find a modest lineup of events occurring throughout March, though many events will move to the evening once the Holy Month has commenced.
- Ramadan will likely begin on the 1st of March (depending on the sighting of the moon). Very little live entertainment is scheduled for this period. It is courteous for visitors to respect the holy month and refrain from making too much noise during daylight hours. It is also respectful to dress (more) modestly during Ramadan and to refrain from eating and drinking in public before sunset unless you’re in place where it is expressly allowed. Check out our guide to Ramadan in Dubai for tourists.
- Ramadan is a very special time to visit the UAE. Whilst the days may be quieter, the evenings are truly magical with lantern-lit iftars (meals to break the fast) in a range of beautiful locations. Many hotels and restaurants offer elaborate buffets or set menus for iftar, which visitors are more than welcome to attend. Find out more about Iftar in Dubai here.
- As well as iftars, you’ll find a range of family and kids activities occurring all over the city when the sun sets. A venue that you really shouldn’t miss, is Dubai Expo City, which will be transformed into a traditional Emirati neighborhood with a bustling souk, traditional activities, live entertainment, and so much more between 27th February on 27th March 2025. Entry is 35 AED, additional charges apply.
- There will be numerous firework displays around the city on Saturday night throughout Ramadan you can find some of the best at Dubai Festival City (15th), Al Seef (1st & 8th), Bluewaters, and The Beach, JBR (both 22nd). Each show starts at 10.00pm and is free to attend.
- In addition to the iftars in fancy hotels and restaurants, you can also go on a culinary adventure at the Ramadan Street Food Festival, which will take place between the 6th and 23rd of March at the Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama. Here, you will find a variety of delicious dishes from around the world. You can also catch live performances on stage and join in with arts and craft activities and fun and games in the various installations around the site.
- You can also embrace the spirit of Ramadan with the rhythmic poetry from Faisal Al Adwani, Mohammed Saakran and Nasser Alwobair at the Dubai Opera on 21 March 2025.
- Dubai World Cup – Horse racing is held weekly at Meydan Racecourse throughout the winter but the star of the show is the World Cup which is usually held in March. This year however, the event has been scheduled for 5 April. The Dubai Challenge Cup will still go ahead between 1st March and 9th March. Tours of Dubai Racing Club Stables will also still run on 5 March and 12 March 2025.
- Art Dubai has been rescheduled to April this year.
- Basketball fans can catch the thrilling showdown between Dubai Basketball and Cibona at the Coca-Cola Arena on 2nd March 2025. Other matches will occur on 8th March and 17th March.
- Grab your training, shoes and head out for the Sketchers Performance Run on 9th March.
- The GRIT+TONIC Triathlon will take place on 16th March at Al Mamzar Beach Park, and is open to all age groups, and abilities.
- Little ones will enjoy Spot’s Birthday Party at the Jumeirah Zabeel Theatre on 23rd March. Based on Eric Hill’s well-loved books, Spot’s Birthday Party is a delightful show aimed at young children, aged two and above.
- Be inspired by the evening of music and stories, with Palestinian singer Dalal Abu Amneh at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on 15 March 2025.
- Be amazed by the “world’s greatest illusionist”, Rob Lake at the Dubai World Trade Center from Friday, 21 March 2025, with his logic defying show that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Prices start at 195 AED.
- Many of Dubai’s Hindu residents will also celebrate Holi during the month of Ramadan. Most large public events were held in February or have been organized for the beginning of April. You can find out more here.
Ramadan In Dubai In March 2025
The occurrence of Ramadan during the busy tourism month has undoubtedly raised questions in recent years for the hospitality industry in Dubai.
In the past, many businesses have significantly altered their hours over Ramadan, and restaurants closed to all but a few during the day under licensing laws.
Over the past few years, however, this landscape has significantly changed. The message is very much “business as usual” for tourism during Ramadan in Dubai, but there are a number of courtesy points you should bear in mind – we cover these in much more detail here.
To have a great Ramadan experience in March, why not try these activities:
- Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding – this amazing foundation has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years as tourists seek to learn more about Emirati and Islamic culture during their visit. Look out for daily walking tours, cultural meals, and many additional programs throughout the year.
- Ramadan Iftar Program – run by SMCUU, experience a traditional iftar (“breaking of the fast”) in Al Fahidi Historical District during the Holy Month.
- Attend a Jumeirah Mosque visit – one of only two mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim tourists – 10:00 am & 2:00 pm (Sat-Thu) – altered program during the Holy Month.
- See the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – a day trip to the capital is a must to experience one of the world’s most beautiful mosques.
- See the Firing of the Cannon at Burj Park – a small hidden park near the Dubai Mall is home to the nightly firing of the cannon, which signifies the end of the daily fast, a wonderful tradition still practiced across the UAE nightly during Ramadan (plus this year a roving cannon has been added so you can see this fabulous site in multiple locations).
- Visit Expo City Dubai for an exceptional communal iftar in the centre of the site’s iconic water feature, Ramadan markets and a special Ramadan projection show on the Al Wasl dome.
- Experience late-night dining and try a traditional Ramadan suhoor in Dubai, ambient settings, and delectable treats to enjoy throughout the Holy Month.
Suggested Dubai Activities in March 2025
March is starting to warm up, but still mild enough to be out and about in the UAE. Let’s make the most of the outdoor weather with these suggested things to do in Dubai in March:
- Take a Dubai Canal Dinner Cruise through the city’s latest man-made phenomenon, the Dubai Canal, passing by the Burj Khalifa from the water beneath and the Dubai Canal Waterfall Bridge whilst enjoying a buffet dinner.
- Zipline across the Dubai Marina at speeds up to 80km/hr! Take on this thrilling city zip line through the highrises and over one of the most picturesque urban scenes below.
- Another great new height to reach is The View on the Palm, the shiny new centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah with spectacular 360-degree views over the modern side of Dubai.
- Explore the old side of Dubai; stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the more modern addition built in old-style charm Al Seef, followed by a dhow cruise or traditional abra ride on Dubai Creek.
- Try a food tour through the city to understand the diversity in cuisine.
- Watch a Ramadan cannon firing – see the unique cultural traditions of many Muslim countries as the cannon fires to break the daily fast.
- Attend a Ramadan night market in Dubai; taste the festive flavours, listen to classical Arabian music and enjoy the community vibe of the Holy Month.
Unsure how to fill your days? Pop over to our collection of Dubai itineraries – from stopovers to 7 days we have an itinerary to suit you
Do be mindful that, especially at the end of the month, coinciding with Easter break for many countries, it will be peak tourist season in Dubai. It’s a good idea to book popular attractions in advance (places such as the Museum of the Future book out weeks in advance) and expect to pay a premium for your accommodation over this peak period.
Best Kids Activities in Dubai March 2025
FURTHER READING – Best of Dubai for Families – 80+ engaged activities to enjoy for all age groups
Hitting The Road – Best Dubai Day Trips in March 2025
Have you ever heard of the Oasis City of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates? Steeped in history dating back 5,000 years and the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, discover more about the country’s heritage in Al Ain on a day trip from Dubai, just over an hour’s drive through the desert.
History buffs will also enjoy learning more about the country’s historical past at Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Situated in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, this UNESCO-nominated site includes Bronze Age tombs, pre-Islamic forts, and many other fascinating geological finds. There’s a fabulous new exhibition centre, plus walks to enjoy.
For more mountain adventures, head south of the city to the exclave of Hatta in the Hajar Mountains. Here you can enjoy camping and glamping experiences, mountain hikes to horseback riding, and plenty of adventure experiences through the dramatic and rugged desert mountainscape, a completely different and unexpected side of Dubai!
Check out the best things to do every month in Dubai here!
More Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai in March
Without a doubt, March is the perfect time to visit Dubai if you want to experience the best of Dubai, while it’s still mild enough to be outside during the day but cool enough that you’re not sweating constantly.
This really depends on your heat tolerance. The average daytime temperature in Dubai ranges from around 23°C/73°F to 28°C/83°F during the month. You might start to find it quite hot in the sun by month-end, but it’s nothing like the somewhat intolerable heat of the summer months in Dubai. 
This depends on who you ask! Locals will no doubt tell you it’s still a little bit chilly in the Persian Gulf waters in March, but we’re guessing if you’re coming from Europe and many colder parts of the world, the average water temperature of 23.6°C/74.5°F is probably quite appealing!
If you’re staying in a resort hotel, they will most likely have their pools still very much heated for your comfort and enjoyment in March.
It wouldn’t be unusual to experience an odd rainy day or even a thunderstorm in Dubai in March. Rainfall is traditionally very low in Dubai (around 10mm), but it does happen.
Don’t go packing your umbrella; just take cover if it does and find an indoor activity in Dubai until it passes.
Humidity in March is usually around 50%; you are approaching the least humid time of the year.
In 2025 the Holy Month will fall completely in March.
The moonsighting committee is expected to announce that Ramadan 1446 AH will commence on the Gregorian date 1 March 2025. Ramadan will fall at least partially during March until 2027.
Ramadan 2026: 17 February to 18 March
Ramadan 2027: 7 February to 8 March
While Dubai doesn’t really follow traditional seasons, March is the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and the weather heats up substantially during the month.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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