Desert Safari in Dubai: A Complete Seasonal Guide for Winter and Summer
- Shehreen fatima
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read

Dubai’s desert is a timeless attraction, but not all seasons offer the same kind of safari. From balmy winter evenings filled with vibrant performances to serene, heat-washed mornings in summer, the timing of your desert safari changes everything.
For travelers weighing comfort against cost, it helps to know how experiences differ, and what to expect when going on a desert safari by own car or choosing the best evening desert safari price.
Desert Safari by Season: Quick Overview
Feature | Winter (Nov–Mar) | Summer (Jun–Sep) |
Avg Day Temp | 18–28°C | 38–48°C |
Best Time for Safari | Afternoon, Evening | Early Morning or Late Evening |
Popular Activities | All (dune bashing, shows) | Limited (mostly dune bashing) |
Comfort Level | Very comfortable | Challenging (heat & sun) |
Typical Crowd Size | High | Low |
Price Range | Higher | Lower |
Winter Desert Safari: Peak Experience
Why It's the Favorite Season:
Cool breeze, clear skies, golden sunsets.
The evenings are perfect for long stays at the desert camp.
All entertainment activities are fully available.
Activities That Shine in Winter:
Camel rides without the sunburn risk
Henna painting and falconry displays
Fire shows and Tanoura dance at night
Extended dune bashing due to safer vehicle performance in cooler temps
Pricing Insight:
Winter is peak tourism season, so prices tend to be on the higher side. A typical evening desert safari price ranges from AED 200–350 during this period, depending on the provider, pickup location, and package inclusions.
Summer Desert Safari: For Early Risers and Bargain Hunters
What Makes Summer Unique:
Tranquil early mornings with fewer crowds
Opportunity to see the desert in its raw, untouched form
Dramatic lighting for desert photography during sunrise
Many operators now offer cooling tents, mist fans, and early morning schedules to make summer safaris bearable and enjoyable.
Best Choices in Summer:
Private safaris are more affordable, often 20–30% cheaper.
Sunrise safaris start around 5:30 AM and end before 9 AM to avoid the midday heat.
Less waiting time and more personalized attention due to fewer tourists.
Own Car or Tour Package? Seasonal Recommendations
Instead of a flowchart, here's a more in-depth breakdown comparing options for both seasons:
Travel Mode | Winter | Summer |
Desert Safari by Own Car | Safer, better visibility, enjoyable terrain | Riskier—vehicles can overheat easily |
Shared 4x4 Ride | Great for group fun and cheaper rates | Still safe but AC dependency is high |
Private Safari | Premium, often includes full extras | Best value for money in summer |
Bus Safari | Budget-friendly, slower pace | Avoid during high temps unless in AC bus |
If you’re experienced with off-roading, winter is ideal for a desert safari by own car. Summer, however, should be avoided for self-drives unless you're well-prepared and well-equipped.
Price Comparison: Winter vs Summer (2025 Updated)
Safari Type | Winter Price (AED) | Summer Price (AED) |
Morning Desert Safari | 150 – 220 | 90 – 150 |
Evening Desert Safari | 200 – 350 | 140 – 250 |
Private Desert Safari | 800 – 1200 | 600 – 950 |
Desert Safari by Bus | 75 – 130 | 60 – 100 |
Tip: The best deals in summer often come from bundled experiences or last-minute bookings. In contrast, winter requires advance reservations to secure premium slots.
Best Time of Day for Each Season
Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
Winter | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Summer | 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Winter offers a full-day experience, while summer condenses the adventure into shorter, strategic windows to avoid heat exhaustion.
Photography Tips by Season
Season | Light Conditions | Best Shots |
Winter | Golden hour sunsets | Camel silhouettes, shows |
Summer | Desert sunrise glow | Sand textures, stillness |
Insider Tips
Dress smart: Layers for winter evenings, ultra-light for summer mornings.
Hydration is key in all seasons, but especially during summer tours.
Entertainment schedules may change seasonally—check with operators.
Kids and elderly should avoid mid-summer safaris unless indoors with full AC.
FAQs
1. Is desert safari available all year?
Yes, but activities, availability, and tour formats differ seasonally.
2. Is it worth going on a safari in summer?
If you go early morning or late evening, yes—it’s cheaper, quieter, and beautiful in a different way.
3. Can I take my own car for a desert safari?
Yes. A desert safari by own car is popular among experienced drivers, especially in winter.
4. Why are evening desert safaris more expensive in winter?
High demand, full entertainment programs, and better climate drive the evening desert safari price up during peak season.
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