If you’ve been thinking, “Is this even winter?” while sipping your iced latte, get ready for a reality check. Dubai and the whole UAE are about to hit their chilliest stride of the season. We’re talking proper sweater weather, folks! From January 10th to January 22nd, 2026, brace yourselves because the mercury is taking a serious dip. The big names in astronomy here have confirmed it, so it’s time to swap those light cardigans for something a bit more substantial.
This isn’t just about feeling a bit cool; we’ve got a combo deal of traditional cold snaps, a show-stopping Wolf Supermoon, and even some rain coming our way.
‘Dur Al Sittin’: When The Cold Hits Different?
Ask any long-timer here, and they’ll tell you about Dur Al Sittin. It’s not just a phrase; it’s the part of winter everyone talks about. You could loosely translate it as “the cold of a knife,” and honestly, it makes total sense once you feel that morning chill slice through you.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, who heads up the Emirates Astronomical Society, pretty much stamped this as official. He says mid-January is always when the UAE sees its lowest temperatures. Think about those early mornings, especially if you’re out towards Al Qudra or further into the desert – temperatures could easily drop below 5°C before the sun even properly shows its face. Brrr!
Even here in the heart of Dubai, while we won’t hit those desert lows, you’ll definitely feel it. That lovely outdoor seating at your favourite spot in City Walk might suddenly feel a lot less inviting without a decent shawl or a patio heater. This traditional cold snap is actually linked to something pretty cool: the Pleiades star cluster appearing in the evening sky. For generations, Bedouins and sailors used this as their natural calendar, knowing it meant serious winter was on its way.
Also check out: Best Spots for Desert Glamping and Camping in the UAE This Winter – Social Kandura
Your January Stargazing: A Wolf Supermoon!
It’s not just the ground getting cold; the sky’s putting on a show, too! January 2026 brings us the very first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon. But wait, it gets better – this one’s a Supermoon.
What’s a Supermoon, you ask? Basically, the Moon’s path around Earth isn’t a perfect circle. So, when a full moon happens to coincide with its closest point to us, it looks way bigger and brighter than usual. Imagine that glowing orb hanging over the Burj Khalifa – perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots from Downtown Dubai or Business Bay!
The name “Wolf Moon” comes from old traditions in North America and Europe, where wolves were apparently more vocal during the harsh, cold nights of January when food was scarce. While our local “wolves” are probably just hungry for a late-night shawarma, the sight itself will be something special. Definitely one to mark in your calendars for a clear night gaze!
Rain, Rain, Come Our Way (But Check the Forecast!)
Along with the chill, January usually brings some lovely rain, and this year is no exception. We’re looking at roughly six to eight rainy days spread across the month, with about 12 to 18 mm of total rainfall. Enough to clean the dusty cars and green up the landscape, hopefully!
Now, here’s a crucial tip from Al Jarwan: don’t trust those long-range forecasts too much. While what they say for the next two days is usually spot-on (over 90% reliable!), anything beyond five days gets a bit… fuzzy. He even mentioned the “butterfly effect,” meaning a tiny change somewhere else can totally mess up our weather predictions a week out.
So, if you’re planning a weekend desert camp or a beach day, your best bet is to keep an eye on the official National Center of Meteorology (NCM) updates daily. Don’t rely on that app you checked last week!
Gearing Up for the Real Winter
With these cooler temps and potential for dust storms, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. The authorities are always reminding us that these sudden shifts can affect visibility on the roads or even impact your health if you’re not ready.
Thinking of a UAE winter camping trip? Brilliant! Just make sure you’re following all the rules, sticking to designated areas, and honestly, pack heavier than you think you need. The desert cold, especially with a bit of wind (a Shamal, as we call those northwesterly winds), can make 10°C feel like it’s barely above freezing. Trust us on this one.
Quick tips for the next couple of weeks:
- Layer up, buttercup! From morning school drops to evening strolls along Dubai Marina, you’ll appreciate those extra layers.
- Car check: Make sure your fog lights are working. January often brings those thick, beautiful morning mists.
- Balcony safety: If the wind picks up, secure anything light on your balcony. Nobody wants a flying plant pot!
January Feels Like the OG Winter
While we get cool winters every year, this combination of the traditional Dur Al Sittin peak, that massive Wolf Supermoon, and the expected rains makes this January feel like the “real deal” winter. It’s a lovely blend of Dubai’s modern vibe and the ancient wisdom of the land and stars. It reminds us that even in our futuristic city, nature still calls the shots.
So, find your warmest jacket, charge your phone for those Supermoon pics, and keep an eye on the forecasts. This is Dubai winter, authentic style – a bit sharp, totally beautiful, and always keeping us on our toes!
Read more: UAE Winter Pop-Ups to Bookmark for 2025 – Social Kandura
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