Astronomical summer officially ended in Dubai at 4:05 am on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, but the change of season does not immediately bring cooler, drier weather. In fact, Dubai woke up to fog alerts on September 24, while the National Centre of Meteorology forecast humidity of up to 90 per cent in the emirate and further chances of fog or mist over coastal and internal areas. Temperatures are also still high, with Dubai expected to reach around 41°C on Thursday.
The humid spell is expected to continue beyond one morning. The NCM’s latest five-day outlook indicates recurring chances of fog or mist through Monday, September 28, particularly overnight and during the early morning.
Where: Dubai | When: September 24–28, 2026 | Conditions: Hot, humid with recurring fog or mist | Location: Dubai, UAE
Why is Dubai still humid and foggy after summer?
The answer comes down to the difference between the calendar season and the atmosphere. The September equinox marks the beginning of astronomical autumn, but Dubai’s land, sea and air do not suddenly cool at that moment. The Arabian Gulf remains very warm after months of intense summer heat, so evaporation continues feeding moisture into the air.
During the evening, humid air can move inland from the Gulf. After sunset, the ground begins losing heat, and the air close to the surface cools. When that air temperature approaches the dew point, the moisture condenses into tiny droplets and fog can form. Light winds can help the fog settle rather than disperse it.
That is why September can bring the slightly unusual combination of very warm afternoons, sticky evenings and foggy mornings. The seasonal transition is gradual, and more comfortable outdoor weather generally arrives progressively rather than on the exact date summer officially ends.
6 ways to enjoy Dubai while the humidity hangs around
Take the views higher at ZETA Seventy Seven
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When ground-level humidity feels relentless, a rooftop pool gives the day a different perspective. ZETA Seventy Seven sits on Level 77 of Address Beach Resort, beside the Guinness World Record-holding highest outdoor infinity pool in a building, approximately 294 metres above Dubai. Current pool passes run across four sessions from morning until midnight, allowing visitors to choose a cooler early or evening slot rather than the hottest part of the day.
Weekday pool access is currently AED277 with AED200 redeemable, while Friday-to-Sunday access is AED477 with AED300 redeemable.
Where: ZETA Seventy Seven | When: Daily | Time: Sessions from 8 am to midnight | Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai
Brave Kite Beach, but make it an early start
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Kite Beach is easier to enjoy before the temperature and humidity build through the day. An early walk, run, or short beach visit gives you the sea breeze without committing to a long afternoon in direct sun. The beach also has showers, washrooms, cycling facilities and other amenities, while cafés and leisure businesses begin opening later in the morning.
Dubai sunrise is currently just after 6 am, making the first part of the morning a more sensible window for outdoor activity than midday.
Where: Kite Beach | When: Daily | Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Cool down after dark with a night swim at TAGOMAGO
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If an afternoon swim still sounds too warm, move the plan until after sunset. TAGOMAGO’s Noches de Verano summer series has its final night-swim session on Friday, September 25, with pool access beginning at 7 pm. The AED150 entry is fully redeemable on food and drinks, and the session is for guests aged 21 and above.
Waiting until evening will not eliminate humidity completely, but it does remove the strongest daytime sun and gives the experience a more comfortable feel.
Where: TAGOMAGO | When: Friday, September 25 | Time: From 7 pm | Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai | Price: AED150, fully redeemable
Have breakfast inside your own air-conditioned pod at The Pods
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You can still enjoy waterfront views without sitting directly in the sticky morning air. The Pods at Bluewaters Island serve breakfast inside private air-conditioned dining pods, offering views towards the water and Dubai skyline while keeping the climate firmly controlled.
Breakfast and brunch are currently available from 8 am to 4 pm, with standard breakfast sittings lasting an hour.
Where: The Pods | When: Daily | Time: Breakfast 8 am 4 pm | Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Swap outdoor humidity for rainforest greenery at The Green Planet Dubai
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Want greenery without standing outside in 40-degree weather? The Green Planet recreates a tropical rainforest inside an enclosed biodome at City Walk, with thousands of plants and animals spread across different levels. It offers the feeling of stepping into dense greenery while remaining in a purpose-built indoor attraction.
The attraction currently opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Where: The Green Planet | When: Daily | Time: 10 am 6 pm | Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
Swing into Topgolf Dubai after the worst of the daytime heat
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You do not have to wait for genuinely cool weather to get back into outdoor sport. Topgolf Dubai combines covered hitting bays with games, food and entertainment, so you can spend time outside without committing to a full round on an exposed golf course. Evening sessions are particularly useful while September temperatures remain high.
Bays are rented by the hour for groups of up to six players, with current prices varying by day and time.
Where: Topgolf Dubai | When: Daily | Time: Mon–Fri 10 am–2 am; Sat–Sun 9 am–2 am | Location: Emirates Golf Club area, Emirates Hills, Dubai
For now, the main takeaway is that autumn has started astronomically, but Dubai’s weather is still behaving very much like late summer. High sea temperatures keep moisture levels elevated, while cooler overnight surfaces create favourable conditions for fog. The NCM is still forecasting humid nights and early-morning fog or mist in the days ahead, so anyone driving early should check official weather alerts before setting out.
I can monitor Dubai’s weather and alert you when the humidity or fog pattern materially changes.