Summer solstice 2025: When is the longest day of the year?
According to astronomical calculations, the Dubai summer will officially begin on Saturday June 21 this year.
The summer solstice is due to occur in Dubai at 6:42am on June 21, and the longest day will bring Dubai residents 13 hours 42 minutes of daylight. This means ample time for outdoor activities, beach clubs and rooftop dining.
To put it into perspective, that's around three extra hours of daylight compared to the winter solstice on December 21, 2024, which saw just 10 hours and 42 minutes of sun.
(Credit x Canva)
Temperatures are predicted to span between 41°C and 43°C during the day and stay between 26 and 29°C during the night, with some regions reaching as high as 50°C.
As for the weather, it's going to stay relatively dry, with some active winds anticipated. These patterns will set the tone for the first half of summer, which spans from June 21 to August 10.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Board Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, revealed exactly what we can expect during that day.
'Summer will begin astronomically on June 21 with the summer solstice and will last for three months until September 23.
'During this period, temperatures will range between 41 and 43 degrees Celsius, accompanied by dry conditions and active winds.'
He continued, 'The UAE will experience its longest daylight hours between June 18 and 24, reaching up to 13 hours and 43 minutes.'
After the summer solstice, we can start to look forward to the autumnal equinox, which will happen on September 23.
The second half of summer, starting on August 11, will be distinguished by a sudden rise in humidity, constant high temperatures and an activation of moist Koi winds. Koi winds are known for leading to thunderstorms after the wind encourages the formation of cumulonimbus clouds over mountainous regions and neighbouring areas.
Need some ideas to savour those extra golden minutes this Saturday June 21? We like your style. Here are the best things to do in Dubai this weekend with all your bonus time.
What to do on the longest day of the year:
Recharge at a beach club
Credit: Gigi Rigolatto
Nothing beats lazing around at one of Dubai's best beach clubs, and this Saturday, you officially have even more minutes to soak up the sun. Brilliant.
Check out Time Out Dubai's official best beach clubs in Dubai list here
Visit 15,000 butterflies
The Butterfly Garden (Credit: ITP Images)
There has never been a better time to do random stuff on your Dubai bucket list, and high on the agenda should be a visit to Dubai Butterfly Garden.
Step into the enclosed space, where you can admire over 15,000 butterflies. Stroll through the different zones, and watch as the beautiful bugs flutter overhead or even land on you if you're lucky.
Showing the lifecycle from start to finish, the guides may even be able to let you watch some butterflies hatching from their pupa right in front of your eyes.
From Dhs60. Open daily 9am-6pm. Al Barsha South 3, dubaibutterflygarden.com (04 422 8902).
Treat dad to a relaxing lunch
Credit: Bull & Bear
The longest day of the year also coincides with UAE Father's Day, making it prime time to spoil Dad.
To celebrate, Bull & Bear has partnered up with grooming lounge 1847 to create the perfect gentleman's experience.
On Saturday June 21, fathers dining for lunch will receive a complimentary shoulder massage at the exclusive 1847 pop-up between courses, as well as enjoying some of the restaurant's signature dishes.
Prices vary. Sat Jun 21. Bull & Bear, DIFC, bullandbeardifc.com (04 515 9888).
Head to Time Out Market to try the latest addition
(Credit: Time Out Market Dubai)
We all know that the perfect day involves a visit to Time Out Market, and on the longest day of the calendar, there really is no excuse.
Say hello to its latest addition – Izu Burger.
Here, you'll get to try dirty burgers made with top-tier ingredients. Get messy with Izu fries loaded with spice and plenty of Parmigiano, or snack on crispy onion rings topped with cheesy ranch and crunchy beef salami.
Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Try a pool party after dark
(Credit: Supplied)
For a top-tier day that feels never-ending, head to Palm Jumeirah beach club, BCH:CLB who is now running an after-dark weekly pool party under the stars.
Expect neon lights, groovy soundtracks, giant pool floaties, a sharing platter and free-flowing drinks to enjoy until 11pm.
Dhs300 (soft drinks), Dhs350 (house beverages), Dhs465 (premium beverages). Sat, 7pm-11pm. W Dubai, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, bchclb.com (04 834 3803).
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