Choose Thailand's Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) if you want warm sea and island days, and choose Dubai if you want a shorter flight, dry weather and a city, a desert night and the sea in one week. In January the sea averages about 28°C off Phuket and about 24°C off Dubai, while Dubai's afternoons are 24-27°C against 32-34°C in Phuket. This guide compares weather, sea, flights, visas, costs and activities with long-term averages and named sources.
By SB Excursions · Published 3 November 2026 · Updated 3 November 2026
Tour on this route: Full-Day Desert Safari in Dubai — From $45 per person, 7 hours.
Is Dubai or Thailand better in winter?
It depends on the week you want. Thailand's Andaman coast has the warmer sea, about 28°C in January against about 24°C off Dubai, plus island trips. Dubai has the shorter flight, 24-27°C afternoons, little rain and a city, a desert and the sea in one place.
This guide also answers:
- What is the weather in Dubai and Phuket in January?
- Which part of Thailand is best in winter?
- How long is the flight from Moscow to Dubai?
Four winter weeks compared
#1
Dubai: city, desert and sea in one week
A week in Dubai mixes beach mornings, a skyline view, a desert evening and a yacht on the Marina, with afternoons of 24-27°C and almost no rain. The sea is cool from January, so many visitors swim briefly and use the hotel pool, but nothing else in the plan depends on it.
#2
Phuket and the Andaman coast: beaches and islands
The Andaman coast has the warmest winter sea of the places in this guide, about 28°C, and island day trips by speedboat or longtail. It is hot, with highs of 32-34°C and nights near 25°C, and the driest months are January and February. November is still showery.
#3
Bangkok: temples, food and a hot, dry city
Bangkok in December to February is dry, with 12-24 mm of rain a month and highs of 32-34°C. It suits a city and temple trip rather than a beach week, and it can be combined with an island stay later in the same holiday.
#4
Dubai for adrenaline: quads, jet skis and dunes
Winter is the comfortable season for the activities that Dubai does best: dune bashing and quad bikes in the evening, and jet ski, parasailing and flyboard sessions on the sea. The shorter flight leaves more of a one-week trip for them.
Dubai or Thailand in winter: the short answer
Thailand wins on sea temperature and beach scenery. Dubai wins on flight time, dry weather everywhere and the range of things to do in one week. In January the sea off Phuket averages about 28°C and the sea off Dubai about 24°C, while Dubai's afternoons sit at a comfortable 24-27°C against 32-34°C in Phuket. If your week is about swimming, snorkelling and islands, go to Thailand's Andaman coast. If it is about a city, a desert night, a yacht and sunshine without heavy heat, go to Dubai.
Winter, and especially January and February, is the best season for both, so the choice is not about avoiding bad weather. It is about how you want to spend a normal day. This guide uses long-term climate averages, not forecasts, and names the source of each number. We run tours in Dubai and in Thailand, so where Thailand is the better choice we say so. For Dubai's own calendar, see the month-by-month guide.
Weather side by side: December to February
The table gives the mean daily high and low in °C, and the average monthly rainfall in mm. The Dubai and Bangkok figures are 30-year climate averages from NOAA, for Dubai International Airport and central Bangkok. The Phuket figures are 30-year averages reported by the World Meteorological Organization. Both cover the standard period that ends in the most recent full decade. They are averages, so a single week can be warmer, cooler or wetter.
| Month | Dubai high / low | Phuket high / low | Bangkok high / low | Rain in mm: Dubai / Phuket / Bangkok |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 26.5 / 17.4 | 32.1 / 25.0 | 32.3 / 23.2 | 15 / 82 / 12 |
| January | 24.4 / 15.3 | 33.0 / 25.0 | 32.7 / 23.4 | 21 / 50 / 24 |
| February | 26.1 / 16.4 | 34.0 / 25.4 | 33.7 / 24.8 | 10 / 24 / 21 |
30-year averages: NOAA (Dubai, Bangkok) and the World Meteorological Organization (Phuket).
Two things stand out. First, nights: Dubai's average January low is 15.3°C, so the desert camp, a yacht deck and a dawn balloon all need a jacket, while Phuket stays near 25°C at night. Second, rain: Dubai's three winter months bring only 10-21 mm each, usually in a short shower, while Phuket averages 82 mm in December on 7.8 rainy days, 50 mm in January on 4.3 days and 24 mm in February on 2.2 days. November is still wet at Phuket, with 178 mm on 12.9 days. For a Phuket beach week, January and February are the safest months.
Thailand's Gulf coast runs on a different calendar. The 30-year averages for Ko Samui show 445 mm of rain in November, 263 mm in December, 127 mm in January and 64 mm in February, so Samui in December is far wetter than Phuket in December. If you want Samui, go in February or later. Bangkok is dry in winter, with 12-24 mm a month, but it is a city, not a beach.
Sea and beaches: where Thailand clearly wins
The sea is the biggest gap between the two. According to seatemperature.org, which uses satellite readings from NOAA, the average sea temperature in January is 28.1°C at Phuket and 23.9°C off Dubai. Other sources put Dubai's winter sea a degree or two lower, so treat the numbers as a guide.
| Month | Sea off Dubai (°C) | Sea off Phuket (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| November | 28.4 | 29.4 |
| December | 25.6 | 28.8 |
| January | 23.9 | 28.1 |
| February | 22.4 | 28.7 |
Average sea surface temperature from seatemperature.org, based on NOAA satellite data.
In practice a Phuket swim is warm in every winter month. In Dubai it is warm in November, pleasant in December and cool in January and February, when most visitors swim for a short time on a sunny afternoon and use the hotel pool for longer. Dubai's public beaches are free and have lifeguards and showers; see best beaches in Dubai and beach rules and safety. The coast is a long sandy shore with the skyline behind it, not a set of islands.
Winter is also island season in Thailand. The Similan Islands national park opened for the 2026-27 season on 15 October 2026 and runs to 15 May 2027, according to Pattaya Mail, so a Similan day is possible in every winter month. Maya Bay's annual closure, from 1 August to 30 September as listed in our Thailand guides, falls outside winter. Dubai's own sea has wrecks and artificial reefs with modest visibility, so snorkellers and divers who want a natural reef drive about 130 km to the east coast, a 1.5-2 hour journey covered in our scuba diving guide.
Flights, visas and entry rules
Flight time is Dubai's biggest advantage for travellers from Russia and much of Europe. Emirates lists the flight from Moscow to Dubai at 5 hours 35 minutes. Thailand is a much longer journey, but we could not confirm Moscow-Phuket or Moscow-Bangkok durations on an airline page, so we do not quote them. Check the timetable of the airline you plan to use, add any connection, and remember that a long flight costs the most on a trip of a week or less.
Entry rules are changing in Thailand. Gulf News reported on 22 May 2026 that Thailand's new visa regime gives 30 days visa-free to 54 countries and territories, including the UK, the US and the UAE, and 15 days to the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, with the rules taking effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. The same report lists Russia in a separate bilateral group, also at 30 days. It says the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory before arrival and that a proposed 300-baht fee for air travellers was under discussion but delayed. Check the Thai embassy or the official immigration site before you book.
Dubai is simple for most passports. The UK, the US, most EU states and many others receive an entry permit at passport control, and Russian citizens are on the UAE Foreign Ministry's visa-free list for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Who qualifies, and for how long, is in our guide to Dubai visa on arrival. Rules change, so check the official list or your airline within a week of travel.
What it costs: compare what we can price
We have no sourced daily budget for Thailand to set beside Dubai's, so we compare what we can price: day tours. These are our own published prices per person, as of 28 October 2026 for Thailand and our current prices for Dubai.
| Type of day | Dubai (our tours) | Thailand (our tours) |
|---|---|---|
| A short sea outing | Marina shared yacht, 1 hour, from $32; Marina speedboat, 90 minutes, from $45 | Krabi 4 Islands by speedboat, 6-8 hours, from $35 |
| A long full day | Full-day desert safari, 7 hours, from $45 with dinner; Abu Dhabi city tour, 9 hours, from $45 | Phi Phi and Maya Bay, 8.5 hours, from $75; James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, 8.5 hours, from $85; Similan Islands, 12-13 hours, from $105 |
| A city half-day | Old Dubai walking tour, 3-4 hours, from $35 | Phuket half-day city tour, from $25 |
The prices are not strictly like for like. On our Phi Phi tour the national park fee of 400 baht per adult is paid in cash on the day, while the Dubai safari price includes dinner. Visit Thailand Today reported in October 2026 that Phi Phi day tours with hotel pickup, lunch and snorkelling gear ranged from about 1,900 to 6,200 baht across operators, so always ask what a price includes.
For Dubai, our own planning figures for November to March are about AED 300-450 per person per day on a budget (roughly $80-120), AED 700-1,200 mid-range and from AED 2,000 in luxury, two sharing a room and before flights. The line-by-line breakdown is in how much a Dubai trip costs. Dubai hotel rates are highest from November to March, in the last two weeks of December and around Eid, so compare live prices for your dates in both places before deciding that either is cheaper.
What you will actually do each day
Weather and price matter less than the shape of a normal day. This table matches what you want to do with the better choice, and it is honest about the places where Dubai is not it.
| What you want | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A warm sea every day | Thailand | About 28°C all winter, against 22-26°C off Dubai |
| Snorkelling and island boat days | Thailand | Day trips to Phi Phi, Krabi and the Similans in the winter season |
| Dunes, a camel ride and a sunset camp | Dubai | The desert is 45-60 minutes from the city; see the desert safari |
| Skyline, towers and observation decks | Dubai | Burj Khalifa and the Marina skyline are Dubai's headline views |
| Temples, markets and street food | Thailand | Bangkok's Grand Palace, temples and markets have no counterpart in Dubai |
| Theme parks, indoor attractions and malls | Dubai | Air-conditioned options for any hot or rainy hour |
| Dry weather and cool nights | Dubai | 10-21 mm of rain a month and 15-17°C nights |
| A short trip of five to seven days | Dubai | A shorter flight leaves more of the week for the trip |
Winter is also when Dubai's outdoor season runs, from the Miracle Garden and Global Village to the desert and the sea; see best things to do in Dubai in winter for the list and dates.
Who should pick which
Pick by the one thing you cannot do without:
- Pick Thailand if a warm sea, islands and snorkelling are the point, if you have ten days or more, and if you are happy with hot, humid days. Choose Phuket or Krabi for December to February, and Samui only from February.
- Pick Dubai if you have about a week, want a short flight and dry air, and would like a city, a desert evening and a yacht in the same trip. Accept that the sea is cool in January and February.
- Pick Dubai for a mixed group. A group of teenagers, grandparents and friends finds something each day, because the beach, the malls, the Marina and the desert are all a short drive apart.
- If you cannot decide, count your days and your flight hours first. A long flight is easiest to justify for ten days or more.
We also run day tours in Thailand with local operators: Phi Phi and Maya Bay, James Bond Island, the Similan Islands, the Krabi islands, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Our guides to those trips are in the Thailand journal. If you choose Dubai, our yacht tour from $32 is the easiest first evening, and the Bali comparison is in Dubai or Bali.
FAQ
Is Dubai or Thailand better in winter?
It depends on the week you want. Thailand's Andaman coast has the warmer sea, about 28°C in January against about 24°C off Dubai, plus island trips. Dubai has the shorter flight, 24-27°C afternoons, little rain and a city, a desert and the sea in one place.
What is the weather in Dubai and Phuket in January?
On 30-year averages, Dubai has a mean high of 24.4°C, a low of 15.3°C and 21 mm of rain. Phuket has a mean high of 33.0°C, a low of 25.0°C and 50 mm of rain on 4.3 days. They are averages, not a forecast.
Which part of Thailand is best in winter?
The Andaman coast (Phuket and Krabi) is driest in January and February, with Phuket at 50 mm and 24 mm. The Gulf island of Ko Samui has 445 mm in November and 263 mm in December, so go there later. Bangkok is dry, with 12-24 mm a month, but hot at 32-34°C.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Dubai?
Emirates lists the flight from Moscow to Dubai at 5 hours 35 minutes. We could not confirm Moscow to Phuket or Bangkok durations on an airline page, so check the timetable of the airline you plan to use.
Do I need a visa for Thailand or Dubai?
It depends on your passport. Gulf News reported on 22 May 2026 a 30-day visa-free stay in Thailand for 54 countries and territories, with Russia in a separate 30-day group, and a mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Many passports get a permit on arrival in Dubai. Check the official sources before you fly.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in Dubai in winter?
Yes for a short swim. Seatemperature.org gives 28.4°C in November, 25.6°C in December, 23.9°C in January and 22.4°C in February. January and February feel cool, so many visitors use the hotel pool for longer.
Is Dubai cheaper than Thailand?
We cannot give a sourced answer for a whole trip. Compare tours: our desert safari is from $45 with dinner, while our Phi Phi day is from $75 plus a cash park fee. Then compare live hotel prices and flights for your dates.
Recommended Dubai tours for this guide
Full-Day Desert Safari in Dubai
It is the slow-travel version of the classic safari: more time on the dunes, sunset without the crowds and a full evening programme at a premium camp with air-conditioned tents, unlimited drinks and a large BBQ buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Everything is arranged from the hotel door — a licensed English-speaking driver, the 4x4, the camp and the shows.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Area
- Lahbab Desert, Dubai
- Format
- Full-day desert safari
- Best for
- families, couples and first-time desert visitors who want the full evening programme
From $45 per person No prepayment
View tour
Dubai Marina Shared Yacht Tour
It is the most stylish way to see the skyline without paying for a private charter: a premium yacht with spacious decks and 5-star hospitality, a red carpet at the pier and the crew helping with photos against JBR and Ain Dubai. Full pre-payment secures your slot — the hourly departures sell out — and the yacht leaves strictly on time.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Area
- Dubai Marina
- Format
- Shared 1-hour sightseeing cruise
- Best for
- families, couples and anyone who wants the Marina skyline from the water without a private charter
From $32 per person Full prepayment
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Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai
It is the classic capital day in one organised loop: the mosque before the midday heat and crowds, the newly opened BAPS Mandir, the skyline from the Corniche, Bedouin history at Heritage Village and a photo op at Ferrari World. Transport, a licensed guide, mosque registration assistance and bottled water are included; the $45 shared tour covers all free-entry sites, and a private VIP car for up to 7 people is $245.
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Area
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Format
- Full-day guided city tour (shared or private)
- Best for
- families, seniors and first-time visitors who want the capital's landmarks in one day
From $45 per person No prepayment
View tour