Is swimming in the sea in Dubai worth it in summer?

The Palm Jumeirah lagoon has clear water but a rocky bottom with small shells and sea urchins. In summer the water temperature matches the air temperature, so it offers no relief from the heat. The Palm bay is only refreshing in March, April, October, and November. In summer months everyone swims in hotel pools, which are artificially cooled.

Dubai in summer is more bearable than expected thanks to a constant sea breeze — there's no stifling humidity on the beach even when the hotel grounds feel still. After swimming you step out of the water feeling cold and reach for a towel, but once dry it's comfortable again. Compared to Ras Al Khaimah, which is noticeably more humid and stuffy, Dubai feels much more pleasant in summer.

Kite Beach is the top choice for sea swimming in Dubai during summer. The water is clean, jellyfish-free, and doesn't bloom with algae. The best times to swim are before 11am and after 6pm. During midday hours it's better to visit museums, malls, theme parks, or a hotel pool.