Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Amsterdam vs Dubai

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Amsterdam: 16°CDubai: 38°C5,159 km apart

May Weather: Amsterdam vs Dubai

MetricAmsterdamDubaiBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer16°C (61°F)38°C (100°F)Dubai
Average LowHigher is milder9°C (48°F)24°C (75°F)Dubai
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days0 daysDubai
PrecipitationLess is drier63 mm0 mmDubai
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day13h/dayDubai
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%70%Amsterdam
UV IndexLower is safer109Dubai
Wind SpeedCalmer is better20 km/h25 km/hAmsterdam

Which City is Better in May?

Amsterdam and Dubai are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Amsterdam sits in the comfortable travel range at 16°C. Dubai runs hot at 38°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dubai is the stronger choice in May. Dubai receives 2 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in May

Amsterdam reaches an average high of 16°C (61°F) and drops to 9°C (48°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dubai averages 38°C (100°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 14°C. There is a notable 22°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Amsterdam receives approximately 63 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Dubai sees 0 mm over 0 rain days. That makes Dubai the drier option by 11 rain days and 63 mm of total precipitation.

Humidity also differs: Amsterdam averages 65% while Dubai sits at 70%. Dubai will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.

What to Pack: Amsterdam vs Dubai

Packing for Amsterdam in May

Highs of 16°C, lows of 9°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Dubai in May

Highs of 38°C, lows of 24°C, 0 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat

Year-Round Comparison: Amsterdam vs Dubai

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthAmsterdamDubai
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C13d24°C2d
Feb6°C11d25°C2d
Mar9°C11d29°C2d
Apr13°C11d33°C1d
May16°C11d38°C0d
Jun19°C12d40°C0d
Jul21°C14d41°C0d
Aug21°C13d42°C0d
Sep18°C12d39°C0d
Oct14°C13d36°C0d
Nov10°C13d30°C1d
Dec6°C13d26°C1d
16°

Amsterdam Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

38°

Dubai Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam warmer than Dubai in May?
No. In May, Dubai is warmer with an average high of 38°C (100°F) compared to Amsterdam at 16°C (61°F), a difference of 22°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Amsterdam or Dubai?
Amsterdam gets more rain in May with 11 rain days and 63 mm of precipitation. Dubai is the drier option with 0 rain days.
Is it better to visit Amsterdam or Dubai in May?
It depends on your preferences. Amsterdam averages 16°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Dubai averages 38°C with 13 sunshine hours and 0 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Dubai. For fewer rain days, Dubai is the better pick.
How far apart are Amsterdam and Dubai?
Amsterdam and Dubai are approximately 5,159 km (3,204 miles) apart. Amsterdam is located in Netherlands (Europe) while Dubai is in UAE (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Amsterdam and Dubai?
For Amsterdam, July tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 21°C. For Dubai, May is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 38°C highs.

Compare Amsterdam and Dubai in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Amsterdam coordinates: 52.37°N, 4.90°E | Dubai coordinates: 25.20°N, 55.27°E