Souq Waqif in July

November through April — that's your sweet spot. Temperatures sit in the comfortable 20-25°C range, perfect for wandering the outdoor market. December and January are peak season, meaning crowds but also the best weather and longest opening hours for shops. March and April offer a nice balance of good weather with fewer tourists. Summer? Forget about it. June through September sees temperatures soar past 40°C, making outdoor exploration miserable. The souq adapts though — many shops stay open later during summer months, some until 2 AM. For the best experience, visit on weekday evenings around 6 PM when locals finish work and the temperature drops. Friday afternoons get packed with families, while Thursday nights buzz with younger crowds. Early morning visits, around 8 AM, offer cooler temperatures and fewer people, but some shops won't open until 10 AM.