Alfresco breakfasts, lazy beach days and ice-cold sundowners are sadly now a thing of the past.

Summer is coming, we all say as we start to huff and puff our way through sweaty commutes, wistfully scrolling through photos of breezy winter days on the beach.

We’re not sure about you, but unless fully submerged in the coolest of pools, we’re not ready to tough it out in the midday sun.

Sticky, soupy, squelchy summer is making its mark. Literally. If you brave the beach track, sweaty footprints pave the way.

Sunglasses are starting to fog up, steering wheels are starting to get too hot to handle and ice cubes melt before we’re even halfway through our drinks.

But, there are still some ways you can be outdoors in Dubai and beat the humidity.

Aura Skypool

Our favourite way to beat the heat is to get in the water, but there’s plenty on the best pool days in Dubai here.

The next tried and tested way to beat the humidity is to get up high. When it comes to tall buildings, Dubai is hardly short of them. So we’ve narrowed it down – tall buildings with a pool, thank you very much. And the best of these is Aura, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower.

Up here, there’s a breeze. Not a hairdryer-in-your-face gust, but an actual wave of fresh air. Even at 2pm, you can lay on a lounger and drift off into a comfortable doze. If you’re in the pool, unless you’re in the sunshine (chunks of the pool are shaded at different times of the day), you may even feel a tad chilly. Seriously.

There’s an even cheaper way to access these cooler climes next month, too. New wellness and yoga classes at Aura Skypool will begin on Thursday October 2 with six sessions per week, two of which are priced at Dhs180.

You might even need a cardy for that savasana.

Nakheel Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, auraskypool.com.

Brave the beach (but early)

Early birds will be the winners this time of the year. Already, if you’re up and about pre-brekkie, you’ll see people sat on the shores of Jumeirah Beach.

But there’s a sweet spot. Humidity peaks around dawn, so you’re best to wait until the sun is shining to get outside. It’ll get less humid when the temperature starts to rise (because, science), and you’ll have a perfect window for a laze on the beach between around 7.30am and 9am.

Head to the 4000km mark on Jumeirah beach track, which you’ll find just after Dubai Offshore Sailing Track, for one of our favourite spots.

Jumeirah beach

Or cool down with a night swim (but later)

Three beaches are now open for night swimming in Dubai; Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1, which are where to go when you fancy a nighttime dip. Equipped with lighting, so you will be able to see exactly where you’re swimming and manned by lifeguards it’s a great way to cool down at night for free.

Here’s a list of the best places to go night swimming in Dubai

Daily from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.

Eat breakfast in your own private pod

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For an ultra-private experience that’s giving indoor-outdoor, book one of these stunning pods for the ultimate in experiential dining.

While this kind of experience usually comes with a hefty price tag, not so here. These pods come with their own pretty tables, stunning views over JBR and Dubai Marina and, the best part, air-conditioning.

Now launching an all-new breakfast menu, you can enjoy this private dining experience over your morning eggs for as little as Dhs49. Sit back and admire your pod alongside American-style pancakes, chocolate fondant, avo on toast or even The Pods Breakfast Platter for under Dhs50.

Dhs49 (breakfast platter). Breakfast available daily from 8am-noon. The Pods, Bluewaters Island, thepods.ae (04 453 8994).

Get into the green

Forgive the obvious statement, but you’re going to want to find some shade. Obvious yes; easy to do? Not so much.

Al Barari and Mushrif Park are two of our top picks for some natural greenery in Dubai.

Here, you can experience the shade of the tranquil Ghaf tree forest or tackle the monster obstacle course, which gets bonus points for also being up high.

Plus, you can dive in at the public pools available on-site at Mushrif Park. Separate pools are available for men and women. Kiddie pools are also available, so kids can have a splash while adults practice their strokes. Kids pay Dhs5 to access it, while adults pay Dhs10.

And, there’s even a Park House cafe for grown-ups to hide out in.

Aventura Parks, Mushriff Park, Mirdif (058 581 5938).

Swing into Topgolf

Dubai’s best entertainment bar rises above the temperatures. All of Topgolf’s 96 bays are air-conditioned, so take your pick.

Whether you’re in it for the competition or you’re just there for the loaded tater tots, this is the place to go to pretend that winter really, truly is here.

Emirates Golf Club, topgolfdubai.ae (04 371 9999).

Try a ‘garden’ terrace

Want the outdoors with all the (AC) benefits of the indoors? We don’t blame you.

Some of Dubai’s most popular restaurants are laughing in the foggy face of humidity with some heavy-duty coolers on their outdoor terraces. So you can dine al fresco and beat the heat while you do so.

La Maison Ani has made an exciting change to its terrace just in time for the warmer months. Head there and you’ll find that the terrace is enclosed and air-conditioned, offering you alfresco dining with a cool breeze. Plus, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Dubai Mall Fountains.

Fashion Avenue, ground floor, The Dubai Mall (04 456 1989)

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