Month guide · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi in December
What December is really like in Abu Dhabi: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Slywire, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 10.6 hours of daylight. Peak season with mild days and festive events; book hotels early for National Day and the New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Abu Dhabi: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 35°C (95°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:59
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:37
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea
- 23°C (73°F)
Autumn (October–November). Heat fades through October, the sea is at its warmest for swimming, and the season builds towards the Grand Prix and National Day.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- UAE National Day — fireworks and celebrations (2 December)
- Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba — heritage, food and fireworks (usually from November through the winter)
- New Year's Eve fireworks over the Corniche and Yas Island
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Aquarium · Khor Al Maqta
The National Aquarium at Al Qana
On the Al Qana waterfront near the Grand Mosque, the aquarium follows marine life from the UAE's own coasts out to the world's oceans, with sharks, rays and turtles in large walk-through tanks.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Market · Al Mina
Mina Zayed fish and dates markets
Go in the morning, when the catch is freshest, and agree the cooking price before you hand over your fish.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Off the beaten path
- Free
Waterfront · Corniche
Corniche promenade and beach
An 8-kilometre seafront promenade with separate walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, cafés and lawns runs along the island's north-western shore.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Views
- Active
Viewpoint · Ras Al Akhdar
Observation Deck at 300
Go about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight and as the Corniche lights up.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
The sea averages 23°C (73°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Abu Dhabi.
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 15°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
One of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi, with 3 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–March and November. Compare every month.
Abu Dhabi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
It is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. Peak season with mild days and festive events; book hotels early for National Day and the New Year.
+How warm is Abu Dhabi in December?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in December?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.