Month guide · Dubai · United Arab Emirates
Dubai in December
What December is really like in Dubai: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Member of the Expedition 22 crew., Public domain
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Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Dubai. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 10.6 hours of daylight. Peak season, with warm days, festive events and the highest prices around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Dubai: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 34°C (93°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:57
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:32
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F)
Winter (December–February). Warm days around 24–26°C and cool evenings, the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year fireworks, with the highest prices of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- UAE National Day celebrations (2 December)
- Dubai Shopping Festival begins (usually mid-December)
- New Year's Eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa (31 December)
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.
Neighbourhood · Al Quoz
Alserkal Avenue
In the industrial Al Quoz district, converted warehouses on Alserkal Avenue house contemporary art galleries, design studios, the independent Cinema Akil and cafés.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Off the beaten path
- Rainy day
Museum · Jumeirah
Etihad Museum
Save it for the heat of the afternoon, when indoor sights make most sense.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Theme park · Dubailand
Global Village
Open from about October to May, Global Village gathers pavilions representing dozens of countries, with food stalls, handicrafts, funfair rides, stage shows and fireworks on some evenings.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- After dark
- Food
- Shopping
Experience · Al Barsha
Ski Dubai
Book the penguin encounter in advance; it is the highlight for many children.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Active
- Rainy day
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Dubai.
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 16°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 Dubai?
One of the best months to visit Dubai, with 3 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–March and November. Compare every month.
Dubai in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
It is one of the best months to visit Dubai. Peak season, with warm days, festive events and the highest prices around Christmas and New Year.
+How warm is Dubai in December?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Dubai in December?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.