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Dubai in December 2026: weather, activities and tips

Published on 28 October 2026 · Reading time: 4 min

Quick answer December offers a perfect climate: about 27 °C in the afternoon, 17 °C at night and an almost always clear sky. It is also the busiest period, with the end-of-year holidays: book early your hotels and main activities.

In this article

Weather
What to do
Good to know
What to pack
FAQ

December is the month when Dubai is at its best in terms of climate. Temperatures are ideal for walking, sightseeing and dining outdoors. In return, the city is very busy: Christmas holidays, National Day, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the start of the month and New Year concentrate the travelers.

Weather in Dubai in December

Indicator	In December
Average	≈ 21 °C
Afternoon	≈ 27 °C
Night	≈ 17 °C
Sea	≈ 24 °C
Rain	2 to 3 possible rainy days
Sunset	around 5:30pm

Indicative values, for guidance. It feels hotter with the humidity near the coast.

What to do in Dubai in December?

City and sightseeing

Days are cool and bright, ideal for exploring on foot. The Burj Khalifa and Downtown are very busy around 31 December: book your slots several weeks ahead.

Desert and safari

The safari is perfect in December, but evenings are cool (about 17 °C): bring a jacket or sweater. It is also a period when departures fill up fast.

Cruises and dinners at sea

A dinner cruise is a holiday classic, with the illuminated skyline. Dress warmer than in summer, as it can be cool on deck.

As a family

School holidays make the sites busier. You will find ideas in our guide Dubai with kids.

Good to know when traveling in December

Crowds: very heavy, especially between Christmas and New Year.
Hotel prices: the highest of the year around the holidays.
New Year: the Burj Khalifa fireworks draw huge crowds and access to Downtown is heavily restricted late in the evening. Plan your evening in advance.
National Day: 2 and 3 December, public holidays in the Emirates; some sites are busier.
Rain: a few possible days of showers, rare and brief.

What to pack?

Summer clothes by day, but a jacket or sweater in the evening, especially in the desert and on the water. A light sweater or windbreaker is useful. Swimsuit if your hotel has an unheated pool: the water can feel cool.

Guide's tip: if you travel between Christmas and New Year, lock in your transfer, hotel and headline activities first, then leave some flexibility for the rest.

Plan your activities

Burj Khalifa, safari, cruises, parks: book online, with a transfer possible from your hotel.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it hot in Dubai in December?

It is mild: about 27 °C in the afternoon and 17 °C at night. These are indicative values. In the evening, a jacket is advised.

Can you swim in December?

Yes, but the sea is around 24 °C: cooler than in November. Swimming remains pleasant in the middle of the day, especially with a hotel pool.

Do you need to book in advance for Christmas and New Year?

Yes, it is strongly advised. Hotels, safaris, cruises and transfers fill up fast over this period.

When is the UAE National Day?

2 and 3 December. These are public holidays, with celebrations across the country.

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