Things to Do in Uae in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Uae
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak season weather across the Emirates - daytime temperatures hover around 24-28°C (75-82°F), which is genuinely comfortable for outdoor exploration. You can actually walk around Dubai Marina or Abu Dhabi's Corniche at 2pm without melting, something impossible June through September.
- Major festivals and events converge in December - Dubai Shopping Festival typically kicks off late month, UAE National Day celebrations happen December 2nd with fireworks and cultural programs across all seven emirates, and New Year's Eve transforms Dubai into possibly the world's most elaborate pyrotechnic showcase.
- Reduced hotel rates in the first two weeks before the holiday rush - you'll find 30-40% lower prices December 1-15 compared to the Christmas week spike. Book accommodations for early December and you're looking at 4-star properties in Dubai Marina for AED 400-600 (USD 109-163) versus AED 800+ (USD 218+) during the final week.
- Desert activities become actually enjoyable rather than survivable - morning desert safaris in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Al Marmoom happen in 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures. Evenings cool to 14-16°C (57-61°F), perfect for overnight Bedouin camp experiences that would be uncomfortably hot other months.
Considerations
- Crowd levels escalate dramatically after December 20th - what starts as a pleasant shoulder season morphs into absolute peak tourism by Christmas week. Burj Khalifa observation deck wait times jump from 20-30 minutes early month to 90+ minutes during holidays, even with advance tickets.
- Price volatility is extreme within the same month - a hotel room that costs AED 450 (USD 123) on December 10th might be AED 1,200 (USD 327) on December 28th. Flights follow similar patterns. If your dates are flexible, avoiding December 23-January 2 saves substantial money.
- Occasional rain disruptions catch tourists off guard - those 10 rainy days with 51 mm (2.0 inches) total don't sound dramatic, but UAE infrastructure isn't built for rain. A 30-minute downpour can flood underpasses, temporarily close outdoor attractions, and create traffic chaos. Indoor backup plans are essential.
Best Activities in December
Desert Conservation Reserve Experiences
December transforms UAE's desert from hostile environment to genuinely pleasant ecosystem. Morning wildlife drives in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve happen in that sweet 18-22°C (64-72°F) window when Arabian oryx and gazelles are most active. The sand isn't scorching, so falconry demonstrations and camel interactions work without heat exhaustion risk. Evening temperatures dropping to 14-16°C (57-61°F) make overnight camping in traditional Bedouin-style camps comfortable rather than sweaty. You'll actually want to sit around the campfire. Book these 7-10 days ahead as December fills quickly.
Abu Dhabi Cultural District Tours
Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District become walkable in December's cooler weather. The outdoor installations and waterfront promenades connecting museums are actually pleasant to explore when temperatures sit around 24-26°C (75-79°F) rather than the 40°C+ (104°F+) summer furnace. The humidity at 70% is noticeable but manageable, especially with the breeze off the Arabian Gulf. December also brings rotating exhibitions timed for peak tourist season. Plan 4-5 hours for Louvre Abu Dhabi alone, plus another 2-3 hours for the surrounding district.
Hajar Mountains Hiking and Wadi Exploration
The Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah become prime hiking territory when December temperatures drop. High-altitude trails at 1,000-1,500 m (3,281-4,921 ft) elevation see daytime temps around 18-22°C (64-72°F), genuinely comfortable for exertion. Wadi pools still have water from occasional winter rains, and the landscape shows surprising green compared to summer's brown. Jebel Jais, UAE's highest peak at 1,934 m (6,345 ft), offers zipline experiences and via ferrata routes that are miserable in heat but excellent in December's conditions.
Traditional Souq Walking Tours
December's weather makes wandering Dubai's Gold Souq, Spice Souq, and Deira covered markets actually pleasant rather than endurance tests. The narrow alleyways and limited air circulation that make these markets stifling in summer become atmospheric in December's 24-28°C (75-82°F) temperatures. Early morning visits around 9-10am catch the souqs before peak crowds and heat. Combine with abra (traditional water taxi) rides across Dubai Creek for AED 1 (USD 0.27) - one of the city's best value experiences. Plan 2-3 hours for proper souq exploration.
Dhow Cruise Dining Experiences
Traditional wooden dhow dinner cruises along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina capitalize on December's perfect evening temperatures. That 16-20°C (61-68°F) range after sunset means open-air deck seating is comfortable without jackets. The humidity drops slightly in evenings, and you'll get views of illuminated skylines without the haze that plagues summer months. Two-hour dinner cruises typically include buffet meals and pass landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, or heritage sites depending on route.
East Coast Beach and Snorkeling Trips
The UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline around Fujairah and Dibba offers surprisingly good snorkeling when December's calmer seas and clearer water arrive. Water temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) mean you can snorkel comfortably for 45-60 minutes without wetsuit numbness. Visibility improves compared to summer's plankton blooms. Snoopy Island and Al Aqah Beach have accessible coral reefs with decent fish populations. The 90-minute drive from Dubai becomes worthwhile when you're escaping the city's construction dust for actual clear water.
December Events & Festivals
UAE National Day Celebrations
December 2nd marks the UAE's National Day with elaborate celebrations across all emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host major fireworks displays, air shows featuring the Al Fursan aerobatic team, traditional cultural performances, and heritage festivals. Government buildings and major landmarks get illuminated in national colors. Many attractions offer free or discounted entry for the 2-3 day celebration period. Streets fill with car parades of decorated vehicles - it's genuinely festive rather than manufactured tourism.
Dubai Shopping Festival Launch
The Dubai Shopping Festival typically launches late December, running into January. This month-long retail extravaganza brings 25-75% discounts across Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and hundreds of participating retailers. Daily raffle draws offer prizes including cars and gold. Street performances, fireworks at select malls, and food festivals run throughout. If you're visiting late December, you'll catch the opening week with fresh inventory and enthusiastic crowds.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Dubai's New Year's Eve has become internationally famous for coordinated fireworks displays across multiple locations - Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina simultaneously. Abu Dhabi hosts similar spectacles at Corniche and Yas Island. Public viewing areas fill hours before midnight. Many hotels and restaurants require minimum spend for NYE dining with views, typically AED 1,500-5,000+ (USD 408-1,361+) per person. Book these months ahead if you want premium viewing positions.