Uae in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Uae

28°C (82°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with 28°C (82°F) highs and minimal rainfall - best conditions for diving, snorkeling, and water sports in the Persian Gulf
Peak shopping festival season with Dubai Shopping Festival starting mid-December, offering 25-75% discounts at malls and souks across all emirates
Ideal outdoor exploration weather with comfortable evening temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) for desert safaris, mountain hiking in Hatta and Jebel Jais, and walking tours
Cultural festival peak season including Abu Dhabi Festival and heritage celebrations, plus extended outdoor dining hours at rooftop restaurants and beach clubs

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing with hotel rates 40-60% higher than summer months, especially around New Year's Eve when rates can triple
Crowded attractions with 2-3 hour wait times at popular spots like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, requiring advance booking and early morning visits
Occasional rain showers (10 days average) can disrupt outdoor desert activities and beach plans, though typically brief 30-45 minute downpours

Best Activities in December

Desert Safari Adventures in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

December offers perfect desert weather with daytime temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) ideal for camel riding, dune bashing, and overnight camping. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) for traditional Bedouin experiences without the scorching summer heat. Clear skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators certified by Dubai Tourism. Prices range from AED 200-800 depending on group size and inclusions. Morning safaris (8am-12pm) offer cooler temperatures, while sunset tours (3pm-9pm) provide dramatic lighting for photography. Look for operators offering conservation reserve access.

Jebel Jais Mountain Adventures

Cool mountain temperatures of 15-22°C (59-72°F) in December make this the ideal season for hiking the UAE's highest peak at 1,934 m (6,345 ft). Perfect conditions for the world's longest zipline, mountain biking trails, and via ferrata climbing routes. Clear winter skies offer impressive views across the Arabian Peninsula.

Booking Tip: Reserve zipline experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as December is peak season. Adventure packages cost AED 150-650. Mountain activities operate best between 9am-4pm when temperatures are optimal. Book through Ras Al Khaimah Tourism certified operators for safety equipment and insurance coverage.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Island Tours

December's pleasant 26°C (79°F) days are perfect for exploring Saadiyat Island's cultural district including Louvre Abu Dhabi and outdoor installations. The weather allows comfortable walking between venues and enjoying beachfront museums without summer's intense heat. Evening cultural events and outdoor exhibitions are in full swing.

Booking Tip: Purchase museum combination tickets online 5-7 days ahead for AED 60-120 savings. Cultural tours range from AED 300-600. Visit mornings (9am-12pm) for photography without harsh shadows, or late afternoons (4pm-7pm) for golden hour lighting. Check current exhibitions in booking section below.

Traditional Dhow Creek Cruises

Cool December evenings averaging 20°C (68°F) provide comfortable conditions for traditional wooden dhow cruises along Dubai Creek and Abu Dhabi's waterways. Perfect visibility for photographing illuminated skylines and heritage architecture. Light breezes make dining aboard pleasant without summer humidity.

Booking Tip: Book dinner cruises 5-14 days ahead, especially for weekend departures. Prices range AED 120-400 per person. Choose 7pm-10pm slots for optimal temperatures and city lighting. Licensed operators provide traditional Arabic entertainment and international buffets. See current cruise options in booking section below.

Diving and Snorkeling in Fujairah Waters

December brings ideal water temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) and excellent visibility up to 20 m (66 ft) in the Gulf of Oman. Coral reefs are most active, and marine life including whale sharks and manta rays migrate through these waters. Calm seas with minimal current make conditions perfect for beginners.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages 7-10 days ahead through PADI certified centers. Full-day trips cost AED 250-450 including equipment. Morning dives (8am-12pm) offer best visibility before afternoon winds. Nitrox certified divers can access deeper sites. Check current diving packages in booking section below.

Heritage Village Walking Tours

December's comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) afternoons are ideal for exploring reconstructed heritage villages in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Traditional architecture tours, handicraft demonstrations, and cultural performances are most active during winter months. Pleasant evening temperatures extend outdoor cultural activities until 10pm.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours typically cost AED 80-200 per person. Book through Emirates Heritage Club certified guides for real feels. Best timing is 4pm-7pm when demonstrations are active and temperatures comfortable. Many heritage sites offer free entry but guided tours provide deeper cultural context.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Dubai Shopping Festival

The region's biggest retail celebration featuring 25-75% discounts across malls, traditional souks, and online platforms. Includes daily fireworks, street performances, and prize draws with luxury cars and gold. Traditional markets in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also participate with heritage craft sales.

Late December

Abu Dhabi Festival

International arts and culture celebration featuring outdoor concerts, traditional Emirati performances, and contemporary art exhibitions across cultural institutions. Many events use the pleasant December weather for open-air venues and heritage site performances.

December 31st

New Year's Eve Celebrations

World-record fireworks displays at Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Abu Dhabi Brazzaville. Beach parties, desert celebrations, and rooftop events take advantage of perfect December weather. Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead as prices increase dramatically during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for 70% humidity and sun protection - avoid polyester which traps moisture

SPF 50+ sunscreen minimum - UV index reaches 8 even in winter months

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for brief afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable fabric for extensive mall and heritage site exploration

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits and cultural sites - required year-round

Light cardigan or jacket for air-conditioned spaces and evening temperatures dropping to 14°C (57°F)

Swimwear for beach clubs and hotel pools - water temperature remains comfortable at 24°C (75°F)

Portable phone charger for extended photography sessions during optimal lighting conditions

Cash in small denominations (AED 20-100 notes) for traditional souks and taxi tips

Prescription sunglasses - intense desert sun reflects off sand and modern architecture

Insider Knowledge

Book Burj Khalifa tickets for 5:30-6:30pm slot in December - perfect timing for both daylight city views and sunset colors, avoiding peak 7pm rush

Use Dubai Metro's Gold Class during peak season December - only AED 5-8 premium over regular tickets but guarantees seating and air conditioning during crowded periods

Shop for gold and spices at traditional souks between 10am-12pm in December - vendors are most negotiable before afternoon prayer breaks and tourist crowds arrive

Many luxury hotels offer day passes (AED 200-500) to beach clubs and pools - better value than tourist beaches during peak season, includes lounger and dining credits

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking desert safaris for midday in December - despite cooler weather, morning (8am-12pm) or sunset (4pm-8pm) tours offer better lighting and wildlife activity

Underestimating December crowd levels at IMG Worlds and Global Village - arrive at opening time or book fast-track passes to avoid 2-3 hour queues

Wearing dark colors during December days - light-colored, loose-fitting clothing reflects heat better and photographs better against desert and architectural backgrounds