Things to Do in Uae in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Uae
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
82°F (28°C)
High Temp
57°F (14°C)
Low Temp
2.0 inches (51 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Daytime temperatures at 82°F (28°C) are good for desert safaris without the furnace-blast heat of summer months, and evening temperatures dropping to 57°F (14°C) finally make outdoor dining on Jumeirah's beach terraces comfortable instead of sweltering
- + Hotel rates drop 25-35% from peak winter pricing in January-February, with luxury properties along Sheikh Zayed Road offering their most generous packages of the year
- + Perfect timing for Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 season - the Yas Marina Circuit buzzes with pre-season testing that you can watch from the trackside stands without the October Grand Prix crowds
- + Christmas markets pop up in unexpected places - Mall of the Emirates transforms into a fake-snow winter wonderland while the traditional souks in Deira stay authentically Emirati with spice-scented air thick enough to taste
Considerations
- − Sea temperatures at 73°F (23°C) feel cool for swimming - locals abandon JBR Beach in December, leaving it to tourists who don't realize this is considered 'cold' here
- − Afternoon haze from humidity mixes with desert dust, turning those Instagram-perfect Burj Khalifa shots into grey disappointments between 2-5 PM most days
- − Desert camping requires proper gear - nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F (10°C) in the dunes, catching unprepared visitors who expect year-round desert heat
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Liwa Desert Dune Bashing Expeditions
December's cooler mornings at 68°F (20°C) make Liwa's massive orange dunes enjoyable instead of an endurance test. The low-angle winter sun casts dramatic shadows across the 300-meter (984-foot) Moreeb Dune, creating that perfect burnt-orange Instagram shot. Afternoon winds are gentler than summer, meaning less sand-in-mouth moments during your 4WD adventure. Plus, the desert camps serve proper Arabic coffee hot enough to warm your hands instead of lukewarm tourist versions.
Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead through desert safari operators - December sees steady demand but not the January rush. Look for tours that include evening entertainment at a Bedouin-style camp. The fire shows are spectacular against December's clearer night skies
Dubai Creek Abra Sunset Tours
December's 5:30 PM sunsets align well with the golden hour abra rides across Dubai Creek. The temperature drops to a comfortable 72°F (22°C) as wooden boats packed with commuters create this memorable contrast between old and new Dubai - dhows loaded with cargo heading to Iran while glass skyscrapers reflect the dying light. The call to prayer echoes from both sides of the creek, mixing with the putt-putt of abra engines.
Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for the regular abras (and don't pay tourist prices), but book sunset photography tours 1-2 days ahead. The tours that circle the full creek take 90 minutes and give you both the heritage village and the modern skyline
Sharjah Heritage District Food Walks
December evenings are finally cool enough to properly explore Sharjah's historic district without collapsing into the nearest air-conditioned cafe. The scent of cardamom from Arabic coffee houses mingles with grilled lamb from roadside kebab spots along Al Hisn Street. Local families pack the heritage area after sunset prayers, creating this authentic atmosphere that disappears during summer when everyone's hiding indoors.
Booking Tip: Evening food tours run daily at 7 PM - perfect timing after the temperature drops. Look for tours that include the Central Souk's spice market section, where vendors will let you smell saffron from Iran and frankincense from Oman
Hajar Mountains Hiking Routes
December transforms the Hajar Mountains from an oven into a hiker's great destination - daytime peaks at 75°F (24°C) instead of 104°F (40°C). The switchback roads above Fujairah offer views over the Gulf of Oman where winter waves crash against the rocky shoreline. Fossil Rock and Camel Rock formations create natural photo spots with the kind of dramatic lighting that only comes with winter's lower sun angle.
Booking Tip: Mountain guides aren't as busy in December -you can usually book day hikes 1-2 days ahead instead of the week needed in peak season. Bring layers for 3,000-foot (914-meter) elevation changes and afternoon winds
Dubai Marina Yacht Charters
December's steady 15-knot (17 mph) breezes make yacht charters sail-worthy instead of just floating cocktail bars. The marina's yacht basin fills with superyachts that escaped the Mediterranean winter, creating this floating luxury car show. Evening charters catch the Marina Mall's light show reflecting off the water while temperatures stay comfortable enough for deck lounging.
Booking Tip: December weekday charters often run 30% cheaper than weekends - the Dubai crowd works Sunday-Thursday. Book 3-4 days ahead, and don't fall for the 'sunset cruise' upsell - the regular evening charters include the same light show
Where to Stay in Uae in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 2nd
UAE National Day Celebrations
December 2nd sees the entire country draped in red, green, black and white. Downtown Dubai becomes a parade of cars covered in flags, while the Burj Khalifa's LED facade runs continuous national day animations. The real action is in Abu Dhabi's Corniche where fireworks reflect off the Persian Gulf - locals set up elaborate picnics with traditional Emirati dishes like harees and thareed that you'll rarely find in restaurants
Mid to late December
Dubai Shopping Festival Warm-up
The official festival starts in January. But December sees the soft launch with pre-festival sales that are better than the main event. Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall start their decorations mid-December, creating these insane shopping environments with 30-foot Christmas trees next to camel sculptures. Local tip: the electronics sales in December often beat January prices
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View Uae Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Book your hotel precisely 21 days ahead. Properties drop their December rates at this exact window, letting you outsmart both early planners and last-minute gamblers.
Ride the Dubai Metro's Gold Class cars in December. They're half-empty and the air conditioning runs at civilized levels, unlike the meat-locker chill of regular cars.
Follow local families to Al Mamzar Beach Park on Fridays. Be there by 9 AM when the karak chai (spiced tea) stalls appear, before the afternoon invasion.
Most desert safari outfits will knock 15-20% off December prices if you walk into their Deira offices instead of booking through your hotel concierge.
Avoid These Mistakes
Skip poolside hotels if swimming matters. December's 73°F (23°C) water leaves everyone shivering and wondering why the Gulf feels like the North Atlantic.
Avoid planning outdoor activities between 1-3 PM. Humidity spikes then, turning a mild 82°F (28°C) into a sweat-drenched slog.
Remember the UAE weekend runs Friday-Saturday. Many attractions shift their hours and some tours simply don't operate on Fridays.
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Top-rated things to do in Uae this December
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