United Arab Emirates Dubai Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Dubai is Excellent
Dubai Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 26° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 12mm · 2 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Dubai in December averages a high of 26°C and low of 16°C with 12mm of rain over about 2 days. T-shirts and shorts during the day; light jacket or sweater for evenings (lows of 15-18°C). Pack a hoodie — desert evenings dip to 8-12°C. Beach + pool still comfortable; long-sleeve cover-up after sundown.
December is Excellent for Dubai.
December is the second peak month after January. Temperatures sit at 26°C daytime, 16°C nights — the most comfortable spread of the year. The third Wednesday of December typically marks UAE National Day celebrations (postponed celebration if Dec 2 fell on weekend) with Burj Khalifa firework choreography.
The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off mid-December — 30-75% retail discounts run through January. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are celebrated in malls (decorations, choirs, Santa appearances) despite the Muslim majority — Dubai's hospitality industry treats it as a major tourist event.
Travel score
Best season + DSF + NYE countdown + hotel surge
December Weather at a Glance
Dubai in December averages 79°F / 26°C high and 63°F / 17°C low — top month of the year. 2 rainy days, 16mm. Humidity 60%, 8.5 hours sunshine. Sunrise 7 AM, sunset 5:25 PM.
December Travel Advice
T-shirt in day + evening light jacket + desert dawn sweater. Dubai Shopping Festival (mid-Dec to late Jan, 30-75% off + fountain shows + fireworks) + UAE National Day (Nov 30-Dec 2, UAE flags + fireworks) + Dec 31 Burj Khalifa New Year fireworks (world's #1 display, 1.5M attendance).
Flying In from Overseas
Korea year-end holiday (Dec 20-Jan 5) prices peak — Seoul-Dubai $1,670-2,500. NYE (Dec 30-Jan 2) hotels 2-3× normal + Burj Khalifa area $1,250+ mandatory.
December Pricing Trends
Peak season — Downtown 4-star $185-335/night (NYE 3×). Marina 4-star $150-270 (NYE 2-3×).
Dubai December Weather Stats
Avg High
26°C
Avg Low
16°C
Rainy Days
2
12mm total
Sunshine
8.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
Comfortable
UV Index
5
Moderate
Wind
13 km/h
Gusts 25
Sea Temp
23°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
36 μg/m³
PM10
75 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
27°C
Nighttime
14°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
13 km/h
Max gust 25 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most comfortable temperature spread of the year
- All outdoor activities at peak comfort
- Major events (National Day, Shopping Festival, NYE fireworks)
Cons
- Hotel prices at yearly peak (Dec 28-Jan 2)
- Burj Khalifa NYE crowds reach 1.5M+ in Downtown
- Restaurants book solid for Christmas + NYE 2-3 months ahead
December Events & Festivals
- UAE National Day (December 2) — flag displays, fireworks, parades
- Dubai Shopping Festival begins (mid-December)
- Christmas + New Year season — hotel prices at yearly peak
Dubai in December — Full Picture
December is the second peak month after January. Temperatures sit at 26°C daytime, 16°C nights — the most comfortable spread of the year. The third Wednesday of December typically marks UAE National Day celebrations (postponed celebration if Dec 2 fell on weekend) with Burj Khalifa firework choreography.
The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off mid-December — 30-75% retail discounts run through January. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are celebrated in malls (decorations, choirs, Santa appearances) despite the Muslim majority — Dubai's hospitality industry treats it as a major tourist event.
December 28-January 2 has the highest hotel prices of the year — book 4-6 months ahead. New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa (free fountain + facade fireworks visible from Downtown public spaces) attracts 1.5M+ spectators — closures and traffic restrictions across Downtown. Dhow cruise NYE packages at Marina run $200-500/person.
What to Wear & What to Pack
T-shirts and shorts during the day; light jacket or sweater for evenings (lows of 15-18°C). Pack a hoodie — desert evenings dip to 8-12°C. Beach + pool still comfortable; long-sleeve cover-up after sundown.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
34.7°C
22°C
1/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
41.7°C
30.3°C
0/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
35.7°C
25°C
0.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current25.3°C
15°C
2.7/mo
Dubai Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 24° | 14° | 3d·16mm | 8.5h | 65% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 26° | 15° | 3d·25mm | 8.7h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 30° | 18° | 2d·22mm | 9h | 62% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 35° | 22° | 1d·7mm | 10h | 60% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 39° | 26° | 0d·0mm | 11h | 60% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 41° | 29° | 0d·0mm | 11.5h | 60% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 42° | 31° | 0d·1mm | 11.5h | 65% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 42° | 31° | 0d·0mm | 11h | 65% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 40° | 29° | 0d·0mm | 10.5h | 65% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 36° | 25° | 0d·1mm | 10h | 62% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| November (Best) | 31° | 21° | 1d·4mm | 9.5h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 26° | 16° | 2d·12mm | 8.5h | 65% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Dubai December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Dubai in December is Excellent. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Dubai in December?
Dubai December averages a high of 26°C and a low of 16°C.
Does it rain much in Dubai in December?
Dubai December averages 12mm of rainfall over about 2 rainy days.
What should I wear in Dubai in December?
T-shirts and shorts during the day; light jacket or sweater for evenings (lows of 15-18°C). Pack a hoodie — desert evenings dip to 8-12°C. Beach + pool still comfortable; long-sleeve cover-up after sundown.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Dubai in December?
Dubai December sunrise is 06:55 and sunset is 17:28, with 10h 33m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Dubai in December?
Dubai December air quality (AQI) averages 80, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 36μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Dubai in December?
In December, Dubai is great for Desert safari, NYE Burj Khalifa fireworks, Global Village.
Is December peak season in Dubai?
Dubai December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Dubai
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Dubai?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.