Dubai in December: weather and what to expect
- Mild and sunny
- Shopping festival
- New Year fireworks
- Higher prices
December is the start of the winter season, with the city at its busiest around Christmas and New Year.
- Avg. high
- 26 °C79 °F
- Avg. low
- 19 °C66 °F
- Avg. high, early → late December
- 28 → 25 °C82 → 77 °F
- Sea
- 25 °C77 °F
- Rain
- Rare, 1–2 days
- Humidity
- 70% morning, 46% afternoon
- Daylight
- 10 h 34 min
- Sunset
- 17:28–17:39
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes, one of the best months of the year: you can plan full days outdoors, from the beach to the desert. For swimming it beats January and February: the sea keeps some of the autumn warmth.
Weather in December
It feels close to what the thermometer says.
Good to know
- Rain is rare, but a heavy shower can flood roads and slow traffic. Check the forecast and allow extra travel time.
Sea and beaches
PleasantIdeal for long swims at any time of day.
What to wear in December
- Light clothes for the day: T-shirts, light trousers or skirts and comfortable shoes.
- A sweater or light jacket for evenings, the beach after sunset and air-conditioned places.
- Closed shoes for the desert: sand gets into everything else.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the winter sun is still strong.
Dress code all year
- In malls and other public places, cover shoulders and knees; many entrances show a dress-code sign.
- Swimwear is for beaches and pools only; cover up when you leave them.
- To visit a mosque, cover arms and legs; women also cover their hair. Some mosques lend suitable clothing.
- During Ramadan, dress a little more modestly in public.
What happens in December
- New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa draw huge crowds; viewing areas in Downtown Dubai fill up hours in advance.
- Dubai Shopping Festival starts on 4 December 2026 and runs to 17 January 2027.
Views and sunset
The air is usually clear, and from the observation decks you can see far along the coast and into the desert.
For sunset at the top of Burj Khalifa, book an entry around 15:31, about two hours before sunset in the middle of the month.
Sunset times at At the Top →What to do in December
Places that suit this month’s weather:
Months with similar weather: January, February
Averages for 2006–2025: air at Dubai International Airport (NOAA GHCNh), sea off Jumeirah (NOAA OISST). Individual days can differ. Nights are about 2 °C warmer than in the official 1991–2020 averages; daytime highs match.