December is Dubai at its most dramatic: daytime highs of 22-26°C, a 24°C sea and almost no rain, so yes, it is worth going. You also get the UAE’s biggest national celebration on the 2nd, and the planet’s most-watched New Year’s Eve fireworks on the 31st. It is also the most expensive month of the year and the hardest to book. Anyone planning to visit Dubai in December needs to move early.
Dubai December Weather: 24°C, Clear Skies and Cool Evenings
| December Average | |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 24–26°C (early Dec) → 22–24°C (late Dec) |
| Nighttime low | 14–17°C |
| Humidity | Low (45–55%) |
| Rain | Rare (0–1 days) |
| Sea temperature | 24°C |
| UV index | Low–Moderate (4–5) |
Temperatures drop slightly through December - the second half of the month is marginally cooler than November and slightly warmer than January. Sea temperature of 24°C is comfortable for most swimmers. Evening temperatures around 14–16°C make a light jacket worth packing.
UAE National Day (December 2): Fireworks, Parades and a City That Stops
UAE National Day commemorates the union of the seven emirates in 1971. In Dubai, it is marked by:
- Burj Khalifa light show and fireworks (Downtown Dubai - free viewing from the lake boardwalk)
- Military processions and parades along Jumeirah Road and Sheikh Zayed Road - some road closures in effect from the afternoon of December 1 through the evening of December 2
- Car caravans - decorated vehicles drive city-wide routes playing music; participatory and festive
- Public holiday - December 2 is an official public holiday; expect reduced hours at government offices and some private businesses, but malls, attractions, and restaurants run normal hours
Downtown Dubai, JBR Beach, and Corniche areas are extremely crowded on the evening of December 2. Parking is effectively impossible; use the Metro (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station) or arrange Careem pickup from a side street several blocks away.
Dubai Shopping Festival Launch: Late December Through January
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) typically launches in the final week of December and runs through late January. This means December visitors catch the opening energy:
- City-wide retail discounts across all major malls
- Gold and car raffles at participating venues
- Free outdoor concerts at Burj Park, JBR Beach Stage, and Dubai Festival City
- Global Village already in full swing from October
Global Village (open through April) features 90+ country pavilions, street food, and nightly entertainment. Tickets approximately AED 30 per adult.
New Year’s Eve: Burj Khalifa Fireworks, Ras Al Khaimah Option and Hotel Packages
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve is globally recognised. Key points for visitors:
Burj Khalifa display (free viewing) The fireworks run from around 23:55 on December 31 to approximately 00:15 on January 1. The display incorporates the entire Burj Khalifa and surrounding tower facades in a coordinated light-and-fireworks sequence.
Best free viewing areas:
- Burj Khalifa Lake boardwalk (arrive by 19:00 for the lakeside railing)
- Dubai Mall fountainside areas (filling by 20:00)
- Souk Al Bahar terrace (partially obscured but charming)
Hotel NYE packages Properties in Downtown Dubai typically run NYE packages ranging from approximately AED 800–2,500 per person for dinner + viewing access. The Armani Hotel, Address Downtown, and Burj Al Arab all sell out months in advance.
Ras Al Khaimah alternative Ras Al Khaimah holds a NYE fireworks display at Al Marjan Island that has broken Guinness World Records for largest display. Less crowded than Dubai, hotel packages from approximately AED 400–900 per person, 1.5-hour drive from Dubai. Full guide: Ras Al Khaimah NYE fireworks.
Christmas in Dubai: Malls, Hotel Brunches and an Expat-Driven Celebration
Dubai celebrates Christmas extensively, driven by a large expat community.
- Dubai Mall Christmas tree - typically one of the tallest in the region; installed from late November
- Hotel Christmas brunches (December 24–25): elaborate spreads at properties citywide; prices typically AED 350–700 per person including drinks; book well ahead
- Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates): indoor snow park with a Christmas theme; operating year-round but especially popular over the holiday period
- Winter-themed events at City Walk, Bluewaters Island, and La Mer
Christmas Day (December 25) is not a UAE public holiday and attractions operate normally.
Things to Do in Dubai in December
December’s cool weather means outdoor activities that are impractical in summer are fully open:
Desert Overnight desert camps with BBQ dinner, dune bashing, and camel riding - December evenings reach 14–16°C, cool enough for campfire sitting. Prices from approximately AED 350 per person. Book ahead; weekends and December 31–January 2 sell out first.
Old Dubai The Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood are all accessible on foot in December temperatures. Take an abra (water taxi, AED 1) across Dubai Creek between Deira and Bur Dubai.
Jebel Jais day trip Ras Al Khaimah, 1.5 hours from Dubai - UAE’s highest peak. The Jebel Jais Flight (world’s longest zipline, 2.83 km) operates year-round; approximately AED 250–350 per person. Views over the Hajar Mountains are best in December’s clear air.
Search Dubai December tours and activities
Where to Stay in Dubai in December
| Area | Rate range (Dec, per night) |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Business Bay | AED 900–3,500+ |
| Dubai Marina / JBR | AED 700–2,200 |
| Deira / Bur Dubai | AED 280–600 |
| Palm Jumeirah | AED 1,500–5,000+ |
December rates are 20–40% higher than February for comparable properties. For the NYE period specifically (December 29–January 2), rates can double or triple again. Budget travellers should consider Deira or Al Barsha rather than Downtown.
December Trip Planning for Dubai
- Dubai city guide
- UAE in December overview - full country conditions including other emirates
- Ras Al Khaimah NYE fireworks guide
- Christmas in Dubai
- Dubai NYE fireworks viewing guide
- Warmest place in the UAE in December
- Desert overnight camp guide
- 3-day Dubai itinerary
For a day-by-day plan, see our Dubai winter itinerary.
Plan Your Dubai December Trip
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