30.09.2026
1350
Save the article:
What is it like? Dubai in December is beautiful, interesting, wonderful, hospitable... But it is like that at any time of year. As for the first month of winter specifically, it is considered the most comfortable from a climatic point of view, especially for those who are not used to exhausting heat.
What is there to do? There is a wide variety of entertainment options. These include attending festive events, sightseeing at numerous attractions, and cultural pastimes. And, of course, trips to the beach, since the weather at this time of year is practically ideal for it.
December can be called one of the most favourable months for a trip. A unique kind of “winter” begins in the region: the exhausting heat recedes, daytime temperatures become more pleasant, and humidity levels no longer reach summer highs.
During the day, the air warms up to an average of 25–26°C. Sometimes it is a little cooler — around 23–24°C, especially in the afternoon and towards evening.
Image source: Jeet Dhanoa / unsplash.com
At night, the temperature can drop to 15–17°C. For Dubai, this is already quite cool, especially if there is a wind blowing from the sea.
The sea in Dubai in December offers quite comfortable conditions for swimming. The average water temperature is around 23–25°C. This means you can not only swim, but also take part in water sports or simply spend time on the coast.
Despite the desert climate, it does sometimes rain in Dubai in winter. This usually amounts to just one or two rainy days a month, and prolonged downpours are rare. On average, about 10mm of rainfall falls in December.
For most of the time, the sky remains clear or slightly cloudy. Humidity can rise in the morning and at night, but thanks to the moderate daytime temperature, it is fairly easy to cope with.
The comfortable weather in Dubai in December makes it possible to spend much more time outdoors. You can go for long walks, take excursions, and visit markets and historic quarters without suffering from intense heat.
December is also suitable for a beach holiday: the sun continues to warm the air, and the sea remains warm. At the same time, the risk of overheating is significantly lower than in summer.
This is when the busy tourist season begins. Festivals are held throughout the city, and festive venues and special seasonal events appear.
Despite the milder climate, it can sometimes be quite hot in the sun during the day, especially for people used to cool weather. Humidity can rise after rain and during the night hours.
There is another nuance: the closer it gets to New Year, the more tourists there are. Along with demand, prices for accommodation, services, and flights usually rise as well.
T-shirts made from natural fabrics, shorts or lightweight trousers, and comfortable shoes are suitable for daytime walks. For the evening, it is worth bringing a cardigan, a jacket, or a light coat.
Do not forget about sun protection: sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen will come in handy. To visit mosques and other religious sites, you will need clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. For lengthy excursions, it is best to choose comfortable footwear.
The main advantage of the December weather is the absence of exhausting heat. You can sunbathe and spend a long time on the beach without any worries, although sun protection is still necessary.
One of the main symbols of Dubai — an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. Luxury hotels, residential complexes, and restaurants are located on its ‘fronds’.
Image source: Andrew Ring / shutterstock.com
The shape of the island is particularly striking when viewed from The View observation deck, located on the 52nd floor of Palm Tower. From there, a 360° panorama unfolds. After visiting the observation deck, you can take a ride on the monorail that runs along the palm’s ‘trunk’.
At the far end of the island is the famous Atlantis complex, home to an aquarium and a water park.
It is particularly interesting to visit the world’s tallest skyscraper in the evening: after sunset, the building’s spectacular illumination is switched on, and the famous fountain show takes place nearby.
Evening performances take place between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The show can also be seen during the day, but it looks far more spectacular after dark.
In December, you can visit the Etihad Museum, the Museum of Illusions Dubai, or the famous Museum of the Future. The Museum of the Future is interesting not only for its exhibitions on technology, space, and humanity’s possible future, but also for the futuristic building itself.
The huge wheel was closed for a long time after only a brief period of operation, but it reopened to visitors again in 2025. One full rotation takes around 40 minutes, and a ticket costs about $40 per person.
This is a large entertainment complex bringing together several theme parks: Motiongate, Real Madrid World, Legoland, and a water park.
It is not easy to fit in every attraction in a single day. The complex will be of particular interest to families with children.
A combined ‘2 parks in 1 day’ ticket costs around $100.
This vast area is filled with displays made from live flowers. In the Garden you can see fairy-tale palaces, cartoon characters, and one of the most recognisable installations: an Emirates aeroplane entirely decorated with flowers.
Image source: Ryan Chu / unsplash.com
Admission costs around 100 dirhams, or $28.
This unique observation deck is shaped like a giant photo frame. One side offers a view of Dubai’s old quarters, while the other looks out over the modern part of the city.
A transparent glass floor adds to the experience. Admission costs around $16.5.
One of the world’s largest shopping centres offers more than just shopping. It is home to the famous waterfall featuring figures of pearl divers. The installation is a nod to the days when pearl diving played an important role in the region’s economy.
Another attraction is the huge, several-storey-high aquarium, home to hundreds of marine creatures. Part of the aquarium can be seen for free from the shopping centre, while a ticket is required to access the inner zones.
A modern district with a large marina and impressive skyscrapers, where you can take a walk along the water or go on an evening boat trip with dinner, music, and views of the city.
A holiday in Dubai in December is well suited to a family trip. The local entertainment parks are open all year round, so the choice of activities for children barely depends on the season. That said, the hotel animation programmes familiar from some beach resorts may not be available, so it is worth planning your child’s schedule in advance.
The best places to visit with a child in Dubai in December:
It is best to choose an area based on your budget, the format of your trip, and what you plan to do during your holiday.
Image source: Dawid Tkocz / unsplash.com
Popular areas to stay in:
Top three beaches for a comfortable holiday:
The city offers a vast selection of hotels, ranging from relatively affordable accommodation to premium-level options. Here are a few popular five-star hotels:
The hotel is located on the second row in the Dubai Marina area. It stands out for its high level of service and dining. Besides standard rooms, suites and one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments are also available.
Located on the first row in Dubai Marina. The hotel has its own beach and green grounds. A good option for a relaxed, respectable stay.
Located in the Dubai Marina area with its own beach. It is often chosen by tourists who want to combine city life, sightseeing, and time by the sea in a single trip.
One of the longest-established hotels in Jumeirah, with its own beach, green grounds, classic décor, and a good choice of dining options.
Another well-known hotel on the first row in Jumeirah. It has its own beach, although most rooms do not have balconies.
December falls within the high tourist season, so the cost of accommodation and package holidays rises noticeably. The final budget depends on the hotel category, the length of the trip, and the specific dates.
Image source: Raimond Klavins / unsplash.com
Average hotel prices per night:
Flights to Dubai in December can also be more expensive due to high demand. It is worth budgeting an extra 3,000–5,000 roubles per person per day for food and entertainment.
First and foremost, lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics will come in handy. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. For the evening, it is best to bring a thin cardigan or a light jacket. If you are planning a trip to the desert, you will need comfortable footwear and clothing that can protect your shoulders from wind and sand.
In the UAE, a lot of fruit is fairly expensive, since the local climate does not allow many crops to be grown. You can save money by choosing seasonal local produce.
In December, relatively affordable options include dates, pomegranates, citrus fruits, tamarind, physalis, kumquats, and strawberries.
December coincides with a period of major sales. Ahead of the European Christmas, shopping centres offer discounts across a wide range of product categories.
Popular purchases among tourists include gold, leather, and fur goods. Bargaining is customary at traditional markets, whereas prices are fixed in large shopping centres.
December is rightly considered one of the most pleasant months for a trip to Dubai. Just a few hours on a plane, and familiar winter gives way to warm weather, palm trees, beaches, and a blue sea. It is precisely this combination of comfortable climate, beach holidays, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that makes the first month of winter so popular with tourists.
Article header image source: Raimond Klavins / unsplash.com
