December marks the start of Dubai’s busiest period, with cooler weather and a full calendar of seasonal events. Comfortable daytime temperatures make outdoor activities easy to plan, while evenings suit dining, walking and social events.
This guide covers what to expect when visiting Dubai in December, including key activities, festivals, travel costs and planning tips to help you make the most of the month.
Dubai Weather In December
| Dubai Weather Snapshot (2025 Data) | Details |
| Highs | Up to 26°C |
| Average Temperature | Around 21°C |
| Lows | Around 16°C |
| Average Monthly Rainfall | 10.6 mm |
| Muggy Days (Humidity) | Around 2.3 days per month |
December in Dubai brings clear, mild days and noticeably cooler evenings as the city settles into its winter weather. Outdoor activities are easy to enjoy throughout the day, from sightseeing and beach walks to dining outside in the evenings. Rainfall remains limited in December, with around 10.6 mm recorded across the month, usually falling as brief showers.
Expect plenty of sunshine, with roughly ten to eleven hours of daylight each day. Daytime temperatures average around 21°C and can reach highs of 26°C, while nights cool to about 16°C. Humidity stays low, with only a handful of muggy days, creating comfortable conditions for exploring the city at a relaxed pace.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Dubai?
December is one of Dubai’s busiest months, driven largely by comfortable weather and a full calendar of events. Daytime temperatures are mild, humidity is low, and conditions suit outdoor activities from morning through to evening.
The month works well for beach time, outdoor dining, sightseeing and desert experiences, with cooler evenings making markets, waterfront walks and rooftop venues more appealing. Seasonal events, Christmas markets and large-scale celebrations begin to appear, with the Dubai Shopping Festival typically starting toward the end of the month.
As December falls within peak travel season, prices are higher and popular attractions, restaurants and accommodation book up quickly. Travellers visiting at this time should expect busier public spaces and plan ahead to secure preferred dates and experiences.
Dubai in December with Kids
December is a straightforward month for visiting Dubai with children, largely because the weather allows families to spend full days outdoors without needing to plan around heat. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, evenings are cool, and walking between attractions is easy.
Outdoor venues are fully operational in December. Family-friendly places such as Global Village, Dubai Safari Park and Dubai Miracle Garden are open and busy, offering plenty of space for children to move around. Beaches like JBR and Kite Beach are also popular with families, with calmer conditions and facilities suited to younger visitors.
December also coincides with school holidays, so many attractions run seasonal programmes aimed at families. Shopping centres and indoor venues often add themed activities, while places like Ski Dubai provide a novelty contrast to the warm climate.
For more information on things to do with kids in Dubai check out our article ‘10 Things To Do With Kids In Dubai’.
Things To Do in Dubai in December
December opens up one of the widest ranges of activities in Dubai, with comfortable weather allowing for both daytime exploring and evening plans. Outdoor attractions, seasonal venues and public spaces are all fully active, making it easy to build a varied itinerary.
Alongside regular attractions, December also brings a number of seasonal events and festivals that only take place at this time of year. Below, we highlight recommended activities for December, followed by key events and festivals scheduled during the month.
Note: Event dates can vary year to year, so it is best to check Dubai Calendar or Platinumlist for the latest information.
Dubai Activities in December
| Activity | Description | Website / Search URL |
| Platinum Heritage Desert Safari | A premium desert safari experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, featuring dune drives, camel rides, cultural experiences and an outdoor dinner in a traditional desert camp. | https://www.platinum-heritage.com |
| Global Village | One of Dubai’s most popular seasonal attractions, combining international food stalls, shopping pavilions, live performances and family-friendly entertainment. | https://www.globalvillage.ae |
| Dubai Miracle Garden | December is peak season for the Miracle Garden, with extensive floral displays that are comfortable to explore during the day and early evening. | https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com |
| Beach Day at JBR or Kite Beach | Mild winter temperatures make December ideal for long beach days, swimming, walking and relaxed seaside dining. | https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/jbr-beach |
| Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Creek | Cooler weather makes walking tours through Old Dubai more enjoyable, with museums, courtyards and traditional abra crossings across the Creek. | https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood |
Dubai Events and Festivals in December 2026
| Event | Dates (2026) | Location | Description |
| Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) | Early December 2026 to January 2027 (dates TBC) | Citywide | Dubai’s flagship retail and entertainment festival, featuring major shopping discounts, raffles, fireworks, drone shows and live entertainment across malls and outdoor venues. |
| Expo City Winter City | Throughout December 2026 | Expo City Dubai | A seasonal transformation of Expo City into a festive winter destination, with markets, themed installations, family activities and seasonal food stalls. |
| Global Village – Festive Season | Throughout December 2026 | Global Village | Part of Global Village’s winter season, with festive décor, themed performances and seasonal food offerings layered onto its international pavilions and shows. |
| Winter District at Dubai Media City | Mid to late December 2026 (dates TBC) | Dubai Media City Amphitheatre | An open-air winter market featuring festive food stalls, children’s play areas, parades and live stage entertainment aimed at families and social groups. |
| Christmas Markets (Various Locations) | Throughout December 2026 | Madinat Jumeirah, hotels and public venues | Annual Christmas markets offering chalet-style stalls, festive food and drinks, workshops and family activities. Locations vary but several markets run each year. |
| New Year’s Eve Celebrations | 31 December 2026 | Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, waterfront areas | Large-scale fireworks and light shows across multiple landmarks, with public viewing areas, ticketed events and rooftop celebrations throughout the city. |
For a detailed guide on what to expect on New Year’s Eve, read our ‘2026 New Year’s Eve in Dubai‘ guide.
Cost of Flights in December
Based on our research, direct return flights from London to Dubai in December typically start from around £526 (approximately AED 2,420). These fares are most commonly offered by airlines such as Emirates, with prices varying depending on travel dates, airport choice and luggage options. December sits firmly within peak travel season, so direct fares are higher than in autumn months and tend to rise closer to Christmas and New Year.
Cheaper return fares are also available from around £278 (approximately AED 1,280) with other airlines. These options usually involve one or more stops and are aimed at travellers prioritising price over convenience.
Where to Stay in Dubai in December
December is a lively month in Dubai, so where you stay can shape how much of the seasonal atmosphere you experience. Areas with walkable promenades, outdoor dining and easy access to events tend to work best.
Downtown Dubai is a popular base in December, especially around the festive period. You are close to large-scale events, seasonal displays and New Year celebrations, with plenty of restaurants and outdoor spaces that come alive in the evenings.
Dubai Marina and JBR also work well this month. The cooler weather suits waterfront walks, beach days and open-air dining, and the area has a busy but social feel throughout December. It is a good option if you want a mix of daytime activity and evening atmosphere.
For a quieter pace, Palm Jumeirah appeals to travellers who prefer a more relaxed setting while still being well connected to the city. Beaches are comfortable in December, and it is easy to split time between staying local and heading into central areas for events.Serviced apartments are a practical choice during December, particularly for families or longer stays, offering more space and flexibility during a busy travel period. Zennova Holidays provides serviced apartments across several well-located neighbourhoods, covering both central and coastal areas.
What to Wear in Dubai in December
With warm days and cooler evenings, December is one of the most comfortable months for dressing in Dubai. Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen work well during the day, while a light jumper or jacket is handy for evenings, especially outdoors.
Modest clothing is expected in public places. Aim to cover shoulders and knees when visiting malls, mosques, or cultural sites. Loose-fitting dresses, skirts, and trousers are ideal. A scarf or shawl can also be useful for women in more traditional settings.
Swimwear is fine at pools and private beaches but should be covered when walking through public areas. Comfortable sandals or trainers are best for exploring, and many evening venues call for smart-casual outfits like a dress or tailored shirt and trousers.
Is Dubai Crowded During December?
Yes, December is one of the busiest times to visit Dubai. With the combination of winter sun, school holidays, and festive celebrations, tourist numbers are at their peak. Attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Global Village, and Dubai Mall are especially popular, with weekends and holiday periods drawing large crowds.
Restaurants, beach clubs, and desert tours tend to book up quickly, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. While the city is well-equipped to manage high visitor volumes, planning ahead is key to enjoying a smooth and stress-free trip.
Dubai December Travel Cost Table
Typical Costs in December
| Category | Typical Price Range / Info |
| Public transport (metro / tram / bus) – one-way | AED 6 (≈ £1.20) |
| Taxi start fare | AED 12 (≈ £2.50) |
| Meal at budget-friendly / casual eatery | AED 35–70 (≈ £7–£14) |
| Meal at mid-range restaurant (main + drink) | AED 120–180 (≈ £24–£36) |
| Serviced apartment – budget/basic | AED 350–550 per night (≈ £75–£115) |
| Serviced apartment – mid-range | AED 600–900 per night (≈ £125–£185) |
| Longer-stay serviced apartment (monthly) | AED 15,000–30,000/month (≈ £3,000–£6,000) |
| Overall daily cost — budget traveller estimate | AED 500/day (≈ £100/day) |
| Typical daily cost — mid-range traveller | AED 1,250/day (≈ £255/day) |
Sample December Daily Budgets (Per Person)
| Style | Estimated Daily Spend |
| Budget (basic serviced apartment + cheap eats + public transport) | AED 450–550 (≈ £90–£110) |
| Comfortable / Mid-range (mid-range serviced apartment + mix of dining, taxis, activities) | AED 900–1,250 (≈ £180–£255) |
| Relaxed / Mixed (nicer serviced apartment + some splurges + paid attractions) | Varies depending on activities chosen |
What to Pack for Dubai in December
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces
- Swimwear for pools and beach visits
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers for walking
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites
- Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Smart casual outfits for evenings at restaurants or events
What is Dubai like in November and January?
If you’re planning a trip around this time of year, it’s useful to compare December with the months on either side. You can dive deeper with the guides below:
- Read our guide on Visiting Dubai in November.
- Read our guide on Visiting Dubai in January.
These will help you decide which month suits your plans best.