Dubai or Abu Dhabi in December: which to choose?
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in December: Dubai combines older districts with modern city life, while Abu Dhabi offers the Corniche, museums and separate days on Saadiyat. Compare the sea and the distances between stops on your route.
Travel month
Average temperatures in the cities on this page, °C
Contents
Compare the weather by city
| City | Daytime | At night | Sea | Wet days | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 27 °C | 17 °C | 25 °C | 0.7 | 4.5 mm | 10.6 h |
| Abu Dhabi | 26 °C | 19 °C | 24 °C | 0.6 | 1.9 mm | 10.6 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
Choosing a city for the sea
Average sea temperatures in December are around 25°C in Dubai and 24°C in Abu Dhabi. Give a beach day its own space alongside larger museum or city outings. A heated pool is a useful feature if you want long swims every day.
City routes and transport
In Dubai, give a day to the older districts by the Creek and another to the modern city. The metro connects districts, while a taxi may be more convenient for a particular beach or waterfront. In Abu Dhabi, plan the Corniche, Saadiyat and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as separate stops with transport between them.
A three-day trip
In December, leave one day for the beach and two for city routes. In Dubai, alternate the Creek with a modern waterfront; in Abu Dhabi, combine the Corniche and museums. An extra layer is useful in the evening after a sunny day by the sea.
Detailed city guides
Dubai in December
December works well for a trip that alternates city walks with time by the sea. Explore the districts outdoors during the day and bring a light jacket for after sunset. For a first visit, give Old Dubai, the modern centre and the coast separate blocks: travelling between them can take a substantial part of the day.
Abu Dhabi in December
December suits a trip that combines the waterfront, a museum and time by the sea. Give the Corniche, Saadiyat and the Grand Mosque separate visits. Bring a light layer for evenings by the water, and allow time to travel between districts.
Common questions
Can I combine Dubai and Abu Dhabi in three days?
For a short break, choose one city and explore a few districts in more detail. If you want both, give each a separate stay to leave more time for walks and fewer return journeys.
Where is the sea warmer in December?
The sea averages around 25°C in Dubai and 24°C in Abu Dhabi. If you want to swim every day, compare the pools at your chosen accommodation as well.
Trip ideas
Where to go for winter sun: four sea breaks in December
Compare a stay in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in December. They offer different ways to spend a week: a beach base on the Red Sea, walks through a large city, or museums combined with time on the waterfront.