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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 23 °C | 17 °C | 24 °C | 0.1 | 0.5 mm | 10.5 h |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 25 °C | 15 °C | 25 °C | 0.1 | 1.4 mm | 10.4 h |
| 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.
If swimming comes first
In December, the sea still holds some autumn warmth. Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai average around 25°C in the water, Hurghada and Abu Dhabi around 24°C. If the sea is your main reason for travelling, keep several daylight hours free for it and give longer city walks their own days.
Beach base or city break?
Choose Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh if you want to spend much of the holiday by the sea. Start with the beach and access to the water, then consider the district and excursions. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, list the city activities you want to do: nearby accommodation cuts travel time, while the beach can have a day of its own.
Three days or a week?
For three days, choose one base and two main routes. In Dubai these could be the Creek and a modern waterfront; in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and Saadiyat’s cultural district. For a week on the Red Sea, leave days free of excursions between city walks and boat trips. This pace suits a stay focused on relaxing by the water.
Choosing winter accommodation
For a beach holiday, consider the walk from your room to the shore, entry to the water and somewhere to relax after swimming. A heated pool is useful if you find the sea cool. For a city break, convenient transport and cafés near your accommodation matter more. Bring an extra warm layer for evenings.
Detailed city guides
Hurghada in December
December in Hurghada suits walks by the sea and reef trips. It is about 23 °C during the day and cooler in the evening, so take a light jacket for dinner on the promenade.
Sharm el Sheikh in December
In December, Sharm el Sheikh is about 25 °C by day, and the sea is about 25 °C. Plan time in the bays, a museum visit and trips to natural areas on separate days.
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
Is the sea warmer in Egypt or the UAE in December?
Compare individual cities: Hurghada averages around 24°C, Sharm el Sheikh 25°C, Dubai 25°C and Abu Dhabi 24°C in the sea. Entry to the water and conditions on the shore also matter when choosing a beach.
Where can I enjoy winter warmth without swimming every day?
For winter warmth with city walks, Dubai offers the Creek, waterfront districts and architecture. In Abu Dhabi, combine the Corniche, museums and Saadiyat’s cultural district. Plan transport between distant areas rather than long walks across the city.
How should I choose a winter trip with children?
Start with convenient accommodation: a short walk to the beach, suitable access to the water and a heated pool help with swimming days. For city outings, leave time for one main route and a relaxed walk near your base.
Compare destinations
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in December: which to choose?
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in December: choose between two Red Sea bases by the beach, district and plans beyond the hotel. For a winter trip, consider access to the water and what you want to do after the beach.
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.