The UAE in December: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the sea
December is a good time to visit the UAE if you want to spend more time outdoors and combine city breaks with the sea. In Dubai, split days between Al Fahidi, Downtown and the coast; in Abu Dhabi, add the Corniche, Saadiyat and the Grand Mosque. Allow a separate transfer if you plan to visit both cities.
Choose a month
Selected month: December
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: range across the selected cities
Cities and resorts
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.
Average air and sea temperatures, with the number of wet days per month.
All cities in this country in the catalogue
Is this a good month to visit?
Choose Dubai for beaches, old quarters and a wide range of city districts. Abu Dhabi suits a slower itinerary with a waterfront, museum and architecture.
Weather in the UAE
Average daytime highs are about 27 °C in Dubai and 26 °C in Abu Dhabi; night-time lows are around 17 and 19 °C respectively. These are figures for the two cities; islands and desert areas have their own conditions.
Daytime is comfortable for walks, while a light jacket is useful after sunset and on the open waterfront. Bring an extra warm layer for a desert trip, and use rainy hours for museums and indoor places.
The sea and choosing a city
Average sea temperatures in December are about 25 °C in Dubai and 24 °C in Abu Dhabi. Consider wind, waves and beach conditions on the day you visit.
In Dubai, choose between JBR and other city beaches; in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche offers a waterfront stop. Add Al Fahidi or Louvre Abu Dhabi for culture, but give distant sights separate days.
Routes and what to pack
For a short trip, choose one emirate and group places by district. In Dubai, plan Old Dubai, Downtown and the Marina as separate blocks; in Abu Dhabi, separate the Corniche from Saadiyat and the Grand Mosque.
Bring light daytime clothes, a layer for the evening, sun protection and comfortable shoes. For the Grand Mosque, wear modest clothing that covers the body; women should bring a head covering. Allow time to travel between emirates.
Common questions
Where should I go in the UAE in December?
Dubai combines the sea, Al Fahidi and modern districts. Choose Abu Dhabi for the Corniche, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque. If visiting both cities, allow separate days and a transfer.
Can you swim in the UAE in December?
Average sea temperatures are about 25 °C in Dubai and 24 °C in Abu Dhabi. How it feels depends on wind, waves and the beach you choose.
Is the UAE warm in the evenings in winter?
Evenings are cooler than sunny daytime, so bring a thin jacket or jumper. A warmer layer is useful for a desert trip.
What should I pack for the UAE in December?
Bring light clothes, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a jacket for the evening. For a mosque, wear modest clothing that covers arms and legs; women should cover their hair.
Compare destinations
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.
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.