Dubai in December

Is it worth going?

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.

A winter break by the sea, The old town and markets, Outdoor city walks

• Beaches, the historic centre and modern districts need separate visits
• The historic centre, Downtown and the Marina are in different parts of the city

Weather and rain

How warm is it?

Dubai’s average daytime high in December is about 27 °C, with a low around 17 °C at night. Light clothes suit the day; add a thin layer in the morning and evening. Bring warmer clothes for a desert trip.

How much does it rain?

Rain is limited in December, though a brief shower can interrupt outdoor plans. Keep a museum or covered café nearby as a backup, especially on a day around Al Fahidi and the Creek.

Swimming and sun

Can you swim?

The average sea temperature off Dubai in December is about 25 °C. Choose a serviced beach and decide whether to swim based on the wind, waves and how you feel that day.

Can you sunbathe?

Combine sunshine with a walk and some beach time. A hat, water and sun protection are useful on the open shore. If the wind picks up, move to a more sheltered part of the beach or take a walk around the district.

When to go

Weather at the beginning, middle and end of the month.

Early: days 1–10. Mid-month: days 11–20. Late: day 21 to the end of the month.

Early month

At the start of December, average daytime temperatures are higher than at the end of the month. Plan the beach and Al Fahidi for different days, and bring a light jacket for an evening walk by the Creek.

Mid-month

In mid-December, alternate open-air districts with indoor stops and leave the evening for the coast. On sunny days, avoid scheduling the entire Old Dubai walk during the hottest hours.

Late month

By late December, average daytime and night-time temperatures in Dubai are lower than at the start of the month. Add a layer for a late Marina visit and plan beach time for the middle of the day.

When does it get dark?

Plan countryside walks for daylight hours, with time to return before sunset.

Local time; dates are shown in the table.

How busy is it?

December includes the holiday period, when many people spend time outdoors. Visit popular waterfront and central spots on a weekday or start early in your day; avoid booking several districts with fixed-time stops on one day.

Things to do

Walk through Al Fahidi

Follow the narrow lanes of the historic quarter, look into its courtyards and continue towards Dubai Creek. Leave time for a cultural centre or museum if either is part of your plan.

The shore and a walk in JBR

Walk along JBR Walk, visit the beach and enjoy views of Dubai Marina. For a relaxed day, choose one stretch of coast instead of adding a cross-city trip.

A route by metro

Build the day around the metro line and nearby stations, then use the tram, water transport or a taxi for the final leg. Check routes and connections in RTA’s official journey planner before setting out.

Where to stay

For a beach-focused stay, choose JBR or the Marina, with the promenade and shore nearby. If the old quarters and metro routes matter more, look near Bur Dubai or Deira. For a short trip, keep one accommodation base.

Al Fahidi and Dubai Creek

Choose this area for old trading streets, courtyards, museums and traditional homes with wind towers. Explore on foot and continue towards the Creek waterfront. A beach day needs a separate trip.

JBR and Dubai Marina

This side of the city is good for waterside walks, the beach, cafés and an evening stroll along Marina Walk. It is a modern coastal district, well away from the old town, so visit Al Fahidi on another day.

Downtown Dubai

Come here for modern architecture and shopping centres. Give Downtown its own evening or combine it with a central city walk. The beaches at Jumeirah or JBR require a separate ride.

What to pack

• Light clothes for daytime
• A thin jacket or cardigan for the evening
• Swimwear and a beach cover-up
• A hat and sun protection
• Comfortable closed shoes for Al Fahidi

Before your trip

It is easier to explore Dubai as a group of separate districts than as one walkable centre. Give the old town, Downtown and the coast different days, and allow time for travel to the waterfront.

Getting around Dubai

The metro is useful for journeys between the main city districts, with the tram adding connections around Dubai Marina. Take a taxi for a beach or address farther from a station. Give each area a generous part of the day: the Creek, Downtown and JBR work well as separate walks. When choosing accommodation, consider the full walk from the station to the entrance.

Three days in Dubai

Start the day in Al Fahidi, walk towards Dubai Creek, then choose one modern district after lunch. Give JBR and the Marina their own coastal route the next day so beach time is not spent travelling across the city.

Al Fahidi and the Creek

Start in the lanes of Al Fahidi, then head to the Creek and continue along the water. Leave time for small galleries and cafés. This keeps the day in one part of the city; a waterfront walk can take the place of a beach outing.

JBR and Dubai Marina

Spend a day in the modern coastal districts: walk around JBR, leave daylight hours for the beach and continue the evening at Dubai Marina. Change into dry clothes after swimming and bring a jumper for a longer stop on the open waterfront.

Downtown and city architecture

Give Downtown and its modern architecture a separate day. Choose one major stop, allowing time for the walk from public transport and a café break. Spend the evening in the same area rather than returning to the distant beaches after a full day out.

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