Why December Is the Best Month to Visit Dubai
Looking for things to do in Dubai in December? You have picked the perfect time. December is the best month to visit Dubai, with sunny days, cooler evenings, and a packed calendar of festivals, celebrations, and outdoor events.
Whether you live here or plan to travel to Dubai in December, this guide covers the best things to do in Dubai in December, the top events, what the weather is like and the best places to visit in Dubai in December.
Dubai in December Weather
Dubai in December weather is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Days are warm and sunny, temperature in Dubai in december usually in the mid-20s °C, while evenings are cooler and pleasant for outdoor dining. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and rain is rare. The weather in Dubai in October starts to cool down after the summer heat, with sunny days around the low to mid-30s °C, warm evenings and sea temperatures perfect for swimming and yacht cruises. However, the average temperature in Dubai in December is good and cool enough to enjoy.
This makes outdoor activities the best things to do in Dubai in December, from beach days and desert safaris to yacht cruises and watersports. Pack light clothes for the day and a light jacket for the evening, especially in the desert.
Dubai December Events
December is one of the busiest months on the Dubai events calendar. Here are the main Dubai December events to plan around. Dates are announced each year, so check official listings before you book.
- UAE National Day (2 December): the whole city celebrates with flags, lights, parades and festive events. Read our guide to celebrating UAE National Day on a private yacht.
- Dubai Shopping Festival: usually begins in December, with big discounts, live shows, raffles and entertainment across the city.
- Christmas in Dubai: hotels and malls fill with giant trees, lights, festive markets and special Christmas lunches in Dubai.
- New Year’s Eve Dubai: Dubai is famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks. See our New Year’s Event page to plan your celebration at sea.
Best Things to Do in Dubai in December
Here are the best Dubai December activities for visitors and residents.
1. Take a Private Yacht Cruise
One of the top things to do in Dubai in December is exploring the city from the water. Cruise past JBR, Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island and the Dubai Marina canal on a private yacht, with your own group, music and food. Sunset cruises are especially popular in winter. See our Dubai Marina yacht tour guide for the full route.
2. Try Watersports Dubai
Watersports are among the most exciting things to do in Dubai in December, with warm sea and calm conditions for jet skiing, banana rides and donut rides. You can even ride straight from your yacht with our yacht watersports Dubai packages.
3. Go on a Desert Safari
A desert safari is one of the classic things to do in Dubai in December, with dune bashing, camel rides and a barbecue dinner under the stars. Bring a jacket, as the desert gets cool after sunset.
4. Visit Global Village
This open-air festival park brings together food, shopping and shows from around the world, and evenings in December are perfect for exploring it.
5. Enjoy the Beaches
JBR, Kite Beach and La Mer are at their best in December, with warm sunshine but without the summer heat.
6. Shop at the Dubai Shopping Festival
If you are visiting during the festival, expect big discounts across malls, plus concerts, light shows and family entertainment.
7. Celebrate Christmas in Dubai
See the festive lights, visit Christmas markets and enjoy a Christmas Day lunch. For something different, read our guide to celebrating Christmas in Dubai on a private yacht.
8. Dine Outdoors
December is the start of the outdoor dining season. Terraces, rooftop restaurants and waterfront promenades such as Dubai Marina Walk and JBR are full of life in the evenings.
9. Visit Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks
See the city from the top of the Burj Khalifa, explore the Dubai Frame or walk through Old Dubai and the Al Fahidi Historical District, all comfortable to visit in the cooler weather.
10. Explore Dubai Miracle Garden
This giant flower garden is open in the winter season and is a favourite for families and photos. Check opening dates and times before you visit.
Best Places to Visit in Dubai in December
The best places to visit in Dubai in December are the ones you would avoid in summer: outdoor attractions, beaches, and the waterfront. Top picks include Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, the desert and the open sea. Places to visit in winter in Dubai are at their best in December, so plan plenty of time outside.
Why a Yacht Cruise Is One of the Top Things to Do in Dubai in December
- Perfect weather: comfortable temperatures all day, with beautiful sunsets.
- Private and relaxed: escape the busy holiday crowds with your own group.
- Great for every occasion: birthdays, family days, National Day, Christmas and festive celebrations.
- Easy to combine: add swimming, watersports or dinner on board.
Our yachts start from AED 699 per hour for up to 8 guests, and from AED 800 per hour for groups of up to 30. Browse all our luxury yacht rental options to find the right yacht for your group.
Tips for Visiting Dubai in Winter
- Book early: The best things to do in Dubai in December book up fast, as it is peak season for hotels, restaurants and yachts.
- Plan around big events: National Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the busiest dates.
- Pack layers: warm days and cooler evenings mean a light jacket is useful.
- Use sunscreen: the winter sun is still strong.
- Expect traffic on event days: allow extra travel time, especially in the evenings.
Book Your December Yacht Cruise in Dubai
Looking for one of the best things to do in Dubai this December? Celebrate the season on the water with Supernova Yachts. Tell us your date, group size and occasion, and our team will recommend the perfect yacht for you.
Contact Supernova Yachts today to book your December yacht cruise before dates sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Christmas in Dubai on a yacht? Here are quick answers to our guests’ most common questions.
Fatma Mohammed
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