Dubai In December: Complete Travel Guide
Are you thinking of visiting Dubai in December? Would you like to know if it is the best time, what is the weather like and what to do? I’ve prepared this travel guide about Dubai in December, especially for you.
Dubai is a trendy tourist destination throughout the year, and December is the most popular month to visit.
Why is it so? The weather in Dubai in December is ideal for both swimming and sightseeing, and because of the festive season Christmas and New Year’s Eve which are spectacular in Dubai.
However, visiting Dubai in December has some disadvantages that you have to count on, such as higher prices and a crowded city.
After visiting Dubai twice in December, I have prepared this guide with all you need to know before you start planning your vacation to Dubai in December.
Is December A Good Time To Visit Dubai?
Yes, it is a perfect time to visit Dubai in December at least once in your lifetime. The weather is ideal for enjoying a lot of outdoor activities.
The festive season means a lot of events, tasting delicious food, admiring Christmas decorations, kids’ activities, and parties for adults.
Moreover, New Year’s Eve in Dubai with its fireworks all over the city, especially at Burj Khalifa, is the most fascinating in the world.
Visiting Dubai in December has two negative aspects, especially during Christmas and New Year. The prices of flight tickets and hotels go exponentially high.
It starts in the middle of December and the 30th, 31st and 1st of January the prices of hotels are really at the top.
The second thing is crowds. As it is the most popular month, the city is so crowded. I couldn’t believe it after a long break visiting again in December 2023. Be ready for the full metro, streets, crowded beaches, and malls.
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📷Book tours with GetYourGuide or Viator
🏨Find accommodation with Booking or Expedia
🛜Stay connected with Airalo eSIM
✈️Find the cheapest flights with WayAway flight aggregator
👩⚕️Wherever you travel, bring insurance with you. SafetyWings
Dubai In December: Weather
Many people visit Dubai during winter due to lower temperatures. In December the daily temperatures range between 25-30 degrees Celsius/77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures at night are between 16-20 degrees Celsius/61-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sea temperature is around 23-25 degrees Celsius/73-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal for swimming and enjoying beach time.
Some days could be warmer, some colder, especially in the evening. Therefore, bring also long trousers and a light sweater or jeans jacket.
The rain in December is unusual, however, with these climate changes you never know. If you experience some rain, it should not last long.
Dubai In December: Best Things To Do & See
December is full of events, concerts, fireworks, shopping, and enjoying outdoor activities during pleasant weather.
1. Stroll around Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is a wonderful place where you can walk around the water canal, ride an Abra, take awesome pictures with Burj Al Arab in the background, and stroll through the modern market to buy some souvenirs.
There are many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy food and drinks with stunning views.
Moreover, during Christmas time, Madinat Jumeirah is turning into a wonderland. With its huge Christmas tree in the middle, Christmas decorations everywhere you look, a carousel and artificial snow for snow fight for children, and a lot of stalls with delicious food.
During the festive season, you can take the Abra ride with Santa. Also, you can visit Santa Grotto but be ready for a long queue. We gave up at the end as it took so long and we didn’t have time to wait.
2. Admire shopping malls and shop with discounts
Every year for the whole month from the beginning of December until the beginning of January, the Dubai Shopping Festival is happening.
All retailers provide discounts in their shops, so it is a great time for shopaholics.
If you are not into shopping, you can admire the shopping malls with beautiful Christmas decorations during the festive season.
A shopping festival doesn’t mean only shopping but you can see performances in the shopping malls, events, and raffles are on the plate as well.
3. Watch the laser show in JBR
For those who didn’t know JBR, it is a popular area with a beach, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, lovely for evening walks. There is also a kids’ entertainment area with games where they can win some prizes.
From the first week of December until the beginning of January, you can watch a stunning laser show here every evening.
4. Go to the top of Burj Khalifa
Going to the top of Burj Khalifa is a must-do anytime during the year. So if you haven’t done it yet, you should definitely go.
The observation deck is on the 124th floor with a height of 452m/1482 feet. You can go even higher to Burj Khalifa Sky, which is on the 148th floor.
Would you like VIP? Then Burj Khalifa Lounge on floors 152, 153, and 154 is for you.
No matter which option you choose, book in advance as this is the most popular attraction and it is always booked. As December is the busiest month, you don’t want to be disappointed.
5. Spend the evening in Global Village
You must visit Global Village. It was the first time I have been there but I will definitely visit again. It is an amazing place where you will be taken around the world.
With pavilions representing different countries, you will see architecture, and products and taste the food of the particular country. You can watch traditional dances and performances from different countries.
For those who are looking for some fun and adrenaline, there are many rides for children and adults. These are paid extra, not included in the entrance fee.
During the festive season, there is a tall Christmas tree, a show for children, and even a real Santa Claus. Global Village is a great place for the whole family.
6. Enjoy sunny beaches
As the weather is perfect in December, you can’t leave Dubai without spending some days on the lovely beaches.
There are many beaches to choose from, whether you prefer free public beaches or paid private beaches with sunbeds and food and drink service.
On some free public beaches, you can also rent sunbeds and the possibility to buy drinks and snacks are also there. For example, JBR Beach is one of them.
JBR is the most popular and busy beach with a lovely view of Ain Dubai. There is also a floating waterpark Aqua Fun.
To try Kite Surfing head to Kite Beach where you can rent the equipment and also take some classes.
7. Celebrate Christmas with Christmas dinner
If you go to Dubai to celebrate Christmas, book a nice restaurant in advance. Many restaurants in Dubai prepare special Christmas menus on the 24th and 25th of December.
You choose based on cuisine, location, and budget. To dine next to Dubai Fountain, there are many restaurants to choose from.
We booked a table in Abd El Wahab Restaurant in the Souk Al Bahar. They didn’t have a special Christmas Menu, but they had a setup menu for a few people with several dishes, so everyone could try different meals.
The food was delicious and the view was spectacular. Book it one month in advance and ask for a table on the terrace, first row.
8. Welcome the New Year in style
Many people choose to welcome New Year in a spectacular destination. Dubai is one of them. New Year’s Eve celebrations here are extraordinary.
Let’s start with the records-taking fireworks show at Burj Khalifa. This show is being prepared like 10 months in advance and it is getting more impressive every year. It attracts thousands of people.
I experienced it once and it is a memory of a lifetime. There are more fireworks all over the city, for example at Burj al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah.
If you like to party indoors with events and music, hotels, and nightclubs prepare celebrations in high style with food and drinks menus.
9. Go for a concert
December is a month full of concerts and entertainment for adults and children. You can experience famous singers and bands in Dubai.
For example this year 2024, Ricky Martin will perform on the 14th of December in Coca Cola Arena. In Dubai Opera, you can choose from many styles of music and performances.
Children can enjoy Alladin in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or The Wizard Of Oz in the Theatre By QE2. Sole DXB, music, art, and lifestyle festival is happening annually in December.
10. Spend time in the desert
December is a great month to spend time in the desert. The weather is pleasant, it can be even a bit cooler in the evening, so wear long trousers and a thin sweater if you are going for the evening tour.
In the desert you will have so much fun dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, watching traditional belly dancing or Tanura shows, and enjoying a delicious buffet dinner. It is a lot of fun for children and adults.
11. Try one of the brunches
Brunches are very popular in Dubai. With the weather getting more pleasant, they are in high demand. Many of them are prepared by famous celebrity chefs.
You can choose family brunches, beach or pool brunches, or brunches on rooftop terraces.
12. Watch a movie under the stars
There are several outdoor cinemas in Dubai, so you can pick one closest to you or depending on the movie spend a nice evening under the stars.
Some of the places to watch movies outdoors are Akil Cinema, the rooftop garden at Galleria Mall in Jumeirah, and Zero Gravity right on the beach.
13. Ski or Snowboard in Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates and it is one of the largest indoor ski centers in the world.
If you love skiing or snowboarding, you can rent all the equipment, including clothes, and have fun in real snow. The chairlift will take you up like on the real mountains.
For children, there are sledding and penguin encounters available. Moreover, during Christmas, you can meet Santa there.
What To Pack For Dubai In December
The clothes are really the same as any time during the year. During winter months you can add jeans, a jeans jacket, and trainers as an extra.
- T-shirts
- shorts
- skirts
- dresses
- outfit for a New Year’s Eve party
- smart trousers and shirts (for men)
- thin long trousers + jeans
- sandals, flip-flops
- trainers
- smart shoes (if you plan to go to an Opera or luxury restaurant)
- thin sweater + jeans jacket
- scarf for women (if you planning to visit the mosque) (it can be also handy during quad biking in the desert)
- bikini
- pyjamas
- sunglasses
- sunscreen+after sunscreen
- personal cosmetics
- beach towel
- hat (sun protection)
- handbag
- camera/phone
- charger
- plug converter (In Dubai there are UK-type plug sockets)
- money+card
- personal tablets (painkillers, for fever, etc)
- if you have children, some toys for them
Dubai In December: FAQs
If you still have questions about visiting Dubai in December, check these FAQs below.
Can I swim in Dubai in December?
Yes, you can swim in Dubai in December. The sea is pleasantly warm, just the right temperature for a refreshing dip. It does get cooler in January and February, but many people still enjoy swimming during those months as well.
Why is Dubai so expensive in December?
Dubai is very expensive in December because it is a high season. People try to escape the cold weather back home and Dubai has the best weather in December.
Moreover, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are very popular for tourists in Dubai. So high demand makes high price.
Is it good to go to Dubai at Christmas?
Yes, it is a great time to go to Dubai at Christmas. The Festive season brings a lot of lights, decorations, delicious food, and events for adults and children.
Dubai at Christmas is very different than during the rest of the year. Celebrating Christmas in Dubai is special. However, you need to count on a higher budget and more crowds.
The Wrap-Up: Visiting Dubai In December
Dubai in December offers something for everyone. From festive markets and stunning fireworks to relaxing beach days and thrilling desert adventures, this city is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season.
Whether you’re shopping for deals, dining with a view, or even skiing indoors, Dubai has it all. So, as you plan your trip, get ready to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer during the most exciting time of the year!
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