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Things to Do in Dubai in December 2024

September 1, 2024

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December is one of the best times to visit Dubai! With pleasant weather, exciting events, and loud holiday cheer, December brings out the most magical side of Dubai. Here are some of the top reasons Dubai should be on your travel list this December:

Favourable weather – December in Dubai is part of winter season when temperatures are mild, ranging from lows of 15°C to highs of 25°C. The pleasant weather allows you to explore the outdoors in comfort.
Festive vibes – Dubai is decked out for the holidays in December. From Christmas markets to New Year’s Eve celebrations, the festive spirit is hard to miss.
Events and activities – December is a peak tourist season in Dubai with tons of concerts, festivals, sports events, and seasonal attractions.
Great deals – To lure visitors, hotels and tour companies offer great deals and packages – making December a budget-friendly time to visit.
Cultural celebrations – December hosts the popular Dubai Shopping Festival that features shopping, entertainment, prizes, and family-friendly activities. There are also a variety of holiday celebrations.
Outdoor adventures – The comfortable weather allows for plenty of outdoor activities like desert safaris, theme park visits, golf, beach days, and more.

Dubai Weather in December

December is one of the winter months in Dubai, which brings pleasant weather conditions. Here’s an overview of the average temperatures and weather:

Average High: 25°C
Average Low: 15°C
Rainfall: 30mm expected over 4 days
Sunshine Hours: 8 hours per day
Sea Temperature: 24°C
Humidity: 60-70%

While the days are warm and sunny, temperatures drop at night, so be sure to bring a light jacket. Rainfall is infrequent, with an average of 14mm over two days. Overall, Dubai’s dry and comfortable weather makes it ideal for outdoor sightseeing. The cooler temperatures are a welcoming change from the sweltering summers.

Why Should You Travel to Dubai in December?

The pleasant climate is one of the main reasons for visiting Dubai in December. By visiting Dubai during this month, you will avoid the extreme Dubai heat.
One of the best reasons for visiting Dubai in December is the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Dubai hosts some of the best Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
In December, You can enjoy all the seasonal attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden, Garden Glow, Global Village Dubai, etc.

Things to Do in Dubai in December

December is a prime time to visit Dubai, with plenty of activities and attractions. Here are some top things to enjoy:

Desert Safaris

Experience the thrill of desert safari where you ride dune buggies, sandboardig, and camel riding. Unwind at a desert camp with the sun set and immerse in live entertainment that include Tanoura and belly dancing. Savour a BBQ dinner under the stars. All adventurous and cultural immersion make the desert adventure unique.

Theme Parks

Queues are shorter and temperatures are cooler in December, making it a great time to hit theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Motiongate Dubai, Legoland, and more.

Beach Days

Soak up the sun at beaches like Kite Beach, JBR Beach, and La Mer. Water sports like jet skiing, banana boating, and surfing are readily available.

Dubai Malls

Dubai is known for its extravagant, enormous malls. Visit the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and other shopping centers to browse high-end stores or find gifts in traditional souks.

Burj Khalifa

Don’t miss stunning views from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building. Time your visit for sunset when the city lights up and book tickets in advance.

Dubai Miracle Garden

This 72,000 sqm floral attraction with sculptures made from living plants is extra magical in December. Stroll under flower arches, take Instagrammable photos, and see the seasonal winter garden.

Events to Attend in Dubai in December

December is packed with exciting festivals and events for visitors to check out. Some top events include:

Dubai Shopping Festival

Held from late December to mid January, this major retail and entertainment extravaganza has huge discounts, lucky draws, live concerts, fireworks, and more.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Participate alongside locals in free fitness classes held around the city for a month starting mid-November. There’s also a fun city-wide Sports Weekend.

UAE National Day

Marking the country’s independence, December 2nd sees parades, cultural shows, and fireworks in Dubai. Watch the flag-raising ceremony and enjoy family-friendly activities.

New Year’s Eve

Dubai hosts some of the world’s best NYE celebrations with elaborate fireworks displays at Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Global Village and more. Make your bookings in advance!

Christmas Festivities

While not a public holiday, Dubai embraces Christmas with holiday markets at JBR Beach, decorations at malls and hotels, festive brunches, and alluring Christmas trees on display.

Things to Remember When Visiting Dubai in December

Here are some essential tips and information to make the most of your Dubai trip:

The local currency is the Emirati Dirham (AED). Cash and cards are accepted widely.
Taxis are affordable, starting at AED 5. Use Uber or Careem as well. The metro is clean and efficient.
The common language is English. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from locals if needed.
Dress conservatively when visiting mosques and cultural sites. Modest attire is recommended for women.
Alcohol is served at bars hotels, and clubs. But drinking in public places is prohibited.
Ramadan is a holy month with different norms – check dates to see if your trip overlaps.
Visas are available on arrival for many nationalities. Check requirements as per the citizenship. Residents of GCC nations do not require visas.

Dubai in December: 5-day Itinerary

Here’s a recommended 5-day itinerary to experience the best of Dubai in December:

Day 1
• Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa – book tickets in advance for the observation deck.
• See the Dubai Fountains dance show.
• Shop at Dubai Mall or take a ride at VR Park.
• Sail on the dhow cruise with dinner at Dubai Creek.
Day 2
• Half-day desert safari with dune bashing, entertainment, and BBQ dinner.
• In the evening, walk along Marina Harbor and see skyline views.
Day 3
• Spend the day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark on Palm Jumeirah.
• Visit hip neighborhoods like Boxpark, City Walk and La Mer.
• Dine at the restaurants at Palm West Beach.
Day 4
• Visit Global Village for shopping, entertainment, rides, and food from different countries.
• See Dubai Miracle Garden’s floral displays.
• Drive down Sheikh Zayed Road to see the modern skyscrapers.
Day 5
• Take an abra ride across the creek.
• Wander through gold and spice souks and buy souvenirs.
• Do luxury shopping at Dubai Mall.
• Watch the Dubai Fountains show for a second time.

Tips to Travel to Dubai in December

To help you make the most of your Dubai trip in December, here are some handy tips:
• Book attractions like Burj Khalifa and VR Park Dubai online in advance to skip long queues.
• Pack light clothing plus a light sweater or jacket for evenings.
• If you are visiting during Christmas, research holiday events at hotels for special dining and activities.
• Download the RTA app for metro and bus schedules or booking NOL cards.
• Stay hydrated and use sun protection while outdoors.
• Carry small change for tips, parking attendants and quick small purchases.
• For the best flight deals, book at least 2 months in advance.
• Consider staying outside the main city centers to get better hotel deals.
• Ladies should bring a scarf or wrap when visiting conservative areas like mosques.

FAQs

Is December a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes, December is a good time to visit Dubai. The climate is great, giving you the chance to explore all the amazing attractions in the city. Moreover, you can also be part of the Dubai Shopping Festival and the myriads of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Is December busy and expensive for travel?

It is one of the most popular and busiest months in terms of tourism. So, book flights and hotels a couple of months in advance to grab better rates. Shopping areas and attractions will be busier around weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter.

How hot does Dubai get in December?

In December, Dubai sees average daytime highs around 25°C and lows around 15°C - quite comfortable compared to the hot summers. Pack light clothing and carry a light sweater for the evenings. With all the holiday lights and activities, you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors.

What should I pack for a December trip?

Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. You must wear modest clothing like pants or long skirts when visiting mosques. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and hats for waterparks and beach days. Pack an umbrella in case of rain showers. Avoid heavy jackets unless highly sensitive to cold.

Are attractions open in December?

Yes, December is a peak tourist season. So, all major attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, etc are open. Some outdoor attractions are closed briefly for lunch. Check timings before heading out, and book tickets online.

What's the best way to get around Dubai?

Dubai has excellent public transit, including the smooth metro system, reliable buses, and affordable taxis. Consider getting a NOL card. Using Uber or Careem is convenient, too. Renting a car gives maximum flexibility for your itinerary.

Are there any cultural sensitivities to know about?

Dress conservatively when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Greetings like 'Ramadan Kareem' are appreciated during the holy month. Public displays of affection and intoxication may be frowned upon.

How can I have an authentic cultural experience?

Visit traditional areas like the Gold Souk, take an abra ride, watch Emirati sports like camel racing, try local cuisine, and attend cultural events showcasing music, dance, art, and more.

Is Dubai family-friendly for December travel?

Absolutely, the cooler weather and abundance of parks, beaches, theme parks and malls make Dubai an excellent family destination in December. Kid-friendly resorts have play areas, kids clubs, and pools families enjoy.

Are there any special events in December?

Don't miss New Year's Eve celebrations, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Fitness Challenge, UAE National Day cultural events, and Christmas promotions at hotels.

Conclusion

With proper planning and research, your Dubai holiday is sure to be an unforgettable experience full of magic, adventure, and discoveries. The pleasant December weather, festive atmosphere, and plenty of things to do make it an ideal time to visit this dynamic city. Some of the activities, events, and festivals that happen in December continue up to January. So, even if you arrive in the city at the end of December, you will still find some of these in the list of things to do in January.