Dubai winter weather is the reason the city fills up from November to March: warm, sunny days with highs of 24–27°C in December to February, cool evenings around 15–18°C, low humidity and mostly clear skies. January is the coldest month, December is the festive peak, and February is the sweet spot for sightseeing. This guide covers the weather month by month, what to pack, whether you can swim, the rain question, the best things to do in Dubai in December, the events calendar, and the best day trips and short holidays from Dubai in December.
Dubai Winter Weather at a Glance
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Sea temp | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 30–31°C | 21°C | 27–28°C | Warm; winter season starts |
| December | 26–27°C | 17–18°C | 23–24°C | Peak festive month |
| January | 24–25°C | 15–17°C | 21–22°C | Coldest month |
| February | 26–27°C | 16–18°C | 21–22°C | Ideal sightseeing |
| March | 29°C | 18–19°C | 22–24°C | Winter fading; warm afternoons |
These figures are based on the WMO 1991–2020 climate normals for Dubai International Airport, the standard most guides use; other datasets differ by about 1–2°C. The cool season — average highs below 27°C — runs roughly 3 December to 5 March. Occasional cool snaps in December to February can push lows to 10–12°C, and desert nights can drop to 6–8°C, so the jacket advice below is real.
Dubai Winter Weather Month by Month
Dubai Temperature in November and December
November is still warm: highs around 30–31°C, lows around 21°C, and the sea at 27–28°C — the best swimming month of the winter. December is a clear step cooler, with highs of 26–27°C and lows of 17–18°C, and the sea cooling to 23–24°C. November still sees some days above 35°C (about 8% of days over the last decade); December recorded zero days reaching 35°C in the same period. If you want beach weather, come in November; if you want festive season and cool evenings, come in December.
Dubai Weather in December and January
December is about 2–3°C warmer than January by day (27°C vs 24–25°C) and about 2°C warmer at night (17°C vs 15°C). January is the coldest month — confirmed by every dataset — and also the wettest, though “wettest” in Dubai still means only a few showery days. Over the last decade, 93% of December days and 99% of January days peaked between 20–30°C, so genuinely cold days are rare in either month. Pick December for events and atmosphere, January for the coolest weather and the Dubai Marathon.
February in Dubai
February is the quiet achiever: highs of 26–27°C, lows of 16–18°C, humidity easing to around 57%, and the city at its most comfortable for walking, cycling and outdoor dining. It is the best month for sightseeing, with smaller crowds than December and better weather than March.
March in Dubai: Is Winter Over?
Winter is not gone in March — the month is still pleasant, with highs around 29°C and lows of 18–19°C, and it is the last month of peak season. But it is the transition month: afternoons get hot, humidity drops, and the cool season ends around 5 March. By April (highs around 34°C) winter is effectively over. So if someone asks whether Dubai’s winter is gone in March: not quite, but late March feels like early summer, not winter.
Sunset in Dubai in December
Sunset in Dubai in December falls around 5:30 PM — 5:28 PM on 1 December, sliding to about 5:39–5:40 PM by 31 December. Sunrise runs from about 6:46 AM early in the month to 7:04 AM at the end. Daylight is roughly 10.5 hours, and the shortest day of the year is 21 December 2026 (about 10 hours 34 minutes, sunrise around 6:59 AM, sunset around 5:33–5:34 PM). Dubai has no daylight saving (UTC+4 all year), so the times are stable. Plan evening plans around a 5:30 PM sunset: beach photos at 4:30 PM, dinner bookings from 7:00 PM.
Does It Rain in Dubai in Winter?
Rarely. The rainy season is December to March, but Dubai gets only about 79–95 mm of rain in a whole year. December sees roughly 8–16 mm across 1–2 rainy days; January, the wettest month, gets around 20 mm across 2–4 rainy days; February and March are similar at 1–2 rainy days each. Showers are short and intense and usually clear within an hour or two — rain is not a trip-ruiner here. In ten winters, the airport recorded measurable rain on only 53 of about 1,433 November-to-March days. Morning coastal fog is more common than rain in winter. One caveat: heavy storms can cause local flooding, as the city saw on 16 April 2024, so take a downpour seriously if one arrives.
What to Pack for Dubai in Winter
- Layers are the rule: light, breathable clothes by day (t-shirts, linen, cotton) and one light jacket, fleece, cardigan or shawl for evenings. Desert safaris, dhow cruises, marina terraces and air-conditioned malls all feel cool after dark, and desert nights can drop to 10–12°C. No heavy coat, thermals or gloves needed.
- Swimwear + cover-up: the sea is still swimmable all winter — 23–25°C in December, 21–22°C in January and February (bracing but fine for most people), warming to 23–24°C in March. Heated hotel pools are the comfortable option for daily swimmers.
- Sun protection: sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses and a hat — winter UV is still 4–5.
- Footwear: comfortable walking shoes, plus closed shoes for the desert.
- Modest cover-up: shoulders and knees covered for mosques and souks, and a scarf is useful.
- Just in case: a compact umbrella or light rain jacket — you will probably never use it, but it weighs nothing.
Best Things to Do in Dubai in December
December is Dubai’s best month for doing things outdoors. The list that works: beaches (Jumeirah, Kite Beach and JBR, with the warmest water of the core winter), an evening desert safari (December is widely called the best month — cool sand, comfortable camp dinners, clear night skies; evening safaris sell out first in peak season, so book ahead), Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, Burj Khalifa at sunset, a Dubai Creek abra ride, walking the Old Dubai souks, a Marina or dhow cruise, Ski Dubai, and a show at Dubai Opera. One check before you go: the Dubai Fountain’s running status should be confirmed live, as it has had refurbishment closures — do not assume it is running on your date.
Events in Dubai in December
| Event | Dates 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Emirates Dubai 7s | 27–29 November 2026 (Melanie C Sat 28 Nov, Jax Jones Sun 29 Nov) |
| Dubai Fitness Challenge | 31 October – 29 November 2026 (10th edition) |
| UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | 2 December 2026 (public holiday, 2–3 December break) |
| Dubai Shopping Festival (32nd edition) | 4 December 2026 – 17 January 2027 (45 days) |
| Global Village Season 31 | 14 October 2026 – May 2027 (entry AED 25 Mon–Thu / AED 30 Fri–Sun & holidays) |
| Dubai Miracle Garden Season 15 | 8 October 2026 – 31 May 2027 (9 AM–9 PM daily) |
| DXB Winter Festival | 1 December 2026 – 10 January 2027, Festival City |
| Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market | 4–27 December 2026 |
| The Nutcracker (Bolshoi), Dubai Opera | 4–6 December 2026 |
| Winter City, Expo City Dubai | 11–31 December 2026 |
| New Year’s Eve, Burj Khalifa | 31 December 2026, fireworks around 11:58 PM (official viewing areas and road closures not yet published) |
| Dubai Marathon (26th edition) | Sunday 17 January 2027 (registration open, marathon fee US$150) |
The Dubai Shopping Festival’s 32nd edition was announced on 14 October 2026 by Visit Dubai and runs 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027 — 45 days, opening with concerts by Rashid Al Majed (4 December) and Steve Aoki (5 December) at Coca-Cola Arena. One thing we are not stating: the DSF Mega Raffle ticket price for the 32nd edition has not been confirmed, so do not rely on the old AED 100 figure. For the marathon, see our Dubai Marathon 2027 guide (registration, route, fees) and for the festival season, our DSF, MOTB and Beach Canteen guide.
Best Places to Visit in December from Dubai
December is the best month for day trips, because everywhere in the UAE is at its most comfortable. Abu Dhabi (about 140 km, 1 hour 15 minutes by car; E100/E101 bus about AED 25 one way) is the top pick — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Qasr Al Watan, covered in our Abu Dhabi day trip guide. Hatta (about 130 km, 1.5 hours) is cooler than the coast and best from October to April — kayaking on Hatta Dam (single around AED 60, double around AED 120), covered in our Hatta day trip guide. Al Ain (about 150 km, 1.5 hours) is the garden city with Jebel Hafeet, also best October to April. Fujairah and the east coast (about 120 km) offer beaches and diving, best September to March. Sharjah (about 40 minutes) is the cultural capital for a half day. And the classic December half-day trip is a desert safari (Lahbab or Al Awir, 45 minutes from the city).
Best Holiday Destinations from Dubai in December
December is also the best month to fly out of Dubai for a short break. For snow and Christmas markets, Georgia (Tbilisi and Gudauri, about 3 hours 15 minutes, days around 8°C), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey are all under five hours away, with three-night packages from around AED 3,300 per person. For sun and beach, the Maldives (about 4 hours, 30°C, dry season December to March, free visa on arrival), Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, Thailand (Phuket) and Seychelles are the picks. For warm and close, Oman and Muscat (about 1 hour 10 minutes, 27°C days and 18°C nights), Egypt and Jordan (15–27°C sightseeing weather) work well. Skip Bali in December (rainy season) and Malaysia’s east coast (monsoon, resorts closed).
When Is the Best Time to Visit Dubai in Winter?
It depends what you want. December is best for festive atmosphere and events — DSF, National Day, Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve. January is best for weather, with the coolest temperatures and the marathon. February is best for value and sightseeing, with ideal weather and smaller crowds. November is best for swimming and the warmest sea. If you can only pick one month, pick December for the experience or February for the weather.
