Dubai weather in December averages 25–27°C by day and 15–18°C at night, with a sea temperature of 23–25°C, around 8 hours of sunshine daily and almost no rain. It is the most comfortable month of the Dubai year: warm enough to swim at midday, cool enough to need a light jacket after sunset. Here is the complete breakdown — temperatures, sea conditions, rainfall, humidity, sunset times, month-by-month comparison and what to pack.
Planning the wider trip? Our Dubai in December 2026 pillar guide covers the full events calendar, things to do and day trips.
Dubai Weather in December: Temperature Averages
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | 25–27°C (mean ~26°C) | climate-data.org, weather-atlas |
| Average night low | 15–18°C (typically ~16°C) | climate-data.org, calendar-uk |
| Mean temperature | ~21–24°C | climate-data.org |
| Sea temperature | 23–25°C | weather-atlas, seatemperatu.re |
| Rainfall | 5–20mm over 1–3 days | weather-atlas, climate-data.org |
| Humidity | 54–64% | weather-atlas, wanderlog |
| Daily sunshine | ~8–8.6 hours | whereandwhen, holiday-weather |
| Wind | ~16 kph average | WeatherSpark |
The daily pattern is consistent: mornings start around 18–19°C, afternoons peak near 26°C in the sun, and temperatures slide back to ~16°C by midnight. The variation between a “warm” and “cool” December day is small — this is the most stable weather month in Dubai.
Can You Swim in the Sea in December?
Yes. At 23–25°C the sea is cooler than summer’s 33°C bathwater but comfortable for swimming, and December is actually one of the best beach months: the air is cool enough that the midday sun feels pleasant rather than punishing. Hotel pools are often heated. Kite Beach, JBR and La Mer are all at their liveliest — see our best public beaches in Dubai guide for the full rundown.
Does It Rain in Dubai in December?
Barely. December averages 5–20mm of rain over just 1–3 days — a roughly 2–5% daily chance. When rain does come it is usually a brief shower, not a washout. You do not need to plan around rain in December.
Humidity and Comfort
At 54–64%, December humidity is dramatically lower than the 80%+ of August. Combined with the cooler air, this is why December “feels” so much better than the numbers alone suggest — the same 26°C that feels oppressive in September feels perfect in December.
Sunshine, Daylight and Sunset Times
December days are the shortest of the year — about 10.5 hours of daylight — but still deliver ~8 hours of bright sunshine. Key times (timeanddate.com, Dubai):
- 1 December: sunrise 6:46am, sunset 5:28pm
- 22 December (solstice): the shortest day of the year
- 31 December: sunrise ~7:06am, sunset ~5:35pm
Practical tip: book Burj Khalifa sunset observation-deck slots for 4:30–5pm, and plan beach mornings rather than late afternoons — the light fades fast after 5pm.
Dubai Weather: November vs December vs January
| November | December | January | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | ~29–30°C | ~25–27°C | ~24°C |
| Night low | ~19–20°C | ~15–18°C | ~14°C |
| Sea temperature | ~27°C | ~23–25°C | ~23°C |
| Rain | Minimal | 5–20mm | ~16mm |
| Verdict | Warm, great value | Peak comfort | Coolest, best for hiking |
December sits between November’s warmth and January’s cool: the sweet spot for travellers who want beach weather and comfortable evenings. January suits hikers and desert campers better; November suits bargain hunters (lower hotel rates, nearly-as-good weather).
What to Wear in Dubai in December
- Daytime: t-shirts, breathable tops, light trousers or shorts — 26°C in the sun is genuinely warm.
- Evenings: a light jacket, denim jacket, cardigan or shawl. Waterfronts and the desert feel cooler than the thermometer says.
- Desert safari: bring a hoodie or fleece in the bag — camps drop to ~12–15°C after sunset with the breeze.
- Malls: heavily air-conditioned year-round; carry a layer everywhere.
- Mosques and cultural sites: covered shoulders and knees.
- Do NOT pack heavy winter coats — you will carry them everywhere unused.
Is December the Best Month to Visit Dubai?
For weather alone: yes, December is the best month to visit Dubai. No other month combines 26°C days, 16°C evenings, swimmable seas and near-zero rain. The only caveats are peak-season crowds and prices — hotels and flights cost the most around the National Day long weekend (2–6 Dec), Christmas and New Year. If you want the weather with softer prices, target 7–18 December weekdays.