Are you thinking about visiting Dubai in December? Or maybe even spending Christmas in Dubai? Well let me tell you visiting Dubai in Winter is a fantastic time to go. In this guide we will tell you why you should r and the best things to do in Dubai in December.
Should you visit Dubai in December?
Visiting Dubai In December
If you are wondering if you should visit Dubai in December then let me tell you Dubai in Winter is a great time to visit. Because
- The weather in Dubai in Winter is fantastic. Dubai in the summer can become unbearable temperature wise but in Winter the weather is perfect especially if you want to spend some time at the beach.
- Despite being a Muslim country, there are plenty of things to do in Dubai for Christmas.
- Dubai is famous for New Years Eve Celebrations that you can partake in if visiting Dubai at the end of December.
- There are lots of events that only happen in December such as National Day and the Rugby Sevens.
However you should be aware that December in Dubai is one of the most expensive times to visit because of the perfect weather and plethora of things to do. Therefore if you want to visit Dub
ai in December you will need to budget for the high season prices and book your hotel in advance to make sure you get the right property for you. If you are visiting Dubai with family check out this area guide.
What to Expect from Dubai Winter Weather
Although December in Dubai is Winter, it isn’t like the Winters you experience in Europe or North America. In fact December has some of my favourite weather in Dubai. Winter in Dubai usually means clear blue skies and sunny days with temperatures reaching on average 26 degrees which for Dubai is relatively cool but not cold. Basically if you want to hit the beach this shouldn’t be a problem in Dubai in December. However, if you do feel the cold then be sure to book a hotel with a heated pool so if you do find the sea a bit cold then you can always retreat to the pool.
What to Wear in Dubai in Winter
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Although December is one of the cooler months in the UAE, for visitors you should still be packing all of your summer gear. Skirts, shorts and dresses for ladies are a must but please be mindful that you are visiting an Islamic country and respect the dress code at all times. For further advice on what to wear in Dubai check out this in depth post.
Best Things to do in Dubai in December
So now that you have decided to visit Dubai in Winter, here we will round up the best things to do in Dubai in December.
Celebrate Dubai National Day
One of the best things about visiting Dubai in December is that there are lots of special events that only happen in this month. Of of these events is Dubai National Day. National Day is on 2nd and 3rd December and is a public holiday. During National Day it is common to see the flag o the UAE EVERYWHERE. And on top of that most malls and hotels will host special events including great firework displays. It is a great if not busy festive day.
Watch Dubai Rugby Sevens
Another great Dubai December event and one that is exceptional popular with UAE expats is the Dubai Rugby Seven Events. If you are a fan of sport this really is a must for your Dubai December itinerary.
Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa
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No visit to Dubai is complete without heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa. Now don’t get me wrong, if you are travelling to Dubai on a budget this will definitely eat into it but in my opinion it is totally worth it. Be sure to play around with ticket options before purchasing as the level you go to and the time of day you go will greatly affect your ticket price.
We recommend buying tickets in advance. The options for tickets are:
The ticket price will also vary depending on whether you are travelling up at peak time (afternoon – sunset is one of the most pricey times to visit)!
It is worth noting that while your ticket is timed for entry, you are not restricted on how much time you can spend at the top!
For more tips on how to visit the Burj Khalifa check out this post.
Dubai Miracle Garden
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Due to the extreme heat of Dubai in the Summer, outdoor activities are limited and most people will do indoor things in Dubai during the summer months. But Winter is the perfect time to explore Dubai’s best outdoor attractions. One of our favourites in the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Dubai Garden Glow
This is another winter only attraction as it is too hot to do in Summer. Dubai Glow Garden is a light and illumination spectacular that kids will adore.
Dubai Theme Parks
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One of the things we loved about living in the UAE was that there were so many theme parks you can visit from the city. Our favourite time to visit these theme parks is in December as the Christmas decorations are amazing. Our favourite park is Motiongate as if you are visiting Dubai with toddlers or kids they will love going on rides themed on the Dreamwork films like Shrek and Madagascar.
But other than Motiongate we also loved visiting the Legoland park as a family and for those that love water parks the Legoland Water Park is a must for your Dubai bucket list.
Visit the Desert
Bab al shams desert resort
This is always one of my favourite things to do in Dubai. You can either do this as a desert driving day trip from Dubai or even stay at one of the beautiful desert resorts like we did at the Bab al Shams.
Head to the Beach
The weather in Dubai in December is perfect and we love heading to the beach or on slightly cooler days taking a dip in a hotel pool. If you are coming to Dubai from a harsh European or American Winter you will definitely want to head to the beach on at least one occasion.
Visit Dubai Mall
If you are visiting Dubai in December in the run up to Christmas be sure to head to Dubai Mall to get some of your Christmas shopping done. But be sure to bring your wallet as this day may get expensive with all the things to do in Dubai mall.
Dubai Global Village
Dubai Global Village is a seasonal shopping spectacle! Dubai Global Village has over 25 stalls representing different countries and is a great place to buy some unusual and international Christmas presents.
On top of shopping, little ones will love the traditional fairground attractions like the ferris wheel
Best Things to do in Dubai in December for Christmas
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
This is a great festive Christmas market that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit and is another great place to meet Santa in a Christmas grotto.
Meet Santa at Ski Dubai
Perhaps the best place to see Santa in Dubai. Ski Dubai is great to get in the Christmas mood in Dubai and be amongst the snow but on top of that it has one of the most spectacular Santa’s grottos in the country.
Winter Wonderland Dubai
The perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit in Dubai. There is usually festive treats, snow and it is a great place to see Santa in Dubai.
See A Christmas show on the QE2
The QE2 is another unique attraction in Dubai and during the Christmas season they usually host a Christmas show
Watch Carols in the desert
Okay, this one is technically in Abu Dhabi but if you are adding an Abu Dhabi day into your Dubai itinerary then try and coincide this with carols in the desert. A truly lovely spectacle that can only be seen in December. Please note: if you are not familiar with desert driving this one probably isn’t for you and you should always visit the desert in a convoy of vehicles.
Spending New Years Eve in Dubai
Spending New years Eve in Dubai can be an expensive endeavour as it is one of the most popular times to visit the city. Be sure to book your accommodation, restaurants and attractions well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Where to Stay in Dubai in December
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Depending on whether you want to spend time in the city, at Dubai Mall, at the beach or in the desert will really affect the hotel you want to stay in.
For those of you who feel the cold you may want to make sure your hotel has a pool with temperature control as you may find the sea a little cold. For a full guide on the best places to stay in Dubai check out this post.