What December feels like in Dubai
December is early winter in Dubai, although winter here means warm days rather than cold ones. Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay mild. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Dubai in December
December is a dry month in Dubai; rain falls about one day in 31. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is heavier than Dubai's usual 8 mm per rainy day across the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 6:57 am and sets around 5:31 pm local time, giving 10 h 35 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 21 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 93% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Dubai. Against November, the average high is 4.8°C (8.6°F) lower, with 6 mm more rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 24.2°C (75.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: a good fit — warm and mostly dry on the coast.
Tips for visiting Dubai in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Dubai in December?
It feels warm: typical highs are 26.2°C (79.2°F), with lows near 15.5°C (59.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Dubai in December?
No — December is one of the drier times, with about 1 rainy days and 11 mm in total.
What should I wear in Dubai in December?
Based on the averages: versatile layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Dubai?
December, narrowly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Dubai's months, against #3 for the other. January is cooler and has more rainy days.