United Arab Emirates in December

Peak season; National Day 2–3 Dec and New Year's Eve fill hotels at the year's highest prices.

• Gulf coast · Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah townbest weather

  November to March runs 20–30 °C; June to September sits at 40–46 °C with humidity that makes nights sticky; shamal winds bring dust in spring and early summer.

• Hajar mountains · Hatta, Jebel Jais, Wadi Shawkabest weather

  Jebel Jais summit is 8–10 °C cooler than the coast and can drop near freezing on winter nights; wadis flood after rare storms.

• Inland desert · Al Ain, Liwa, Al Wathba, Sweihanbest weather

  Drier heat, often above 48 °C in July and August; Sweihan has recorded above 50 °C. Winter nights in the dunes are cold.

• East coast · Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Dibbabest weather

  Gulf of Oman side: slightly cooler sea breezes, but July–August humidity is extreme; calm water for snorkelling Oct–May.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Commemoration Day

  1 Dec

  Remembrance of those who died in service; flag ceremonies.

• National Day (Eid Al Etihad)

  2–3 Dec

  Parades, decorated cars, road closures and fireworks; long-weekend hotel peaks.

• Dubai Shopping Festival

  Mid-Dec – Jan (check)

  Sales, fireworks and concerts; malls packed in the evenings.

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

  Late Nov / early Dec (check)

  Abu Dhabi hotel prices triple on race weekend; Yas Island crowded.

Crowds · United Arab Emirates

High

Prices · United Arab Emirates

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Gulf coast

  Best weather of the year (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah town)

• Hajar mountains

  Best weather of the year (Hatta, Jebel Jais, Wadi Shawka)

• Inland desert

  Best weather of the year (Al Ain, Liwa, Al Wathba, Sweihan)

• East coast

  Best weather of the year (Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Dibba)

• Dubai

  Warm and clear; National Day and year-end crowds.

• Abu Dhabi

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Sharjah

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Al Ain

  Best months: Nov–Mar

• Ras Al Khaimah

  Best months: Nov–Mar