Weather, events, December yacht packages and New Year’s Eve tips.
December is Dubai’s busiest and most festive month. It opens with UAE National Day, brings the Dubai Shopping Festival and Formula 1 to the Emirates, and ends with the biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks in the region. The weather is at its most comfortable, which makes it the perfect month to spend time on the water.
Expect sunny days, cool evenings and very little rain.
| December average | |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 26°C |
| Night-time low | 16°C |
| Sea temperature | 25°C |
| Sunset | around 5:30 pm |
| Rain | about 1 rainy day in the month |
At 25°C the sea is still swimmable for most people, and the cooler air makes evening cruises especially pleasant. Bring a light jacket for after sunset.
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – 3 Dec (expected) | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) public holiday | Across the UAE |
| 3 – 6 Dec | Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi |
| 4 Dec – 17 Jan 2027 | Dubai Shopping Festival | Across Dubai |
| 24 – 25 Dec | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day | Across Dubai |
| 31 Dec | New Year’s Eve fireworks | Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and more |
The official National Day holiday dates are announced closer to the time, so check before you finalise plans.
| Package | Dates | What’s included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Day Sunset Cruise | 1 – 3 Dec | 45 ft yacht, 2 hours at sunset | From AED 1,260 |
| Year-End Team Cruise | 1 – 23 Dec | 75 ft yacht for up to 30 guests, 2 hours | From AED 1,995 · extra hour AED 995 |
| Festive Family Cruise | 20 – 30 Dec | 45 ft yacht, 2 hours | From AED 1,260 |
The long weekend is one of the most popular times of the year for family and friends to get together. A private yacht from Dubai Harbour gives your group its own space with views of the Palm and the Dubai Marina skyline. Popular times book early, so message us as soon as your plans are set.
December is the month for team gatherings. Our team building yacht trips host up to 30 guests on our 75 ft yacht, a memorable alternative to another restaurant booking.
Cool evenings are made for dinner on deck. Our romantic yacht dinner on a 45 ft yacht starts from AED 1,800 for 2 hours, and our anniversary packages add decoration and a cake.
With sunset at about 5:30 pm, a sunset yacht tour (from AED 1,260 for 2 hours on a 45 ft yacht) fits easily before dinner or a Shopping Festival evening. After dark, a Dubai Marina night cruise shows the city lit up.
December is one of the best months for Global Village: cool nights, pavilions from around the world and plenty for children. It opens daily at 4 pm, so a sunset cruise followed by an evening there makes an easy full day out. See our Global Village guide for tips.
If you are spending the holidays in Dubai, see our guide on where to go on Christmas Eve in Dubai, or gather the family for a private cruise on Christmas Day.
Watching from the water means no crowds and an open view of the fireworks. Start with our New Year’s Eve yacht booking guide, compare New Year’s Eve yacht costs, and see where to watch the fireworks.
Coming earlier? See our guide to Dubai in November, or browse more things to do in Dubai in winter.
Yes. It is one of the most comfortable months, with highs around 26°C and a packed events calendar.
For most people, no. The sea averages about 25°C, so a midday swim stop is still enjoyable.
The Dubai Shopping Festival runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027.
As early as possible. Read our booking timeline and checklist for details.
Ready to plan your December celebration?
