Abu Dhabi in December: Weather, What to Pack, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Is December the best time for you to visit the UAE's beautiful capital?  Yes, the weather in Abu Dhabi in December is almost perfect. There are lovely beach days, breezy evenings, and little chance of melting in the desert sun.

In December, our city turns into a giant celebration.  The Grand Prix comes to life, festivals pop up all over, and the whole town is energetic.

Knowing what the weather is truly like and which activities you can't miss may make a trip move from excellent to outstanding. So, are you looking for that sweet spot between fantastic weather and non-stop excitement?  December is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Weather In December

So, what's the real weather like? Abu Dhabi's weather in December is just right, not too hot or too chilly.

The summer days when going outside seems like opening an oven are over.  In December, the sun shines without making you sweat. It's warm enough for the beach but cold enough to enjoy walking around.

The mornings are fresh and cool.  You'll want to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen around noon.  What about evenings?  If you have a light jacket, you're good to go for rooftop dinners or walks along the Corniche.

 What December weather looks like: 

•  Daytime temperature: 25–26°C (77–79°F)
•  Nighttime temperatures: These range from 17 to 21 °C (63 to 70 °F).
•  Sunshine hours: 10 wonderful hours daily 
•  Rain: Almost none, maybe 2–3 days at most.
•  Humidity: 60–68% is just fine.
•  Sea Temperature: A perfect temperature of 24–25°C (75–77°F).

According to AccuWeather, Abu Dhabi enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making December one of the most reliable months for outdoor activities.

Best Activities to Do in Abu Dhabi in December

The weather in December lets you do anything on your bucket list.  No more hiding inside to get away from the heat or sweating through your shirt by 10 a.m.  Just a time for exploration.  

1. Desert Safari Tours

If you didn't go on the Desert Safari Tour, did you really go to Abu Dhabi?  The desert is fun in December.  Watch the sunset turn the dunes orange, ride camels like you're in a movie, and eat at a Bedouin camp beneath a sky full of stars.

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour

You won't believe how impressive this mosque is.  Get ready for some great Instagram moments by booking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour.  Those 82 white domes shining in the golden hour of December?  The weather makes it enjoyable to walk around the huge courtyards, rather than a test of endurance.

3. Yas Island Theme Park Tour

Calling all thrill seekers! Yas Island features Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld, all located in one exciting destination. In December, you can stand in line outside without getting heat stroke.  

4. Abu Dhabi City tours

Take a City Tour to learn the whole story.  Find out how this high-tech city grew out of a little fishing village.  The views from the Corniche are amazing, and the Emirates Palace will make you feel underdressed in a good way.

5. Abu Dhabi Louvre Tour

Art lovers, this is for you.  The Abu Dhabi Louver resembles something from another planet and is situated on the water.  December afternoons here are distinct. The weather is just right for walking between galleries and the waterfront.

What to Bring to Abu Dhabi in December

Pack smart, but don't bring too much.  You want clothes that can go from shopping at the market in the sun to shopping at the mall in the air conditioning without missing a beat. Abu Dhabi values modesty, especially in cultural places.

Your must-haves for December:

•  Cotton garments that are light and airy
•  Wear long pants or flowy skirts to be comfortable and show respect.
•  A light jacket for restaurants that are cold and walks at night
•  Good shoes for walking because you'll be doing a lot of it.
•  Sunglasses and a hat; the sun is still intense.
•  SPF 30+ sunscreen. The sun in December is sneaky.
•  Bathing outfit for those beautiful hotel pools
•  Scarf for going to the mosque (women, you'll need this)
•  Flip-flops for a beach club feel
•  A water bottle is essential to stay hydrated

Put on more layers, then take them off.  That is the December plan that always works.

The Most Important Events in December

• The Sheikh Zayed Festival, which takes place from November to February, is a massive cultural party that brings together people from 27 nations.  It has everything: daily shows, great food, and traditional crafts.
• From December 6 to 31, the Mother of the Nation Festival will take over Abu Dhabi Corniche.  The entire city comes together to celebrate with live music, food trucks, local businesses, and activities for youngsters to enjoy.
• The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held in early December, makes the city the center of the Formula 1 world.  People who don't like racing can nevertheless feel the energy.  Throughout the area, there are concerts, parties, and special events.
• December 2nd is UAE National Day, a day of complete national pride.  Fireworks light up the sky, parades fill the streets, and everyone is wearing red, green, white, and black.

Want to know about more things to do in Abu Dhabi? Try kayaking through mangroves, haggling at traditional souks, or going on a dhow tour at twilight.  The weather in December is generally favorable for most activities.

It's really easy to get around Abu Dhabi.  The city is set up for tourists, so you won't have to worry about getting around. 

And here you can check the conditions for any month of the year.

Why Visit Abu Dhabi in December?

December is the best time, not simply a nice time.  Let's talk about why this month is the best.

What's the weather?  Perfect in every way.  You can genuinely enjoy spending time outside all day.  

The beach in the morning, the desert in the afternoon, and dinner on the roof at night were all quite lovely. What are the events?  December is tough. According to Abu Dhabi's official tourism data, December ranks as the second most popular month for international visitors, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 85-90%. 

The Grand Prix is worth attending on its own, but there are also other festivals, concerts, National Day celebrations, and holiday markets to enjoy.  There is always something going on/

If you can only go to Abu Dhabi once, locals will tell you to go in December.  The weather, energy, and experiences all reach their highest points simultaneously.

Wrapping Up At Last

LookTime is definitely essential when it comes to Abu Dhabi.  The weather in December makes you want to be outside all day.  The weather in Abu Dhabi in December is so lovely that it basically makes your plans for you.

Plan for the things you want to accomplish, pack carefully, and leave room for unexpected festival finds.  Abu Dhabi gives visitors in December sunshine, parties, and those "pinch me" moments that you'll remember for years.

Is this your first time here, or are you going back for more?  December demonstrates that Abu Dhabi is running at full speed.  This is the city at its best.

Faq’s

1- What are the temperatures like in Abu Dhabi in December? 

Days are pleasant and warm, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 79°F), and evenings are cool, with temperatures between 17°C and 21°C (63°F to 70°F).  In short, the weather is just great for everything, neither too hot nor too chilly.

2- What clothes should I wear in Abu Dhabi in December?

Think of layers and lightness, cotton during the day, one jacket for the evening, and too much air conditioning.  Just remember to protect your knees and shoulders when you go to mosques and cultural sites.

3- Is Abu Dhabi busy in December?

Yes, it's peak season for a good reason.  It is hectic during Grand Prix weekend.  But here's the thing: if you book beforehand, you're good to go.  It's worth it to cope with a few more folks for the energy.

4- Are desert safaris nice in December?

In December, deserts are fun instead of harsh.  Dune bashing at sunset, camp dinners, and camel rides at sunrise are all very comfortable.  This is the ideal time of year for desert activities.