Abu Dhabi in December

In December, Abu Dhabi averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 19°C (67°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Abu Dhabi: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

26°C
Avg high
19°C
Avg low
3
Rain days
5 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Abu Dhabi

10th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
14%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 38 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Abu Dhabi (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (33°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (30°C) and cools 2°C in January (23°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Abu Dhabi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:58 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:36 PM
Day length
10 h 38 min

Times shown for Abu Dhabi local time (Asia/Dubai), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Abu Dhabi — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Abu Dhabi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:58 AM – 6:38 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:38 AM – 7:38 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:56 PM – 5:56 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:56 PM – 6:36 PM

📅 When to book — Abu Dhabi in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Abu Dhabi's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Abu Dhabi

Peak season

Abu Dhabi is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Abu Dhabi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.8
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Abu Dhabi — December

24.6°C (76°F)
warm
comfortable for extended swimming

Across the year Abu Dhabi's sea swings from 21.3°C (February) to 34.8°C (August) — December sits at 24.6°C.

Abu Dhabi in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 23°C / 74°F 17°C / 62°F 13 mm 4
February 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 4 mm 4
March 29°C / 83°F 20°C / 68°F 9 mm 4
April 33°C / 91°F 23°C / 74°F 2 mm 1
May 37°C / 98°F 27°C / 80°F 0 mm 0
June 39°C / 101°F 30°C / 85°F 0 mm 0
July 40°C / 105°F 32°C / 89°F 0 mm 1
August 41°C / 105°F 31°C / 88°F 0 mm 1
September 39°C / 101°F 29°C / 85°F 0 mm 0
October 35°C / 94°F 27°C / 80°F 1 mm 1
November 30°C / 86°F 23°C / 73°F 2 mm 2
December 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 67°F 5 mm 3

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Abu Dhabi in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Abu Dhabi in December?

In December, Abu Dhabi averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 19°C (67°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Abu Dhabi in December?

December is generally dry in Abu Dhabi, with about 3 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?

December is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Abu Dhabi in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Abu Dhabi for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Abu Dhabi on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.