What's the Weather like in Abu Dhabi in December
Temperature
Abu Dhabi is finally back in the cool season in December with an average temperature of 21°C. Daytime averages reach a pleasant 26°C while the nights cool down to 15°C. The record high in Abu Dhabi in December is 33°C.
Rainfall
Abu Dhabi gets an average of three days of precipitation in December, but rainfall totals are still less than 10mm. The chance of rain is only 3%.
Sunshine Hours
Abu Dhabi has an average of ten hours of sunshine every day in December. The shortest day of the year is December 21st at 10 hours 37 minutes. The chances of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky in Abu Dhabi in December hover right around 78% the entire month.
Humidity
Abu Dhabi is still muggy and humid in December with an average relative humidity of 68%. Cooler temperatures make this more bearable than previous months. December through February will be the best times to visit for those who don't like the hot, thick air.
Wind
The average wind speed slowly climbs in Abu Dhabi in December, with a speed of 4.0 m/s by the end of the month. Winds are mostly out of the north with westerly winds starting to increase.
Sea Temperature
The sea surface temperature continues to drop in December. The average sea temperature is 25°C in Abu Dhabi in December.
Dress Code
If you are visiting Abu Dhabi in December you will want to dress comfortably for the conditions but also respect local customs. Women should wear loose shirts that at least cover the shoulders and midriff. Women must also have their knees covered. Men should wear long pants and shirts with short or long sleeves. If women will be visiting a mosque they must be completely covered except for the face and hands. Beachwear should include shorts for men and conservative two-piece bikinis for women. Bring a light jacket for nights and cold indoor air conditioning. The Abu Dhabi 14-day forecast will give you a more accurate picture of the weather right before your trip.
Abu Dhabi Hotels in December
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi not to be confused with the Crowne Plaza Yas Island is a five-star towering hotel in downtown Abu Dhabi. This location is close to the Capital Garden, numerous shopping outlets and restaurants, and Corniche Road. The earthy rooms feature luxurious bedding, wood floors, city views, and modern amenities. Studios and suites are also available, offering a mix of kitchenettes, living rooms, pullout sofas, and complimentary breakfast & refreshments. The rooftop swimming pool offers superb city views, the fitness centre is open 24 hours, and an on-site spa offers a sauna and massages. Dining options at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi include an all-day international buffet, the award-winning Cho Gao Chinese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and multiple lounges and bars.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
The luxurious Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is in Abu Dhabi's new business district, near the Eastern Mangroves National Park. This five-star resort brings a touch of Thailand to Abu Dhabi in this beautiful glass tower. Standard guest rooms and extended-stay apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views. There are a number of delicious restaurants at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, including the Benjarong award-winning Thai restaurant, D' Capital Steakhouse, Urban Kitchen, and the Orchid Lounge. The hotel has an exceptional wellness centre featuring numerous spa treatments and a fitness centre. The rooftop also features a climate-controlled outdoor pool with poolside bar.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Park Rotana is a wonderfully affordable five-star hotel near Khalifa Park. This modern hotel features 318 clean, spacious rooms and suites with great views of Khalifa Park or the Sheik Zayed Mosque. All rooms feature modern amenities, sofa lounges, and walk-in showers. Suites also add a separate living area. Park Rotana also has an impressive wellness centre with a gym and day spa offering a large menu of treatments. There's also a fun, award-winning British-style pub at the Park Rotana, as well as a café. An outdoor pool is complete with pool bar ready to serve you refreshments.
Khalidiya Palace
One of Abu Dhabi's staples as far as hotels go is the five-star Kalidiya Palace. This large hotel near the Etihad Towers features 443 modern rooms and suites with premium bedding, walk-in showers, and breathtaking views of the Presidential Palace, Arabian Sea, or city skyline. There are also different suites available, which feature balconies, separate living areas, dining rooms, and kitchens. Khalidiya Palace has two outstanding restaurants, one of which offers authentic Arabic cuisine while the other serves all-day international fare. Other features of the hotel include an outdoor pool, gym, and wellness centre. Khalidiya Palace is an alcohol-free environment.
Beaches in Abu Dhabi in December
Heritage Village Beach
Heritage Village is one of Abu Dhabi's main attractions, located on the Corniche breakwater. It features living displays of metalworkers, basket makers, and potters all showing what life in the U.A.E. was like in past times. There is also a marine area to Heritage Village with old wooden boats and fishing on display. The beach is quite large and is also just a great place to relax for a picnic while looking out at downtown Abu Dhabi. There is also a small café where you can sample traditional Middle Eastern foods if you didn't bring your own.
Bars and Restaurants
Benjarong
The award-winning Benjarong restaurant is the signature Thai restaurant of the Dusit Thani hotel. This elegant restaurant features a chic Thai décor and only the best staff. The dishes served at Benjarong fuse contemporary styles with traditional Thai cuisine. Crowd favorites include the chicken pad thai, green chicken curry, chicken satay, fish cakes, and papaya salad. Dessert includes a delightful fried banana over ice cream. One of the best things about Benjarong is the live cooking where you can watch the chefs prepare your dishes over large fires. Benjarong is open daily from 7PM to 11:30PM and reservations are accepted.
Pizza Di Rocco
You'll find some outstanding pizzas at the small, cozy Pizza Di Rocco. This critically acclaimed restaurant is located in downtown Abu Dhabi on Salam Street. Their pizzas are available for delivery, but you'll want to eat in to really enjoy the casual, intimate dining room. In addition to the more traditional pizzas, you'll also find some flavorful creations like paneer tikka pizza and a spicy Mexicali pizza. Pizza Di Rocco also has large portions of lasagna on their menu, as well as calamari, salad, and soup. Pizza Di Rocco is open daily from 11AM until midnight; they stay open until 2AM on Thursday and Friday.
Mijana
The Ritz-Carlton's addition to Lebanese cuisine in Abu Dhabi is the chic Mijana restaurant. Mijana is set in a delightful outdoor terrace and also sets the mood with ambient live music. Indoor seating is also available. The menu features traditional Lebanese fare like cold mezzeh, kibbeh, raw lamb, hot mezzeh, and hummus. They serve great grill dishes bursting with flavor, like a minced lamb kabab with cherry sauce, pine nuts, and onions. Other grills include kabab halabi, shish tawook, and grilled beef cube. Be sure to save room for dessert. Mijana is open daily from 5PM to 1AM and Mondays are seafood nights.
Hidden Bar
A great hidden spot overlooking the water and city skyline is Rosewood's Hidden Bar. This cozy lounge offers private seating, a great soundtrack to set the mood, and wonderful staff. Hidden Bar has a wide range of cocktails, notably a collection of over 140 varieties of gin. Not a fan of gin? You'll also find beer and wine at the Hidden Bar. Hidden Bar also has a bar menu served until 11:30PM, where you'll find hummus platters, chicken wings, wagyu burgers, and lobster rolls. A smaller selection of food is available after 11:30PM. Hidden Bar is open from 6PM to 3AM; happy hour is from 6PM to 8PM and from midnight until 3AM.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in December
Marina Mall
One of Abu Dhabi's largest shopping centers is the Marina Mall located near the Corniche breakwater. This massive mall is made up of over 400 stores in 122,000 square meters. You'll find everything from cheap souvenirs from local artisans to high-end jewelry, clothing, and luggage. The Marina Mall is also home to many great dining options to break up your time in the mall. Like the stores, you'll find cheap fast food and more expensive sit-down restaurants. In addition to restaurants and shops you'll also find a bowling complex, children's area, and a nine-screen movie theater.
Dune Buggy Racing
Abu Dhabi's massive sand dunes host international dune buggy racing every year, and it is possible for you to take part yourself. These dune-bashing experiences are quite exhilarating. Tours generally start early morning or late afternoon. The guides will take you to their base camp in the desert, show you the ropes, and then let you loose for a wild ride. Afterwards you can relax in the camp eating lunch, smoking hookahs, and watching local belly dancers. There are usually camels to ride as well, though they're quite a bit slower than the buggies.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi's architectural wonders and is also the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. This beautiful center can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. The mosque has 82 domes, ornate chandeliers, and is decorated with marble and gold leaf throughout. Gorgeous reflecting pools surround the mosque. The mosque is also home to an interesting library with a number of ancient artifacts. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open to visitors daily, with the exceptions of Friday mornings reserved for worship. Visiting hours are from 9AM to 10PM Saturday through Thursday and 4:30PM to 10PM on Friday. Please dress appropriately if you visit the mosque. Dresses are available for women to borrow but this may not be guaranteed.
Al Ain Oasis
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain Oasis is located 90 minutes east of Abu Dhabi. This otherworldly site is home to hundreds of thousands of date palms, which provide the U.A.E. with this favorite food. There are over 100 varieties of the palms at this oasis. You'll forget that you're in the desert while walking through the network of grassy, shaded trails at the oasis, all while serenaded by the many birds in the groves. You can also see ancient desert irrigation methods that are still in use today. The Al Ain Oasis also has interpretive centers, restaurants, and shops to round out the experience.
