December in Dubai: Christmas & New Year Desert Safari

December is Dubai's favourite month. The heat is gone, the evenings are cool, and the city is dressed for the festive season — Christmas on 25 December, then the build-up to New Year's Eve on 31 December. It is also the best desert weather of the year, which makes December the busiest month in the dunes.

If you are in Dubai over the holidays, here is how a desert safari fits into Christmas week and the New Year period — and why you should book it earlier than you think.

Why December is peak desert safari season

December days in Dubai are mild — daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s Celsius — and the evenings turn properly cool, with desert nights dropping into the mid-teens. That combination is perfect for a safari: comfortable dune drives in the afternoon sun, and a crisp, clear night at camp under the lights.

It is also peak season. Visitors arrive for Christmas and New Year, residents have family in town, and the popular evening slots sell out first. Our month-by-month best time for a desert safari in Dubai guide covers the whole year — December is the month it points to.

Christmas in the desert (25 December)

Safaris run seven days a week, including through the Christmas period, so Christmas Day itself works like any other December day — except the camp feels more festive, with groups of families and friends celebrating together.

• Evening Desert Safari (AED 89): pickup 2:30–3:00 PM, dune bashing, a sunset stop over the red dunes, then the camp for a BBQ dinner and live shows, with drop-off 9:30–10:00 PM. A good way to do something completely different on Christmas Day without giving up a proper dinner.
• Morning Desert Safari (AED 110): pickup 5:30–6:00 AM, back at your hotel by 10:00–10:30 AM — the desert in the cool morning light, and the rest of Christmas Day free for family plans.
• Bringing the whole family? Children from age 3 can join the safari, and kids aged 4–5 can ride our kids quad bikes — included in the safari package at no extra cost. Standard quads are for riders aged 12+. Our desert safari with kids guide covers ages and safety in detail.

New Year's Eve in the desert (31 December)

Plenty of visitors swap the crowded city celebrations for the open desert on New Year's Eve. The evening safari keeps its usual shape — afternoon pickup, sunset on the dunes, BBQ dinner and live shows at camp, and drop-off between 9:30 and 10:00 PM — so you finish the year with a desert night and still get back to your hotel at a civilised hour.

For a group that wants the camp to itself, a Private Desert Safari (from AED 299) gives you your own vehicle and guide with flexible timing — popular with families and groups visiting for the holidays.

One honest warning: the days between Christmas and New Year are the most booked of the whole season. If your trip falls in that week, reserve your safari as soon as your dates are fixed rather than waiting until you arrive.

What to wear in December

December is the one month where Dubai desert advice flips: dress for the cold, not the heat.

• Evening safari: you leave your hotel in mild afternoon weather, but after sunset the temperature drops fast. Bring a proper warm layer — a fleece or jacket — for dinner and the shows at camp, plus closed shoes. Our full what to wear on a desert safari guide breaks it down by trip.
• Morning safari: the 5:30–6:00 AM pickup is the coldest start of the year. Wear your warm layer from the start; you will shed it as the sun climbs.
• Quad biking: closed-toe shoes are a must, and long trousers are best on the bikes. Quad safaris start from AED 199 per person on our quad bike safari.

A simple festive plan

• Christmas Day: Morning safari (back ~10:30 AM), rest of the day with family — or the evening safari as your Christmas dinner with a difference.
• 27–30 December: The quieter desert days of the holiday week. Take the evening safari with the group, or a quad bike safari while everyone is still in town.
• 31 December: Evening safari to close the year — sunset, camp dinner and shows, back by 9:30–10:00 PM.

Good to know before you book

• Pickup is free from hotels across Dubai and Sharjah on safari packages, and drop-off is included.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.
• Child prices: ages 0–3 go free, 4–5 pay 50%, 6–8 pay 70%, and from age 9 the adult price applies.
• Prices: every package and what it includes is in our 2026 desert safari price guide.
• Booking: message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 000 6467 for instant confirmation, or book on this website. Coming in November instead? Our November in Dubai guide covers that month's events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good month for a desert safari in Dubai?

Yes — it is the best month of the year for it. Days are mild, evenings are cool and clear, and the camp is comfortable all night. It is also the busiest month, so book ahead, especially between Christmas and New Year.

Do desert safaris run on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve?

Yes. Our safaris run seven days a week, including Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year's Eve (31 December), with the usual pickup times — 5:30–6:00 AM for the morning safari and 2:30–3:00 PM for the evening safari.

How cold does the desert get at night in December?

Desert nights in December drop into the mid-teens Celsius, and it feels colder in the open camp after sunset. Bring a warm jacket or fleece for the evening safari — you will be glad of it by dinner time.

How far ahead should I book for the Christmas and New Year period?

As early as you can. The week between Christmas and New Year is the most booked of the season, and the evening slots go first. Booking when your travel dates are fixed is the safe move; cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Can children join a safari over the holidays?

Yes. Children from age 3 can join the safari, and kids aged 4–5 can ride kids quad bikes, included in the package at no extra cost. Standard quads are for riders aged 12+. Children aged 0–3 go free, 4–5 pay 50% and 6–8 pay 70% of the adult price.