Most people who visit Dubai for the first time think it is hot all through the year, so they pack only summer clothes even for the end of December. Since the winter here is mild and pleasant, a lot of visitors get surprised when the evening becomes cool and they don’t have anything warm with them. That is why planning what to wear on December 31 is worth doing before you come.

Let me tell you that the weather on that night is actually one of the best of the whole year. During the day the temperature usually stays around 23 to 26 degree Celsius and after sunset it comes down to around 16 to 19 degree. Near the sea and in the desert it can go even lower, sometimes close to 12 degree after midnight, and the wind also comes into the picture which makes it feel colder than the actual number. Rain is rare but a light shower happens in some years, so checking the forecast a day before is a good idea.

1. Light Layers Are the Safest Choice

Now if we talk about the outfit, the best approach is to dress in layers. A cotton shirt, t-shirt or a light dress works fine in the afternoon, and for the night you can add a denim jacket, a light sweater or a shawl. Since most people step out in the afternoon and come back after midnight, you will feel both the warm and the cool part of the day in a single outing. Heavy winter jackets are not needed, they just becomes extra weight to carry in a big crowd.

2. Dress Code in Public Places

Dubai is a modern city but there are still some basic rules for dressing in public. In malls, metro and most public areas it is expected that shoulders and knees are covered, both for men and women. Swimwear is fine on the beach and at hotel pools but not when walking in the mall or on the street. For the new year celebration Dubai crowd at Downtown or Global Village, a normal casual outfit like jeans with a top or a long dress does the job without any issue.

3. What to Wear for a Hotel Gala Dinner

Suppose you have booked a gala dinner at Atlantis or any five star hotel, then the dress code is usually smart or semi formal. Men can go with a shirt and trousers or a blazer, and women can wear a dress or a jumpsuit with a light wrap. Most of these dinners have some part of the event on an outdoor terrace for the fireworks, so keep something to cover the arms when you go outside.

4. Dressing for a New Year Dhow Cruise Dubai

Having said that, people who book a New Year Dhow Cruise Dubai experience need to plan a little differently. On the water the breeze is stronger and it feels 3 to 4 degree cooler than on land, especially on the upper deck where most guests go to watch the fireworks. My suggestion is to wear smart casual clothes and carry a jacket or shawl with you. Flat shoes or sneakers are much better than heels since the deck can be little slippery and the boat also moves. Most dhow cruises in Dubai Creek and Marina are casual, so you don’t need to dress very formal unless the operator mentions a theme.

Read More: A SUNSET IN VARKALA MADE ME CANCEL MY EVENING PLANS

5. Footwear for the Long Night

Many people focus on the clothes and forget about the shoes. On New Year’s Eve you will be walking a lot because of road closures, metro crowd and long queues, and in Downtown you may be standing for 5 to 6 hours also. Comfortable sneakers or flat sandals are the best option. If you want to wear heels for the photos, keep a pair of flats in your bag and change later.

6. Small Things to Carry

Keep a small bag with a power bank, water bottle, tissues and a light scarf. For the beach locations a mat or small blanket helps since the sand gets cold after dark. And if you are going to a desert camp for the new year celebration Dubai night, carry a proper jacket because the desert in December is much colder than the city.

If you are still deciding where to spend the night or need help booking tickets for the evening, you can speak with New Year Celebration Dubai and they will guide you based on your plan and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperature After Sunset on December 31

In the city it usually stays between 16 and 19 degree Celsius after sunset, and near the beach or in the desert it can go lower. A light jacket is enough for most people.

Wearing Shorts in Dubai

Shorts are fine at the beach, parks and hotel areas, but in malls and the metro better to wear knee length or longer. Many people just carry light trousers to change.

Dress Code on Dhow Cruises

Most dhow cruises are smart casual. Avoid beachwear and carry a jacket for the upper deck since the wind on the water gets cool late at night.

Read More: WHY SORTING YOUR AIRPORT PARKING BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY

Chance of Rain on New Year’s Eve

Rain is not common but light showers happen in some winters. Check the forecast a day before and keep a small umbrella if the sky looks cloudy.

Clothing for Kids at Night

Kids feel the cold faster, so dress them in full sleeves and long pants and keep a hoodie in the bag. A small blanket also helps if you are sitting on the beach.