Ras Al Khaimah Weather: What to Expect

Traveling to Ras Al Khaimah means the opportunity to enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures. If you’re looking to escape winter in the Northern Hemisphere to enjoy time at the beach, outdoor activities in the desert and mountains, or exploring a new culture, then Ras Al Khaimah is a must-visit destination.

There are many things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, especially in the emirate’s spectacular desert and mountain scenery. Seasonal and localized variations mean that understanding the weather here is advantageous. Choosing the right time of year to enjoy various activities will help you get the most out of your visit here.

To help you plan your trip, here we explain:

• What the weather in Ras Al Khaimah is like, season by season.
• What the weather is like in the Hajar mountains.
• The kinds of clothes to bring to make sure you are comfortable in the Ras Al Khaimah weather.

What Is the Weather Like in Ras Al Khaimah, Season by Season?

Ras Al Khaimah has a desert climate, so you can expect hot, sunny summers and pleasantly warm and dry winters. Over the year, Ras Al Khaimah temperatures vary between nighttime lows of around 13°C (55°F) and daytime highs of around 42°C (108°F).

Extreme weather events are rare, and the sky is usually clear, with occasional cloud banks passing over. Daylight is fairly even throughout the year, with 10.5 hours on December 21, the shortest day, and 13.75 hours on the longest day, June 21.

Ras Al Khaimah Weather: December to March

Winter in Ras Al Khaimah is very pleasant. Whatever you plan to do at this time of year, the temperature in Ras Al Khaimah will usually be comfortable. It’s warm enough to swim but cool enough to explore the many visitor attractions Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, even in the middle of the day.

Daytime temperatures hover between highs of around 25°C (77 °F) and 30°C (86°F). Overnight temperatures dip down to around 13°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F). Most days are clear or only partially cloudy, and there are few overcast days.

Although this is the wettest time of year, it’s still dry overall. Even in January, the wettest month in the UAE, it only rains on two or three days on average.

Ras Al Khaimah Weather: April and May

Temperatures begin to warm at this time of year. At the end of March, typical daily highs start to reach over 30°C (86°F). By the end of May, the average daily high is around 40°C (104°F). Meanwhile, the chances of rain decrease to a 1-2% chance per day.

While you may need to plan daytime activities more carefully at this time of year, there are plenty of chances to cool off in the sea or a pool, or up in the mountains. In fact, temperatures on Jebel Jais are 10 degrees lower than in the rest of Ras Al Khaimah, so it’s still a great place to visit even during summer.

Ras Al Khaimah Weather: June to September

These are the hottest months in Ras Al Khaimah, with daily highs of over 40°C (104°F). Ras Al Khaimah’s position on the coastline of the Persian Gulf means that humidity levels are high, too. The evenings are cooler, with temperatures dropping nearer 30°C (86°F).

If you visit Ras Al Khaimah during these months, you’ll find the temperatures in the Hajar Mountains a little cooler.

There are also interesting and exciting indoor places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, where air conditioning will keep you very comfortable, like malls, museums, and mosques. Foodies are sure to have a fun time sampling all the tasty food in the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah Weather: October and November

In October and November, temperatures begin to drop, and the chance of rain increases a little. By the end of October, typical daily highs are about 35°C (95°F), and by the end of November, you can expect highs of around 30°C (86°F).

While it’s hot in the middle of the day, early mornings and evenings are very pleasant, so autumn is ideal for enjoying Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Take a trip up the mountains, or to Dhayah Fort for some of the best 360-degree views. Beach sunsets are spectacular along all of Ras Al Khaimah’s 64 kilometers of coastline.

Clothes to Suit the Weather: Ras Al Khaimah

To enjoy all that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, bring lightweight clothes, comfortable footwear, swimwear, and light jackets, shawls, or cardigans for cooler evenings.

If you are visiting from a cooler country, such as most European countries or the northern parts of the USA, your summer wardrobe will be ideal. Check these packing tips for more information on when and where it’s appropriate to dress modestly in Ras Al Khaimah.

Whatever time of year you visit Ras Al Khaimah, sun protection is vital. Bring a sunhat, plus carry and regularly apply sunscreen.

What Is the Weather in Ras Al Khaimah’s Mountains Like?

Like all mountain ranges, the weather in Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains is a little more unpredictable than at sea level. That said, high up in the Hajar Mountains, the temperatures are usually around 5°C (10°F) lower than elsewhere in the UAE. This makes it a great place to be more active and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from climbing and hiking to hot air ballooning and going on the world’s longest zipline.

You should bring warm layers and a warm hat to the mountains in case weather conditions change quickly, plus water and sun protection, too. The weather here can still be very hot, but below-freezing temperatures and even snow in winter are not unheard of.

What About the Sea Temperature in Ras Al Khaimah?

The sea in Ras Al Khaimah is warm, with highs of over 30°C (86°F) in the summer. Over the winter months, sea temperatures dip to around 22-25°C (71-77 °F). Visitors and locals enjoy swimming in the sea all year round.

You can wear your regular swimwear at the beaches and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah. Don’t forget to bring light layers for both sun protection and modesty when leaving the beach.

Fun in Ras Al Khaimah All Year Round

Whatever the weather, there’s always lots to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Check out this events calendar for more ideas.

Start planning your adventure today!