The UAE's lesser-known emirate is quickly becoming a tourist destination for those looking for a laidback destination filled with culture and excellent value for money. While it doesn't offer the multitude of high rises and the glitz that Dubai is best known for, it does allow visitors to enjoy sun-baked sand, exhilarating mountain activities and a variety of 5-star resorts.
Ras Al Khaimah is more of a hidden gem in the Middle East that's just getting noticed, so be sure to book those flights before other tourists start to take advantage of this luxurious but affordable destination.
The city is located just under an hour and 30 minutes drive from Dubai and most flights land in Dubai International Airport, so you'll need to organise a transfer (or speak to our expert travel team, who can help). Wondering when to plan your trip to this multifaceted destination? We've got you covered in this guide on when is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah.
The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah
There's no bad time to visit this northernmost emirate but if you'd prefer to avoid the scorching summer heat, we recommend planning your trip between the months of November and February.
This is when temperatures are at a comfortable level for poolside lounging, beach days and even urban exploring – with a few necessary rests in air-conditioned shops and cafes.
Ras Al Khaimah in the summer months can be unbearable when it comes to heat. Those 40°C+ days don't allow for much time in the sun before you start to feel uncomfortable.
| Month | Average Daily High |
| January | 24°C |
| February | 25°C |
| March | 28°C |
| April | 33°C |
| May | 27°C |
| June | 40°C |
| July | 41°C |
| August | 40°C |
| September | 38°C |
| October | 35°C |
| November | 29°C |
| December | 25°C |
When is Ras Al Khaimah's peak tourist season?
Expect Ras Al Khaimah to see more tourists over the festive season, when people look to escape those cold and dreary days in the UK and swap them for fun in the sun. Ras Al Khaimah is starting to prove a popular choice for winter sun holidays as it offers great weather and luxury hotels but isn't too far from Dubai where many Christmas and New Year celebrations take place.
November to February - Winter in Ras Al Khaimah
These months are typically when many holidaymakers flock to Ras Al Khaimah for great weather and temperatures that are bearable. It's also when most events take place.
Expect temperatures between 25°C and 29°C, great for lounging by the pool and working on that winter glow. If you're the active type, these months are also the better choices for a visit to the Jebel Jais mountains where you can have a go on the world's longest zipline or don your hiking boots and explore the rugged trails.
March to May - Spring in Ras Al Khaimah
Things start to heat up around this time of year, especially in April when temperatures can reach average highs of 33°C. Nighttime temperatures are comfortable, ideal for drinks on the balcony or al fresco dining.
If you want to cool off, book tickets for one of Ras Al Khaimah's water parks. Ice Land Water Park is perhaps the most popular and is one of the largest waterparks in the UAE.
Kids will love the thrilling water slides while parents can relax under unique igloo themed umbrellas. It's a great alternative to Dubai's water parks that can get very busy during the winter and spring months.
June to August - Summer in Ras Al Khaimah
Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah during these months can expect scorching temperatures of up to 41°C – you certainly won't want to stay outside for long. This is when culture vultures typically descend upon the emirate with air-conditioned museums to explore and souks that keep you under shade as you shop.
With Dubai not far away by car, you may also want to plan trips to the indoor amusement park IMG Worlds of Adventure if you're travelling with kids or the famous Dubai Mall, featuring an aquarium and hundreds of shops to discover.
September to October - Autumn in Ras Al Khaimah
Temperatures remain high but are starting to lower as we move towards winter in the latter end of the year. This is a great time of year to find an affordable holiday to this magical emirate, as the kids return to school and the temperature remains high, you should get some great deals.
Ras Al Khaimah weather month by month
January
A moderately hot month, visitors in January can enjoy comfortable temperatures for winter. If you're planning on exploring the city, January is a great choice as you can walk around with ease but still enjoy the air-conditioned shops and museums. The sea temperature is a little chilly for swimming but bearable. If you want to visit the popular Khatt Springs hot pools this is a great month to stop by.
- Average high temperature: 24°C
- Average low temperature: 11°C
- Days of rainfall: 1.7 days
- Sea temperature: 24°C
- Hours of daylight: 10 hours
February
Daily temperatures start to rise in February but you'll want to stick by the pool if you fancy a swim as the sea has a chill to it. However, with a wet suit you should still have a great time in the open water. Expect lots of daylight, well into the evening but humidity is high at 66% so you'll enjoy the air conditioning in your resort when you return after a day outside. These 'cooler' months earlier in the year are also ideal for adventurers who want to explore the many ruins and forts near the city, such as Jazirat al-Hamra, in more comfortable heat.
- Average high temperature: 25°C
- Average low temperature: 13°C
- Days of rainfall: 3 days
- Sea temperature: 22°C
- Hours of daylight: 11 hours
March
Things are starting to warm up now as we move into spring with higher temperatures of 28°C and overnight temperatures hitting 15°C at their very lowest. It's the ideal weather for sun worshippers and sand seekers looking for a chilled holiday on the beach. The sea is just the right temperature for swimming, it will feel refreshing but is bearable if you like going for a dip.
- Average high temperature: 28°C
- Average low temperature: 15°C
- Days of rainfall: 5 days
- Sea temperature: 23°C
- Hours of daylight: 12 hours
April
The mercury rises quickly in April, as we enter some of the hottest months of the year in Ras Al Khaimah. Highs of 33°C are fairly common, which means you'll be seeking shade throughout the day. For those who love to snorkel and indulge in watersports while on holiday, the sea temperature is a balmy 25°C.
- Average high temperature: 33°C
- Average low temperature: 18°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.9 days
- Sea temperature: 25°C
- Hours of daylight: 13 hours
May
This month is when things really start heating up. Sea temperatures mean you can lounge in the water all day long – the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa boasts 1.5 kilometres of golden sand for holidaymakers to enjoy.
- Average high temperature: 35°C
- Average low temperature: 22°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.2 days
- Sea temperature: 28°C
- Hours of daylight: 13 hours
June
June is a scorcher and it’s best to avoid spending long days out in the sun. If you're visiting Ras Al Khaimah to play tourist, this is the best time to explore its museums and shopping areas. Manar Mall is one of the most popular shopping malls in Ras Al Khaimah with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy some authentic food and people watch, as well as 120 places to shop.
- Average high temperature: 40°C
- Average low temperature: 25°C
- Days of rainfall: 0 days
- Sea temperature: 31°C
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
July
The hottest month of the year, July is perhaps when most holidaymakers avoid planning a trip to the UAE. However, that means there may be some great deals on trips to be found.
- Average high temperature: 41°C
- Average low temperature: 28°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.1 days
- Sea temperature: 32°C
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
August
The hot weather remains as we move into August, with scorching temperatures that even the biggest sun-worshippers won't be able to stay out in for long. Again, if you're visiting, see this as an opportunity to explore the indoor air conned attractions Ras Al Khaimah has to offer or cool off at one of the water parks.
- Average high temperature: 40°C
- Average low temperature: 28°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.2 days
- Sea temperature: 33°C
- Hours of daylight: 13 hours
September
The heat is still high but is starting to come down and more tourists seeking sunshine start to visit the city. Beach resorts are popular, with wonderfully warm sea temperatures that make watersports and swimming a pleasant experience. Sign up for a diving trip that takes you out into the open water where you can spot everything from sea turtles to dolphins.
- Average high temperature: 38°C
- Average low temperature: 24°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.1 days
- Sea temperature: 32°C
- Hours of daylight: 12 hours
October
The in-between month where temperatures are still high but steadily declining means there are opportunities for great offers over Half Term and plenty of family-friendly resorts. If you take the kids along you'll want to keep them out of the sun in the afternoon but your resort pool and the nearby sand will keep them entertained. Plus there are plenty of family-focused activities to plan into your itinerary during your stay.
- Average high temperature: 35°C
- Average low temperature: 20°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.1 days
- Sea temperature: 31°C
- Hours of daylight: 11.5 hours
November
Many would consider Ras Al Khaimah's weather to be just perfect for a winter sun getaway in the month of November. Temperatures in the high 20s, low rainfall and comfortable sea temperatures are the ideal combination for a week or more of indulging yourself at a resort. Bear in mind that other holidaymakers will also have the same idea, so some tourist areas can start to get busy as the month goes on.
- Average high temperature: 29°C
- Average low temperature: 16°C
- Days of rainfall: 0.7 days
- Sea temperature: 24°C
- Hours of daylight: 11 hours
December
If you're dreaming of a sunshine-filled Christmas there's no better destination than Ras Al Khaimah in December. You're close enough to Dubai to join in with festivities in the big city but the warm weather and luxurious resorts mean that you can see out the festive season in style.
- Average high temperature: 25°C
- Average low temperature: 13°C
- Days of rainfall: 2.3 days
- Sea temperature: 25°C
- Hours of daylight: 10.5 hours
When is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah for events?
You'll find some brilliant events booked into the diary in Ras Al Khaimah, ideal for adding to that itinerary of things to see and do. Here are just a few to consider planning your holiday around:
UAE Awafi Festival
When? For three weeks between December and January
Head out into the desert near Ras Al Khaimah to see sand dune racing by some of the very best in the world. Here, you can watch 4x4s racing up and down the dunes, defying gravity and churning up sand. But it's not just dune racing, there's live entertainment too including music and dancing plus food being served up at the nearby village. Plus, the great news is - it's free!
Terry Fox Run
When? March
Enjoy the buzz of the crowd and marvel at the athletic prowess of the runners at this annual charity race. If you're feeling fit, you can even sign up and run too. This yearly event raises money for Cancer Research and is a worthy cause and a fun day out.
Al Sawan Camel Race
When? From October to February
Grab tickets to see the traditional camel races that take place at Al Sawan Camel Race Track. Did you know that camels can reach speeds of up to 25mph? While this isn't perhaps the high-speed stakes we know from horse races and the dog track it is fun to watch all the same. Visit before the races at the weekend and you can watch the camels being trained and prepared for the big event.
When you choose to visit Ras Al Khaimah depends on the type of holiday you're planning. For now, consider our tips in this guide and be sure to take a look at our other guides to Ras Al Khaimah on the blog.