Beaches · Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
The best beaches in and near Ras Al Khaimah
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: almarjanisland.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Al Marjan Island (About 25 km south-west of the city). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 3
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 33°C (91°F)
The beaches
About 25 km south-west of the city · Families and resort stays
1.Al Marjan Island
Wide sandy beaches with calm, shallow water around the man-made islands, mostly resort-run with day passes available.
About 20 km south-west of the city · Couples and golfers
2.Al Hamra
Resort beaches next to the golf course and marina, close to the heritage village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra.
About 10–15 km south-west of the city · Quiet swims and kayaking
3.Mina Al Arab
Sheltered beaches and lagoons fringed with mangroves, suited to kayaking and quiet swims.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| February | 22°C (72°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| March | 23°C (73°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| April | 26°C (79°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 38°C (100°F) |
| June | 31°C (88°F) | 40°C (104°F) |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 41°C (106°F) |
| August | 33°C (91°F) | 41°C (106°F) |
| September | 32°C (90°F) | 39°C (102°F) |
| October | 30°C (86°F) | 35°C (95°F) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for families, beach, luxury and first-timers
Al Marjan Island
Four connected man-made islands about 25 km south-west of the city hold many of the emirate's large beach resorts, with sandy beaches, pools and kids' clubs. The causeway promenade is used for running and cycling, and the islands host the New Year's Eve fireworks. Restaurants outside the hotels are limited.
- Good
- Wide sandy beaches; Resort facilities and kids' clubs; Calm sea for swimming
- Watch out
- Little to do outside the resorts; About 45 minutes from Jebel Jais
- Nearby
- Al Hamra Village, Al Jazirat Al Hamra
Getting to the beaches
- Car — Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort, Wadi Shawka and the east coast; roads are good and well signposted.
- Bus — Intercity buses connect Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai and Sharjah, and a small number of city routes serve main roads, but services are infrequent for sightseeing.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–December. The busiest of those is December, so book early.
Beach safety
The main risks are heat, dehydration and road safety: traffic is fast and the Jebel Jais road is steep. On hikes, flash floods can follow rare winter storms, so avoid wadis when rain is forecast. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Ras Al Khaimah have beaches?
Yes: Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Ras Al Khaimah?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Ras Al Khaimah?
Al Marjan Island: Wide sandy beaches with calm, shallow water around the man-made islands, mostly resort-run with day passes available.