Season guide · Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah in winter
December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: almarjanisland.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Warm, sunny days and cool nights; peak season for beaches, hiking and desert trips, and cold at altitude. Expect highs up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F), with about 6 rainy days across December–February. December–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- December–February
- Temperatures
- 13°C (55°F) to 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 6
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F) to 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in winter
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C (75°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 2 | 10.7 h | 4/5 |
| February | 25°C (77°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 2 | 11.3 h | 4/5 |
| December | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 2 | 10.5 h | 5/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 25°C (77°F) against a yearly 33°C (91°F), and 6 of the year's roughly 10 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in winter
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: New Year's Eve fireworks over Al Marjan Island (31 December into 1 January)
- February: Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (usually February)
- December: UAE National Day — celebrations across the emirates (2 December)
- December: New Year's Eve fireworks at Al Marjan Island (31 December)
Make the most of the weather
Nature · Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park
The road up the UAE's highest mountain climbs about 30 km of switchbacks through the bare limestone of the Hajar range, with viewpoints and picnic spots along the way.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Free
Experience · Jebel Jais
Jais Flight zipline
Book an early slot: winds can delay or cancel later sessions, and the morning light over the mountains is clearer.
- Time needed
- 2 hours including briefing
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
Experience · Jebel Jais
Jais Sledder
A rail-mounted toboggan winds about 1.8 km down the mountainside through bends, waves and loops, with riders controlling their own speed.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Active
- Outdoors
Castle · Ras Al Khaimah City
Dhayah Fort
Climb in the late afternoon for the softest light and cooler air; wear shoes with grip on the gravel path.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Views
- Free
- Photo spot
- Kids
Beach · Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island beaches
The man-made islands are fringed with wide sandy beaches and shallow, calm water, most of it attached to resorts that sell day passes.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
Day trips in winter
- Dubai (About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car) — The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the historic Al Fahidi district and the creek's abra boats are all reachable for a full day.
- Sharjah (About 1 hour by car) — The UAE's cultural capital has the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the restored Heart of Sharjah heritage district, the Arts Area and the Al Noor Island art garden.
What to pack
- Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is winter a good time to visit Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes: December–February are among the best months. Warm, sunny days and cool nights; peak season for beaches, hiking and desert trips, and cold at altitude.
+What is the weather like in Ras Al Khaimah in winter?
Highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F), with about 6 rainy days over the season.