Dhofar (Oman) and Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Dhofar | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Oman | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Best time | July to March | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Salalah International Airport (SLL) | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Dhofar | Ras Al Khaimah Desert |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Dhofar if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want hiking
- you hope to see ibex
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in December to February
- you want game drives, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides
- you hope to see oryx and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dhofar or Ras Al Khaimah Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Dhofar is stronger in June to October. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Dhofar: July to March. Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February.
Sources: Experience Oman – Dhofar · Oman Observer – Wadi Darbat comes alive as Dhofar Khareef visitors return · Weather Spark – Salalah climate · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.