The climate of Al Ruwais
Located on the northern coast of
Qatar,
Al Ruwais falls under the BWh Köppen climate classification, indicating a subtropical desert climate. Predominantly arid and warm, the weather here remains relatively stable throughout the year, with minor fluctuation in average temperature and daylight hours. The months of
July through
September see the sea's temperature peaking, with the highest average of 33.4°C (92.1°F) recorded in
August. Daylight hours also rise during these months, reaching a maximum of 13.8 hours in
June and dropping to a minimum of 10.5 hours in
December.
In this desert climate, rainfall is an unprecedented event; however, temperature variations are more perceptible. It starts off with an average sea temperature of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
January, which gradually escalates, peaking in August at 33.4°C (92.1°F), and then falls back to 23.2°C (73.8°F) by December. Daylight hours mimic a similar pattern, with the year's beginning and end marked by shorter days and the middle seeing the longest days.
Al Ruwais's distinct lack of rainfall, high temperatures, and generous daylight hours all year round are characteristic of its desert climate. Its geographical position also plays a significant role in the city's climate, the northward location aiding slightly in temperature regulation compared to the more southern parts of Qatar.
The best time to visit Al Ruwais
Owing to its desert climate, the best time for tourists to visit
Al Ruwais is during the winter months between
November and
March. During this period, the average sea temperature ranges from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F) and the daylight hours vary from 10.5 hours to 11.3 hours, providing pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The slightly cooler temperatures and extended daylight hours create a conducive environment for exploring the city's cultural heritage, local markets, and desert landscapes.
The worst time to visit Al Ruwais
The peak summer months between
June and
September are arguably the most inhospitable for tourists. With an average sea temperature recording between 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F) and daylight hours extending from 13 to 13.6 hours, the intense heat might prove oppressive to visitors not accustomed to such climatic conditions. Outdoor activities during this period could be uncomfortably hot, thus making it less ideal for tourism.
Spring weather in Al Ruwais
Spring in
Al Ruwais, usually between
March and
May, is marked by a steady increase in average sea temperatures and daylight hours. The sea temperature raises from 22.9°C (73.2°F) in March to 27.6°C (81.7°F) by May, with daylight hours extending from 12 hours in March to 13.4 hours by May. The progressively hotter temperatures and longer days symbolize the city's transition from the mild winter to its arid summer.
Summer weather in Al Ruwais
Summer in
Al Ruwais extends from
June to
September and is characterized by the highest recorded temperatures and prolonged daylight hours. The average sea temperatures remain high, from 30.6°C (87.1°F) in June escalating to 33.4°C (92.1°F) in
August before dipping to 30.5°C (86.9°F) by September. The daylight hours peak at 13.8 hours in June but start waning by September with around 12.3 hours.
Autumn weather in Al Ruwais
Autumn, observed in
October and
November, brings a gradual decline in temperatures and daylight hours in
Al Ruwais. The average sea temperature lowers from 26.9°C (80.4°F) in October to 23.2°C (73.8°F) in November. Likewise, the daylight hours reduce from 11.5 hours in October to around 10.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Al Ruwais
Winter, marked by
December through
February, brings the coolest weather in
Al Ruwais. The average sea temperatures dip as low as 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
January, and the daylight hours are at their shortest, ranging from 10.7 hours in January to 11.3 hours in February. Despite the relative cold experienced in this season, winter in Al Ruwais still remains considerably warm, especially when compared to non-desert climate locations.
Weather in January
The onset of the new year greets
Al Ruwais,
Qatar, with a relatively cool ambiance. The value hits at the cooler end of the scale with a measured sea temperature of 20.8°C (69.4°F). As the coldest month,
January marks the transition from the chilly winds of winter to the warmer breezes of spring.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Al Ruwais greets spring with a significant increase in temperature. A shift in weather patterns from the cooler 20.8°C (69.4°F) sea temperature in
January to a warmer 19.1°C (66.4°F) marks the onset of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Al Ruwais promises pleasantly warm temperatures with extended daylight. This is complemented by an increase in the monthly average sea temperature to 20.5°C (68.9°F). The city experiences a gradual warming trend compared to the cooler
February, preparing for the blazing heat of
April.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The warmth of the spring season in
Al Ruwais peaks in
April. Notably, the sea temperatures ascend to reach a peak of 22.9°C (73.2°F) during this month. The city records a marked increase from the milder weather in
March and, compared to
May, is the last month of temperate spring weather.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As summer begins to edge its way into
Al Ruwais,
May brings with it a significant rise in heat. There is a substantial difference in the sea temperature, rocketing up to 27.6°C (81.7°F); a notable escalation witnessing the transition from the warmth of
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June, the middle of the year, greets
Al Ruwais with peak summer weather. The sea temperature continues to climb, reaching an annual high of 30.6°C (87.1°F). This significant rise in temperature from
May transforms the city into a sweltering desert landscape.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The blistering summer reaches its peak in
July, presenting
Al Ruwais with its hottest month. The sea temperature soars to a record-setting 32.5°C (90.5°F); a small yet significant increase from
June's already high heat. Despite being the height of summer, July offers a fraction less daylight than June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses a slight fall in temperature, still contributing to the excruciating summer heat in
Al Ruwais. There is a mild dip in the sea temperature, curving slightly to reach 33.4°C (92.1°F). This minor reduction compared to hot
July is not significant enough to provide any respite from the heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
October welcomes the calming autumn weather in
Al Ruwais. The sea temperature further drops to a more moderate 30.5°C (86.9°F), resulting in a significant decrease from the high heat of
September. October marks a considerable shift in weather, making it a month of relief from the prevailing summer heat.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is characterized by a delightful continuation of the autumn season in
Al Ruwais. A substantial drop in the sea temperature to 26.9°C (80.4°F) signifies the transition from the milder
October and anticipation of the colder weather to come in
December.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Al Ruwais signals the arrival of cool winters. A sea temperature drop to 23.2°C (73.8°F), the lowest point from balmy
November, highlights this transition. The city records its shortest daylight duration in December, making it the month with the least sunlit hours.
Weather in December »