21.4°C during peak UAE summer? Nation's coolest spots revealed

Khaleej Times

4 days ago

When the temperature hits 51°C in some parts of the UAE, it's hard to imagine anywhere in the country feeling like a cool winter's morning. But there are a few hidden spots where the temperature can drop to the low 20s, and yes, people live there.
On Monday morning, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah was a refreshing 23.1°C, while Mebreh Mountain in Fujairah recorded 24.4°C. Jabal Al Rahba, Al Farfar and even Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain also enjoyed cooler mornings, far from the sweltering heat baking the rest of the country.
Just a week earlier, Al Heben Mountain in Fujairah dipped to 21.4°C, the coldest temperature in the UAE that day.
Why so cool?
Storm chaser Fahad Mohamad Abdul Rehman said the answer lies in their altitude, winds, and distance from cities. 'Because they are elevated above sea level, temperatures drop with altitude, in addition to the effect of nighttime cooling, mountain winds, and their distance from the influence of cities and the sea,' he explained.
The difference, he added, is not unusual. 'The temperature difference between mountain peaks and the coasts is natural every summer, and often ranges between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius during the day, and is greater at night.'
He noted that this year, the difference may be more noticeable because the heat waves on the coasts are more 'intense', and the weather in the peaks is less humid, which increases the feeling of coolness there'
For residents, life in these mountain areas is far more pleasant in summer. 'Mountain residents enjoy a milder summer, spend more time outdoors, rely less on air conditioning, continue some agriculture and grazing, and see more domestic tourism compared to the hot, humid coasts,' Fahad said.
And that cooler climate is drawing visitors. 'Yes, an increase in visitors is expected in the summer, especially during severe heat waves, because these areas offer cooler and more suitable weather for outdoor activities compared to the coasts.'
Muhammed Sajjad, a Dubai-based weather enthusiast who runs the Instagram account @uaeweatherman, noted that not all 'cool spots' are equally accessible to the public. 'The temperature recorded at Jebel Jais was 24°C at 1,800m above sea level. The highest drivable point for the public is the last turn before the security gate at 1,360m above sea level, where the temperature would be around 29–32°C. This means it is not a cooler place for the public during summer.'
However, Sajjad said certain eastern coast mountains can offer dramatic drops in temperature during cloudy days. 'On the eastern coast and mountains from Kalba to Dibba, during extreme summer days, low-level clouds touch the mountains from early morning until late morning, and on some days, until noon.
These mountains are 650–720m above sea level, and the public can drive to the top. When clouds touch the mountain, the temperature drops to 18–23°C, making it very cool, often cool enough to wear a winter jacket.
This is because clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that block sunlight and absorb heat, creating a refreshing chill. When the clouds touch the mountain, visitors can be inside the clouds and even touch them.
He recommended two easily reachable spots for such conditions: 'Al Suhub Rest Area, 650m above sea level, in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah. You can drive to the top in any type of car, and Farfar Mountain, 710m above sea level, in Fujairah. You'll need an off-road vehicle to reach the top.'