When is the best time to visit Oman?
A desert nation, Oman dazzles you with its magnificent mosques and forts but also surprises you with its delightful wadis and unforgettable desert experiences. But to witness all that this country has to offer, you need to know the best time to visit Oman.
The period from October to March is the best time to visit Oman. Day time temperatures are in the range of 77°F -95°F, nights are pleasant, and there is virtually no rain. Outside of this, the weather during the shoulder months of April and May are also conducive to sightseeing.
OVERVIEW
It’s one of the best months to visit Oman. Day time temperatures are around 77°F while nighttime temperatures hover around the mid-60s. This is as cold as it gets in Oman!
WE RECOMMEND
- Discover the Muscat of yesteryears as you explore Old Muscat
- Hike the rocky terrain of Wadi Ghul, Oman’s Grand Canyon
OVERVIEW
Temperatures are very similar to what they were in January. Due to the popular Muscat Festival, it is one of the busiest times to visit Oman. Food, music, and other cultural programs are all part of this month-long event.
WE RECOMMEND
- Watch open-air performances, savor traditional sweets and learn about the region’s arts and crafts at the Muscat Festival
- Shop for exquisite silverware at the Nizwa souk, one of the oldest in the country
OVERVIEW
It’s spring in Oman! Day time highs are now in the low-mid 80s. However, due to low humidity levels and thinner crowds, March is a good time to visit Oman.
WE RECOMMEND
- Head to Jebel Akhdar Mountain during the rose harvesting season – a treat for your senses
- Go dune bashing or opt for a leisurely camel ride at the Al Wahiba Sands
OVERVIEW
Daytime highs in Muscat break into the 90s. Temperature readings in the mountainous Jebel Akhdar region are lower – a pleasant 78°F. It’s the last good month to visit Oman before the heat levels turn up in the country.
WE RECOMMEND
- Swim in the emerald green waters of the Wadi Shab
- Discover a colorful world as you snorkel around the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.
OVERVIEW
May brings along scorching temperatures. Mercury levels rise to the upper 90s in Muscat while the coastal town of Sur sees temperatures crossing the 100°F mark.
WE RECOMMEND
- A visit to the Grand Mosque is a must. While there, don’t forget to view the world’s second-largest carpet in the main hall
- It’s turtle hatching season on the beaches of Oman. Head to Ras Al Jinz for the best seats
OVERVIEW
It’s the hottest month of the year with maximum temperatures across cities in the 100°F + range. In the evening, temperatures drop to the mid-80s, making it the only time you can step out for shopping or sightseeing.
WE RECOMMEND
- Attend a performance at the Royal Opera House in Muscat
OVERVIEW
The heatwave continues in July with temperatures in the range of 97°F-100°F. In the beach town of Salalah, it’s the Khareef or monsoon period, which brings down temperatures in the region but increases humidity.
WE RECOMMEND
- Escape the heat with a visit to the National Museum, a must for art connoisseurs
OVERVIEW
Salalah is still under a rain spell while the rest of the country bakes under a hot sun. Temperatures are now in the low 90s. It’s a busy domestic travel season as everyone heads to the coastal towns to escape the heat.
WE RECOMMEND
- Polish on your bargaining skills at the Mutrah Souq – a treasure trove of traditional arts and crafts
- Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Bimmah or Dabab sinkhole
OVERVIEW
Day time readings in September are still around 93°F, but there is a definite movement towards lower temperatures. It’s turtle breeding season and a good time to visit the country to catch sight of an incredible number of migratory birds.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow boat from the Bandar Al-Rowdha Marina in Muscat
- Climb up the steps of the Nizwa Fort for sweeping views of the town
OVERVIEW
It begins to cool down, with temperatures dropping below the 90°F mark in Salalah and Nizwa. It’s a good month to travel to Oman before the crowds arrive.
WE RECOMMEND
- Relax under swaying coconut trees at the Haffa beach in Salalah
OVERVIEW
As temperatures start to drop, the crowds arrive, making November a popular tourist month. The country gears up for National Day with holidays and festive celebrations.
WE RECOMMEND
- Experience Bedouin culture when you camp at the Al Rub’ Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) Desert
OVERVIEW
Temperatures drop across the country – Muscat is around 78°F while higher up in Jebel Akhdar, it’s a cool 65°F. With plenty of tourists visiting for the Christmas and New Year break, you will have to plan ahead.
WE RECOMMEND
- Unwind at the Al Bustan Beach in Muscat
- Welcome the New Year at one of Muscat’s luxurious hotels
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Best Time to Visit Oman by Season
Located in the Southeastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. The period from December to February is considered the winter months and is also the busiest time of the year for tourists. Expect some heavy but short spells of rain during January and February. March and April usher in springtime weather with flower-filled mountainsides and temperatures around 95°F. Summers in Oman are scorching with temperatures during the months of May-August reaching 100°F and more. During this time, the southern part of Oman experiences the Khareef or monsoon season, which brings down the temperature and increases humidity levels. It’s a busy season in the region as locals head to the beaches of Salalah. The autumn months of September, October, and November see temperatures cooling a little. This is considered to be the shoulder season for travel in Oman.
The mountains of Oman see cooler temperatures all through the year. During the winter months, average daytime highs are around 68°F, and nighttime temperatures can fall to 50°F. Even during the summer months, daytime temperatures rarely push past 85°F.
What to Pack for Oman
For a country that experiences warm day time temperatures year-round, it’s best to pack clothes made from breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. We strongly recommend that you dress modestly in tops that cover your shoulders and upper arms, and dresses that reach your knees. Long dresses work particularly well for the climate and dress code in the country. Women should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover the ankles while visiting places of worship, avoid sheer fabrics, and cover their heads with a scarf or shawl. For men, we recommend linen trousers, shorts that cover the knees, and lightweight shirts. A sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are, of course, a must.
While visitors can wear tank tops, shorts, and swimsuits to their hotel’s pool or at a private beach, modest dressing is recommended at public beaches and when swimming in wadis. Women can wear a T-shirt over their swimwear while men can wear Bermuda style swim shorts.
Nights in the desert and mountainous regions can get cold, so pack a sweater, jumper or light jacket. If you are planning on visiting the mountains, get a good pair of walking or hiking shoes as the terrain is rugged.
We are happy to help you discover the best time for you to visit Oman. Call us for a tailor-made itinerary that will allow you to experience this country to its fullest!
One of the very best travel experiences I have ever had. We even got updates once at 3 am! He also made one change in one day’s itinerary to accommodate our wishes which was very wonderful. For business, I have traveled to Europe, Russia, all over Asia and South Africa but was blown away by all the beautiful sites in Argentina and Chile.
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