When's The Best Time of Year To Visit Oman

The beginning of the year is usually the best time to visit Oman, because the temperatures are not that high, and there is occasional rain in different parts of the country. The humid weather of Muscat is at its latest which allows tourists to enjoy the city’s amazing beaches and fresh waters. There are no special events or celebrations during this month except for the Environment Day, which takes place on the 8th of January every year. During this day, the Sultanate celebrates its environmental achievements and announces its new projects for the environment and sustainability. Schools usually have small parties or events to celebrate this day. There are also posters and banners in the streets to raise awareness about the day and the environment.

Temperature: 25/ 17 ℃ (77/ 63 ℉)

Rainfall: 22 mm/ 0.9 in (2 days)

This is the month of one of the biggest festivals in Oman: the Muscat Festival. It is a cultural, musical and natural celebration. The event starts late in January and lasts until mid-February. In Muscat, there is a designated area where lots of stalls show their traditional products from different parts of the world, especially from the Arab countries. During the festival, there are several Omani and global musical performances, talk shows, competitions and plays. There is also a small fun fair and small shops that sell ice-cream, popcorn, cotton candy, and fast food. Muscat Festival is basically a one-stop-shop for family entertainment, and it is one of the top events that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Temperature: 26/18 ℃ (79/ 64 ℉)

Rainfall: 27 mm/ 1.1 in (3 days)

Starting in March, the weather is getting warmer, but not too warm. That’s why this is the perfect time to go on the desert safari you have always dreamed of. Visit the amazing golden dunes of Al Wahiba Sands in eastern Oman. You can enjoy a day with the bedouins there, ride camels or go stargazing. Another great adventure is to visit Al Rub’ Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) Desert in Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman. There you can experience the real challenging life of the bedouins, eat their delicious food and camp for a few nights.

Temperature: 30/ 20 ℃ (86/ 68 ℉)

Rainfall: 15 mm/ 0.6 in (2 days)

During this time of year, the roses bloom on the top of Jebel Al Akhdar, which offers marvelous views and an unmissable natural experience. Jebel Al Akhdar means the Green Mountain, and got that name because it is mostly covered with plants and trees. It is part of the Al Hajar Mountain range, which is the biggest and most famous mountain range in the country, and is located in northern Oman. The Green Mountain has several hiking trails and camping spots. It has also several villages across its terraces, which can offer a one-of-a-kind cultural experience of the Omani lifestyle.

Temperature: 35/ 24 ℃ (95/ 75 ℉)

Rainfall: 11 mm/ 0.4 in (1 day)

May is the transitional month between winter and summer in Oman. Temperatures get higher, but humidity levels are still low. It is one of the fruit harvest seasons in Oman, so there are lots of fresh apricots, peaches, pears and figs. You can enjoy sunny visits to the golden beaches of Muscat, the amazing fjords of Musandam or the incredible beaches and crystal waters of Salalah. You can also enjoy a refreshing trip in one of the splendid wadis in Oman.

Temperature: 40/ 29 ℃ (104/ 84 ℉)

This is the beginning of the hot and humid season in Oman. It is not recommended that you visit the country during this time. Nevertheless, hotel prices across the country are very cheap. The weather at night is not very hot, which creates nice opportunities to go shopping in Oman and enjoy its traditional nightlife.

Temperature: 40/ 30 ℃ (104/ 86 ℉)

Rainfall: 1 mm / 0.04 in (1 day)

Starting in July, it is the beginning of the summer vacation in Oman. This means that school is over, and most families are hanging out in the malls, gardens and entertainment places. On the 23rd of July, there is always a big celebration across the country because it is the anniversary of the first day Sultan Qaboos started ruling the country. It reminds the Omanis of the great achievements they have made, and the amazing nation they have become. The streets in Oman are decorated with flags, colorful lights and posters of the Sultan. It is one of the top must-attend celebrations in Oman.

Temperature: 38/ 30 ℃ (100/ 86℉)

Rainfall: 2 mm/ 0.1 in (1 day)

Here is another amazing festival that you must attend in Oman. It is the Khareef Season, in which Salalah in southern Oman transforms into a natural green heaven. It happens because of the monsoon, or the Khareef weather, as it is locally called, which causes continuous rain or drizzle over the city. Despite the high temperature throughout the country, Salalah remains refreshing and breathable. Beside the mind-blowing surrounding beauty, there are several artistic and musical performances in different places around the city, especially in the local souq of Al Haffa. You can also enjoy buying local Omani products and traditional souvenirs. The Khareef festival starts in mid-July and lasts until the end of August.

Temperature: 36/ 28 ℃ (97/ 82 ℉)

Rainfall: 5 mm/ 0.2 in (1 day)

September offers an exceptional opportunity to witness one of the amazing natural experiences of a rare sea creature. It is the green turtles’ breeding season. During this time, the green turtles travel to the Omani beaches, especially Ras Al Jinz in eastern Oman, to lay their eggs. Ras Al Jinz is a green turtle natural reservation, which provides guided tours to watch the turtles through their journey and until they return to the sea. You can also watch the baby turtles hatching out from their eggs, and going through a dangerous journey to go to the sea.

Temperature: 36/ 27 ℃ (97/ 81 ℉)

The winter season in Oman starts in October. This is when the temperature drops and the weather becomes more pleasant and refreshing. You can enjoy different desert trips around Oman especially in the south. There are also different cultural tours that you can enjoy, especially in Nizwa, Al Hamra and the surrounding museums, forts and castles in Al Dakhliya region.

Temperature: 35/ 24 ℃ (95/ 97 ℉)

This is one of the most awaited months in Oman because it has one of the biggest national celebrations in the country. This is the month in which the Sultan Qaboos was born. On the 18th of November, the whole country gets decorated, schools and governmental offices take up to three days off, and all regions and governorates prepare for parties, performances and celebrations. It is a unique cultural festival that is worth watching.

Temperature: 30/ 21 ℃ (86/ 70 ℉)

December is another great opportunity for all adventure seekers who wish to have an extraordinary experience of the Arabian desert, and the bedouin lifestyle. As temperatures are not that high, visitors can get a taste of this amazing hard life, and experience different sporting activities which include: sand boarding, camping, camel riding and stargazing.

Temperature: 27/18 ℃ (81/ 64 ℉)

Rainfall: 10 mm/ 0.4 in (2 days)