The best time to visit Oman is from October to March, when the weather is warm (17°C to 35°C) and comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Oman has a subtropical dry desert climate with low annual rainfall. Rain is rare, typically occurring only as short, sharp showers in January and February. April and May are pleasant and warmer than winter months, making them good times to visit Oman. June to September are the summer months when the temperature is too high. Al Hajar Mountain range and Dhofar region remain moderate throughout the year.
Peak Season (October to March) The peak season in Oman is from October to March. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 35°C (63°F to 95°F). This is the best time to visit Oman to avoid the sweltering heat of the summer months. Even in high season, Oman is not busy compared to other travel destinations, so you can enjoy the stunning landscapes, ancient forts, and beautiful beaches without large crowds. The cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall make it an ideal time for hiking, desert safaris, and exploring markets and souks.
Shoulder Season (April to May) The shoulder season in Oman is from April to May. During these months, temperatures around Muscat start to rise, creeping into the high 90s (32°C to 37°C). Although warmer than the winter months, it is still a good time to visit, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. You can take advantage of fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates during this time. It’s also a great time to explore the Al Hajar Mountain range and Dhofar region, where the climate remains moderate throughout the year.
Off Season (June to September) The off-season in Oman is from June to September, coinciding with the hottest months of the year. During this time, temperatures can soar to unbearable levels, reaching up to 45°C (113°F) and higher. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the extreme heat, but it’s a great time to explore indoor attractions such as museums, shopping malls, and cultural centers. In the Al Hajar Mountain range and Dhofar region, the climate remains moderate throughout the year, providing a cooler escape from the coastal heat.
December - February is an excellent time to visit Oman. Oman weather in January is the coolest of all and the unpredictable Oman rainfall, although short, can feel good too! December is the perfect month to experience the best of stargazing, camel riding, sand boarding and camping. January is a great time to visit the beaches and have some great time swimming and surfing in the freshwaters. The temperature of Oman in January and February stays in an average of 25/ 17 ? (77/ 63 ?) to 26/18 ? (79/ 64 ?). The average precipitation in there two months is 22-27 mm. February is crowded because one of the major events take place in Oman; Muscat Festival. The New Year period remains busy, too, and the hotels and other accommodation costs are higher. People from all over the globe can be seen having a good time in Oman, enjoying the several festivals and appreciating its great food and culture during these peak months.
Key Events in Winter Muscat Festival – This is the biggest of all festivals in Oman, and it goes on for a month. A wide range of programs and events take place during this time that offers a perfect mix of culture, art heritage. There are also fun events like fashion shows and food festivals during this month-long celebration in Oman.
Spring in Oman (March - April)
Oman in March and April has less heat and humidity from the summer months and hence, is still an excellent time to visit Oman. This is the best time to visit the golden sands of Al Wahiba in the eastern part of Oman and experience the best of desert safari. Another great experience would be to live the life of Bedouins, eat their food, and be a part of their culture in Al Rub’ Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) Desert in Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman. Visiting the Jebel Akhdar Mountain is a great idea to experience the beauty of roses in full bloom in April. Also, for hiking trails and camping, visiting the Green Mountain is a must! The average temperature in March and April is 35/ 24 ? (95/ 75 ?). There are no special events during the spring season in Oman.
Summer in Oman (May-August)
May-August is the low season in Oman and May is the interim month between the cooler temperatures of winters and spring in the country. Oman in May is hot but with less humidity in the air. It is also the start of the delicious summer fruits in Oman, and if you are there during May, you can expect a variety of fresh produces. Oman in June-August is excessively hot, humid and uncomfortable for travellers in Oman. The average temperature during this time is 40/ 30 ? (104/ 86 ?). Also, this is the Khareef (monsoon) season which makes the southern part cooler, although humid. Salalah area gets busy with the locals who usually escapes to that part to avoid the sweltering heat. Hotels and accommodation costs are fairly cheap, and even airfares are budget-friendly during the summer months for Oman.
Key Events in Summer · Salalah Festival – This is also known as the Khareef Festival in Oman, and it starts in June and ends by mid-September. The three months of the festival celebrates the monsoon in Oman with cultural events, shopping promotions, sports, etc. · Ramadan – The exact dates of Ramadan depends upon the astronomical sightings of the moon. However, the dates fall in July and August. This is the Islamic holy month in Oman when the locals fast throughout the day and hence, most of the eateries are closed. People, however, celebrate the last day of Ramadan, called Eid Al Fitr, when they enjoy Iftar with near ones and lets loose in festivities. · Renaissance Day – On 23rd July, the locals celebrate this day to celebrate the reign of Sultan Qaboos in 1970 and the start of Oman Renaissance.
Autumn in Oman (September - November)
September-November are the shoulder months in Oman. September is still quite hot but not as much as that of June, July and August. Accommodation costs and other prices are lower, and this is the peak turtle viewing month in Ras Al Jinz and is also known to be the ‘turtle season in Oman’. The average temperature in September is 36/ 27 ? (97/ 81 ?). Oman in October and November are much more enjoyable than the summer months too. The lowest temperature gets up to 30 degrees Celsius. By November, however, the crowd starts rushing into the country from other places. This is probably one of the busiest months in Oman. The whole country gears up to celebrate the birthday of Sultan Qaboos on the 18th of November every year with much pomp and glory. The average temperature during November is around 30/ 21 ? (86/ 70 ?).