Best Time to Visit Oman

Best Time to Visit Oman for Ideal Weather

The best time to visit Oman for pleasant weather is from October to April. Oman sees a very hot and dry summer with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. From October to April, the country has somewhat lower temperatures ranging between 17°C and 36°C. This is also considered the high season and is full of several outdoor festivals and events.

This weather is perfect for many activities including sightseeing, hiking, camping, going to the beach and a lot more. However, tourists need to prepare for high temperatures before planning a trip here, no matter when they decide to come here. Except for Salalah, the whole country sees very hot temperatures.

Best Time to Visit Oman for Salalah Festival

Salalah attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its waterfalls and stunning greenery during the monsoon. Dhofar Governorate conducts the annual Salalah Tourism Festival in July and August, making it the best time to visit Oman if you are keen on attending this festival. The temperature drops to 23°C while the rest of the country is boiling.

Salalah enjoys a distinct natural diversity with a beautiful mix of mountains, coast, and desert. The Dhofar Province in which Salalah is located sees over 45°C in summer but because of its unique terrain, Salalah's temperature never exceeds 27°C. For this reason, the best time to visit Salalah is not limited to winter or transitional months. Tourists can visit this place almost all year long.

However, if you're visiting Salalah for its tourism festival or its stunning waterfalls, then make sure to come here between 15 July and 31 August. This festival is conducted in the Khareef or monsoon and is the best time to visit Oman for the lush green seasonal weather. This kind of greenery is impossible to find in any other part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Things to Do in Oman

Oman is famous for its stunning infrastructure and hospitable locals. The place is among the safest places to visit in the world and offers a range of things to do:

Muscat

Oman's capital is a perfect introduction to the spectacular Sultanate. The city is the gateway to the country' charming beauty and monuments and offers plenty of things to do with its centuries-old markets, beaches, monuments and more. Visit Muscat between April and August to catch some Hawksbill Turtle or Loggerhead nesting on the Oman coast. Other must-visit places in Muscat include the Fort Al-Mirani, Bait Al Zubair, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House.

Wahiba Sands

In the centre of the Sultanate of Oman is the Wahiba Sands, which is a part of a much larger Oman Desert. This area is home to the Bedouins and is a popular place for sand sports and overnight camping. You can visit Wahiba or Sharqiya Sands for dune bashing, desert trekking and camel safari.

Khasab

Popular for its natural beauty and Dolphin watching tours, Khasab is also known as Norway if the East. Plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants and beautiful marine life makes it a relaxing yet versatile place to visit in Oman. Just make sure to pick the best time to come here as visiting in the summer months would be very hot and arid.

Salalah

This place boats natural beauty and spectacular architecture. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful waterfall during the monsoon season. The city is famous for its Salalah Tourism Festival during this time and has many more beautiful spots nearby. Most popular ones include the Al Mughsail Beach, Sultan Qaboos mosque, UNESCO recognised Al Balid open archaeological site and the Taqah Castle.

Misfat al Abryeen

If you're looking for a break from Oman's towering skyline and luxurious cities, then Misfat al Abryeen offers a very traditional experience of mountain life. This is a very popular trekking location in Oman and tourists can visit this small 500-year-old village and experience authentic village life. The village consists of mud houses, shaded passageways, open terraces and beautiful gardens.

Best Time to Visit Oman for Dolphin Watching

Oman has plenty of beaches with rich marine life. Many tourists visit Oman to watch turtles and dolphins during their trips. The best time to visit Oman for Dolphin watching is between the months of October and May.

Oman has a hot and dry climate like most Middle Eastern countries. However, its coastal areas are much more humid with temperatures between 17°C to 35°C. This is also the best time to see sea turtles at Ras al Jinz.

Dolphin shoals can be seen in Muscat, Al Sharqiyah, Dhofar and Musandam regions. Visitors can spot many varieties, including the striped dolphin, the Rissos dolphin and the Indian Ocean dolphin. Visitors can book dolphin watching tours and spend a day with their family or friends while spotting various varieties of dolphins.

It is recommended to pick bright and sunny days to go dolphin watching as it may be hard to spot dolphins on cloudy days. Dolphins are less likely to leap out of the sea on a cloudy day which may ruin your plans altogether.

Most Affordable Time to Visit Oman

The Sultanate of Oman sees its shoulder season from April to May, which is ideal for budget travellers. If you're looking for an affordable time to visit Oman, this is it. However, be warned that the temperatures start rising drastically in April and overall the weather is pretty warm. However, this is also when tourists can find much more affordable hotels and tours to explore the country. Public places are less crowded as the peak period ends in April.

Tourists can visit the Green Mountain or the Jebel Akhdar to witness the spectacular rose-blooming season. Those looking for some fun at the beach can find the temperatures warm enough to spend some time on Oman's beautiful sandy beaches.

The country sees its low season from June to September, which is extremely hot even for the locals. You can still visit the Dhofar season which sees Khareef, as well as indoor venues, museums and other cultural institutes. You can also spot green sea turtles laying eggs at Ras Al Jinz Beach if you visit Oman during September.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, don’t forget to buy travel insurance for Oman so that you’re covered for any emergency expenses.

If you’re travelling to Oman during religious months or holidays, make sure to be considerate of public holidays in Oman. Don’t forget to follow the appropriate etiquette if you're visiting during Ramadan, as non-Muslim tourists can't drink, smoke or play loud music publicly. This may be a hindrance for some tourists, so it's better to plan a trip at a time when these restrictions won't be in place.

Worst Time to Visit Oman

Visiting Oman should be avoided during peak summer months. Except for Salalah, the country sees pretty arid and hot summer which can be extremely difficult for foreigners not used to high temperatures. Some parts of Oman even witness extremely high temperatures touching 50°C in areas like Al Sharqiyah.

If hiking is on your to-do list, avoid visiting low-lying valleys, wadis and beaches during heavy rainfall as they are prone to flash floods. If you do plan to hike or trek during the rains, make sure to camp on the higher ground keep an eye on the weather forecast and warnings before going ahead.

Whatever time you decide to visit Oman, don’t forget to buy Oman international travel insurance as soon as your trip has been finalised. This way you’d be covered for various contingencies including trip cancellation, flight delays and more throughout your stay in Oman.