In general, the best time to visit Oman is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the coast and deserts.
During these months, daytime temperatures usually range between 22°C and 30°C, and evenings can be pleasantly cool, especially in the mountains and desert.
Visiting in winter will allow you to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably without having to worry about extreme heat.
I always recommend packing a light jacket or jumper, especially if you are spending time in the mountains or planning early morning desert excursions.
From April onwards, temperatures start rising quickly, especially inland, and by May to September, Oman becomes very hot, with daytime temperatures easily reaching 40°C or more. Every year, at the beginning of April, it feels like someone flips a switch as the country goes from ‘winter mode’ to ‘summer mode’ within 2 or 3 days and temperatures can suddenly rise by 10 degrees.
The summer months are not ideal for travelling around the interior of the country, but if you are only heading to Salalah (in the far south), it’s worth knowing that the Khareef (monsoon) season from July to September transforms the region into lush green landscapes.
This Youtube video from the ‘Husaak Adventures‘ channel will show you a bit of Dhofar during the Khareef season (monsoon season) and explains why the weather there is unique.
I can still remember my amazement as all my students suddenly ran out of my class one evening in Nizwa. I had only been in Oman for 3 weeks at that point and wondered what had happened. When I enquired, the Omani receptionist said with a contained joy, 'It's raining! It's raining!' Since then, I have witnessed over and over Omanis' love of rain - a rare pleasure in this part of the world.
(Move the timeline forward to discover the weather and best activities for each month)
Cool, sunny. Top Activities: Desert camping, hiking, visiting forts.
Warm, pleasant. Top Activities: Coastal trips, city sightseeing, garden visits.
Very hot. Top Activities: Indoor experiences, mountain getaways, turtle watching begins.
Hot north, misty and cooler south. Top Activities: Salalah khareef, frankincense trails, indoor markets.
Still hot and humid overall. Top Activities: Last of khareef in Salalah, beach walks in Dhofar, road trips.
Cool mornings, sunny days. Top Activities: Fort tours, wadis, wild swimming, National Day celebrations.
Mild, chance of rain. Top Activities: Wadi and village exploration, mountain drives, souqs.
Hot afternoons, dry. Top Activities: Early morning hikes, beach visits, museum days.
Scorching inland and very hot in general. Start of Khareef (Monsoon) in Dhofar. Top Activities: Visit Salalah, turtle nesting begins at Ras al Jinz.
Humid north, cool & green in Salalah. Top Activities: Khareef Festival, explore waterfalls, fruit stalls.
Warm in mornings and evenings. Hot and dry during the day. Top Activities: Return to desert trips, coastal stays, museums and hiking in the mountains.
Mild, sunny. Top Activities: End of year celebrations in the desert, hiking, heritage sites.
Cool, sunny. Top Activities: Desert camping, hiking, visiting forts.
Mild, chance of rain. Top Activities: Wadi and village exploration, mountain drives, souqs.
Warm, pleasant. Top Activities: Coastal trips, city sightseeing, garden visits.
Hot afternoons, dry. Top Activities: Early morning hikes, beach visits, museum days.
Very hot. Top Activities: Indoor experiences, mountain getaways, turtle watching begins.
Scorching inland and very hot in general. Start of Khareef (Monsoon) in Dhofar. Top Activities: Visit Salalah, turtle nesting begins at Ras al Jinz.
Hot north, misty and cooler south. Top Activities: Salalah khareef, frankincense trails, indoor markets.
Humid north, cool & green in Salalah. Top Activities: Khareef Festival, explore waterfalls, fruit stalls.
Still hot and humid overall. Top Activities: Last of khareef in Salalah, beach walks in Dhofar, road trips.
Warm in mornings and evenings. Hot and dry during the day. Top Activities: Return to desert trips, coastal stays, museums and hiking in the mountains.
Cool mornings, sunny days. Top Activities: Fort tours, wadis, wild swimming, National Day celebrations.
Mild, sunny. Top Activities: End of year celebrations in the desert, hiking, heritage sites.
So, the best time to travel to Oman really depends on what kind of experience you’re after – mild temperatures for sightseeing, summer for off-season deals and relaxing, or a cultural visit timed with festivals.
I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that fits your interests and travel style. Whenever you decide to go, Oman’s landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality will make it worth the journey.
To check the weather forecast in Oman today, click here:
