The best time to visit Oman

With average highs around 25°C, January makes an ideal month for exploring Oman. It’s the perfect time to visit Muscat: explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, shop in the Muttrah Souq or take a sunset dhow cruise along the coast.

These cooler temperatures also mean you can enjoy desert activities, such as camping in Wahiba Sands, without the extreme heat of later months. Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp to experience the true beauty of this natural landscape.

February in Oman offers over ten hours of sunshine per day. Visit the coastal town of Sur to witness the age-old tradition of dhow building, or take a drive along the scenic coastal road to Wadi Shab. There, you can hike along dramatic cliffs before taking a dip in one of the natural turquoise pools.

For those who enjoy birdwatching, February is one of the best times to travel to Oman. The west coast of Masirah Island and the mud flats at the Bar al Hakman reserve are the most important areas in the Arabian Peninsula for wintering and migrating waders.

March marks the start of warmer weather in Oman, with temperatures rising towards 30°C across many regions. Plan a visit to the ancient city of Nizwa, where you can explore the impressive Nizwa Fort and experience the lively weekly cattle market.

The inland desert regions, like Wahiba Sands, are best visited in the early mornings or late afternoons from now on to avoid the peak heat. Turn your hand to camel riding, or simply sit atop a dune to marvel at the vast golden landscape.

If you’re looking for relaxation, April is one of the best times to visit Oman for its pristine beaches. Head to Masirah Island for snorkelling or diving, as the underwater visibility is excellent and you’ll have a good chance of encountering turtles, rays and even whale sharks.

April is also when the Damask roses of Jebel Akhdar are in full bloom, the mountainside awash in delicate shades of pink. A tour around some of the smaller family-run rosewater distilleries gives you an insight into this traditional craft, with many farmers bottling their own rose water and rose oil which you can purchase to take home.

By May, daytime temperatures are reaching up to 40°C, especially inland. Oman’s coastal areas are the draw during this late spring season, with the fjord-like inlets of the Musandam Peninsula offering a cooler climate. A dhow cruise, to spot dolphins and swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman, is not to be missed.

The frankincense harvest in Dhofar is in full flow this month, for those interested in learning more about the ancient incense trade. Guided tours along the Frankincense Trail, the historic route once travelled by caravans carrying this precious cargo, immerse you in Oman’s rich merchant history.

June is the best time to travel to Oman to witness the stark contrast between the arid north and the lush south as the Khareef arrives in Dhofar. These monsoon rains bring relief from the intense summer heat that dominates most of Oman. Salalah is a desirable destination in June, with temperatures significantly cooler compared to the rest of the country.

The monsoon rains continue from June into July, with Salalah remaining a popular place to stay. The annual Salalah Tourism Festival kicks off this month, celebrating the culture, food and traditions of Oman.

For wildlife lovers, turtle spotting at Ras al Jinz in the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve should be top of your list, as July is peak nesting season.

At the height of the Khareef, August sees the Dhofar region lush with greenery, cascading waterfalls and misty hillsides. Daytime temperatures there hover around 28°C, in comparison with an average of 35°C across the rest of the country.

This month is one of the best times to go to Oman to discover the wonders of the wadis (valleys/ravines) scattered around Salalah, or the impressive natural fountains of the Mughsail Blowholes in the nearby Marneef Cave.

September marks the end of the Khareef season and heralds the autumn harvest, when pomegranates, grapes, olives and walnuts are reaped. Take a trip to the Ayn Razat gardens, which are at their most beautiful in this post-monsoon period.

Head to Ras al Jinz, a fishing village within the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, to catch the end of the turtle breeding window and see the hatchlings scurrying out to sea.

October is when Oman fully transitions into autumn, with daytime temperatures staying in the early 30s across most regions. Embark on a road trip through the Empty Quarter, the vast sand desert spanning several countries – with the heat subsiding, you can comfortably explore the dunes and camp under the stars.

The Royal Opera House in Muscat opens its season in October, offering a programme of both international and local talent. With decorative motifs derived from Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European art, as well as a fine collection of rare instruments on display, a guided tour is a must.

From peak season in November, crowds increase in many areas of Oman. This is one of the best times to visit Masirah Island, where a school of non-migratory humpback whales make their home and turtles outnumber tourists.

A festive time in Muscat, National Day celebrations on 18th November bring fireworks, parades and traditional music to the streets of the capital. On this day, Omanis commemorate the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who ruled for 50 years until his passing in 2020.

December is the coolest time of year in Oman, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 26°C. Trek the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams for spectacular views of Wadi Ghul, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, head to some of Oman’s many forts and castles to learn about the country’s rich history. The immense ruins of Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a fascinating glimpse into the mediaeval Islamic period.