Oman is chock full of adventurous activities to enjoy during the cooler months and calm beaches where you can cool off during the scorching-hot summer months.
The best time to visit this desert country is typically from October through March, when the weather is close to perfect for activities including hiking and camping at the beach. No matter when you decide to go, the “Pearl of Arabia” offers plenty of things to do and sights to visit, from historic castles and forts to Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Note that key Muslim holidays such as Ramadan and Eid, which are based on the lunar calendar, could affect your trip, and the dates shift in the Western calendar every year.
Follow our guide to decide the best time to visit Oman.
High season in Oman coincides with pleasant temperatures ranging from about 15°C (60°F) to 30°C (85°F). These months see little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for enjoying outdoor events and festivals, such as the Muscat Festival in January. Adventure lovers will have a great time taking road trips and going for hikes.
The weather warms up to excruciatingly hot during shoulder season, but lower visitor numbers mean more affordable accommodations and tours. April is a great time to visit Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) and experience the rose-blooming season. Beachgoers will delight in Oman’s beautiful stretches of sand.
Oman’s summer months are an insufferably hot time to visit, unless you’re heading to Salalah in the Dhofar region. There, the khareef (rainy season) brings much cooler temperatures as the rest of the country swelters. The hot temperatures drive visitors indoors to museums and other cultural institutions. Wildlife watchers should plan a trip to Ras Al Jinz Beach in September, when green sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand.
Key events: Muscat Festival, Youth Sailing World Championships
Key events: Tour of Oman, Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, Sifa Stock
Key events: Sultan Camel Race Cup, Holi, Oman World Folk Music Festival
Ever-warming temperatures mark the start of Oman’s off-peak season, but travelers can still enjoy being outdoors before the truly scorching temperatures set in. April is the peak time to stop and smell the roses atop Jebel Akhdar as they are harvested and made into rose water. For the next few years, Ramadan will take place at least partly in April. During Ramadan, most restaurants close during the day, but some hotels have food available for guests in private. Families gather to enjoy huge feasts to break the fast after sunset.
Key events: Rose garden tours at Jebel Akhdar, Ramadan
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Key events: Eid Al Fitr
Key events: Khareef season in Salalah
Key events: Salalah Festival, Renaissance Day
Key events: Eid Al Adha
Key events: National Day, Sailing Arabia Tour
Key events: Muscat Eat Food Festival
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