The best time to visit Oman
The wonderfully vibrant Middle Eastern country of Oman welcomes travelers with open arms any time of year. However, as this is a desert destination, the heat can be extreme in the summer if you're not used to it.
So if you're interested in hiking, dune bashing, camel riding, and camping in Bedouin tents under the stars, the colder winter months offer the best options for these outdoor activities.
That said, traveling to Oman in the summer can also have its perks, which are cheaper flights and discounted accommodation. Oman also has lush green oases, cool mountain villages, crystal clear wadis, and a pristine coastline to beat the heat, so with careful planning, a trip is possible.
Wondering when is the best time to visit Oman? We have listed a few tips for each season so that you can determine the right moment.
When to visit Oman
Best time to visit Oman in summer (June - August)
In the summer you may not want to go to Oman because of the extremely high temperatures, which sometimes hover around 40°C. But there are ways to keep calm during this time, so don't rule it out completely.
The green season ("Kharief" in Arabic) reaches its peak from mid-July to late August, and Salalah, in the southern region of Dhofar, is considered the coolest place to stay in the summer. Here the surrounding landscape is transformed by the monsoon rains, the waterfalls flow gloriously and there is greenery as far as the eye can see.
In summer, the Khareef Festival is the main attraction in Salalah attracting international tourists as well as locals. It takes place from July 15 to August 31 every year and features traditional dance, food, and music performances.
One option to refresh yourself is to book a stay at one of Oman's luxury resorts. Salalah has many choices, with hotels offering air-conditioned rooms, beautifully landscaped pools, and beach access. You can also head north to the Hajar Mountains and Alila Jabal Akhdar, a beautiful mountain location with stunning views at 2000 feet above sea level. It is 15°C cooler here in the summer months.
Visit Oman in autumn (September - November)
Autumn is an excellent season for turtle watching and one of the main reasons many nature lovers visit Oman during this time. Oman has a staggering number of turtles that come ashore during the main breeding season (July to September), five different species with a total of about 20,000 turtles. Together they lay 50,000 to 60,000 eggs. As you can imagine, thousands of tiny turtles hatching and making their way to the sea are a sight to behold.
One of the largest breeding grounds is the Ras al Jinz Turtle Beach Sanctuary, where you can see green-backed turtles climbing the beach to make their nests. Once a science center, the reserve has been set up with ecotourism tent-style accommodation, a small restaurant, and morning and evening walk on the beach to see and interact with turtles.
September and October are the autumn harvest, with the harvest of pomegranates, walnuts, olives, and grapes. November is an ideal month to visit with temperatures around 30°C. However, be prepared for more tourists due to the cooler weather.
Travel to Oman in winter (December - February)
Winter is a great time to visit Oman as you can enjoy the great outdoors without being too hot or too cold. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C, but in the desert and in the mountains it can get quite cold at night. Hiking, wild camping, dune bashing, and alfresco dining are all popular winter activities in Oman.
Best places for a desert adventure in Oman:
- Wahiba Sands desert
- Bausher sand dunes
- Rub Al Khali
Muscat is a popular place to be during Christmas and New Year, and the Muscat Festival is an attraction in February. This month-long celebration of culture and art includes exhibitions, fashion shows, traditional dances, laser shows, and nighttime fireworks. Enjoy the Camping Tour of Oman, You’ll spend five nights camping in the Omani wilderness on this adventurous tailor-made tour that follows the coastline from Muscat to Salalah.
Touring Oman in Spring (March-May)
March and April can be good times to visit Oman as these months tend to be less crowded than the winter months of November to February.
Spring is the best time to visit Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) when the terrace plantations are lush and vibrant and the roses are in bloom. This is one of the highest points in Oman and gives sweet relief from the heat when the temperature starts to rise to 30°C. The area is known for the extraction of rose water used in Omani sweets, desserts, and perfumes and it is possible to visit a rose distillery on a guided tour.
The summer fruit season starts in May with the apricot harvest, followed by peaches, pomegranates, grapes, figs, and pears, so there is plenty of fresh produce to be found in the local markets.
When is the best time to visit Oman?
Its traditional Omani charm, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscape make it an exciting year-round destination. However, if you are planning a desert walk and/or city tour, it is best to visit from December to February. If you don't mind warmer temperatures and want to see turtles in Ras al Jinz or Jebel Akhdar at its best, try visiting from September to April.
By being even more flexible with your dates and traveling between June and August, you can get a cheaper flight or hotel stay at a discount. But choose your itinerary wisely and prepare for the heat.
To learn more, visit Mountain valley and book Oman Tour Packages with customized day-to-day itinerary according to your importance and preference, which makes us one of the most flexible and reliable tour operators in Oman
