DestinationNewsTravel Guide

The best times to visit Oman for blooming roses and nesting sea turtles

Oman is chock full of adventurous activities visit Oman 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.


High Season: October to March

Best for outdoor events and festivals

The 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.

View of the back of a hat-wearing hiker looking down on a view at Wadi Daykha, Oman
Oman in the months of January, February and March offers fabulous weather for desert hikes © Philippe Royer / Getty Images

Shoulder Season: April to May

Best for budget travelers

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.


Low Season: June to September

Best for indoor activities and turtle watching 

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. 


January 

The start of the new year brings days filled with sunshine and hardly any rain. It’s a fantastic time for outdoor adventurers to explore Oman. The weather is perfect for enjoying the Muscat Festival, which highlights Oman’s culture and history. 
Key events: Muscat Festival, Youth Sailing World Championships 


February

The cooler weather continues, and outdoor music festivals and cycling marathons prevail in the region. Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is Oman’s largest sporting event and attracts runners from all over the world.
Key events: Tour of Oman, Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, Sifa Stock 

A young Omani boy is pictured caressing a race camel during a camel festival in Al-Fulaij, Oman
In the cooler seasons, camel races happen all over Oman – camel beauty pageants, too © Mohammed Mahjoub / Getty Images

March 

Warm spring temperatures and long sunny days mark March in Oman. The Sultan Camel Race Cup features competitive races and camel beauty pageants, while Holi, the festival of color, brings a bright splash of joy.
Key events: Sultan Camel Race Cup, Holi, Oman World Folk Music Festival


April

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


May

The heat continues to escalate, but Oman is still worth visiting in May. Take in the beauty of cultural celebrations as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close in 2022 and witness Eid Al Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
Key events: Eid Al Fitr 


An aerial view of Ayn Khor waterfalls among greenery in Salalah, Oman
June brings almost insufferably high temperatures to most of Oman while the khareef rains turn the Salalah region improbably lush © Santhosh Kumar Sundaresan / Shutterstock
June

The insufferably hot summer heat continues to roll in, but that just means spending time indoors learning about the history and culture of Oman at museums like Bait Al Zubair and the National Museum of Oman. Cool off while shopping at Oman Avenues Mall or Mall of Muscat. For balmier weather, head to Salalah to experience khareef (rainy season) and the lush greenery it brings.
Key eventsKhareef season in Salalah 


July 

July in Oman is scorching, so be prepared with sunscreen, shades and a big hat to shield yourself from the rays. The rainy season continues in Salalah, and you can experience Omani culture at Salalah Festival, which showcases traditional performances, dances and Omani cuisine.
Key events: Salalah Festival, Renaissance Day 


August

August is the hottest month of the year in Oman, so stay indoors enjoying the museums, shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a delicious buffet at one of the many restaurants offering Eid specials, including discounts on food and drinks. 
Key events: Eid Al Adha 


A green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) on the sand in Ras Al Jinz, Oman
Every September, the green sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand at Ras Al Jinz beach © Marcin Szymczak / Shutterstock

September 

By September, cooler fall weather arrives in the desert. Nature lovers and beachgoers should venture to the beach to witness the hatching of baby turtles at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.


October

Omanis and tourists alike rejoice at the pleasantly cool temperatures that October brings. It’s a perfect time to enjoy nature walks and hikes with the fall harvest of olives, walnuts and pomegranates. 


November

Green, red and white is displayed prominently throughout the country as Omanis show pride in their country with National Day on November 18, which celebrates Oman’s independence. It’s also one of the best times of the year to get out and relish in outdoor activities such as sailing in Sur during the Sailing Arabia Tour or camping at the famed Wahiba Sands (also called the Sharqiya Sands). 
Key events: National Day, Sailing Arabia Tour 


December

While Oman is mostly a Muslim country, that doesn’t mean holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s aren’t prominently celebrated. Christmas events are hosted at an array of hotels such as Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah and Kempinski, which offer festivals and tantalizing buffets. 
Key events: Muscat Eat Food Festival


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