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.
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
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
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 events: Khareef 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
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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