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When to go to Oman
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next holiday, Oman might just be the place for you. Found on the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers a huge range of different experiences, from exploring ancient forts and wandering around local markets, to snorkelling in crystal clear waters and hiking through stunning mountain landscapes.
But, when is the best time to visit Oman? Below, we’ve outlined the different seasons, cultural events and weather patterns you can expect throughout the year. Plus, you’ll find a month-by-month guide, too.
So, if you’re wondering when the best time to book an Oman holiday is, you’ve come to the right place. (Our Oman specialists are at the end of the phone if you want to chat any of this through, of course!)
In a nutshell, Oman’s seasons are as follows:
High Season: October to March
Shoulder Season: April to May and September
Low Season: June to August
The best time to visit Oman
We recommend timing your Oman holiday between October and March. This is a lovely time of year to visit the majority of Oman, perfect for all manner of activities whether you fancy hiking in the mountains, exploring the cities or snorkelling with turtles.
Temperatures will be in the twenties (°C), with plenty of sunshine throughout the days. It will drop down to the late teens overnight though, so you’ll want to make sure you have a few warmer layers with you in case you get chilly.
Key dates
January: The Muscat Festival
Ramadan & Eid: The dates of these important Muslim holidays are based on the lunar calendar, meaning they change in the Western calendar year on year. It’s always worth checking when Ramadan and Eid fall, as they will definitely have an impact on your trip.
During Ramadan, the majority of restaurants will close during the day and it’s actually illegal to eat or drink in public.
Your HA specialist will, of course, ensure you are aware if these fall within your Oman holiday travel dates. Generally, we do recommend avoiding them if at all possible.
Oman’s summer months
Oman‘s summer falls from May and September. Things get very hot and humid over these months, so picking this time for your Oman holiday isn’t for you if you don’t do too well in the heat.
These searingly hot temperatures will be found across most of the country. But, there are a couple of exceptions…
The exceptions: Salalah and Dhofar
Salalah and Dhofar are the exceptions to the Oman climate rules. Here it is pleasingly warm all year round (and not too scorching). May and June bring the hottest temperatures, while July and August bring the rains of the khareef monsoon and the cooler temperatures that come with it. However, we don’t recommend visiting Salalah this time of year. It’s common for Omanis (and even those further afield in the Middle East) to emigrate to the Arabian Peninsula to escape the scorching heat elsewhere in the region. So, things get very busy with lots of traffic and near-impossible accommodation availability.
Oman: Weather throughout the year
Oman in January
January is a good month to visit Oman, although it has been a little cooler than usual over recent years. It can get very chilly in the mountains, dropping down to below 10ºC at night, so you’ll need a few warmer layers!
But, with long, sunshine-filled days and very little rain, January is a great month to get outdoors and experience all of the adventures Oman has to offer.
If you find yourself in the capital of Muscat in January, don’t miss the Muscat Festival, which brings to life all that is special about Oman’s history and rich culture.
Oman in February
Oman is lovely in February. The temperatures are beautifully warm with very little rain expected. February also sees hundreds of cyclists and runners descend on the country from all around the world, with the cycling marathon and Al Mouj Muscat Marathon taking place.
Oman in March
March continues to be beautiful, with dry, sunny days – it’s a fab time of year for an Oman holiday. It’s also the month of camel races and camel beauty pageants (yep, they’re an actual thing!) The colourful festival of Holi also falls in March, so expect to see bursts of colour pop up around the country. Plus, if you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll be treated to the Oman World Folk Music Festival in March, too.
Oman in April
Marking the start of shoulder season, April is a great month to visit if you’re hoping to nab some lower accommodation rates and enjoy the sites without the crowds. The temperature is starting to heat up, but there’s still time to enjoy an Arabic adventure before things get scorching!
It’s rose-blooming season up in the mountains. So, make sure you visit Jebel Akhdar if you’re in Oman in April, where the roses are being harvested for rose water.
Oman in May
Temperatures are on the rise, but an Oman holiday in May is still a great idea. Long, hot, sunny days await and rainfall is minimal. You might want to avoid being out in the midday sun though, and don’t forget your sun cream!
Oman in June
June is when things start to get a little uncomfortably hot. But, if you’re a fan of high temperatures and sunshine, it can be a great value time to visit. We’d recommend staying out of the sun during the middle of the day (a shady poolside refreshment will be calling your name!), but there are always the national museums or shopping malls to shelter from the heat in if you’re out and about. They’re very well-equipped to deal with the heat in the Middle East, so you won’t be short of places to cool off.
The monsoons make the region of Salalah slightly cooler than the rest of Oman (and rainier too!) So it’s worth factoring in a visit here to escape the heat if you’re visiting Oman in June.
Oman in July
You’ll need a very big hat if you’re planning to visit Oman in July. Temperatures are slowly creeping up towards the height of summer heat, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take shelter from the sun’s searing rays whenever you can.
Salalah is cooled down by the Khareef Monsoons in July, and they have a cultural festival on, too. However, as outlined above, Salalah gets very busy with locals who are escaping the heat throughout July and August. So, it’s best avoided at this time of year really.
Oman in August
August is hot, hot, hot in Oman. Not at all for the faint-hearted, we wouldn’t really recommend an Oman holiday in August unless you really are well adapted to scorching hot temperatures.
Even the sun going down doesn’t provide too much relief. Temperatures rarely drop much below 33ºC – even overnight!
Oman in September
September is shoulder season in Oman. It’s also the end of the turtle-hatching season at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve! The weather is starting to cool down a little bit, so it’s a good month to flock to the beaches before the high-season visitor numbers return.
Oman in October
October is gorgeous in Oman. The temperature has cooled right down, but the days are beautifully sunny with little rain. This harvest month is an incredible time to get outdoors and explore the many hiking trails just waiting to be discovered throughout the countryside and the mountains.
Oman in November
November in Oman is a month of celebration. Oman’s National Day, which is also their Independence Day, falls on November 18th. If you’re lucky enough to be in the country on this day, prepare to be surrounded by an array of green, red and white as flags are hung out of windows all over to celebrate Oman’s history and mark the pride that Omanis feel for their country.
The temperatures are beautifully warm, with plenty of sunshine to soak up, too.
Oman in December
The weather in Oman is brilliant in December. The temperature is really pleasantly warm and rainfall is minimal. Early December is actually one of our favourite times of the year for an Oman holiday. You’ll be treated to great rates and perfect weather!
If you’re planning your holiday to fall over Christmas and New Year, do make sure you book well in advance – things can get very busy.
So, there you have it – a summary of when to go to Oman. In short, you can visit Oman any month of the year (it just depends how prepared you are for things to get hot, hot, hot!) As always, our fab Oman specialists Emma and Cat are on hand to give you the best up-to-date advice. They’ll be able to let you know when key festivals are and will design your holiday to ensure you’re getting the best out of the country regardless of the month you are visiting.
