Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. It boasts an extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, making it strategically important in the region. The country’s geography is incredibly diverse, with vast desert plains, rugged mountain ranges, and a long, picturesque coastline. The Al Hajar Mountains, which stretch across northern Oman, are among the country’s most significant geographical features, towering over the capital, Muscat. The southern Dhofar region, home to the city of Salalah, offers a tropical climate influenced by the monsoon winds, in contrast to the arid conditions found elsewhere.
Oman’s climate is generally classified as hot desert, but its geography introduces variations, from the scorching heat of the deserts to the cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions and the lush greenery of Dhofar during the monsoon season. The country experiences hot summers and mild winters, with a distinct monsoon season (“Khareef”) in the southern part of the country. Oman’s weather is also influenced by the Arabian Sea, particularly in coastal regions. Understanding the month-by-month weather patterns in Oman is crucial for travelers, residents, and businesses involved in tourism, agriculture, and outdoor activities.
Oman’s Weather by Month
January: Mild Winter Conditions
Northern Oman (Muscat, Al Hajar Mountains)
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50-60%
- Winds: Light breezes
Southern Oman (Salalah, Dhofar)
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions (Nizwa, Wahiba Sands)
- Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
- Winds: Light to moderate
Summary: January is one of the best months to visit Oman, with mild temperatures across the country. Northern Oman enjoys pleasant, cooler weather, while the deserts are relatively cool, especially at night. Coastal regions like Salalah remain warm, with very little rainfall. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking in the mountains, exploring the deserts, or sightseeing in cities like Muscat.
February: Cool and Comfortable
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50-60%
- Winds: Light, with occasional breezes
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light to moderate, especially along the coast
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 12°C (54°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
- Winds: Moderate desert winds
Summary: February continues the mild winter in Oman, with slightly warmer temperatures compared to January. Coastal and northern regions are cool and comfortable, while the desert remains cooler at night. There is little rainfall across the country, making it an excellent month for exploring Oman’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Coastal cities like Muscat are particularly pleasant during this time.
March: Warmer Days Ahead
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%
- Winds: Light, with occasional gusts
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light coastal breezes
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
- Winds: Moderate desert winds
Summary: In March, temperatures begin to rise, especially during the day, although nights remain relatively cool. The weather is still comfortable for most outdoor activities, but travelers may notice warmer afternoons. Northern Oman and coastal areas like Salalah are pleasant, with little rain. The deserts become slightly warmer, but conditions are still ideal for desert camping or visiting wadis (valleys).
April: Beginning of the Heat
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 5-10 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50%
- Winds: Light, with occasional breezes
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light coastal breezes
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40-45%
- Winds: Moderate desert winds
Summary: April marks the beginning of the warmer months in Oman, with temperatures rising across the country. While daytime temperatures are higher, nights are still comfortable. The coastal and northern areas are warmer but not yet oppressively hot, making it a good time to visit before the peak summer heat. Desert regions become hotter during the day but remain cool at night, ideal for those looking for an authentic desert experience.
May: The Heat Intensifies
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 38°C (100°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 45-50%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with dry conditions
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Moderate coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 37°C (99°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 30-40%
- Winds: Moderate desert winds
Summary: May brings significantly higher temperatures to Oman, particularly in the northern and desert regions, where daytime highs approach 40°C (104°F). Humidity levels remain moderate, making the heat more bearable, especially in coastal areas. Travelers should plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Southern Oman, particularly Salalah, remains cooler due to its coastal location.
June: Extreme Heat Arrives
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 41°C (106°F) during the day, 30°C (86°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with hot, dry conditions
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Moderate coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 41°C (106°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Very low, around 20-30%
- Winds: Moderate, with hot desert winds
Summary: June marks the onset of extreme heat in Oman, particularly in northern and interior regions, where daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). Coastal areas like Salalah are relatively cooler but still hot. Humidity remains low in the north and desert areas, though southern Oman experiences higher humidity. Travelers should avoid outdoor activities during the peak afternoon heat and prioritize indoor, air-conditioned spaces.
July: Peak Summer Heat and Monsoon in the South
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 42°C (108°F) during the day, 31°C (88°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 35-40%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with hot, dry conditions
Southern Oman (Khareef Season)
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Moderate to strong monsoon winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 42°C (108°F) during the day, 29°C (84°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Very low, around 20%
- Winds: Strong desert winds, with occasional dust storms
Summary: July is one of the hottest months in Oman, especially in the northern and desert regions, where temperatures soar to over 42°C (108°F). However, southern Oman, particularly Salalah, experiences the Khareef monsoon season, bringing cooler temperatures, lush greenery, and rainfall. This is a popular time for tourists to visit Salalah to escape the extreme heat of the rest of the country. The interior deserts remain extremely hot and dry, with little to no rainfall.
August: Continued Heat and Khareef in the South
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 41°C (106°F) during the day, 30°C (86°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 35-40%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with dry conditions
Southern Oman (Khareef Season)
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 90%
- Winds: Moderate to strong, with frequent rain showers
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 41°C (106°F) during the day, 29°C (84°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Very low, around 20-25%
- Winds: Moderate, with strong desert winds
Summary: August continues the extreme heat across northern and interior Oman, with little to no rainfall. However, southern Oman remains in the midst of the Khareef season, which brings heavy rainfall and lush landscapes to the Dhofar region. Temperatures in Salalah are cooler, making it a refreshing destination for visitors. The rest of the country, particularly the interior, remains hot and dry, with strong desert winds.
September: End of Khareef and Hot Temperatures Elsewhere
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 39°C (102°F) during the day, 28°C (82°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Low, around 40%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional gusts
Southern Oman (End of Khareef)
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-100 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80-85%
- Winds: Moderate, with diminishing rain showers
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 39°C (102°F) during the day, 27°C (81°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Very low, around 20-25%
- Winds: Light to moderate desert winds
Summary: September marks the end of the Khareef season in southern Oman, though some rain and cooler temperatures linger. Northern Oman and the desert regions remain hot, though temperatures begin to decrease slightly. Humidity levels rise a little in coastal areas, but conditions are still generally dry across the country. This transitional month signals the gradual cooling of Oman’s weather as the year progresses.
October: Cooler Days Ahead
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 5-10 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with cooler breezes
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 30%
- Winds: Moderate desert winds
Summary: October brings cooler temperatures to Oman, especially in the northern and coastal regions. The extreme heat of the summer begins to subside, making outdoor activities more comfortable. The desert regions also experience a drop in temperatures, though days remain warm. This is a great month to start exploring Oman’s natural landscapes before the peak tourist season begins.
November: Pleasant Weather Returns
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 10-15 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%
- Winds: Light, with cool breezes
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40%
- Winds: Moderate, with cooler evenings
Summary: November marks the return of pleasant weather across Oman. Northern and coastal regions experience mild temperatures, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Desert regions are also cooler, especially at night. This is a popular time for tourists, as the weather is perfect for exploring Oman’s cities, beaches, and cultural sites.
December: Mild and Cool
Northern Oman
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 50-60%
- Winds: Light, with cool breezes
Southern Oman
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
- Winds: Light coastal winds
Interior and Desert Regions
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 12°C (54°F) at night
- Rainfall: None
- Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
- Winds: Moderate, with cool evenings
Summary: December brings some of the most favorable weather conditions in Oman. The temperatures are cool and mild, particularly in northern Oman, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, including trekking and sightseeing. The desert regions are also pleasant, with cool nights perfect for camping. Coastal areas like Salalah remain warm but comfortable, offering great beach weather.