When to go
The best time to visit Oman, to go on excursions to the desert and the mountains, or to stroll around the cities, is winter,
from December to February. It is a sunny period, pleasantly warm on the coast and quite warm in the desert during the day, but cool at night, and even cold in the mountains. However, in December, especially in the first half, tropical cyclones are still possible.
For a beach holiday, as mentioned on the climate page, the
sea is warm all year round. The air temperature is good in the period from November to March, but in November, there is still some risk of cyclones on the coast of the Arabian Sea, while in January, the temperature can sometimes be a bit cool on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, at least for those who are sensitive to cold.
What to pack
In
winter: in Muscat and the north, bring light clothes for the day, a sweater and a jacket for the evening and for cool days, and a scarf for the wind. For high mountains, bring spring/autumn clothes, and a sweater and a jacket for the evening. For the desert, light clothes for the day, a scarf or turban, desert boots or sandals, and a sweater or jacket for the evening and early morning. For the Arabian Sea coast (see Salalah and Masirah), light clothing, and a sweatshirt for the evening. For the southern coastal mountain range, light clothes for the day, and a sweater and a jacket for the evening.
When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
In
summer: in Muscat, the north and the desert, bring loose-fitting, lightweight clothes, made of natural fabric (cotton or linen), a desert turban, and a sweater and a scarf for air conditioned places. For high mountains, bring light clothes, a sun hat, and a sweatshirt for the evening. For the Arabian Sea coast (see Salalah and Masirah), light clothes, a light sweatshirt and a scarf for the breeze, and a light raincoat. For the southern coastal mountain range, spring/autumn clothes, a light jacket and a sweatshirt, and a raincoat.
It's better for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts outside tourist resorts.
Back to the climate of
Oman