Climate

The climate in the Sultanate of Oman varies from region to region. In the coastal areas of the north and east of the country, it is hot and humid (subtropical climate). The humidity is - 80%. In the desert regions of the interior, which are separated from the north of the country by the Hadjar Mountains it is dry and hot. The south differs significantly from the rest of the country, as the monsoon winds blow here.

In Oman, the year can roughly be divided into summer and winter. Summer lasts from May to September. Winter sets in around mid/end of October and lasts until the end of March. The average temperatures of the seasons in the capital Muscat are about 22°C in January and 34°C in June. The annual average amount of rainfall is 100 mm at the coast and 500 mm in the mountains.

The maximum temperatures in summer range from 35 to 48°C. Muscat is surrounded by rocks, which causes the heat to be trapped and it hardly cools down at night. In the coastal region, humidity can also exceed 90% during this time. The high humidity often affects people more than the sheer heat and can lead to circulatory problems.

In winter, more pleasant temperatures prevail between 20 and 30°C. The air is drier during this time and there are occasional rains. In the mountains, it is generally cooler and it rains more often than at the coast and in the desert. In the desert, however, the humidity is at its lowest and it cools down extremely at night, which is considered pleasant. You can also enjoy blue skies and sunshine in Oman even in winter.

The southernmost region of the country, Dhofar, is the only one where regular rainfall occurs. From mid-June to mid-September, the south-west monsoon, known as "Khareef", blows over the land. The moisture from the air masses condenses on the mountain slopes, enveloping them in dense fog. The constant drizzle makes the mountains green – a unique natural spectacle. However, travelers should visit the region only toward the end of the monsoon season, as humidity over 90% can become very uncomfortable.