Muscat is the capital of Oman, a low-rise coastal city of white buildings set between the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar Mountains. Its old harbour district of Mutrah, the vast Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and a string of quiet beaches make it one of the Gulf's most relaxed and culturally rooted capitals.
Muscat has a hot desert climate moderated by the Gulf of Oman. Winters (December to February) are warm and sunny with daytime highs around 25-26 C and the only meaningful rain of the year, a handful of showers totalling 10-27 mm a month. Summers are very hot and humid: June is the hottest month (average high 40 C, low 30 C) and the sea reaches 31 C. Annual rainfall is only about 100 mm, falling mostly between November and April in short, sometimes intense bursts that flood the wadis. The khareef monsoon that cools and greens Salalah in Dhofar from late June to mid-September does not reach Muscat, which stays hot and dry through July and August. Tropical cyclones from the Arabian Sea occasionally reach the coast, mainly in June and in October-November.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
21C/69F
Warm and sunny days, cool nights, 24 C sea, some rain possible; peak season
February
22C/71F
Wettest month on average (27 mm), 23 C sea (coolest of the year), pleasant days; flash flood risk in wadis after rain
March
25C/76F
Warm, clear, and comfortable; last month for easy all-day sightseeing
April
29C/84F
Getting hot (average high 34 C); fine for mornings and evenings, sea 27 C
May
33C/91F
Hot, highs of 39 C, sea 30 C; start outdoor plans at dawn
June
35C/95F
Hottest month with a 40 C average high and a 30 C average low; cyclone risk from the Arabian Sea
July
34C/92F
Very hot and humid; the khareef monsoon stays in Dhofar, so Muscat gets no relief; sea 31 C
August
32C/89F
Hot and humid with 36 C highs; quiet city, lowest hotel prices
September
31C/88F
Still hot (36 C highs) and dry; humidity gradually eases; sea 30 C
October
29C/84F
Hot but easing, almost no rain; season restarts at the end of the month; occasional cyclone remnants
November
25C/77F
Comfortable 30 C days and 20 C nights, 28 C sea; National Day on 18 November; start of peak season
December
22C/72F
Mild, sunny, and busy with winter visitors; a few showers possible
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
March is warm and pleasant (average high 29 C, low 20 C) but temperatures climb fast: April averages a 34 C high and May reaches 39 C. Sea temperatures rise from 24 C to 30 C. Skies are clear with 9-11 hours of sunshine a day.
Summer
Months: Jun-Sep
Very hot and humid, with average highs of 36-40 C and warm nights of 26-30 C; the sea is 30-31 C. Rain is almost nonexistent, but Arabian Sea cyclones can bring wind and flooding. The khareef monsoon affects Salalah in the south, not Muscat. Hotel rates fall and the city is quiet.
Fall
Months: Oct-Nov
October is still hot (average high 34 C) and almost rainless; November eases to 30 C with 20 C nights and a 28 C sea. The tourist season restarts in November. Cyclone remnants and flash floods are possible in October and November.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Peak season. Warm sunny days of 25-26 C (average lows 16-18 C), a sea of 23-25 C, and the highest chance of rain (10-27 mm per month, 1-3 rain days). Evenings can feel cool and the air is clear.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Nov-Mar, plus Eid holidays and the 18 November National Day period
- Shoulder Season
- Apr and Oct (hot but manageable; lower hotel rates)
- Low Season
- May-Sep (extreme heat, lowest hotel prices, quiet attractions; Salalah is busy with khareef visitors from late June to mid-September)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Ramadan
Public eating, drinking, and smoking in daylight are prohibited for everyone; many restaurants open only after sunset, and attractions use shorter hours. Evenings feature iftar meals and a lively atmosphere.
Eid al-Fitr
Public holiday of several days; Omani families travel and shops and attractions close or have reduced hours, while hotels and beaches are crowded.
Eid al-Adha
Public holiday with family gatherings and feasts; many businesses close for several days.
Renaissance Day
National holiday marking the start of Oman's modern renaissance in 1970; government offices close.
Oman National Day
Major public holiday with parades, fireworks, and lights on the Muttrah Corniche, forts, and public buildings; roads and hotels are busy.
Royal Opera House Muscat concert season
The Royal Opera House in Shati Al Qurum hosts opera, orchestras, and international artists through the cooler months; smart dress is required.