Is There a rainy season in Oman ?
Most of the country falls within a dry tropical climate zone. Muscat, the capital, is known as one of the driest cities in the world. In June, the average temperature is 34°C (93°F), while in winter it drops to 26°C (79°F). During spring, the heat becomes overwhelming due to dry winds from the Rub’ al Khali desert. In summer, these winds often bring sandstorms. Rainfall is sparse, with annual precipitation ranging from 25 to 500 mm (1 to 20 inches) depending on the region.
However, due to the country’s varied terrain, some areas experience a noticeably different climate. The southeastern coasts have a subtropical climate with high humidity, reaching up to 92%. From June to September, southern regions are affected by monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean, which bring significant rainfall. In contrast, the central desert regions are much drier and have more extreme daily temperature fluctuations.
Spring in Oman
In spring, temperatures rise steadily. March sees daytime temperatures averaging 31°C (88°F), dropping to 21°C (70°F) at night. By April, temperatures increase to 37°C (99°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night. Coastal waters reach a pleasant 27°C (81°F). Rainfall is minimal, with about 40 mm (1.5 inches) of precipitation over 3-4 days in the two months.
May, like the following summer months, is completely dry. The lack of rain and wind makes the heat even more intense, with temperatures reaching 42°C (108°F) during the day and 30°C (86°F) at night. Coastal waters warm up to 29°C (84°F).
Climate of Spring Months (Muscat):
March: Max avg temp: 29°C (84°F), Min avg temp: 21.5°C (71°F), Water temp: 24°C (75°F), Rain: 5 mm (0.2 in)
April: Max avg temp: 33°C (91°F), Min avg temp: 25°C (77°F), Water temp: 27°C (81°F), Rain: 9 mm (0.35 in)
May: Max avg temp: 37.5°C (100°F), Min avg temp: 29°C (84°F), Water temp: 30°C (86°F), Rain: 0.7 mm (0.3 in)
Summer in Oman
As summer starts, daylight hours extend, but temperatures increase only slightly. Daily averages are only a few degrees higher than in May. Precipitation is almost non-existent, except for some rains in the southern regions and morning fogs along the coast. By August, temperatures begin to decline slightly, with daytime averages around 39°C (102°F) and nighttime temperatures around 28°C (82°F). There may be one rainy day, bringing about 20 mm (1 inch) of rain for the month.
Climate of Summer Months (Muscat):
June: Max avg temp: 38°C (101°F), Min avg temp: 30°C (87°F), Water temp: 31°C (89°F), Rain: 0.4 mm (0.02 in)
July: Max avg temp: 36°C (98°F), Min avg temp: 30°C (86°F), Water temp: 31°C (88°F), Rain: 0.6 mm (0.02 in)
August: Max avg temp: 34°C (93°F), Min avg temp: 28°C (83°F), Water temp: 30°C (86°F), Rain: 2.4 mm (0.09 in)
Autumn in Oman
The first half of September feels similar to summer, but temperatures gradually drop as the month progresses. By October, temperatures settle at around 37°C (99°F), making it a good time to begin the tourist season. The sea remains warm at 29°C (84°F), and the skies are clear with no significant rain. November sees daily temperatures ranging between 32°C (90°F) and 22°C (72°F) at night, with water temperatures at a comfortable 27°C (81°F). This is the ideal time for visitors who enjoy warm, but not scorching, weather.
Climate of Autumn Months (Muscat):
September: Max avg temp: 34°C (94°F), Min avg temp: 28°C (82°F), Water temp: 30°C (86°F), Rain: 0 mm
October: Max avg temp: 34°C (93°F), Min avg temp: 26°C (78°F), Water temp: 30°C (86°F), Rain: 0.1 mm (0.03 in)
November: Max avg temp: 30°C (86°F), Min avg temp: 22°C (71°F), Water temp: 28°C (82°F), Rain: 6 mm (0.2 in)
Winter in Oman
Winter, along with March, marks the peak of the tourist season. Daytime temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), while nights cool down to 19°C (66°F). December and January are ideal for diving near Muscat, with temperatures and humidity at comfortable levels. Sea temperatures remain around 24°C (75°F). Although winter is the rainy season, total precipitation rarely exceeds 110 mm (4.3 inches) for the season.
