Travel time: Year-round
Muscat, the capital of Oman, features a tropical desert climate characterized by extreme summer heat and exceptionally pleasant, mild winters. Situated between the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, the city’s weather is a constant interplay between maritime humidity and arid continental air.
This is widely considered the most comfortable time in Muscat. Daytime temperatures typically range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), while nights can drop to a refreshing 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F). Sunlight is abundant, but the intensity is far lower than in summer. This period sees the majority of the city's limited annual rainfall (roughly 100mm), often arriving as brief but occasionally intense thunderstorms.
These months serve as a bridge between extremes. April marks a rapid climb in temperature, with highs frequently reaching the mid-30s°C (90s°F). October is the reverse, as the oppressive humidity of summer begins to lift, signaling the return of outdoor life for locals.
Summer in Muscat is formidable. Daytime highs consistently exceed 38°C (100°F) and can peak near 48°C (118°F) during June. While inland deserts are dry, Muscat’s coastal position keeps humidity levels high—often exceeding 60–80%. This combination creates a "heat index" or "feels like" temperature that can significantly exceed the actual thermometer reading.
In the winter, Muscat experiences a classic desert diurnal shift where the clear skies allow heat to escape rapidly after sunset. However, in the height of summer, this cooling effect is stifled. The dark, volcanic rocks of the surrounding Hajar Mountains absorb solar radiation all day and radiate it back into the city at night, keeping evening temperatures as high as 32°C (90°F).
Historically, Muscat is very dry, but it remains vulnerable to tropical cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea. Events like Cyclone Gonu (2007) and Cyclone Phet (2010) brought unprecedented flooding. Modern infrastructure, including wadi dams, has been developed to manage the sudden flash floods that occur when rare heavy rains funnel down the mountain canyons into the city.
Life in Muscat is highly adapted to the thermal clock. During the hot months, the city effectively "naps" in the afternoon; streets become quiet between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM as residents retreat to air-conditioned spaces. Activity surges after sunset, when the souqs come alive and public parks fill with families enjoying the evening air. In winter, the lifestyle shifts entirely outdoors, with a heavy emphasis on beach days, hiking in the wadis, and traditional camping in the nearby desert.