Oman is a prominent tourist destination in the Middle East. The country is known for its historical landmarks, natural landscapes, adventurous activities, and deep-rooted culture. Muscat and Musandam Dibba are the two places that come to mind when one thinks of Oman. While these are some of the most important parts of the country, they are not the only ones. Not many know about Salalah, the capital of Oman’s Dhofar Province, which lies in the southern part of the country. Salalah is popular for numerous things, although the monsoon or the Khareef season is on the top of the list. Here we will talk about the best time to visit Salalah.
Understanding Salalah’s Weather
Before we get to the right time to visit Salalah, it is important to understand a little about the weather in Salalah. Most of us imagine dry and hot climate when it comes to the Middle Eastern countries, with June to August being the hottest, with some countries experiencing temperatures beyond 40-degree C. But this is where Salalah is different. When the rest of the Middle East is boiling in extreme hot weather from June to August, Salalah experiences a tropical climate. This is due to the monsoon winds that blow from the Indian Ocean during this period. Salalah has dry and warm weather during the rest of the year.
Best Time to Visit Salalah
Salalah’s weather can be roughly divided into three seasons. The Salalah best time to visit is definitely the monsoon season, also known as Khareef Season. Let’s look into it in detail.
Khareef Season: The Salalah Khareef Season brings occasional showers to this Omani city. Moreover, the temperature drops down during this time, with the city experiencing somewhere between 20- to 30-degree C. The light drizzles and the low temperature ensure cooler and more misty weather in the area. You can expect some humidity during this time of the year. Moreover, the entire place transforms into a lush green oasis during this time of the year. With gentle rain, glistening waterfalls, and verdant valleys, Salalah looks nothing less than a paradise. Khareef Season begins late in June and goes on till September.
Autumn and Winter/Moderate Season: Winter in Salalah does not mean snowfall or even single digit temperatures. On the other hand, just like other Arab countries, Salalah has a moderate climate with a sunny weather. You get to enjoy beautiful sunshine during the winter months in Salalah. You can expect a dry climate, the perfect weather to visit beaches and deserts. The temperature during the winter or moderate season in Salalah is somewhere between 20-degree C and 28-degree C. Autumn and Winter seasons in Salalah are between October to February.
Spring and Pre-Khareef Season: The Spring and Pre-Khareef Seasons are the hottest months in Salalah. It is quite sunny throughout the day, and you will find the landscape to be arid. The temperatures are somewhere between 30-degree C and 37-degree C. Humidity starts increasing during this time of the year, leading up to Khareef season. This is a low-tourist season in Salalah, and hence you will see less crowds at the beaches and other outdoor locations of the city. Spring and pre-Khareef Salalah seasons are between March to mid-June.
Salalah during Khareef Festival
Salalah has been gaining popularity with tourists after the introduction of Khareef Festival. The Omani government introduced this festival to grab the attention of tourists. In 2025, the Khareef Festival is between July 15 and August 31. Apart from enjoying the rain-drenched landscapes, this festival also involves sightseeing, beach visits, and cultural extravaganza. The city comes alive during this time of the year, with plenty of things to see and do in Salalah.
Visit the Beaches and Natural Landscapes: The Khareef season brings relief to Salalah, transforming the arid landscapes into lush greenery. The Wadi Dharbar with its green mountains, enchanting lake, and stunning waterfalls make for a mesmerizing view. Going on a boat trip on the lake is one of the best things to do here. Then there are the beaches of Salalah that you must visit. The rocky coastline of Al Fazayah Beach with its green mountains and coconut trees is also one of the best places to visit. Apart from this, you must make it a point to visit Al Mughsail Beach, mostly for its blowholes, which make for amazing natural fountains throughout the beach.
Cultural Events and Performances: The Khareef Season gives you the opportunity to get to know the culture and heritage of the area more closely. You will get to see amazing traditional performances like Bar’a in different parts of the city. Folk music, acrobatics, international dances, etc., are some other entertaining performances that you will get to see during this time of the year. Apart from the performances, the Khareef Festival also hosts a variety of workshops (painting, literary, craft, and more) that both tourists and locals can take part in. Local markets or souks are filled with stalls that sell everything from Omani sweet treats and dishes to local handicrafts.
Traditional Cuisine: While you can enjoy the traditional Omani cuisine anytime during your visit to Salalah, the Khareef Festival is the perfect time as you get more options during this time. Apart from the restaurants and cafes, there are local street markets and stalls where you can savor the mouthwatering local dishes. The must-try dish and the one that is readily available during this time is camel Meshkak (or meat kebab). Some other dishes to try during your visit to Salalah are Harees, Kabsa, Omani Halwa, Aseeda, etc. Fresh coconut water is also something you can enjoy in Salalah. If you are a fan of hot beverages, the traditional Omani coffee or Kahwa that is made with cardamom is also a must-try here.
Things to do Based on Season
Outside the Khareef season, Salalah experiences Winter and Spring, ranging from pleasant to warm temperatures. Here are some of the things you can do in Salalah during these seasons. You can do several of these things during the Khareef Season as well.
Natural Landscapes and Beaches: While you may not find the lush greenery of Khareef season during the rest of the year, the natural landscapes of Salalah are worth visiting any time. Apart from Wadi Darbat, there is the Marneef Cave with its fantastic rock formations. Then there is Ain Razat, an amazing natural spring and park. The other seasons of Salalah offer the perfect beach weather. Moreover, the beaches here are amazing with white sand, beautiful, turquoise waters, and gorgeous coastline. Al Fizayah Beach, Fazayah Beach, and Mughsail Beach are some of the best beaches here. You also get to enjoy several water adventures like kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, and sailing here.
Historical and Cultural Sights: If spending time outdoors, especially on the beaches during the daytime becomes difficult, Salalah offers several historical and cultural sights for sightseeing. The Frankincense Land Museum will tell you about Salalah’s history and why it is called the Land of Frankincense. Taqah Castle, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Sumhuram Old City, Al Baleed Archeological Park, etc., are some of the places of interest here.
Shopping: Your holiday to Salalah will remain incomplete if you leave out shopping from your itinerary. For a more local experience, opt for a souk rather than a shopping mall. The best souks of Salalah are Al-Haffa Souk and Al-Husn Souk. In both these souks, you will get to buy local products and souvenirs. Frankincense, traditional clothing and jewelry, myrrh, perfumes, lotions, sweets, hats, scarves, and souvenirs are a few of the things you can buy here. Apart from the products, the experience of shopping in a souk is different than shopping in a mall and is something you must experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salalah
- It is best to wear lightweight, cotton clothes while visiting Salalah any time of the year.
- Do not forget to carry your rain gear, either an umbrella or a raincoat, while visiting Salalah during Khareef season.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat should be in your backpack for sun protection.
- Wear sturdy and reliable walking shoes.
- Car rentals and taxis are the best options for exploring the city. If you want to go sightseeing comfortably, booking one of the Salalah tour packages will be a good idea.
- It is important to dress modestly while exploring the city of Salalah out of respect for the local customs and beliefs.
- Always ask permission before clicking photographs of the locals.
- If you are traveling to Salalah during Khareef season, it is essential to book your hotel in advance, as it is the most popular time to visit the Omani city.
- It is necessary to carry the local currency in cash while shopping and eating in small stores and restaurants. Most big establishments like hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc., accept credit cards.
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