Climate

With the exception of Dhofar region, which has a light monsoon climate and receives cool winds from the Indian Ocean, the climate of Oman is extremely hot and dry most of the year.

Temperatures

Summer begins in mid-April and lasts until October. The highest temperatures are registered in the interior, where readings of more than 50° C in the shade are common. On the Al Batinah plain, summer temperatures seldom exceed 46°C, but, because of the low elevation, the humidity may be as high as 90%.

The mean summer temperature in Muscat is 33°C, but the gharbi (literally, western), a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali, can raise temperatures from the towns on the Gulf of Oman by 6°C to 10°C.

Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15°C and 23°C.

Precipitation

Precipitation on the coasts and on the interior plains ranges from 2 to 10 cm a year and falls during mid- and late winter. Rainfall in the mountains, particularly over Al Jabal al Akhdar, is much higher and may reach 70 cm.

Dhofar, benefiting from a southwest monsoon between June and September, receives heavier rainfall and has constantly running streams, which make the region Oman's most fertile area.