Good Time to Visit
Weather
The climate in Oman is best from September through to April; the months between May and August are extremely hot. Rainfall varies according to the region; during the June to September there is a light monsoon rain in Salalah. (Further details on Omani weather can be found in Climate in Oman).
Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing, with a warm wrap for cooler winter evenings. Light rainwear is also recommended.
Festivals
Events are generally Muslim festivals and feasts. Other notable occasions include the Khareef Festival, held each July and August in the city of Salalah, which is located in the Dhofar governate. This international event is named after the annual monsoon that transforms and cools the lush south, and features music, cultural programs, arts exhibitions, sport and local crafts. Other events include the Muscat Festival, which is usually held at the beginning of every year. During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks are opened and concerts take place. Other attractions include horse races and the even more popular camel races - held on Fridays and public holidays at a variety of locations.
Public Holidays
The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Oman:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 18 November | National Day and birthday of HM Sultan Qaboos |
| Variable* | Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
| Variable* | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| Variable* | Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet) |
| Variable* | Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) |
| Variable* | Muharram (Islamic New Year) |