The perfect time to explore Oman

During the period from October to April, visitors from across the globe flock to Oman to enjoy the refreshing weather and moderate temperatures in all of the Omani governorates. This time of the year is considered peak season and is the perfect time to visit Oman and explore its beauty.

Explore Oman

[gallery columns='6' link='file' ids='412878,412872,412871,412870,412869,412868'] The winter tourism season in Oman features an abundance of tourism activities to indulge in, such as attending national and cultural events, practising sports and entertainment tourism activities, exploring Omani traditions and heritage, as well as participating in various activities that take place in the Omani wilayats around the year. The Sultanate of Oman celebrates its National Day on November 18, and usually two days of holidays are declared to celebrate and enjoy that exhibitions, parades, fireworks and revelry. The Sultanate is also decorated with colours, lights, flags, and most importantly love. Old Omani souqs such as Muttrah Souq and Nizwa Souq are a must-visit. Wandering in these local souqs is one way of getting to know the details of the everyday life of the Omanis. The souqs are full of shops filled with frankincense, incense, spices, herbs, and old antiques. Omanis generally like to shop after sunset, while enjoying the refreshing cool breeze in the evenings. Royal Opera House Muscat is Oman’s renowned musical arts and cultural venue, hosting international and regional performances all year round. Its spectacular building, vast spaces, middle-eastern inspired architecture and unique experiences present an attractive luxury entertainment proposition for tourists. In January, Muscat’s Annual Festival opens its gates for visitors until February, offering a genuine experience to explore the diverse and traditional components of the Omani culture. Tourists and visitors can gain valuable insights into the nation’s governorates at the festival grounds - as craftsmen and traditional arts belonging to the governorates are present at the festival. Muscat Festival also offers a good opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their local products such as the Omani Halwa, rosewater, souvenirs, china pots, and handmade gold and silver-ware. January is an ideal time to visit Oman as travellers can attend the festival, and enjoy the splendid weather while exploring. February is the month that witnesses the advent of the finest sports activities taking place around the Sultanate — such as Tour of Oman, which is an annual professional bicycling race that witnesses the crossing of a number of governorates around Oman. The event was first launched in 2010, and soon became one of the region’s most anticipated events that attract athletes from around the world. A number of other events such as Oman Desert Marathon also take place in February that give tourists the opportunity to discover historical landmarks and natural landscapes in Oman. Oman Sail’s famous EFG Sailing Arabia that takes place in Al Musannah, Al Batinah South Governorate, is also one of February’s most anticipated yearly events. More than 200 competitors from 30 countries participate in crossing the Sea of Oman. February and March usually see the peak of the Omani traditional sports such as horse racing and camel racing which are immensely popular among the citizens in Al Batinah and Al Sharqiyah Governorates as tourists gain insights into the nomadic life. The winter tourism season is also perfect for mountain and wadi adventures, as tourists can join professional training courses to master climbing, hiking and exploring caves. Known for its extraordinary geological wonders, Oman offers a great opportunity for adventurers to experience fun activities and adventures galore. Jabal Shams, in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate for example, is an ideal place for adventure seekers as it is a rugged expansive mountain range that requires high fitness levels for climbing. Camping in the desert is another experience that should not be missed during the winter season in Oman. The Sultanate provides high quality camp services as well as luxurious resorts in the middle of the desert. Al Sharqiyah sands is one of the most beautiful camping places in Oman, that is located in the Empty Quarter desert, and which is home to a variety of reptiles such as lizards and mammals such as wild cats, Oryx and several other creatures. It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Tourism has issued a circular to all tourism sector establishments to facilitate the granting of unsponsored tourist visas to nationals of a number of countries. Travellers from India, China and Russia, who reside in, or hold an entry visa to one of the following countries - United States of America, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Schengen states are allowed to obtain non-sponsored tourist visa. This new endeavour to promote Oman as an ideal tourism destination is part of the efforts of the national programme to enhance economic diversification and attract more tourism markets around the world. The ministry also aims to enhance the concept of sustainable and responsible tourism in the Sultanate, and ensures that it intertwines with the establishment of the Muscat Airport’s new identity, the expansion of Oman Air flying network, the increase in the number of tourism establishments and the development of Omani tourism products.