Muscat's summer heat is extreme, with highs of 40°C (104°F) in June, and it almost never rains. You pack light, loose, modest clothes that cover your arms and legs, which keep the sun off and meet the dress code at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Muscat weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 25°C77°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 34°C93°F | 39°C102°F | 40°C104°F | 37°C99°F | 35°C95°F | 35°C95°F | 34°C93°F | 31°C88°F | 27°C81°F |
| Low | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 25°C77°F | 30°C86°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 27°C81°F | 23°C73°F | 19°C66°F |
| Rain days | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryThe best time to visit. Highs are 25–27°C (77–81°F) and lows 18–19°C (64–66°F). January averages 2 rain days, December 0. Bring light long clothes for the day, a light layer for evenings and desert nights, and sun protection.
Spring
March–AprilHeating up fast. Highs jump from 29°C (84°F) in March to 34°C (93°F) in April, and each month averages 1 rain day. Pack breathable long sleeves and pants, a hat and a refillable bottle.
Summer
May–SeptemberBrutally hot and humid on the coast. Highs are 39°C (102°F) in May and 40°C (104°F) in June, and lows stay at 29–32°C (84–90°F). July, August and September average 0 rain days. Plan outdoor time for early morning. Bring the lightest loose clothes you own, electrolytes and a big bottle.
Autumn
October–NovemberCooling off. October averages a 34°C (93°F) high and a 27°C (81°F) low, November 31°C (88°F) and 23°C (73°F). November averages 2 rain days. Pack summer clothes with one light layer for late November evenings.
What to bring to Muscat
0 of 21 packedOman uses UK-style Type G sockets at 240V, so most non-UK visitors need an adapter.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Summer highs reach 40°C (104°F), and a big insulated bottle keeps water cold all day.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan makes 39–40°C (102–104°F) afternoons in the souq more bearable.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Easy to slip off at the Grand Mosque and fine for beaches and wadis.
- A warm wrapClothing
Doubles as a head scarf for the Grand Mosque and a layer for cool desert nights.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps phone and clothes dry when you wade and swim through Wadi Shab.
Clothing
- Loose long pants or skirts · 3Cover knees in the souq and public places.
- Light long-sleeve tops · 4Keeps the sun off and meets local dress norms.
- Headscarf · 1Women must cover their hair at the Grand Mosque.
- Light layer · 1For winter evenings and desert nights, Dec–Feb.
- Swimsuit · 1Fine at hotel pools and beaches, not in town.
Footwear
- Breathable slip-on shoes · 1 pairYou take shoes off at the Grand Mosque.
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals · 1 pairFor wading over rocks at Wadi Shab.
- Closed hiking shoes · 1 pairFor mountain hikes.
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Dry bag · 1For swims at Wadi Shab.
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Electrolyte packetsSummer highs reach 40°C in June.
Documents and money
- Passport
Tech
- Phone charger · 1Chargers handle 240V fine.
What shoes should you pack for Muscat?
Breathable sneakers and easy slip-ons. You take shoes off at the Grand Mosque, so slip-ons help. Bring sturdy sandals or water shoes for wadi trips like Wadi Shab, where you wade and swim over rocks, and closed shoes for mountain hikes.
What do people wear in Muscat?
Modest clothes. Omanis dress conservatively, and visitors should cover shoulders and knees in the souq, malls and public places. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches, not in town. Loose, long, light fabrics are both respectful and cooler in the sun.
What should you wear to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
Full cover. Women must cover their hair, arms and legs, with loose clothes that are not see-through. Men need long pants and covered shoulders. Non-Muslim visiting hours are mornings only, and the mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays, so check the current schedule before you go.
What plugs does Muscat use?
Oman uses Type G sockets at 240V, the same as the UK. US, European and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers handle 240V fine.
Tours and things to do in Muscat
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Muscat.
What should you leave at home for Muscat?
Short shorts, tank tops and tight or see-through clothes for town. Heavy jackets are rarely needed: even January lows average 18°C (64°F).
Packing for Muscat: questions people ask
What should I wear in Muscat in January?
Light, long clothes and a light layer. January averages a 25°C (77°F) high, an 18°C (64°F) low and 2 rain days.
How hot is Muscat in summer?
Very. June averages a 40°C (104°F) high and a 32°C (90°F) low, so plan outdoor time for early morning.
What is the Grand Mosque dress code in Muscat?
Women cover hair, arms and legs in loose clothes. Men wear long pants and cover shoulders.
Can tourists wear shorts in Muscat?
At hotel pools and beaches, yes. In town, the souq and malls, cover shoulders and knees.
Do I need an adapter in Muscat?
Yes, unless you're from the UK. Oman uses Type G sockets at 240V.
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