Winter in Salalah really stands out from the rest of Oman’s desert climate. You’ll find mild daytime highs around 27–29°C (81–84°F), while cooler nights dip to about 18–20°C (65–68°F). It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to visit.
Unlike the summer monsoon, winter barely brings any rain and lower humidity. Skies usually stay clear, and the weather is great for being outside.
You’ll notice the air feels fresher, with humidity usually between 50% and 58%. Sunshine sticks around, so you get plenty of daylight for exploring the coast or even the mountains nearby.
The Arabian Sea keeps its warmth all season, so it’s easy to enjoy the beach or even go for a swim without sweating through the day.
With warm days, cool nights, and dry skies, winter really works for both sightseeing and relaxing by the water. If you want to check out historic spots, hike in Dhofar, or just hang out by the sea, this climate makes it all possible.
Winter Climate Overview in Salalah
Salalah’s winter weather feels pretty stable. Temperatures stay mild, rain is rare, and humidity stays comfortable. You get warm enough days for outdoor activities without the muggy heat of other seasons.
Typical Weather Patterns
From December through February, you’ll usually see daytime highs between 27°C and 29°C (81°F–84°F). Nights drop to around 18°C–20°C (64°F–68°F), which feels great after a hot summer.
Rain hardly shows up, usually less than 5 mm per month. You can leave your umbrella behind most days. Humidity averages 50%–58%, so the air feels good—not too dry, not too sticky.
Sunshine sticks around for 9–10 hours per day. Clear skies and calm weather make it easy to get outside, whether you’re sightseeing or heading to the beach. The sea temperature hovers near 25°C (77°F), so swimming is still on the table.
Tropical Desert Climate Characteristics
Salalah falls into the BWh subtropical desert climate category. Winters stay dry and warm, but the Arabian Sea keeps things from getting too extreme.
Unlike other desert places, you won’t see huge swings between day and night. The sea helps keep things steady, so evenings feel mild, not cold.
Humidity drops compared to summer, but not as much as in inland deserts. This makes Salalah a lot more comfortable than other desert spots.
Winds stay light to moderate during winter, which keeps the air fresh and doesn’t kick up much dust. Visibility is good, so you get nice views and clear days for exploring.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter really feels like the sweet spot in Salalah. In summer, it gets over 31°C (88°F) and humidity jumps to 80%–90%, making things heavy and damp. The Khareef monsoon from June to August brings clouds and light rain.
Spring and autumn are more like transition times, but they’re still warmer and more humid than winter. By contrast, winter gives you steady sunshine, less moisture, and cooler nights.
If you’re into outdoor adventures, winter is the time to go. You won’t deal with May’s heat or July’s dampness—just reliable, pleasant weather.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Salalah feels mild and steady, especially when you compare it to the summer heat. You’ll get comfortable daytime highs, cooler nights, and barely any rain, which is perfect for being outside.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, Salalah’s days usually sit between 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F). It’s warm but not overwhelming, so you can enjoy being outside.
Nights cool off nicely. Lows often land between 18°C and 20°C (64°F to 68°F). After sunset, the cooler air feels refreshing, especially if you know how hot it gets in summer.
Humidity stays moderate, around 50–55%, which cuts down on that sticky feeling. The sea stays nice too, with water around 25°C (77°F), so swimming is still pleasant.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From December to February, temperatures barely change. December usually starts with highs near 28°C (83°F) and lows around 18°C (65°F).
January keeps things steady, with averages of 27°C (81°F) in the day and 19°C (66°F) at night. February warms up just a bit, with highs hitting 28–29°C (82–84°F) and lows close to 19°C (66°F).
The consistency makes planning a breeze. Unlike places where winter suddenly hits hard, Salalah’s weather just rolls along, which is probably why so many people visit this time of year.
Record Highs and Lows
Salalah’s winter averages are mild, but there have been a few outliers. The warmest winter days can touch 31°C (88°F), though that’s not the norm.
On the cooler end, rare lows have dropped to about 16°C (61°F), mostly on clear nights. Even then, you won’t need heavy jackets.
You won’t see frost or snow here, and temperature swings stay pretty narrow compared to other deserts. That dependability makes packing simple.
Rainfall and Humidity in Winter
Winter in Salalah stays mild and mostly dry, especially compared to the summer monsoon. You can count on limited rainfall, moderate humidity, and pleasant conditions for sightseeing.
Precipitation Levels
Rain barely makes an appearance in Salalah during winter. From December to February, you’ll see just a few millimeters each month, often less than 10 mm. That’s a big change from the rainy summer khareef.
When it does rain, showers tend to be light and pass quickly. They almost never mess up your plans. Thanks to its spot on the coast, Salalah gets the occasional winter drizzle, unlike Oman’s drier inland areas.
Average winter temperatures sit between 20°C and 27°C, and this mild climate keeps heavy rain away. If you’re visiting, don’t expect lots of wet days, but maybe bring a light jacket just in case.
Winter Rainfall Snapshot (approximate):
- December: 5–8 mm
- January: 3–6 mm
- February: 2–5 mm
Humidity Trends
Humidity stays moderate in winter, especially when you compare it to the damp summer months. You’ll see average relative humidity between 55% and 65%, which most people find comfortable.
Cooler temperatures help balance out the moisture, so you won’t feel weighed down like you might in July or August. Nights can feel a bit more humid near the coast, but days are usually just right.
Humidity changes depending on where you are. Closer to the sea, it feels a bit higher, while inland areas are drier. This means you can enjoy beach walks without feeling sticky.
Since humidity isn’t extreme, hiking or city exploring is much easier in winter than during the monsoon.
Rainfall Frequency
Salalah gets very few rainy days in winter. On average, you might see just 1–2 rainy days per month from December to February. When it does rain, it’s usually just a light shower.
Unlike summer, when clouds hang around, winter days are mostly sunny. You can plan outdoor stuff without worrying about rain.
If showers show up, they usually come in short bursts, often at night or early morning. Long stretches of rain are rare here.
For visitors, this means you’ll mostly enjoy dry weather, with just the occasional refreshing shower that makes the coast feel special.
Wind, Sunshine, and Daylight Hours
During winter, Salalah brings calm to moderate winds, steady sunshine, and pretty consistent daylight. It’s a good combo for getting outside or sightseeing.
Average Wind Speeds
Winter wind speeds stay moderate, especially compared to the gusty monsoon. You’ll usually feel breezes around 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph), sometimes peaking closer to 20 km/h (12 mph).
Most of the wind comes from the northeast this time of year, thanks to regional trade winds that shift after the monsoon.
Since the winds don’t get too strong, they almost never mess up outdoor plans. They actually help keep the air fresh and make humidity feel lower.
If you’re near the coast, you might notice a bit more wind in the afternoons. Inland, things calm down, especially at night.
Sunshine Duration
Salalah’s winter brings steady sunshine, though it’s not as intense as summer. You can expect 8 to 9.5 hours of sunshine per day.
December has the least, about 8 hours each day. By February, you’ll get a bit more as spring approaches.
Skies stay mostly clear, with just a little cloud cover now and then. Rain is rare, so you won’t see many gray days.
Thanks to lower humidity and comfortable temps, the sun feels nice, not harsh. It’s a great time to hit the beaches, markets, or cultural spots without worrying about overheating.
Daylight Changes
Daylight hours in Salalah hardly change through winter. You’ll see about 11 hours of daylight in December, rising to 11.5 hours by February.
The difference between the shortest and longest winter days is less than an hour, so you don’t have to stress about running out of daylight.
Sunrise happens around 6:45–7:00 a.m., and sunset lands between 6:00–6:30 p.m. These times only shift a little as winter goes on.
Having steady daylight makes it easier to plan trips, whether you’re off to the mountains, the coast, or just wandering the city.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The sea along Salalah’s coast keeps its warmth all winter, with only small changes month to month. You’ll find calm waters and steady conditions, making the shoreline perfect for swimming, boating, or just relaxing by the water.
Average Sea Temperatures
In winter, the Arabian Sea near Salalah keeps its warmth. December averages about 79°F (26°C). January and February sit close to 77°F (25°C).
You’ll notice these temperatures barely shift, so whichever winter month you pick, the sea feels pretty much the same. That kind of consistency isn’t common in most coastal regions.
The sea doesn’t cool down much, so the water stays inviting for long swims. Even at night, the temperature only drops a little, so the shoreline stays pleasant.
For quick reference:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 79.1 | 26.2 |
| January | 77.0 | 25.0 |
| February | 77.1 | 25.1 |
Salalah’s tropical desert climate keeps these temperatures steady, unlike northern waters where things swing more wildly.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim comfortably in Salalah’s waters all winter. The sea stays warm, so you won’t need a wetsuit, even if you’re in for a while.
It’s honestly one of the few places where swimming in winter doesn’t feel like a shock. Calm seas make snorkeling and relaxed diving easy.
Visibility usually stays good, since winter brings little rain or storms. Sometimes you’ll see a few gentle waves, but they don’t usually mess with swimming or small boats.
If you’re into paddleboarding or kayaking, winter conditions work in your favor. Rental spots often stay open because people still want to get out on the water.
Coastal Weather Effects
The coast around Salalah barely gets any rain in winter. Records show 0 rainy days and no measurable precipitation in December, January, and February.
You can usually count on clear skies and few interruptions to outdoor plans. Daytime air temperatures range from the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–28°C).
Nights cool down a bit but stay mild, which balances out the warm sea. Winds stay gentle, so you’re less likely to run into rough surf.
Since the coastline faces the Arabian Sea, you might feel a light breeze during the day. These breezes tend to make the beach more comfortable, not difficult, and they don’t create dangerous currents.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salalah in Winter
Winter in Salalah brings mild temperatures, low humidity, and calm seas. It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to visit.
You can enjoy outdoor activities, check out local culture, and spend time by the coast without dealing with summer heat or monsoon clouds.
Best Activities for the Season
You’ll probably want to be outside a lot in winter. Daytime temperatures usually stay between 20–28 °C, so it’s great for beach outings at Al Haffa Beach or Mughsail Beach. The sea stays warm enough for a swim.
Sightseeing also gets easier in winter. The Frankincense Land Museum, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque are much more comfortable to walk around without the heat.
If you like nature, the Dhofar Mountains have dry, manageable trails and clear skies that open up big views of the coast. You won’t see the Khareef greenery, but the winter landscape still feels pleasant and less humid.
Boat trips along the coast are a nice option, since the sea stays calmer than during the monsoon. You might even catch a dolphin-watching tour if you’re lucky.
What to Pack
Pack lightweight clothing—cotton shirts, trousers, and other breathable fabrics work well for daytime. A light jacket or sweater helps for cooler evenings, when it can dip to around 16 °C.
Bring comfortable shoes if you plan on walking or hiking. Sandals are fine for the beach, but closed shoes make more sense for rocky or uneven ground.
Don’t forget sun protection. You’ll want sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with a high SPF. The winter sun isn’t as harsh as summer, but UV rays stick around.
For swimming, pack a modest swimsuit to respect local customs. A quick-dry towel and water shoes can come in handy if you’re exploring rocky parts of the coast.
Health and Safety Considerations
Salalah’s winter climate feels pretty safe and comfortable, though it’s smart to stay prepared. Keep yourself hydrated—the air dries out more than you’d think, and sometimes you won’t even notice you’re losing fluids.
If you’re heading out for a hike, pack water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit. Mobile coverage drops off in some remote areas, so tell someone your route before you wander into the mountains.
The sea usually stays calm in winter, but always check local warnings before you swim or hop on a boat. Rip currents sometimes show up, especially near rocky spots like Mughsail.
When you’re away from beaches or resorts, try to respect local customs by dressing modestly. Most public places expect you to cover your shoulders and knees, especially in markets and religious areas.
Medical facilities in Salalah work well, but you should bring any personal medications you need. You’ll find pharmacies in the city, though some prescriptions might be tricky to replace.