Fall in Salalah, Oman brings a welcome break from the humid summer monsoon season. You’ll notice cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and clearer skies that just make being outside so much easier.
During fall, expect warm days around 30°C (86°F) in September that slowly dip to about 28°C (83°F) by November. Nights get pleasantly mild, which is a relief if you’ve spent the summer here.
Rainfall drops off fast after the summer monsoon, leaving only a few light showers in early fall before things turn mostly dry. Humidity falls too, going from the sticky levels of September down to much drier air by November.
This change brings a more balanced climate, letting you enjoy both the coast and the mountains without all that heavy dampness.
With more sunshine hours coming back and the sea still warm, fall becomes one of the best times to check out Salalah’s beaches, cultural sites, and outdoor scenery. You get steady warmth and calmer skies, which sets the stage for a comfortable visit and maybe a deeper look at the region’s unique weather patterns.
Overview of Fall Weather in Salalah
In fall, Salalah’s weather shifts from the cloudy, damp khareef season into drier and sunnier days. Temperatures stay warm but don’t really get uncomfortable, and rainfall becomes rare, making for a stable climate that feels different from both the summer monsoon and the cooler winter months.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
During fall, daily high temperatures usually land around 84–85°F (29°C), and evenings cool off a bit to about 79°F (26°C). Humidity drops compared to the summer monsoon, so the air feels lighter.
Rainfall is pretty scarce this time of year. By September, the last bits of khareef drizzle fade, and skies start to open up. Cloud cover drops from about 40% in early fall to under 20% by November.
Winds stay light, around 5 mph, which keeps things calm. Sunshine hours go up, so you get brighter days perfect for being outside. The sea stays warm, with surface temps often above 27°C (81°F), so the coast is still inviting.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Fall really stands out as a transitional season. In summer, Salalah goes through the khareef monsoon, with heavy cloud cover, mist, and lots of light rain. By fall, the drizzle and fog back off, and you finally get clearer skies.
Compared to winter, fall is definitely warmer. Winter daytime highs only hit about 77–79°F (25–26°C), but fall stays in the low to mid-80s. Nights in winter can get a bit chilly, while fall evenings mostly stay mild.
Spring’s drier, kind of like fall, but temperatures rise faster as summer approaches. Fall, though, holds steady warmth without the sudden heat. If you like moderate weather, fall is probably your best bet in Salalah.
Influence of the Dhofar Mountains
The Dhofar Mountains really shape Salalah’s climate. In summer, these mountains trap moisture from the Indian Ocean, causing the khareef rains. By fall, those monsoon winds weaken, and the mountains stop catching as much moisture.
That shift lets the skies clear and drops rainfall across the coastal plain. The mountains also block out the harsh desert heat from inland Oman, so Salalah stays more moderate than places like Muscat.
Thanks to this geography, you get a unique mix of subtropical desert climate with some real seasonal variety. Without the Dhofar range, fall here would probably be much hotter and drier, way more like the rest of Oman’s desert.
Average Fall Temperatures
In Salalah, fall brings a real change from the humid summer to drier and clearer days. Temperatures stay warm but never get extreme, and you’ll notice a difference between day and night.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During fall, daytime highs in Salalah usually go from about 81°F (27°C) in early September to around 85°F (29°C) by late November. Some afternoons might hit 87°F (31°C), but it rarely gets hotter than that.
At night, temperatures drop off more noticeably. Nighttime lows go from about 76°F (24°C) in September down to near 71°F (22°C) by November. As humidity drops, evenings feel a lot more comfortable, making it a nice time for outdoor plans.
The gap between day and night temps is usually 10–15°F, so you get warm days and cooler nights. That’s a nice balance, especially compared to the sticky summer months.
Monthly Temperature Trends
September still has some leftover summer heat, with average highs around 81–83°F (27–28°C) and lows near 75–76°F (24°C). It’s humid early on, but things get better as the month goes by.
In October, days warm up a bit to 83–84°F (28–29°C) while nights cool to around 73°F (23°C). Lower humidity and clearer skies make this month feel especially pleasant.
November brings the warmest daytime highs of fall, averaging 85–87°F (29–31°C), but nights are cooler, often around 71°F (22°C). This combo makes for some of the nicest weather you’ll find in Salalah all year.
| Month | Avg High (°F/°C) | Avg Low (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 81–83 / 27–28 | 75–76 / 24 |
| October | 83–84 / 28–29 | 72–73 / 22–23 |
| November | 85–87 / 29–31 | 71 / 22 |
Temperature Extremes in Autumn
Extreme heat almost never happens in Salalah during fall. Highs rarely go past 92°F (33°C), and lows hardly ever dip below 68°F (20°C). That makes the season pretty stable compared to summer, when humidity and cloud cover take over.
The hottest days usually pop up in early November, when highs can briefly reach 87°F (31°C). On the flip side, the coolest nights show up in late November, with lows near 68–70°F (20–21°C).
So, you get reliable warmth without the harsh heat that’s common in other parts of Oman. For travelers, fall is honestly one of the best times to enjoy Salalah’s outdoor spots.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
In autumn, Salalah gets very little rain, but humidity can still feel noticeable thanks to the leftovers from the summer monsoon. Expect mostly dry days with just a few light showers, but the air often still feels damper than Oman’s desert regions.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall in Salalah during fall is minimal. September brings a bit of leftover moisture from summer, but totals rarely go over 5–10 mm. By October and November, rain drops even more, often averaging less than 1–2 mm per month.
Rain comes in short bursts, not long storms. These quick showers are really local and might not even happen every year. Unlike the steady drizzle you get in summer, fall is typically dry and sunny.
Just to give you an idea:
| Month | Average Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~5–10 mm | 1–2 days |
| October | ~1–2 mm | 0–1 days |
| November | ~0–1 mm | 0 days |
So, fall is one of the driest stretches of the year, especially when you compare it to the wet khareef season.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Even with little rain, you’ll still notice high humidity in early autumn. In September, relative humidity often stays above 70%, especially in the mornings and evenings. That’s just the khareef season hanging on, with moist air sticking around the Dhofar coast.
By October, humidity starts to let up, dropping into the 60% range. November feels drier, with averages closer to 55–60%, though mornings can still be a bit damp. The sea breeze off the Arabian Sea keeps the coastal humidity up, even when the sky is clear.
Unlike inland Oman, where the air is crisp and dry, Salalah’s humidity makes things feel warmer than the thermometer says. Keep that in mind if you’re planning anything active outdoors.
Khareef Season Effects
The khareef, or summer monsoon, leaves a big mark on Salalah’s fall weather. From June to August, the city gets steady drizzle and constant cloud cover. By September, the rain fades, but the ground and plants stay soaked.
This leftover moisture keeps the air humid and helps the region’s green hills last well into autumn. You’ll see hills and valleys around Salalah still looking lush in September, then drying out as October rolls on.
The khareef also cools the land and sea, so early fall temperatures come in lower than in other parts of Oman. You get mild heat, high humidity, and almost no rain—a real transition from the wet monsoon to the dry winter.
Wind, Sunshine, and Sea Conditions
During fall in Salalah, the climate changes after the monsoon. Winds calm down, skies clear, and the sea warms up to comfortable levels for swimming. These shifts shape how you experience the outdoors, whether you’re on the beach or exploring the city.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in Salalah during fall are generally moderate and steady, less influenced by the monsoon and more by the local sea breeze. September can still feel a bit breezy, but by October and November, winds usually ease off.
On average, expect winds around 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph). Gusts are rare, and strong winds hardly ever mess with your plans.
For travelers, that means outdoor dining, beach walks, and sightseeing are usually pleasant—no dust or sand storms like you might get elsewhere in Oman. If you’re into boating or water sports, conditions are calm enough to be safe and fun.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Fall brings back those long, sunny days after the cloudy khareef. In September, you might still see some haze, but by October, the skies are much clearer.
You can expect 20–28 sunny days per month in fall. Daylight hours slowly shrink from about 12.4 hours in early September to 11.2 hours by late November. That’s still plenty of time to get outside without the brutal midsummer heat.
Cloud cover is low, so you’ll often get bright blue skies. Sunscreen, hats, and light clothes are still a must since the sun stays strong even late in the year. Clear weather also makes this a great season for photos and sightseeing.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The Arabian Sea near Salalah stays warm all fall. Sea surface temps range from 25°C in September to about 27–28°C in October and November. That’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and any water sports you’re thinking about.
Rain is basically gone in fall, so the sea stays calm and clear. No rough surf like in the monsoon.
With no rainy days in October or November and just a trace in September, beaches are dry and pleasant. If you love long swims or just relaxing by the shore, fall is honestly one of the best times for it in Salalah.
Special Weather Events in Fall
During fall in Salalah, you’ll notice the heavy rains from the summer monsoon are gone. The season is usually calm, but sometimes tropical systems in the Arabian Sea or localized fog can still pop up and affect your travel or outdoor plans.
Tropical Cyclones and Storm Risk
The Arabian Sea sometimes kicks up tropical cyclones in the fall, mostly in September and October. These storms don’t show up every year, but when they do, southern Oman can get slammed with heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas.
If you’re planning anything along the coast, keep an eye on official weather alerts. Even when a cyclone misses Salalah, the sea can still get wild. Ports might close off boat trips, and beaches sometimes have nasty rip currents.
Direct cyclone hits are rare, but the region has seen storms that flooded roads and damaged buildings. The Oman Meteorology Department posts updates, so checking their info helps you decide if you should change travel or outdoor plans.
Fog and Drizzle Occurrences
After the summer monsoon fades, you’ll still find some light fog and drizzle during early fall mornings. That’s because leftover moisture and cooler nights hang around the coast.
Fog can make it hard to see on the roads, especially near the airport or along the coast. If you’re driving, expect to slow down and stick to low-beam headlights.
Drizzle usually doesn’t last long, but it leaves roads and sidewalks damp and slick. It’s not like the summer downpours, but this kind of moisture can mess with outdoor plans early in the day.
By late fall, fog and drizzle show up less as the air dries out and the sky clears more often.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salalah in Fall
Salalah stays warm in the fall, but the air feels less sticky than in summer. Light rain might still show up in September, but things dry out as the season goes on.
You’ll probably get better weather for outdoor fun, and the crowds thin out. Still, you might want to prep for shifting conditions between early and late autumn.
Best Activities for Autumn Visitors
September sometimes lets you catch the last bit of Khareef. The Dhofar mountains keep their green, and waterfalls like Ayn Athum and Ayn Razat might still be flowing. It’s a nice window for short hikes or just driving around to take in the views.
By the time October and November roll in, the skies open up and the beaches get more tempting. You can swim in the calm water at Al Mughsayl Beach or hop on a boat near Mirbat to spot dolphins.
Cooler weather makes cultural stops way more comfortable. Walking around Al Baleed Archaeological Park or the Frankincense Land Museum feels much easier without the summer heat.
If you’re into markets, the central souq in Salalah sells frankincense, spices, and all sorts of local crafts. Evening visits are best—the air cools down and the place just feels more alive.
Packing Recommendations
For clothing, pack light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for the daytime. You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater at night, especially up in the mountains when it gets chilly.
Pick footwear that works for both city walks and short hikes. Comfortable sandals are great for the beach. If you’re heading into Dhofar’s hills, you’ll need sturdy shoes.
Rain doesn’t happen much after September, but you might still want to toss in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket if you’re visiting early in the season.
Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for getting around during the day. If you’re hanging out near wadis or waterfalls, insect repellent comes in handy.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Honestly, staying hydrated matters—daytime highs often hit the upper 20s °C even when it’s late fall.