Christmas in Muscat, Oman usually brings mild and pleasant weather, which feels like a relief after the city’s much hotter months.
Daytime temperatures hover around 26–27°C (79–81°F), and cooler nights dip to 18–20°C (64–68°F). It’s honestly one of the nicest times to be outside in Muscat.
The climate stays warm enough for the beach, but it’s also cool enough for wandering the city without sweating through your shirt.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but you might get a light shower or two during December.
Humidity sits at a moderate level, and the sea keeps warm, around 25–26°C (77–79°F).
Swimming is still inviting, and water activities don’t lose their appeal.
Shorter days and softer sunshine give the city a calmer vibe.
The UV index drops compared to summer, but you’ll still want some sun protection.
Overview of Muscat Weather During Christmas
Late December brings some of Muscat’s mildest, most comfortable weather.
Days feel warm but not stifling, nights cool off a bit, and rain stays rare, though it’s a touch more likely than in the bone-dry summer.
You get a nice balance between heat, humidity, and being able to enjoy the outdoors.
Typical December Climate Conditions
In Muscat, December days usually reach 26–27°C (79–81°F).
Nights fall to about 18–20°C (64–68°F), so evenings feel pleasant.
Rain doesn’t happen much, but December does fall within the short rainy season.
You might see 10–15 mm of rainfall for the month, mostly from quick showers.
These showers are brief and rarely mess up your plans.
Humidity stays moderate, so the air feels lighter than in summer.
You get about 9–10 hours of daylight per day.
The sea averages 25–26°C (77–79°F), perfect for a swim.
This mix of mild warmth, low rainfall, and plenty of sun makes December great for city exploring and outdoor fun.
Comparison to Other Months
December feels like a different world compared to Muscat’s summer.
From June to August, highs often shoot past 38–40°C (100–104°F), and humidity makes it tough to be outside.
December’s highs near 27°C are much easier to handle.
Compared to January and February, December is just a bit warmer, but all three months are pretty comfortable.
February might bring a little more rain, while December and January stay drier.
Spring, from March to May, heats up quickly, with May nearly hitting 40°C (104°F).
Autumn, like September and October, is still hot, often above 35°C (95°F).
By December, the long, intense heat finally fades, and you get a more balanced climate.
Why December Is Ideal for Visiting
You get comfortable temperatures, limited rainfall, and warm sea conditions in December.
It’s a sweet spot for enjoying cultural sites and natural attractions without the brutal heat.
Outdoor activities like wandering Muttrah Souq, checking out the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, or hiking in the nearby mountains are way more pleasant.
The evenings are cool enough for a stroll along the Corniche or dinner outside.
December also lines up with the holiday season, so hotels and resorts feel a bit livelier.
It’s a popular month, but the weather really makes it worth it.
If you want reliable warmth without that oppressive heat, December is honestly one of the best months to visit Muscat.
Temperature Patterns in December
Muscat’s December temperatures stay warm but not overwhelming, making it a genuinely pleasant time to visit.
You’ll get mild nights, warm afternoons, and not a lot of drastic changes as the month goes by.
Average Highs and Lows Near Christmas
Daytime highs in December usually reach 25–27°C (77–81°F).
These temps are great for being outside without feeling baked.
At night, lows drop to around 19–21°C (66–70°F).
That’s cool enough to feel the difference from daytime, but you probably won’t need more than a light jacket.
The sea stays steady near 25–26°C (77–79°F), so you can swim even late in the month.
Rain barely makes a difference to temperatures since it’s so minimal.
Daily and Nighttime Temperature Trends
Days are mostly sunny, and the air warms up by late morning.
By early afternoon, it usually peaks around 26°C (79°F).
After sunset, the heat fades and the air cools steadily.
By midnight, you’ll see readings near 20°C (68°F).
It’s refreshing, but not chilly.
Humidity stays moderate, so the change from day to night feels pretty smooth.
You can plan outdoor activities almost any time of day.
Temperature Variations Across the Month
December doesn’t bring wild temperature swings in Muscat.
Early in the month, highs might be close to 27°C (81°F).
By late December, they often trend down a bit to 25°C (77°F).
Nights follow the same pattern, with early December nights slightly warmer than those near New Year.
These changes are subtle and just part of the region’s gradual cooling.
Clouds show up now and then, but they rarely change the daily temperature range.
The month keeps steady warmth, which makes both daytime sightseeing and evening outings easy to enjoy.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
In December, Muscat’s weather gives you mostly clear skies with some scattered clouds.
You’ll see more sun than clouds, but the mix can shift a bit as the month goes on.
Frequency of Partly Cloudy Days
Partly cloudy skies show up pretty often in December.
Most days, especially early in the month, you’ll get a good mix of sun and some clouds.
The first week of December tends to have more clear or partly cloudy skies, with some days hitting over 80% clear or partly cloudy.
That’s perfect for outdoor plans—plenty of daylight without the harshness of summer sun.
As December moves along, partly cloudy days are still common, though you might spot a few more morning or afternoon cloud patches.
These clouds don’t usually bring rain, so you can stick to your plans.
Travelers often say this mix of sun and clouds is just right for sightseeing, since it takes the edge off the midday sun.
Mostly Cloudy and Overcast Probability
The odds of mostly cloudy or overcast skies in December stay low.
On average, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 19% of the time.
The highest chance comes around December 9, but even then, it’s just about a fifth of the day.
Compared to summer, when humidity and haze can thicken the clouds, December skies are much more open.
When clouds do take over, they’re usually thin and don’t last long.
You’ll rarely get a full day of gray skies.
Extended overcast spells don’t really happen.
You can count on reliable daylight and only a little interruption from clouds.
It’s a good season for walks and longer excursions.
Clear Sky Trends in December
Clear skies really define Muscat’s December weather.
At the start of the month, December 1 is usually the clearest day, with over 80% of the time spent under clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies.
Throughout December, skies stay more clear than cloudy, with just minor changes.
Even on the shortest days, you still get long stretches of blue.
If you compare to July, when Muscat often hits its cloudiest with over 50% chance of cloud cover, December feels much brighter.
This makes December one of the most dependable months for sunshine.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you can pretty much count on good light and just a few clouds.
Precipitation and Rainfall Around Christmas
December in Muscat brings some rare rainfall, one of the few times you’ll see it in the year.
Showers are short and light, but they do mark a change from the long, dry summer.
You’ll get mild weather with just a small chance of rain messing with your plans.
Rainfall Amounts and Rainy Days
Muscat’s desert climate means December rainfall stays low.
The city usually gets around 10–20 mm for the month.
Rain falls over 1 to 2 days, and it’s mostly quick bursts, not long storms.
You probably won’t see heavy downpours.
When it does rain, it clears up fast and the sun comes back.
Outdoor activities, like visiting the Corniche or exploring Mutrah Souq, rarely get interrupted.
Humidity drops compared to summer, so the air feels more comfortable.
Even if you catch a shower, it doesn’t cause flooding or major delays.
For visitors, this light rain can actually feel refreshing after months of dryness.
Precipitation Trends Compared to Other Months
December falls in Muscat’s cooler, drier season.
Compared to January, the wettest month with about 18 mm of rain, December is a bit drier.
By September, rain is almost gone—close to 0 mm.
December marks the start of a short rainy period.
From late December into January, showers become a little more likely, but still modest by global standards.
If you compare Muscat to other places, the difference is huge.
For example, Barcelona gets over 600 mm of rain a year, while Muscat totals just 89 mm.
So even during its rainy season, Muscat stays pretty dry.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
In December, Muscat’s air feels much drier than in summer.
Humidity levels stay moderate, which makes sightseeing, walking tours, and outdoor plans far more comfortable.
Average December Humidity
December brings an average relative humidity of about 49%.
That’s way less sticky than August, when it can climb over 65%.
This moderate range keeps the air balanced—neither too dry nor too muggy.
At night, when temps drop to around 14°C (57°F), humidity isn’t really noticeable, so evenings are nice for eating outside.
Daytime highs near 31°C (88°F) can still feel warm, but the lower humidity keeps things from getting oppressive.
Compared to April, which averages around 42%, December sits in the middle.
It’s less dry than early spring, but way more pleasant than the humid end of summer.
Most travelers find this balance just right—no need to constantly seek shade or air-conditioning.
How Humidity Affects Outdoor Activities
Moderate humidity in December lets you spend hours outside without the usual fatigue from high moisture.
Walking Muscat’s souqs, exploring forts, or visiting the coast feels easier when the air isn’t saturated.
If you’re planning activities near the sea, the sea surface temperature of about 26°C (79°F) gives a mild, refreshing feel.
Swimming and water sports are still fun, since the air doesn’t trap heat like in peak summer.
For hiking in nearby wadis or desert trips, you lose less water through sweating than in humid months.
You’ll still need to stay hydrated, but you won’t get that sticky, uncomfortable feeling from higher humidity.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
In December, Muscat delivers long stretches of bright skies, steady daylight, and a UV level that still calls for some caution.
You’ll find it comfortable for outdoor activities, but don’t forget the sun’s still strong—even in the cooler season.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Muscat gets about 310 hours of sunshine in December. That works out to almost 10 hours per day.
Sure, that’s a little less than the peak months like May and June, but honestly, it’s still plenty for beach trips, sightseeing, or just wandering around the city.
You can expect 76% of days to be sunny, so most days feel bright and cheerful. Maybe you’ll see rain once or twice, but showers are quick and rarely ruin plans.
If you compare it to January, which only has around 253 hours, December really stands out as one of the brightest months during the cooler season. It’s a great time to check out Muscat’s coastline or visit some cultural spots without sweating through your shirt.
Daylight Duration and Sunrise/Sunset Times
In December, Muscat usually gets about 10 hours of daylight each day. The sun comes up at around 6:45 AM and sets close to 5:45 PM. That leaves a good chunk of time for daytime adventures and some downtime in the evening.
Daylight hours are shorter than in summer, when you might get up to 13 hours, but they’re pretty much the same as in January. If you want to make the most of the sunlight, you’ll want to start your outdoor plans a bit earlier.
Shorter days mean cooler evenings too. Temperatures often drop to about 14°C (57°F) at night. The early sunset actually makes for a nice atmosphere if you’re thinking about dinner outside or a walk along the Corniche.
UV Index and Sun Safety in December
Even though it’s December, Muscat’s UV Index usually hits around 7. That lands it squarely in the high category.
At this level, your skin might burn in just 25 minutes if you skip protection.
I’d recommend SPF 30+ sunscreen and a decent pair of sunglasses. If you’re outdoors for a while, maybe grab a light, long-sleeved shirt too.
A brimmed hat really helps, especially around midday.
Sure, the UV isn’t as brutal as summer, when it can spike to 11 or 12 (extreme), but it’s still strong enough to be careful.
Try sticking to the shade between 11 AM and 3 PM. That way, you’ll cut down on exposure and still get to enjoy Muscat’s pretty great December weather.