Thinking about a trip to Salalah during Christmas? You’ll probably find the weather warm and pretty comfortable, especially compared to the intense summer heat. Daytime temperatures in late December usually hover around 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F), and evenings often dip closer to 20°C (68°F). Rain almost never shows up this time of year, so you can expect mostly dry days.
The skies often stay partly cloudy, but the sun manages to shine through for several hours. The air feels fresh, and humidity sits lower than during the monsoon season, which makes outdoor plans a lot easier. The sea stays warm, with water temperatures close to 25°C (77°F).
This mix of mild air, pleasant evenings, and calm seas makes Christmas a really nice time to explore Salalah. Whether you want to stretch out on the beach, wander through cultural sites, or just soak up the scenery, the weather gives you a great balance of warmth and comfort.
Typical Weather Conditions in Salalah During Christmas
You can expect warm daytime temperatures, mild nights, and barely any rain in Salalah around Christmas. The climate stays comfortable for being outside, with steady sunshine and a light breeze that makes the holiday season pleasant for travel.
Average Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs in Salalah during Christmas usually reach 27–28°C (81–82°F). It’s warm, but not oppressively hot, especially when you think about the summer months.
At night, temperatures often drop to 17–20°C (62–68°F). The cooler evenings feel pretty refreshing, and you might want a light sweater if you’re out late.
You can enjoy the beaches, markets, and outdoor spots without sweating through extreme heat. The steady temperatures make this one of the most comfortable times of year to explore Dhofar’s natural landscapes.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
December brings Salalah into its dry season. Rainfall barely shows up, and many years pass with no measurable precipitation during Christmas.
The monsoon season brings clouds and drizzle, but December skies usually stay clear. You probably won’t have to worry about rain messing up your plans.
Average precipitation sits under 5 mm (0.2 inches) for the month. This dry weather gives you reliable conditions for sightseeing, whether you’re heading to the coast or up into the mountains.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
Humidity in Salalah during December is moderate, usually around 60–70%. That’s higher than in northern Oman’s deserts, but the mild temperatures keep it from feeling sticky.
Winds around Christmas blow lightly or moderately, mostly from the northeast. These breezes keep the air fresh along the coast and make evenings more pleasant.
Fog hardly ever rolls in during December, and visibility almost always stays clear. The steady winds and moderate humidity help the weather feel balanced and comfortable, day or night.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine in Late December
Late December in Salalah brings mostly clear skies with just a little cloud cover. You’ll usually get long stretches of sunshine during the day, mild humidity, and barely any chance of rain. These conditions make for bright, comfortable days, perfect for getting outside.
Frequency of Cloudy Days
Salalah’s December is one of the driest times all year. Rainfall is almost nonexistent, averaging less than 5 mm for the month, so cloudy days don’t really happen.
Most days, you’ll see blue skies with just a few scattered clouds, and overcast conditions are extremely rare. December usually records close to 0 rainy days, so cloud cover doesn’t stick around.
The air stays relatively dry compared to the monsoon season. Humidity averages about 50–55%, but you won’t see heavy clouds building up. This creates a stable atmosphere and reliable sunshine all day.
If you’re planning outdoor sightseeing, beach time, or excursions, you really don’t need to worry about the weather getting in your way.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
You can expect about 10 hours of sunshine per day in late December. Over the month, that’s nearly 300 hours of bright conditions, which is among the highest totals of the year for Salalah.
Daylight lasts about 11 hours, with the sun rising around 6:30 a.m. and setting close to 5:30 p.m. Clear skies let you enjoy full daylight without much dimming from clouds.
Long hours of sunshine and mild temperatures make this a great time for swimming, hiking, or exploring cultural sites. With sea surface temperatures near 26°C, the bright weather also makes beach days really comfortable.
Sea Temperature and Beach Weather
Around Christmas in Salalah, Oman, the sea keeps warm enough for swimming, and the air stays comfortable for all sorts of outdoor activities. You’ll find mild daytime temperatures and calm coastal conditions that make the beaches inviting for both relaxing and getting active.
Average Sea Temperatures
In December, Salalah’s sea temperatures usually range between 24°C and 26°C (75°F–79°F). That’s a bit cooler than summer, but honestly, still warm by most standards.
The Arabian Sea holds onto its heat well into winter, so you won’t notice any sharp drop in water temperature. Compared to a lot of places at this time of year, the sea here feels pleasantly mild.
Daily swings are small, so you can count on stable swimming conditions during your stay. Warm water and gentle breezes along the coast make the beaches comfortable, even in the evenings.
Suitability for Swimming
You can swim comfortably in Salalah’s waters during December. Sea temperatures sit right in the sweet spot for recreational swimming, snorkeling, and just splashing around.
The winter months bring clearer skies, calmer seas, and fewer waves, which means better visibility and safer conditions in the water. December is a reliable time for beachgoers.
If you like cooler water, you might find the sea refreshing, but it’s never too cold. Families with kids usually find December a good fit, since the water stays warm enough for long swims without discomfort.
The beaches are less humid than in summer, so you can enjoy both swimming and lounging on the sand without the heavy, damp air you get during monsoon.
Weather Forecasts for Christmas Week
When you’re planning Christmas in Salalah, it’s smart to check both long-term climate patterns and short-term forecasts. December weather is usually steady, but small shifts in wind, haze, or a quick shower can change outdoor plans.
How to Access Accurate Forecasts
You should check trusted sources like the Oman Meteorology Department, Weather.com, or AccuWeather for the most reliable Salalah weather forecasts. These outlets update daily on temperature, rain chances, and wind.
Look at forecasts a week before your trip, but also check again closer to your travel dates. Short-term predictions, especially within 48 hours, are usually more accurate for temperatures and cloud cover.
It’s helpful to compare a few forecast platforms. For example:
| Source | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather.com | Hour-by-hour detail | Good for planning outdoor timing |
| AccuWeather | Long-range outlook | Useful for spotting patterns |
| Local Oman services | Regional expertise | Often more tailored to Salalah |
Save forecasts to your phone or set up alerts for rain or temperature changes. That way, you can adjust your plans quickly if things shift.
Typical Variability in December
December stands out as one of Salalah’s driest months, with rainfall averaging just 1 mm for the whole month. Daytime highs usually sit near 27–28°C (81–82°F), and nights cool down to about 20–22°C (68–72°F).
The weather mostly stays steady, but sometimes you’ll get light haze or morning clouds. These usually clear up by midday, leaving you with long hours of sunshine.
Humidity is moderate compared to the summer monsoon, which makes outdoor sightseeing a lot more comfortable. Evenings can feel a bit cooler because of the coastal breezes, so packing a light sweater is a good idea.
You won’t see the heavy rainfall of July or August. December rarely brings long wet spells. The main day-to-day changes are small temperature shifts and the odd scattered cloud. That predictability makes Christmas week a great time for the beach, outdoor tours, and cultural events.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Months
Salalah’s weather in late December is mild and dry, with cooler nights and comfortable days. It’s really different from the monsoon months, and it even stands out compared to the nearby winter and autumn periods.
Differences from Summer Khareef Season
The Khareef season (June to September) shapes Salalah’s climate for much of the year. During Khareef, the southwest monsoon brings steady drizzle, cloud cover, and cooler daytime highs around 27°C (81°F). Humidity rises, and everything turns green.
By Christmas, that monsoon is long gone. December days average about 26°C (79°F) with barely any rainfall. Skies are usually clear, and humidity drops, making outdoor activities way easier. You won’t see misty hills or wet streets like in summer.
The change from cloudy monsoon skies to sunny winter weather is pretty dramatic. Khareef draws visitors for its greenery, but December attracts those who want dry, predictable weather.
Christmas weather in Salalah is warmer and sunnier than a lot of winter destinations, but it doesn’t have the lush scenery and cool drizzle of summer.
How December Compares to January and November
December sits right between the cooler nights of January and the slightly warmer days of November. In November, average highs reach about 28°C (82°F), and it still feels like late summer. Rain is rare, but some autumn humidity can hang around.
By January, daytime highs drop a bit to about 25°C (77°F), and nights can feel cooler, sometimes dipping below 20°C (68°F). January is probably the most comfortable month if you love crisp evenings.
December is a balance between the two. You get warm afternoons like November, but with less humidity. Cooler nights start to show up, but not as chilly as January.
Christmas in Salalah is a transitional period—pleasant warmth during the day, refreshing evenings, and almost no rain.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salalah at Christmas
You’ll get warm days, cooler evenings, and mostly dry weather if you visit Salalah at Christmas. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, but you should still plan for temperature changes between day and night.
Recommended Clothing for the Weather
Daytime temperatures in December usually stick around 25–29 °C (77–84 °F), while nights can drop closer to 20 °C (68 °F). The air feels much less humid than in summer, so the climate is pleasant and mild.
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen work best for daytime. Bring a light sweater or jacket for the evenings, especially if you want to walk along the coast, where breezes can actually feel pretty cool.
Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea if you plan to explore both the city and the outdoors. Sandals are fine for the beach, but closed shoes work better for rocky or uneven ground.
The sun is strong, even in winter, so don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Modest clothing is also recommended out of respect for local customs in Oman, especially in public places and at cultural sites.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
With dry skies and pretty mild temperatures, Christmas actually feels like a great time to get outside and see what Salalah has to offer. The beaches stay calm, and the water’s warm enough for a swim—sea temperatures hover around 26 °C (79 °F).
Head out to the Dhofar Mountains if you want cooler air and those sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Hiking the trails feels much easier in winter, especially since you can skip the heavy humidity that summer brings.
You might also want to check out some history. Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Frankincense Land Museum let you wander around comfortably, since you don’t have to deal with that intense heat.
Love a good market? The Salalah souqs are buzzing this time of year, full of frankincense, spices, and all sorts of local crafts. Evenings invite you to stroll along the corniche or maybe just eat outside by the coast, which honestly sounds pretty nice.