Winter in Muscat, Oman feels worlds apart from the city’s infamous summer heat. You’ll usually see mild daytime temperatures hovering around 25–27°C (77–81°F), and nights cool off into the mid to upper teens Celsius (mid-60s°F).
This balance makes winter probably the best time to get out and explore Muscat’s coastline, bustling markets, and historic sites without battling the relentless summer sun.
Rainfall is rare, but it happens a bit more in winter than other times of the year. A quick shower in December or February might freshen the air, but most days stay dry and bright.
Sunshine dominates, so you get long daylight hours for outdoor adventures, plus the sea remains warm enough for a swim.
If you’re after a mix of pleasant weather and chances to get outside, winter in Muscat is your sweet spot. The desert climate suddenly feels inviting, with cool evenings that are perfect for walking the Corniche, and mild days that make sightseeing a breeze.
Overview of Muscat’s Winter Climate
Muscat’s winter brings milder temperatures, not much rain, and comfortable conditions compared to the rest of the year. Nights get cooler, daylight hours shrink, and you really notice the difference from the long, blazing summers.
Winter Season Duration
Winter in Muscat runs from December through February. Daytime highs usually hit 25°C to 27°C (77°F–81°F), and nights drop to about 17°C–19°C (63°F–66°F).
These numbers make winter one of the most comfortable stretches for being outdoors.
Rain stays scarce, but February tends to get the most, with about 20–25 mm. Even then, showers are brief, and most days are still dry and sunny.
The sea cools off a bit, but not much. The Gulf of Oman averages 25°C (77°F) in December and February, still nice for swimming.
Lower humidity helps too, so winter feels like the best time to visit.
Köppen Climate Classification
Muscat sits in the BWh category—that’s hot desert climate if you’re into climate classifications. This means not much rain, tons of sun, and brutal summer heat.
In winter, the desert climate softens. The sun still shines about 9–10 hours a day, and skies stay mostly clear.
Muscat’s spot on the coast keeps winter nights from getting too cold, unlike some other deserts.
Humidity drops in winter, sitting around 50%–60%, so you don’t get that sticky feeling. You never really get “cold” winters here, but the drop in temperature is a welcome break from the heat.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter couldn’t be more different from Muscat’s summer, when highs shoot past 40°C (104°F) and humidity makes it feel even worse. In winter, you skip those endless stretches of stifling heat.
Spring is warmer and much drier. By May, you’re back near 40°C (104°F), and rain almost vanishes.
Autumn isn’t much like winter either. September still sizzles, with highs over 36°C (97°F) and barely any rain until November. When December hits, temperatures finally drop, and winter really arrives.
Average Winter Temperatures in Muscat
Winter in Muscat brings gentle warmth, a big change from the extreme heat of summer. You’ll find comfortable days, cool nights, and not much change in temperature from December to February.
Typical Daytime Highs
During winter, Muscat’s daytime highs usually land between 76°F and 78°F (24°C–26°C). The hottest afternoons rarely top 85°F (29°C), and the coolest days stay near 71°F (22°C).
This makes getting outside so much easier than in the summer, when highs regularly break 100°F (38°C). Most afternoons feel comfortable to warm, and the air isn’t thick with humidity.
The coldest average high comes in mid-January—around 76°F (24°C). By late February, highs inch up to 78°F (26°C), hinting that spring is around the corner.
Nighttime Lows
At night, Muscat cools down to 64°F–66°F (18°C–19°C) on average. The coldest nights dip to 60°F (16°C), and the warmest winter nights reach about 72°F (22°C).
You’ll notice the difference from the daytime warmth, so evenings are great for walks, outdoor dining, or just exploring. You probably won’t need a heavy coat, but a light jacket or sweater comes in handy, especially in January.
The lowest average low hits in mid-January, close to 64°F (18°C). By February, nights get a bit milder.
Temperature Variations by Month
Muscat’s winter is December, January, and February, and temperatures don’t change much.
- December: Highs near 77°F (25°C), lows around 66°F (19°C).
- January: The coolest month, with highs about 76°F (24°C), lows close to 64°F (18°C).
- February: A little warmer, highs around 78°F (26°C), lows about 66°F (19°C).
You’ll find the winter climate steady and easy to plan around. Warm days and mild nights make this season a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Muscat brings the mildest weather of the year, with just a bit more rain and much more comfortable humidity than the long, dry summer. Rain falls in only a few months, and humidity is most noticeable near the coast.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Muscat barely sees rain most of the year, but winter collects almost all of it. December averages 10–15 mm, January about 13 mm, and February leads with 20–25 mm.
So the whole winter usually brings 40–50 mm of rain, close to half of Muscat’s yearly average of about 100 mm. Showers are short and storms rarely last long.
Some winters are almost dry, while others bring a handful of rainy days. Don’t expect long or heavy rain, but it’s smart to prepare for occasional wet weather, especially in February.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 10–15 | 0.4–0.6 |
| January | 12–14 | 0.5 |
| February | 20–25 | 0.8–1.0 |
Chance of Rainy Days
Your odds of seeing rain in Muscat during winter are still low. December and January usually bring 1–2 rainy days per month, while February gets 2–3 days.
Most of these are just quick bursts, not all-day events. Thunderstorms happen, but they’re rare.
If you’re visiting, expect mostly dry and sunny days, with the occasional sudden shower. Those usually pass fast, so your outdoor plans can go on.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Muscat sits at moderate to high levels during winter, especially by the coast. Average relative humidity ranges from 55–65%, with mornings a bit stickier and afternoons drier.
Unlike summer, winter humidity feels much easier to handle. You might notice a little stickiness in December and February, especially if it rains.
If humidity bothers you, winter is the time to visit. Coastal breezes and the cooler air—between 18°C and 27°C (64–81°F)—keep things pleasant for being outside.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Muscat’s winter, you’ll notice shorter daylight periods than in summer, but there’s still plenty of sunshine. Skies stay mostly clear, and cloudy days are rare, so you get reliable light for whatever you want to do outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
Each winter day in Muscat brings about 8 to 9 hours of sunshine. February is a touch lower, averaging 8.2 hours, with December and January close behind.
That’s less than summer, but still a lot compared to many places in winter. Muscat’s consistent sunshine makes it easy to plan outdoor activities without worrying much about the weather.
Humidity stays moderate, and you rarely get fog or thick clouds that block the sun for long. When the sun rises, it usually shines all day.
If you’re traveling, this means you can schedule sightseeing, beach time, or day trips without much fear of gloomy skies. Don’t forget sun protection—UV levels stay strong, even in cooler months.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight hours in Muscat shift just a bit through winter. In December, the shortest days last about 10 hours and 40 minutes.
By February, you get around 11 hours and 30 minutes of daylight, so mornings start a little earlier and evenings stretch out as spring approaches.
It may not sound huge, but it does affect how you plan your days. In December, you might want to start activities earlier. By February, you get more flexibility in the afternoon.
For comparison, summer days in Muscat top 13 hours of daylight, so winter feels shorter, but still gives you plenty of time to get out and enjoy.
Wind and Cloud Cover Patterns
During winter in Muscat, winds calm down and skies clear up compared to the hotter months. Breezes stay gentle, and clouds rarely stick around, keeping most days bright and dry.
Prevailing Wind Conditions
In winter, Muscat’s winds usually blow from the northwest or north, pushed by pressure systems over the Arabian Peninsula. These breezes are light to moderate, averaging 8–15 km/h.
Strong gusts almost never happen in winter, so outdoor conditions feel steady.
You might notice a gentle breeze during the day, especially by the water. Inland, winds are even calmer.
Unlike summer, when humid sea air makes things worse, winter winds stay dry and mild. This makes walking, sightseeing, or hanging out by the waterfront much more pleasant.
Sometimes, regional weather shifts bring short spells of stronger wind, but those don’t last long. Dust storms are rare in winter, since calm air and little rain limit blowing sand.
Cloud Cover Frequency
Muscat’s winter skies usually stay clear to mostly clear. Cloud cover is low, with many days showing less than 20–30% sky coverage.
When clouds appear, they’re often thin or scattered, usually in the morning or late afternoon. Overcast days are uncommon, and full cloud cover only shows up during the odd rainstorm.
You get great visibility all over the city and along the coast. Clear skies help keep daytime warmth steady, while nights stay comfortable.
If you’re planning to be outside, you can count on bright conditions and only the occasional interruption from passing clouds.
Travel Tips for Winter Visitors
Winter in Muscat feels refreshing. You get cooler temperatures, low rainfall, and honestly, it’s just a comfortable time to explore.
You can check out the coastline, hit the cultural sites, or just wander outside without melting in the summer heat. If you pack smart and get ready for local airport quirks, you’ll squeeze more fun out of your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Muscat’s best weather shows up between December and February. Daytime highs hang out between 25°C and 27°C (77°F–81°F), and nights drop to about 17°C–19°C (63°F–66°F).
Rain does show up a bit more in these months, especially in February, but it’s never much—maybe 25 mm (1 inch) tops. Showers usually pass quickly, so you probably won’t lose much sightseeing time.
You’ll notice more visitors in winter, since everyone wants to enjoy the mild winter climate. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try early December or late February—those weeks are usually quieter than January’s peak.
Outdoor stuff feels so much better now. Stroll along Mutrah Corniche, visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, or take a boat along the coast—this season’s perfect for it. The sea stays warm enough for a swim, with water temps around 25°C (77°F).
What to Pack for Muscat’s Winter
Pack lightweight clothes for daytime—think cotton shirts and breathable pants. The sun still packs a punch in winter, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Evenings get a little chilly, especially if you’re near the water. Toss in a light sweater or jacket just in case.
You’ll want comfy walking shoes for the souqs and old sites.
For mosques and other cultural spots, bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should carry a scarf for mosque visits.
If you’re heading to the beach or planning to swim, bring swimwear and maybe a cover-up for walking around public spots. A small umbrella might come in handy in February, but honestly, rain usually doesn’t last long.
Muscat International Airport Weather Considerations
Muscat International Airport usually gets pretty mild winters, especially when you compare them to those scorching summer months. Rain hardly ever disrupts runway operations, since it barely rains and showers don’t last long.
Sometimes, a quick shower or a bit of morning haze might lower visibility a little. Still, you probably won’t notice any delays.
Winds tend to stay light in winter, so arriving or departing feels smoother than it does in other seasons.
When you land, you’ll likely find outdoor temperatures hovering around 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F) during the day. The airport itself feels comfortable and modern, with plenty of air conditioning, so you won’t notice the heat inside.
If your flight gets in at night, the temperature might drop to about 17°C (63°F). You might want to toss a light jacket into your bag, just in case.
Taxi and hotel transfers keep running like clockwork, no matter what the weather’s doing this time of year.