Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Musandam Governorate, Oman is predominantly classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh, indicative of a hot desert climate. Temperatures display a significant range, with a minimum of 12°C (55°F) recorded in February, providing a stark contrast to the searing average of 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. The peak temperature reaches a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F) in June, illustrating the intense heat characteristic of this region. This climatic profile underscores the unique environmental conditions of Musandam, influencing both local ecosystems and human activities.
Temperature patterns in Musandam Governorate, Oman exhibit a distinct seasonal variation, transitioning from mild winter months to intensely hot summer conditions. January and February provide moderate temperatures, with minimums around 14°C (58°F) and 12°C (55°F), respectively, gradually warming as spring approaches. March marks the beginning of warmer weather, with an average reaching 23°C (74°F) and maximums escalating to 33°C (92°F). By April, temperatures rise further, often exceeding 36°C (96°F) during the day, while May ushers in the peak heat, with average highs touching 40°C (104°F). The heat persists through the summer months of June and July, where maximums can reach as high as 41°C (106°F), before cooling slightly in August and September. The latter months show a gradual decline in temperatures, returning to more temperate conditions by November and December, reminiscent of the winter months, with averages settling around 26°C (78°F) and 22°C (73°F). This cyclical pattern emphasizes Musandam's characteristic arid desert climate, heavily influenced by the seasonal shift from cooler to exceedingly hot periods.
Madha' al Jadidah experiences a minimum temperature of 12°C (55°F) in February and a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in June, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Madha' al Jadidah. In contrast, both Dib Dibba and Khasab have minimums of 14°C (57°F) in February and maximums of 38°C (101°F) in August, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Dib Dibba and monthly temperatures in Khasab links.
Precipitation patterns in the Musandam Governorate, Oman reveal a pronounced seasonality, characterized by limited rainfall primarily concentrated in the cooler months. January and March exhibit similar precipitation levels of 21 mm (0.8 in), often arriving over approximately two days, which supports the region's brief winter wet season. February follows closely with 17 mm (0.7 in), while a notable decrease occurs in April, dropping to just 10 mm (0.4 in) over no reported days of rainfall. The trend continues into the late spring and early summer months, where May experiences a mere 2 mm (0.1 in) and June records no rainfall at all.
The summer months of June through September are characterized by an almost total absence of precipitation, reflecting the harsh arid conditions typical of the region. Rainfall returns modestly in October with 3 mm (0.1 in) recorded, but remains insufficient to significantly alter the overall dry conditions. November witnesses a slight uptick, with 11 mm (0.4 in) over a single day of rain, followed by a return to January precipitation levels in December, which also sees 21 mm (0.8 in) across two days. This cyclical pattern illustrates the stark contrast between the wet season and the extended dry periods experienced in Musandam.
Musandam Governorate experiences a remarkable increase in sunshine duration as the year progresses, transitioning from the cooler winter months to the hot summer season. Starting with 247 hours of sunshine in January, hours steadily rise, reaching 282 in February and 331 in March as spring unfolds. This upward trend continues into April, where sunlight peaks at 342 hours, setting the stage for the intense sunshine typical of the summer months. May emerges as the standout month, boasting an impressive 377 hours of sunshine, which remains one of the highest recorded throughout the year, indicating the region’s transition to its hottest period.
As summer fully sets in, sunshine hours remain significant but slightly decline, with June continuing to provide 371 hours, followed closely by July at 370 hours and August at 358 hours. This slight decrease reflects the long, sun-filled days that characterize the brunt of the heat. By September, sunshine hours drop to 335, with additional decreases noted through October (332 hours) and November (304 hours), culminating in December with 301 hours. These trends emphasize the dominance of sunlight from late winter to early summer, marking Musandam as a place of abundant sunshine, particularly during the peak summer months.
The UV Index in Musandam Governorate reflects significant seasonal variation in sun exposure, with levels generally peaking during the summer months. Starting the year, January has a moderate UV Index of 6, categorized as high, prompting a burn time of 25 minutes for unprotected skin. As February arrives, the UV Index increases to 8, classified as very high, with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The intensity escalates dramatically in March and April, reaching an extreme UV Index of 11, requiring immediate protection from the sun within just 10 minutes of direct exposure, reflecting a concerning trend towards heightened sun exposure as the region transitions into warmer weather.
The peak intensity hits its zenith in May with a UV Index of 12, marking it the most critical time for sun protection, followed closely by June through August, where levels stabilize at 11. By September, the Index slightly declines to 10, categorized as very high, and continues to decrease through October (9) and November (7), allowing for longer safe exposure times. The year concludes with December returning to a UV Index of 6, indicative of high exposure risk once more. This cyclical pattern underscores the importance of sun safety measures in Musandam, especially during the spring and summer months when UV levels are at their most extreme.
UV Risk Categories
In Musandam Governorate, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal variation, characterized by a gradual increase leading into the summer months. Beginning the year in January, the region enjoys approximately 10 hours of daylight, which climbs to 11 hours in February. By March, this trend solidifies further as daylight reaches 12 hours, maintaining that duration into April. As spring progresses into May, daylight peaks at 13 hours, a level sustained through June and July, marking the longest days of the year, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities and agricultural practices.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight hours begin to wane slightly, with August retaining 12 hours, before dropping to 11 hours in October. The decline continues into November, aligning back to 10 hours, a duration echoed in December. This cyclical pattern highlights the consistent yet moderate shifts in daylight throughout the year, showcasing Musandam's geographical position and its impact on daily life, particularly for residents who adapt their routines to these variations in sunlight availability.
Dib Dibba, Oman experiences a hot desert climate with high temperatures from May to September, where averages reach up to 33°C (91°F) and maximums can exceed 38°C (101°F). The cooler months, particularly from December to February, have milder average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (73°F). Precipitation is scarce throughout the year, with the majority falling between January and March, totaling only about 21 mm (0.8 in) in the wettest months. Sunshine is abundant, especially in May with around 377 hours of sun, making it a bright destination year-round. For more details, visit Dib Dibba climate.
Khasab, Oman experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation. From May to September, temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), reaching a peak of 38°C (101°F) in August, while winter months range from 16°C (60°F) to 24°C (76°F). Rainfall is scarce, with the wettest months being January and December, each receiving around 21-22 mm (0.8-0.9 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from April to May, with total hours reaching up to 377. For detailed climate information, visit Khasab climate.
The climate in Madha' al Jadidah, Oman, features warm to hot temperatures throughout the year, with average highs peaking at 41°C (106°F) in June and July. The region experiences minimal rainfall, particularly in the summer months, contributing to an arid environment, with precipitation averaging between 1 to 22 mm per month. Sunshine is abundant, especially in May with 375 hours, creating bright and sunny days. The relatively mild winter months, from December to February, present the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. For more detailed climate information, visit Madha' al Jadidah climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Musandam Governorate, Oman, characterized by its hot desert conditions and significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index, reveals distinct patterns that influence the local environment and lifestyle. The region experiences mild winters followed by scorching summers, with notable peaks in sunshine and UV exposure during the warmer months that necessitate effective sun protection measures. Additionally, the steady increase in daylight hours from winter to summer facilitates outdoor activities and agricultural endeavors. Understanding these climatic characteristics is vital for local inhabitants and visitors alike, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the region's unique environmental conditions for health and well-being.