Last updated: January 18, 2025
Muscat, Oman, classified under the BWh Köppen-Geiger climate category, presents a strikingly warm and arid environment. With minimum temperatures dipping to 11°C (53°F) in January, the city experiences a comfortable winter, while the average temperature hovers around 28°C (83°F) year-round. The summer months are characterized by sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures soaring to an extreme 44°C (112°F) in June. This climatic profile underscores Muscat’s distinctive desert characteristics, shaping its unique ecology and lifestyle.
In Muscat, Oman, the temperature exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern characterized by mild winters and extreme summers. January marks the onset of cooler temperatures, with minimums around 11°C (53°F) and average highs reaching 30°C (86°F). As winter progresses into February and March, temperatures gradually increase, peaking in late spring. Particularly in May, the city experiences a significant rise, with minimums of 26°C (79°F) and maximums hitting 44°C (112°F). The summer months of June and July maintain this extreme heat, showcasing similar maximum temperatures, before easing slightly in August. The transition into fall brings a welcome relief, with October and November showing more moderate averages, while December returns to cooler temperatures, rounding off the year with pleasant conditions. Overall, Muscat's climate is marked by a sharp contrast between its mild winters and scorching summers, with temperature fluctuations that significantly influence daily life and local activities.
Muscat experiences a temperature range of 11°C (53°F) in January to a scorching 44°C (112°F) in June, while nearby Seeb has a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in February and peaks at 38°C (101°F) in July. Similar to Muscat, Bawshar also records a minimum of 11°C (53°F) in January and reaches a high of 44°C (112°F) in June. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit the links for monthly temperatures in Muscat, monthly temperatures in Seeb, and monthly temperatures in Bawshar.
Muscat, Oman, is characterized by its exceedingly low annual precipitation, reflecting its predominantly arid climate. January typically sees the highest recorded rainfall, with 10 mm (0.4 in) occurring over just one day, while February and March receive minimal amounts of 4 mm (0.2 in) and 5 mm (0.2 in), respectively. As the dry season settles in, April and May bring even less rain, totaling only 2 mm (0.1 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), culminating in a completely dry period from June to August, where the city receives no measurable rainfall at all.
As autumn approaches, precipitation begins to reemerge, especially noticeable in October, which experiences a spike to 15 mm (0.6 in). November follows with 8 mm (0.3 in), and December rounds off the year with another 11 mm (0.4 in), hinting at the onset of cooler weather. Despite these slight increases, the overall pattern demonstrates that rain is scarce throughout most of the year, reinforcing Muscat’s classification as a desert climate and influencing the local ecosystem and lifestyle.
In Muscat, Oman, sunshine duration showcases a remarkable seasonal trend, marked by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January starts the year with 253 hours of sunlight, gradually increasing through February and March. The transition into spring brings about a significant rise in sunshine, peaking in May with 371 hours, just before the summer heat sets in. As the summer months roll in, Muscat continues to bask in sunlight, maintaining high levels of illumination with 367 hours in June and 365 hours in July, indicating that summer is the pinnacle period for sunshine in the city.
As the temperatures begin to decline in late summer and into autumn, sunlight hours experience a slight decrease. August still boasts 348 hours, followed by September and October, both seeing 334 hours. However, the sun remains a consistent presence throughout the year, as November and December wrap up the calendar with 308 hours and 310 hours, respectively. Overall, Muscat enjoys an abundance of sunshine, particularly from spring through summer, making it a desirable locale for sun-seekers and highlighting the region’s desert climate.
The UV Index in Muscat, Oman, illustrates significant variations throughout the year, reflecting the city’s intense sun exposure. Starting in January, the UV Index is registered at 7, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as winter gives way to spring, the UV Index escalates sharply. By March, it reaches an alarming 11, categorized as extreme, indicating a drastically reduced safe exposure time of only 10 minutes. This extreme trend continues through May and into the summer, highlighting the need for stringent sun protection during these months.
Summer months consistently showcase the highest UV readings, with both July and May peaking at a maximum of 12, signifying an extreme level of exposure that requires immediate protective measures. This extreme categorization persists through much of the summer, maintaining caution for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. As autumn approaches, the index begins to taper off, with October presenting a 9 and reverting to high exposure levels by November and December, each returning to a UV Index of 7. Overall, the UV Index trends in Muscat emphasize the importance of awareness and protection against the sun, particularly during the peak months spring through early fall.
UV Risk Categories
In Muscat, Oman, daylight duration steadily increases from winter to summer, reflecting the region's close proximity to the equator. January begins the year with approximately 10 hours of daylight, gradually extending to 11 hours in February. As spring unfolds, daylight reaches a peak of 13 hours in May, continuing with this duration through June and July, showcasing the longest days of the year. This abundance of daylight allows for extended outdoor activities and highlights the city's vibrant culture and lifestyle during the warmer months.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to recede, with August and September seeing a return to 12 hours. This gradual decrease continues into October with 11 hours, before settling back down to 10 hours in both November and December. The cyclical nature of daylight duration in Muscat offers a consistent rhythm to the year, where each season brings its own unique opportunities for both leisure and tourism, while also emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing daylight conditions.
Bawshar, Oman, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. From May to September, the average daily temperatures soar, peaking in July and August at around 35°C (95°F) with maximums reaching up to 44°C (112°F). Precipitation is quite limited, with January and December seeing the highest at just 11 mm (0.4 in), while the summer months often register no rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in May with 371 hours, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers. For more details, visit Bawshar climate.
Muscat, Oman experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. From June to September, average temperatures peak at around 35°C (95°F), with highs occasionally reaching 44°C (112°F). Most of the rainfall occurs in the cooler months, with January seeing about 11 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation, while the summer months typically report little to no rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with May boasting the highest at 371 hours. For more detailed information, visit Muscat climate.
Seeb, Oman experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. January sees mild temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 80°F), while summer months like June and July peak at temperatures between 29°C and 38°C (84°F to 101°F). Rainfall is scarce, with most months receiving little to no precipitation; October is the exception, bringing 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from March to June, with over 300 hours per month. For further details, visit Seeb climate.
In summary, Muscat, Oman, boasts a unique climatic profile characterized by its high temperatures, minimal precipitation, abundant sunshine, extreme UV exposure, and varying daylight duration throughout the year. The city's stark seasonal contrasts, from the scorching summers with near-constant sunshine to the relatively mild winters, create not only an engaging environment for residents but also attractive opportunities for tourists. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both locals and visitors to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection, allowing for a healthier and more enjoyable experience in this vibrant desert city.