Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Southeastern Governorate of Oman is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh, denoting a hot desert climate. Temperature variations are significant, with winter lows reaching a minimum of 15°C (60°F) in February, while average temperatures hover around 27°C (82°F) throughout the year. The region experiences its peak warmth in May, where maximum temperatures soar to a scorching 42°C (108°F). This climatic profile underscores the region’s extreme thermal conditions, shaping its unique ecological and social landscapes.
In the Southeastern Governorate of Oman, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends that reflect a transition from mild winters to scorching summers. January and February herald the cooler months, with minimum temperatures around 15°C (60°F) and average highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F) by late winter. As spring progresses into March and April, temperatures rise significantly, with averages climbing to 29°C (85°F) and peak values hitting 37°C (99°F). The onset of summer in May marks a dramatic increase, where minimum temperatures jump to 25°C (78°F) and average highs soar to a blistering 42°C (108°F) in the late spring and early summer months. While June and July maintain high averages, a slight cooling occurs in August and September as temperatures begin to ease, eventually returning to milder conditions in October and November. This cyclical pattern underscores the region's characteristic transition from comfortable to extreme heat throughout the year, culminating in a brief respite during the winter months.
In Sur, the temperatures exhibit significant variation throughout the year, with February experiencing a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and May reaching a maximum of 42°C (108°F). This fluctuation in climate can impact local activities and lifestyle, making it essential for residents and visitors to prepare accordingly. For a detailed overview of monthly temperatures, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Sur.
The precipitation pattern in the Southeastern Governorate of Oman reveals a predominantly dry climate, with most rainfall concentrated in the winter months. January typically receives the highest rainfall at 10 mm (0.4 in), occurring over 2 days, while December follows closely with 9 mm (0.4 in) across 2 days. However, precipitation significantly diminishes in February and March, with just 4 mm (0.2 in) recorded for each month and a notable decline in rainy days. April brings minimal rainfall of 3 mm (0.1 in), marking the transition toward the dry summer months.
From June to September, the region experiences an almost complete lack of rainfall, with 0 mm recorded in both June and September, highlighting the peak dryness of summer. Occasional showers occur in July and October, both yielding 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain with just a single rainfall day. The autumn months of November and December see a slight increase in precipitation, with 4 mm (0.2 in) and 9 mm (0.4 in), respectively, though these amounts remain relatively low compared to the total annual average. Overall, Southeastern Governorate's precipitation characteristics reflect its arid desert climate, dominated by sparse rain and prolonged dry spells.
In the Southeastern Governorate of Oman, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a significant increase from winter to summer. Starting with 254 hours of sunshine in January, there is a marked ascent as winter transitions into spring, culminating in March's 340 hours and peaking in May with an impressive 370 hours. This pattern highlights the region's shift towards longer days as temperatures rise, suggesting an abundant solar presence that contributes to the region's arid climate. The peak sunshine months occur in April and May, when residents can expect nearly 12 hours of sun each day, making these periods ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
As summer progresses into June and July, the sunshine hours remain robust, with 363 hours and 358 hours, respectively. However, a subtle decrease begins in August, gradually tapering off to 340 hours, signaling the onset of the autumn season. While sunshine hours remain plentiful throughout the year, they dip slightly in November to 309 hours before recovering in December at 312 hours. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the dominance of sunlight in the region’s climate, as extended periods of sunshine play a vital role in shaping both the ecological conditions and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The UV Index in the Southeastern Governorate of Oman exhibits a significant variation throughout the year, reflecting the region's intense sunshine and potential health risks associated with sun exposure. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, the index escalates dramatically over the following months. By February, it reaches 9 (very high), and in March, it spikes to 11 (extreme), indicating a marked increase in solar radiation and the need for heightened sun protection. The peak occurs in April and May, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases sharply to just 10 minutes, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures against harmful UV rays.
As summer progresses, the UV Index remains consistently high, with 12 recorded from June through August. Though a slight decrease to 11 occurs in August, the exposure remains dangerously high, necessitating caution for outdoor activities. September sees a return to 12, before a gradual decline begins in October to 10 (very high) and further decreases to 8 in November. By December, the UV Index returns to 7, indicating a high exposure category once more. These trends emphasize the importance of monitoring UV levels year-round, particularly during the peak summer months, to mitigate skin damage and enhance public awareness about sun safety in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in the Southeastern Governorate of Oman demonstrates a clear seasonal cycle, with the number of daylight hours gradually increasing from winter to summer, followed by a decrease in autumn and winter. In January, residents experience about 10 hours of daylight, which expands incrementally to 11 hours in February. The increase continues, reaching 12 hours in both March and April, before peaking at 13 hours from May through July, coinciding with the summer months when outdoor activities are at their highest due to longer days.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to taper off gradually. August sees a decline to 12 hours, followed by a return to 11 hours in October and November, before reducing back to 10 hours in December. This cyclical change emphasizes the steady rhythmic pattern of daylight in the region, allowing for a variety of activities across the seasons while also revealing the shorter days associated with the winter months. The extended daylight during the warmer months supports the region's vibrant lifestyle, while the reduction in winter reinforces its desert climate characteristics.
Sur, Oman experiences a hot desert climate, with temperatures ranging from a mild 15°C (60°F) in January to a scorching 42°C (108°F) in May. The summer months of June to September see averages around 30°C (87°F), while winters are relatively cooler. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with the highest rainfall occurring in January (10 mm), and often none in the summer months. Sur enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in May with 370 hours. For more detailed information, visit Sur climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental characteristics of the Southeastern Governorate of Oman present a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region's hot desert climate, marked by high temperatures, especially during the summer months, alongside minimal rainfall and extended periods of sunlight, shapes both its ecology and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The UV Index emphasizes the need for sun protection during peak periods of solar radiation, particularly from February through September. Meanwhile, the variation in daylight duration highlights seasonal trends that enhance the opportunities for outdoor activities and tourism. Together, these climatic factors contribute to a unique environment that invites exploration and underscores the importance of climate awareness and outdoor safety in this sun-drenched region.