Summer Getaways of Oman

Oman has a distinguished geographical location, overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

This has given Oman a climate that varies from one region to another during certain seasons, but is generally hot in most regions during summer. These diverse weather conditions are linked to the location and the elements.

Thus, you have a dramatic temperature drop along the Omani coast extending from the Governorate of Dhofar to Al Wusta and to Al Sharqiyah regions, while many mountainous areas enjoy moderate temperature during this season due to their high altitude. Seeking to escape the summer heat, people start looking for destinations within Oman where the temperature is moderate.

This article offers advice with regard to the best locations that you can be enjoyed for short weekend or longer camping trips.

Dhofar is a distinctive destination during summer. It is an important tourist attraction due to its moderate climate resulting from the monsoon winds coming from the Indian Ocean, leading to rainfall and greenery all over the mountains and plains.

Thousands of tourists and visitors are attracted by the Khareef (autumn) rains, and they come from everywhere to enjoy the refreshing season and the many activities and events associated with the Khareef Festival in Salalah.

The beaches from Al Ashkarah to Ras al Hadd are another haven for tourists in summer. Located within relative distance of Muscat, this stretch enjoys moderate climate and is protected from the strong winds sweeping over the Omani beaches, from Dhofar to Al Sharqiyah regions.

On this coastal strip you can find magnificent camping sites, such as Ras al Hadd beach with its many natural elements and services.

Ras al Jinz is a turtle sanctuary and features a number of attractions. The beaches are clean with wonderful rock formations and ready camps with facilities on site. To visit Ras al Jinz you will need to obtain permission from the Directorate General of Natural Conservation, Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, against the payment of an entry fee of RO 3.

You can reach this spot through Al Aijah Street in the Wilayat of Sur, or via the coastal road coming from Aseelah in the Wilayat of Jalaan Bani Bu Ali. Many wonderful sites dot this stretch, including rocky beaches which are ideal for camping while you really enjoy breathtaking sights overlooking the sea.

The village of Al Ashkarah, in the Wilayat of Jalaan Bani Bu Ali, is a promising tourist destination. The village is undergoing a complete facelift to prepare it for tourists.

A Youth Hostel has been built aimed at stimulating and encouraging inbound tourism, in addition to several rest houses all over the beach for the benefit of families. Peak daytime temperatures along Al Ashkarah’s beaches are an unbelievable 25-30o C in midsummer.

Wilayat of Masirah is another summer destination with moderate temperatures. It has many beautiful attractions. There are large numbers of turtles on the beaches, especially during summer, at a spot called ‘Al Zhahiriya’ overlooking the ocean.

Just south of Mahoot junction are several ideal camping sites down this coast, such as Flim, Khaluf near the village of Hajj, and further south are Nafoon and Ras al Duqum, Ras Madrakah, and so on.

The Omani mountains are both majestic and breathtaking, making them superb getaways during summer. Al Jabal al Akhdhar, ‘The Green Mountain’, is the best attraction during this season where you can pitch your tent on the summit of Heil al Misbat mountain with its large spread of trees providing comfortable shade.

This site is ideal due to its accessibility from Muscat and Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah and Al Dhahirah regions. Jabal Shams, ‘The Sun Mountain’, is a natural extension of Al Jabal al Akhdhar, and attracts large number of visitors camping all over its hills to enjoy the nights, where the full moon creates a dreamy, surreal setting.

Other hilly summer resorts include Al Jabal al Abiyadh (The White Mountain) in the Wilayat of Dima Wa’Tayeen, which is accessible via Wadi al Ismailiya in the Wilayat of Ibra. Aljeelah is a quiet and serene village on this mountain where you can see ancient tombs shaped like towers. It has many mountain roads affording views of the blue waters of the Arabian Sea beyond. There aren’t many trees around, so you will need to take your tent along.

Indeed, Oman is endowed with a beautiful and varied topography and climate. All we need is just to look around us to enjoy these attractions. We hope you can enjoy Oman and its summer getaways.