Discover Tailor-Made Oman Vacations

This season is ideal for outdoor adventures. Trek through the dramatic Hajar Mountains, where canyons and wadis cut through the rocky terrain, or head to the coast for snorkelling, diving, and sailing in the calm Gulf waters. In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is best admired in the soft winter light, while forts in Nizwa and Bahla bring history into sharp focus under the gentle sun.

For something entirely different, the Khareef season in Salalah, running from June to early September, shifts the scenery. Monsoon rains drape the Dhofar region in mist and greenery, turning it into a cool, lush retreat unlike any other part of Oman. Waterfalls tumble, valleys bloom, and the air itself feels transformed.

From May to September, much of Oman faces soaring temperatures above 40°C. While less suited to active exploration, summer offers a quieter pace of travel with fewer crowds and appealing hotel rates. It’s a time to slow down, discover the country’s hospitality, and see another side of Oman—proof that every season holds its own rewards.

In the souks, the air is rich with spice and incense, and haggling becomes a friendly art where buyer and seller meet with patience and wit. Beyond commerce, hospitality is at the heart of Omani life—visitors are often welcomed with kahwa, the lightly spiced coffee, served alongside sweet dates that embody generosity and warmth.

Traditional dress carries the influence of Bedouin heritage: men in simple yet dignified dishdashas, women in elegant abayas. Social life is guided by reverence for elders, while faith provides another cornerstone. Oman is predominantly Ibadhi Muslim, but its religious landscape is diverse, with mosques, churches, and temples existing in harmony. Fridays mark a communal pause for prayer, underscoring the rhythm of spirituality woven into daily life.

Exploring Oman means experiencing this culture first-hand—whether wandering Muscat’s lively markets, stepping into the quiet courtyards of ancient forts, or pausing by an oasis beneath swaying palms. Everywhere, travellers encounter not just history and tradition, but a genuine kindness that lingers long after the journey ends, making Oman as much about connection as it is about discovery.

Shuwa, perhaps the most iconic, is slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and roasted underground for hours. Traditionally served during celebrations, it embodies the patience and care central to Omani cooking. For a simpler, yet no less satisfying taste, mishkak skewers—chargrilled meat brushed with marinades—are a popular street food, often paired with flatbread and tangy sauces.

The coastlines provide another layer to the culinary story. Dishes like sayadieh, fragrant rice topped with spiced fish and caramelised onions, showcase the abundance of the Arabian Sea, where prawns, lobster, and kingfish are staples on the table.

No visit is complete without something sweet. Halwa, a dense confection of sugar, rosewater, and nuts, glistens in market stalls, often shared with kahwa—Omani coffee infused with cardamom, served in small cups alongside dates as a gesture of hospitality. To refresh, travellers can sip jallab, a blend of grape molasses and rosewater, or laban, a cooling yoghurt drink that soothes in the heat.

In Oman, food is not just nourishment—it is ritual, memory, and welcome. Each dish, whether a festive feast or a souk-side snack, tells the story of a land where hospitality is savoured as deeply as flavour.

The wadis are among Oman’s most enchanting places. At Wadi Shab, turquoise pools lie tucked between cliffs, perfect for a cooling swim, while Wadi Bani Awf offers rugged trails, hidden caves, and green oases that feel like secret worlds. Along the coastline, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers one of nature’s most moving sights: green sea turtles nesting under the moonlight. The surrounding waters hold vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Oman’s heritage adds another layer to the journey. Historic strongholds such as Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort, and Jabrin Castle stand as reminders of the country’s resilience and artistry, while souks brim with silverware, woven textiles, and pottery, each piece crafted with techniques passed down through generations.

In the mountains, villages like Misfat Al Abriyeen and Al Hamra preserve a timeless way of life. Mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and ancient irrigation channels shape these settlements, where visitors are greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality.

From the silence of the Empty Quarter’s dunes to the energy of Muscat’s markets, Oman is a land of contrasts and connections. Its landscapes and traditions invite travellers not only to explore, but to linger, discovering a beauty that feels both enduring and unforgettable.