What to do in Oman in December?
December is the first true winter month : temperatures are mild during the day, and nights start to be fresh inland.
In the montain, it starts to be fresh during the day and cold at night, mainly above 2000m and on the northern slope which see little sun.
Winter crops (garlic, onions, wheat, beans, chickpeas, vegetables) are already in the fields : they just need watering (but with cooler temperatures, water needs are less frequent…) and weeding… It’s often the time of the year when people clean the palm trees (remove dry leaves, recut the older ones, etc…) and gardens in general…
Climate in December in Oman
Below is a summary of the weather in the main climate zones of Oman.
The markers 🟢🟡🟠🔴 show our opinon (subjective, but based on objective facts) regarding the possibilities for hiking and camping.
Climate zones
Climate in December
Coast of the sea of Oman
🟢
Temperatures agreables (~25-30° la journee / ~ 20° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil doux
Coast of the Indian Ocean
(Ras Al Hadd > Shuwaymiyah)
🟢
Temperatures agreables (~25-30° la journee / ~ 15-20° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil doux
Coast of the Indian Ocean
(Dhofar)
🟢
Temperatures agreables (~30° la journee / ~ 20° la nuit)
Humidite moyenne
Soleil doux
Big Inland *
🟢
Temperatures agreables (~25-30° la journee / ~ 15-20° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil doux
Hajar Mountains **
~1000m height
🟢
Temperature agreables (~25° la journee / ~15° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil moyen
Hajar Mountains **
~2000m height
🟢
Temperature fraiches (~15-25° la journee / ~0-10° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil doux
Dhofar Mountains **
~1000m height
🟢
Temperatures agreables (~25° la journee / ~ 15° la nuit)
Humidite faible
Soleil moyen
* in the desert (above all Rub Al Khali, and to a lesser extent in Wahiba Sands), temperatures rise higher during the day, and drop lower at night (~5-10°C gap, sometimes more).
Bad weather in Northern Oman bring sudden drop in temperatures inland.
** in the montains, above all in winter (when the sun is lower), there can be big difference between northern slopes, which see less sun, and southern slopes which are continuously exposed. The same apply to steep-sided places.
Best outdoor activities to do in Oman in December
It’s probably the best month for mountain hiking : sun is lower and smoother, and the steep northern mountain slopes remain under the shade most of the day. Night might be very cold high in the mountain ; you should plan to bring warmer clothes. If you plan to camp, a warm sleeping bag is necessary (Comfort -5°C).
If you want to enjoy long stays in the desert and desert walks, it’s the perfect month (along with January)!
The seaside is very pleasant : we gladly spend full days at the beach and hike along the coast. The water in the Sea of Oman might start to be a bit fresh ; the Indian Ocean always stay at nice temperature.
Finaly, camping in the desert, on the beach, in the lowlands, or in the lowhills is very enjoyable : temperatures are perfect! Higher in the mountains, it’s cold at night and you should plan warm clothes and a good sleeping bag (Comfort -5°C)!
Outdoor activities to avoid in December in Oman
The water of the wadis starts to be a bit cold : we still enjoy swimming in the natural pools, but getting in the water take more time… For canyoning and aquatic hiking, we start to prefer wearing wetsuit (at least shorty ones).
Visiting one or two aquatic wadis is still a good idea, but it’s not the best season for focussing on wadis…
Have a look at the trips we offer in Oman in December
We offer trips in small groups with scheduled departures. All the itineraries are espacialy designed to match the season they are scheduled in.
Have a look at the tours we offer in Oman next December