A summer cool down in Oman
From verdant landscapes and shady river gorges to snorkelling, golfing and kitesurfing, Oman offers summer travellers a variety of refreshing activities
ITB Berlin 2025 attendees who may have thought Oman was too hot during the summer are being pleasantly surprised by its wealth of cooling options.
While temperatures on the Arabian Peninsula may rise above 40°C during the summer months, Oman boasts a number of areas with pleasant climates and refreshing activities that make for a cool summer visit.
The Hajar Mountains, characterised by pleasant warm temperatures around 30 degrees during the summer months with mild temperatures during the evening, offer a cool destination for summer travellers. One of the most spectacular hiking trails is the Balcony Hike (the W6 route). The four-kilometre hike leads along the 500-meter-deep Wadi Ghul Gorge, known as “the Grand Canyon of Oman.” The barren rock cliffs and jagged rocks have an almost otherworldly feel. Back and forth, the hike takes about three to four hours. The best time to set out is around sunrise to make the most of the cooler morning temperature as well as the beautiful golden light. The route takes hikers along narrow paths past deep chasms and steep cliffs.
The coastal plain of Dhofar, where summer coincides with the monsoon rains and temperatures can drop to a “chilly” 20°C is another example. Within a narrow strip of land stretching about 250 kilometres from east to west, visitors can experience a unique tropical atmosphere between coconut palm-lined beaches and exotic fruit plantations. At its furthest point inland, the monsoon extends only about 30 kilometres from the coast, creating a dramatic contrast that attracts travellers seeking out the area’s fresh air and misty climate.
Underwater activities provide travellers with another option to cool off during the Omani summer. Visitors can enjoy a cooling underwater experience by snorkelling along the coast of Oman. During the summer months, the plankton-rich waters off the coast of Muscat are popular grounds for whale sharks. One of the best snorkelling spots to see these majestic creatures, along with other fascinating marine life, are the Daymaniyat Islands in the Gulf of Oman. Located off the coast of the capital between Barka and Al Seeb, these nine islands form a protected marine reserve where endangered sea turtles, pristine coral reefs, and exotic fish live peacefully.
Additionally, wild camping in Oman is an incredible experience and travellers can easily reach breathtaking locations like Fin Beach and Ras Madrakah Beach by driving there themselves. Fin Beach, with its soft white sands and turquoise waters, is a favorite among campers looking for a peaceful escape by the sea. Ras Madrakah Beach, on the other hand, features a more rugged coastline with dramatic rock formations and powerful waves, creating a breathtaking backdrop for an overnight stay. Oman’s relaxed camping laws allow visitors to set up tents almost anywhere, as long as they respect nature and leave no litter behind. Both spots are great for fishing and provide stunning sunrises, star-filled skies, and the chance to experience Oman’s unspoiled beauty in complete solitude.
For golf enthusiasts visiting Oman in the summer, they can enjoy a game at one of the lush green golf courses around Muscat. During the day, temperatures can rise considerably, but the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club has come up with a solution. The course is floodlit at night, so golfers can comfortably cover the course in the cool of the evening.
Hall 2.2 / Stands 201, 205
Masirah Island: Ideal conditions for refreshing kitesurfing
An additional cool-off destination for a pleasant summer in Oman is Masirah Island, situated 18 kilometres off the coast and just a five-hour drive south from Muscat. Between May and September, the Monsoon winds blow across the island, providing perfect conditions for kitesurfing and ensuring that Masirah lives up to its nickname “Island of 1001 kitespots.” Best of all, because of the wind and water, temperatures feel much cooler than what the thermometer shows. On the west coast of the island, the water in the lagoon is calm, while there is plenty of stunting on the waves of the Indian Ocean on the east coast. This makes Masirah the ideal playground for both novice and more experienced kitesurfers. And for those with no experience at all or who want to improve their skills, lessons are available at the island’s kitesurfing school.
Photo: © Ministry of Heritage & Tourism Sultanate of Oman.
