Escape the heat in the highlands

Two of Oman’s greatest summer escapes are Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar, towering mountain ranges that sit well above 2,000 meters. Temperatures here can be 10–15°C cooler than in Muscat or the lowlands, making them a favorite for locals and in-the-know travelers. Jebel Akhdar even celebrates its pleasant summer climate with an annual Summer Festival, showcasing local culture, food, crafts, and traditional music—all while you enjoy fresh mountain air and stunning terraced farms.

Jebel Shams, the “Mountain of the Sun,” is Oman’s highest mountain and one of the country’s most stunning natural attractions. Located in the Al Hajar mountain range, it offers dramatic views over Wadi Ghul—known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. With cooler temperatures even in summer, Jebel Shams is a perfect escape from the heat and a top destination for hiking, photography, and scenic drives. Whether you’re exploring from Nizwa or Muscat, this majestic peak is a must-see highlight on any Oman itinerary.

Coastal Breeze & Thrilling Wadis

Another great summer escape? The coast. Drive south with me along the road from Muscat, and you’ll literally feel the temperature drop as we get closer to the sea. Add in a breeze, a few shady palm trees, and a dip in one of our famous wadis—like Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, or Wadi Bani Khalid—and suddenly summer feels like paradise. There’s nothing like floating in a natural pool surrounded by cliffs and birdsong.

While the desert heats up, Oman’s coast becomes a haven of sea breezes, scenic drives, and unique wildlife. From the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman to the rugged cliffs and sandy coves along the Arabian Sea, the coastal road south offers stunning landscapes and refreshing temperatures. A highlight for many is the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where visitors can witness endangered green turtles nesting on the beach at night—a truly unforgettable experience.

Oman's showstopping secret

The Khareef season in Salalah. Every year from late June to early September, the southern region of Dhofar transforms into a green paradise thanks to the Khareef, a unique monsoon-like weather pattern. Gentle rains, misty mountains, cool breezes, and lush vegetation blanket the landscape, turning the desert into a rainforest. Waterfalls appear where you'd never expect them, frankincense trees thrive, and Salalah’s famed Khareef Festival celebrates this magical time with music, food, and local traditions.  It’s not “just rain”—it’s a full-blown seasonal wonder. It's a one-of-a-kind experience in the Middle East—proof that Oman is not just a summer heat zone, but a destination full of surprises and natural wonders. And I love showing people how wildly different Oman can be during these months.