Winter season in Oman: A season of traditions and natural beauty
No snowmen in Oman? Think again!
Hi, it's Ahmed - your Local Lynx.
With the arrival of Winter, Oman transforms into one of the most welcoming destinations in the region. The cooler months from October to April open the door to activities and traditions that are either impossible or less enjoyable during the hotter part of the year. It is the season when mountain villages come alive, souqs are busier and the desert becomes more inviting rather than unforgiving. For many Omanis, this is the time to gather outdoors and enjoy the land in ways the heat of the summer doesn't allow.
Off to the races!
One of the highlights of this season is the camel racing calendar. Across the country, from the desert towns of Bidiyah to Adam and Ibri, races take place almost every weekend.
These events are not just competitions. They are social gatherings, where families and breeders come together to celebrate a centuries old tradition that still holds a special place in Omani culture.
The races draw participants from accross the country, with breeders travelling long distances to present their finest animals. Much of the pride lies in the camel itself: admired for its endurance, elegance and lineage. In Oman, the Mahri camel is especially valued for racing, known for its stamina and speed. They can reach impressive prices.
Damask roses of Jebel Akhdar
As winter moves towards spring, another seasonal event begins: the blooming of roses in Jebel Akhdar. From March to early May, the mountain terraces are filled with pink damask roses. Farmers harvest the flowers and distil them in traditional clay ovens to produce rose water, a product deeply rooted in Omani heritage and still used for both culinary and ceremonial purposes. Visitors at this time can watch the process first hand and walk through terraces filled with fragrant blossoms. If you want, you can also assist with the harvest.
Desert camping & Mountain hikes
Winter also makes it possible to fully enjoy Oman's landscapes.
The Wahiba Sands desert, also called Sharqiyah Sands, is more inviting for camping and desert exploration. Nights in the desert are often the clearest of all, with skies full of stars that seem close enough to touch. Some areas deep inside of Wahiba Sands even have dark-sky status. Even the Empty Quarter - Rub Al Khali - in the south of Oman is not as empty in winter as its name suggests. Its vast dunes can now be explored more comfortably, and traces of Bedouin life show that people have always known to survive in this immense desert.
Wadis such as Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid attract hikers and swimmers alike. Discovering them either hiking alongside the rock face or slowly advancing by swim-climbing inside the turquoise pools is an amazing adventure.
The cooler temperatures also open the high mountains of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar for trekking, with trails that would be exhausting in the summer heat now accessible to all levels of hikers.
Daytime in winter is usually perfect for exploring, but don’t be fooled: the evenings can get chilly. Pack a sweater, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.
And if you’re really lucky, you might even wake up to enough snow on Jebel Shams or Jebel Akhdar to roll a snowman. Not quite Switzerland, but close enough to make you smile.
Coastal bliss
Along the coast, the winter months bring calm seas, perfect for dolphin watching and boat trips.
In Ras al Jinz, turtle nesting continues into the early winter, offering a rare chance to see green turtles laying their eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
