Wha to do in Oman in January?
Climate is very pleasant in January, about anywhere in Oman. it’s the best time to come hiking and camping.
However, in the mountain, above 2000m, it’s cold : during the day, the air is fresh but the sun warms ; it’s ideal for hiking… At night, it can be very cold and there might be frost or even snow above 2000m. Plan warm clothes! If you plan to camp, a warm sleeping bag (comfort -5°C) is needed.
At lower heights, mango trees start to flower.
Climate in January 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 January
Coast of the sea of Oman
🟢
Pleasant temperatures (~25°C daytime / ~ 15-20°C nighttime)
Low humidity
Mild sun
Coast of the Indian Ocean
(Ras Al Hadd > Shuwaymiyah)
🟢
Pleasant temperatures (~25°C daytime / ~ 15-20°C nighttime)
Low humidity
Mild sun
Coast of the Indian Ocean
(Dhofar)
🟢
Pleasant hot temperatures (~25-30°C daytime / ~ 20°C nighttime)
Medium humidity
Mild sun
Big Inland *
🟢
Fresh temperatures (~20-25°C daytime / ~10-15°C nighttime)
Low humidity
Mild sun
Hajar Mountains **
~1000m height
🟢
Fresh temperatures (~20-25°C daytime / ~10-15°C nighttime)
Low humidity
Mild sun
Hajar Mountains **
~2000m height
🟡
Cold temperatures (~10-20°C daytime / ~0-10°C nighttime)
Low humidity
Mild sun
Dhofar Mountains
~1000m height
🟢
Pleasant temperatures (~20-25°C daytime / ~ 10-15°C nighttime)
Medium humidity
Mild sun
* 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 January in Oman
January is the perfect month to stay several days and walk in the desert!
It’s also a good season for long treks demanding mountain hikes, because we do not suffer from the heat. However, you should be ready to experience some cold and plan warm clothes and warm sleeping bag…
It’s also a month during which it’s nice to stay on the coast. In the Sea of Oman, water might be a bit fresh ; in the Indian Ocean, water temperature is nice all year long!
Dhofar‘s climate is excellent in January : hot, but not too much…
Activities to avoid in Oman in January
canyoning and aquatic hiking are still possible in January with a wetsuit, but you should expect cold water : in January, we are teeth-chattering whereas in April, we cannot go out of the water!
Swimming in the wadis, as well, although possible, are a bit less appealing because the water is cold…
Have a look at the trips we offer in Oman in January
We offer trips in small groups from October to April, with scheduled departures. All the itineraries are especialy designed for the date they are scheduled : we want to take you to the good place at the good time!
Have alook at the tours which we offer in Oman next January…