Middle East

Oman in February

Perfect for hiking Jebel Shams and camping in the Wahiba Sands. Book desert camps and hotels ahead.

BestSunny, Muscat highs near 79F (26C), dry

Muscat Oman — OmanPhoto: Domenico Convertini, CC BY-SA 2.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Oman. Perfect for hiking Jebel Shams and camping in the Wahiba Sands. Book desert camps and hotels ahead.

Weather: Sunny, Muscat highs near 79F (26C), dry
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Oman

February is often the best month of all. Days are sunny and dry, Muscat highs sit near 79F (26C), and the air is clear for mountain views. It is still high season, with steady demand at desert camps and Muscat hotels. Wadi water is cool but swimmable on a sunny afternoon.

This is the month for anyone who wants the full Oman loop: Muscat, Nizwa, the mountains, the sands, and the coast. Families will find hiking and camping easy with kids. If you are price sensitive, March gives nearly the same weather with a bit less demand, and November is lower still.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Oman this month.

Camping and hiking weather

February is the easiest month to combine a Jebel Shams hike with a night in the Wahiba Sands. Nothing is too hot or too cold.

Nizwa Friday market

The livestock market by Nizwa Fort on Friday mornings is lively, and the cool air makes the early start easy.

Dolphin trips off Muscat

Calm winter seas make boat trips along the Muscat coast smooth and pleasant.

What to pack for February

A warm layer for evenings in the desert and mountains
A headlamp for camp nights
Hiking shoes with good grip for wet wadi rocks
A long-sleeve sun shirt and a hat

Our timing tip

Arrive at Nizwa by early Friday morning, since the livestock market is mostly done by mid morning.

Book Oman for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Oman
Opens a hotel search for Oman in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Oman
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Oman
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Oman for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates

Restaurants often close until sunset and opening hours shift. Eid brings busy roads and full hotels as Omanis travel.

Things to do in Oman

Full guide

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

Open to non-Muslim visitors on weekday mornings, closed Fridays. Modest dress required, with head coverings for women.

Tickets and tours →

Royal Opera House Muscat

A striking building with a season that runs through the cooler months. Tours are available when there are no performances.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Wadi Shab

A hike and swim through a canyon to a hidden cave pool. Go early in the day and avoid Friday crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Nizwa Fort and souq

Friday morning brings the famous livestock market. The fort's round tower gives views over the date palms.

Tickets and tours →

Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar

Mountain hikes, canyon views, and terraced villages. A 4x4 is required for the Jebel Akhdar road.

Tickets and tours →

Wahiba Sands

Desert camps, dune driving, and sunset over the sands. Best from November through March.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid early on a weekday. Fridays and Saturdays bring local families and tour groups from Muscat and Dubai.
Travel in November or March rather than late December to early January, when European and Gulf holiday demand peaks.
Avoid the Eid holidays for Salalah and the mountains, when domestic and Gulf visitors fill hotels and roads.
Book the Grand Mosque for opening time, before tour buses arrive from the cruise ships in winter.

Know before you go

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors only on weekday mornings, and closed to them on Fridays.
During Ramadan, most restaurants close until sunset, opening hours shorten, and public eating and drinking during daylight is not allowed. Hotels usually serve guests discreetly.
From May to September, many desert camps in the Wahiba Sands close or reduce operations due to heat.
Salalah's attractions, including waterfalls like Ayn Athum, run strongest during the khareef; outside it, the landscape is brown and dry.

Oman in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Oman?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Oman. Perfect for hiking Jebel Shams and camping in the Wahiba Sands. Book desert camps and hotels ahead.

What is the weather like in Oman in February?

Sunny, Muscat highs near 79F (26C), dry.

Is Oman crowded in February?

Oman is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Oman in February?

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates).