Muscat in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Muscat

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature range 18-26°C (64-79°F) for all-day outdoor activities without the scorching heat of summer months
Minimal rainfall at just 8mm (0.3 inches) means consistent outdoor plans - those 10 rainy days are typically brief morning drizzles
Post-Khareef season clarity gives crystal-clear visibility for mountain hiking and wadi swimming, with dust settled and air crisp
Peak tourist season pricing hasn't kicked in yet - accommodation rates 20-30% lower than March-April high season

Considerations

Morning temperatures can drop to 18°C (64°F), requiring layers for early starts at places like Jebel Shams sunrise hikes
Occasional sandstorms from interior desert can reduce visibility and make outdoor photography challenging 2-3 days per month
Some mountain wadis still have cooler water temperatures from winter months, making swimming less comfortable than later in spring

Best Activities in February

Jebel Shams Mountain Hiking

February's cool mornings and warm afternoons create perfect conditions for Oman's highest peak. Start at sunrise when it's 18°C (64°F) and finish comfortably at 26°C (79°F). Clear post-Khareef air offers impressive views of the Grandcanyon of Arabia with minimal dust haze that plagues other months.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 2-3 weeks ahead through certified mountain guides. Expect OMR 25-35 per person for day hikes including transport from Nizwa. Look for operators with emergency communication equipment and local Jebali guide certification.

Wahiba Sands Desert Camping

February nights in the desert are perfect at 18°C (64°F) - warm enough for comfortable sleeping but cool enough to enjoy campfires. Days reach ideal 26°C (79°F) without the brutal heat that makes summer desert trips unbearable. Minimal rainfall means consistently clear star-gazing conditions.

Booking Tip: Two-day desert experiences typically cost OMR 80-120 including meals and traditional tents. Book through operators offering Bedouin family camps rather than tourist-only setups. Reserve 10-14 days ahead as February is popular for desert experiences.

Sur Turtle Watching

February marks the end of peak turtle nesting season with green turtles still active at Ras Al Jinz. Cool evening temperatures make the required 9pm-1am viewing sessions comfortable. Calmer seas after winter storms improve boat-based turtle spotting success rates to 70-80%.

Booking Tip: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve requires advance booking through their official center. Night viewing sessions cost OMR 17 adults, OMR 8 children. Book 5-7 days ahead as February weekend slots fill quickly. Only licensed reserve guides permitted - avoid unofficial beach tours.

Nizwa Souq and Fort Exploration

February's moderate temperatures make wandering Nizwa's covered souq comfortable during peak midday hours when it reaches 26°C (79°F). Friday livestock market operates best in cooler weather - animals are more active and the experience less overwhelming than in hot months. Traditional craft workshops operate longer hours in comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Entry to Nizwa Fort costs OMR 5 per person. Combine with nearby Bahla Fort (OMR 3) and traditional pottery workshops. Licensed cultural guides available for OMR 20-30 per group, book through Nizwa Tourism Office 2-3 days ahead for Friday market expertise.

Wadi Shab Swimming and Hiking

February's 26°C (79°F) air temperature makes the 45-minute hike to the swimming holes comfortable without overheating. Water temperatures have stabilized after winter cooling, making the swim to the waterfall cave refreshing rather than shocking. Reduced rainfall ensures stable water levels for safe swimming.

Booking Tip: No entrance fees but boat crossing costs OMR 2 return per person. Waterproof dry bags available from local vendors for OMR 5. Visit early morning (8am start) to avoid afternoon crowds. No official guides needed but local boat operators provide route advice.

Muscat Corniche Cycling

February mornings at 18°C (64°F) are ideal for cycling Muscat's 30km (18.6 miles) waterfront route from Shatti Al Qurum to Mutrah. Afternoon temperatures of 26°C (79°F) remain comfortable with sea breezes. Clear air after Khareef season provides excellent photography conditions of traditional architecture and modern skyline.

Booking Tip: Bike rental typically OMR 8-12 per day from hotels or sports shops. Look for shops offering helmets and basic repair kits. Early morning rentals (7am pickup) recommended to complete route before midday heat. Some hotels provide complimentary bikes for guests.

February Events & Festivals

Early to Mid February

Muscat Festival

Annual cultural celebration featuring traditional Omani music, handicrafts, and food stalls across multiple venues including Qurum Natural Park and Al Amerat Park. Evening performances benefit from February's perfect temperatures, and traditional food stalls operate comfortably without extreme heat affecting vendors or visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton blend layers - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) then climb to 26°C (79°F) by afternoon

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off desert sand and water intensifies exposure

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - versatile for temperature changes and wadi water activities

Closed-toe hiking shoes with ankle support - essential for rocky wadi approaches and mountain trails

Light windproof jacket - desert evenings and mountain areas experience cooling winds

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - for wadi swimming and unexpected brief showers

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - desert glare and mountain reflection require maximum eye and face protection

Insect repellent with DEET - February's moderate humidity can increase mosquito activity near water sources

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dry air and outdoor activities increase dehydration risk even in moderate temperatures

Respectful clothing for mosque and souq visits - lightweight long pants and shirts that cover shoulders, essential for cultural sites

Insider Knowledge

Locals start outdoor activities at 7am during February to maximize the cool morning hours - join morning cycling groups at Qurum Beach or Al Mouj Marina for authentic community experiences

February is prime season for frankincense harvesting in Dhofar - visit Salalah's Land of Frankincense Museum when fresh resin demonstrations are most authentic and aromatic

Omani families conduct weekend camping trips in February - book wadi camping spots Thursday-Friday well ahead as locals claim the best sites for extended family gatherings

Traditional halwa (Omani sweet) tastes better in February's moderate temperatures - visit Nizwa's halwa shops when the confection maintains perfect texture without melting from heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - February mornings require layers and lightweight jackets, especially for mountain areas and desert camping where temperatures drop significantly

Booking desert camping for single nights - February's perfect weather makes longer desert stays more rewarding, but many visitors rush through with inadequate time for full Bedouin culture experiences

Ignoring prayer times when planning souq visits - February daylight hours affect prayer schedules, and many traditional markets close during prayer times, disrupting tourist itineraries