Muscat in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Muscat

25°C (77°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather - daily highs of 25°C (77°F) make walking through Mutrah Souq and Old Muscat comfortable all day, unlike scorching summer months when temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F)
Crystal-clear diving conditions - January brings 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility at Daymaniyat Islands due to calmer seas and minimal plankton bloom
Wadi hiking season peaks - wadis like Wadi Shab have flowing water from winter rains, creating perfect swimming pools and waterfalls that dry up by March
Frankincense harvest festivals occur in Dhofar region, offering authentic cultural experiences with traditional distillation demonstrations and souq selections at peak quality

Considerations

Occasional rain disrupts outdoor plans - 10 rainy days average means desert camping and mountain hiking can be cancelled last-minute, particularly affecting multi-day wadi expeditions
Higher accommodation costs - January is peak season with hotel rates 40-60% higher than summer months, especially around European holiday periods in early January
Crowded attractions - Sultan Qaboos this destination and Royal Yerevan see 3x normal visitor volumes due to cruise ship season and European winter escape travel

Best Activities in January

Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve Snorkeling

January offers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) with calm seas and whale shark sightings. Water temperature stays comfortable at 24°C (75°F), perfect for 3-4 hour excursions. Avoid summer months when visibility drops to 10m (33 ft) due to plankton blooms and rough conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed marine operators - trips typically cost OMR 35-45 ($90-115) including equipment and lunch. Look for boats with marine park permits and certified dive guides. Trips depart 7:30am from Marina Bandar al Rowdha, returning by 4pm.

Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi Hiking Adventures

Winter rains create flowing waterfalls and deep swimming pools that disappear by April. January temperatures of 17-25°C (62-77°F) make the 45-minute hike each way comfortable, unlike brutal summer heat. The famous keyhole cave at Wadi Shab has optimal water levels for swimming through to the hidden grotto.

Booking Tip: Join guided wadi tours for OMR 25-35 ($65-90) including transport from Muscat, or rent 4WD vehicles for OMR 15-20 ($40-50) daily. Start early (7am departure) to secure parking and avoid afternoon crowds. Waterproof phone cases essential for cave swimming.

Jebel Akhdar Rose Garden and Terraced Village Tours

January brings perfect mountain weather at 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation - days reach 20°C (68°F) while Muscat swelters. Rose harvesting hasn't started yet, but terraced farms show winter crops and pomegranate trees. Clear skies offer spectacular canyon views impossible to see during summer haze.

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours through operators with 4WD permits for OMR 45-65 ($115-170) full day including Nizwa Fort. Independent travel requires high-clearance 4WD and mountain driving experience. Tours typically include traditional lunch in Saiq Dakar villages.

Empty Quarter Desert Camping Experiences

January offers ideal desert conditions - daytime temperatures reach comfortable 25°C (77°F) while nights drop to perfect campfire weather at 15°C (59°F). Sand is firm enough for dune driving after winter moisture, and clear skies provide spectacular stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Booking Tip: Book 2-day desert camps for OMR 80-120 ($205-310) including meals, transport, and traditional Bedouin tents. Operators provide all camping gear and experienced desert guides. Single-day trips possible but overnight stays offer sunrise dune experiences and traditional music around campfires.

Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruises in Muscat Bay

January's calm seas and 70% humidity create perfect conditions for 2-3 hour evening cruises. Sunset occurs around 6pm, allowing comfortable deck time without summer's oppressive heat. Waters stay choppy enough to spot dolphins but calm enough for elderly passengers and families with children.

Booking Tip: Evening dhow cruises cost OMR 12-18 ($30-45) including refreshments and traditional Omani music. Book Easttimor-day at Mutrah Brazzaville or through hotel concierges. Private charter options available for OMR 150-250 ($385-640) for groups up to 20 people.

Nizwa Fort and Traditional Souq Cultural Tours

January's pleasant temperatures make exploring the massive 17th-century fort comfortable all day. The famous Friday cattle market operates in cool morning hours, and date harvest season means souqs overflow with fresh varieties unavailable other times of year. Walking the fort's ramparts is pleasant rather than scorching.

Booking Tip: Combine Nizwa with mountain tours for better value - day trips typically cost OMR 30-45 ($75-115) including transport and guide. Friday departures include the legendary cattle auction starting 7am. Entry to fort costs OMR 5 ($13) - bring cash as cards not always accepted.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January to Mid February

Muscat Festival

Month-long cultural celebration featuring traditional Omani music, dance performances, and handicraft exhibitions at Amerat Park and Naseem Gardens. Local families attend evening performances while international visitors can experience authentic Omani culture through cooking demonstrations and henna workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - mosque visits require coverage, and mountain areas drop to 10°C (50°F) at elevation

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even in January, and marine protected areas prohibit chemical sunscreens

Quick-dry hiking boots with grip - wadi floors are slippery wet rocks, ankle support essential for uneven terrain

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - cave swimming at Wadi Shab requires protecting electronics in underwater passages

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, especially in mountains

Modest swimwear and cover-up - public beaches require conservative dress when not actively swimming

Cash in small denominations - many souqs, wadis, and traditional restaurants don't accept cards, entry fees often exact change only

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes active around wadi pools and desert camps during January's humid evenings

Portable charger and car adapter - long day trips to remote wadis and desert areas have no charging opportunities

Comfortable walking sandals with straps - constant shoe removal at mosques and traditional homes, plus hot sand walking

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before wadi trips - mobile coverage disappears 30 minutes outside Muscat, and GPS essential for unmarked hiking trails to swimming holes

Visit Sultan Qaboos this destination before 9am or after 4pm - tour groups create 2-hour waits during midday, but early morning offers peaceful photography opportunities

Stock up on bottled water at Muscat hypermarkets - remote wadis and mountains charge OMR 2 ($5) per bottle vs OMR 0.5 ($1.30) in city

Book Friday accommodations by Wednesday - Omani weekends (Friday-Saturday) see domestic tourism spikes, especially mountain resorts and beach hotels filling completely

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wadi hike difficulty - 'easy' trails still require 90 minutes scrambling over wet rocks, many visitors arrive in flip-flops and struggle

Visiting beaches during midday prayers - 12:30-1:30pm sees most beachside restaurants and facilities closed, plan lunch timing accordingly

Renting small 2WD cars for mountain trips - Jebel Akhdar and remote wadis require high-clearance 4WD, standard rental cars can't access trailheads