Muscat in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Muscat

29°C (85°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor temperature range 21-29°C (69-85°F) - comfortable for hiking Jebel Akhdar without extreme heat, ideal for morning desert trips, and pleasant evening strolls through Mutrah Souq
Minimal rainfall (7.6mm/0.3in) means reliable outdoor plans - only 10 rain days total with brief afternoon showers, perfect for beach days at Qantab and Al Bustan
Cooler sea temperatures (26°C/79°F) make diving and snorkeling at Daymaniyat Islands more comfortable than summer months, with better underwater visibility
Post-summer season means hotels offer 20-30% lower rates than peak winter months (December-February), while maintaining excellent weather conditions

Considerations

Still shoulder season humidity at 70% can feel muggy during midday 11am-3pm, requiring indoor breaks at air-conditioned malls or museums
Occasional brief afternoon showers (20-30 minutes) can disrupt beach plans, though they typically clear quickly and cool temperatures
UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection - easy to underestimate intensity due to pleasant temperatures, leading to severe sunburn

Best Activities in November

Jebel Akhdar Mountain Hiking

November's cooler temperatures make this 2,000m (6,562ft) altitude hike perfect - daytime temps rarely exceed 25°C (77°F) at elevation. Rose terraces are post-harvest but still fragrant, and crystal-clear mountain air offers impressive views across Oman's interior without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD mountain access tours 1-2 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost OMR 35-50 ($90-130) including transport from Muscat. Look for operators with mountain permits and experienced drivers familiar with steep terrain. See current options in booking section below.

Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve Trips

Sea temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) in November, perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. Post-summer plankton blooms clear up, providing 15-20m (50-65ft) visibility. Turtle nesting season continues, and migrant bird species stop over on islands during November passage.

Booking Tip: Book boat trips 10-14 days ahead as November weather reliability increases demand. Full-day trips typically cost OMR 25-35 ($65-90) including snorkel gear and lunch. Choose operators with marine park permits and life jackets. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Wahiba Sands Desert Camping

November nights in the desert drop to perfect 18-22°C (64-72°F) - ideal for outdoor sleeping without summer's suffocating heat. Days warm to pleasant 28°C (82°F) maximum, perfect for camel rides and dune climbing. Clear skies offer exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book desert camps 2-3 weeks ahead for November dates. Overnight experiences typically cost OMR 40-60 ($105-155) including meals and activities. Look for camps with proper bathroom facilities and Bedouin cultural programs. See current desert tour options in booking section below.

Mutrah Souq and Old Muscat Walking Tours

November's moderate temperatures make extended walking comfortable - explore the souq's labyrinthine alleys without summer's exhausting heat. Early morning (7-9am) and evening (5-7pm) offer perfect conditions for photography at Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts with golden light.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, or book cultural walking tours 3-5 days ahead. Guided tours typically cost OMR 15-25 ($40-65) for 3-4 hours. Look for guides with Oman Tourism certification and knowledge of souq history. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Wadi Shab Adventure Hikes

Water levels in November are ideal after summer's heat - pools are refreshing but not cold, perfect for the final swim to the hidden waterfall cave. Pleasant 27°C (81°F) air temperature makes the 45-minute hike each way comfortable without extreme heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Can be done independently or book guided wadi tours 1 week ahead. Guided trips typically cost OMR 20-30 ($50-80) including transport from Muscat. Essential: waterproof phone cases and swimming ability for final cave access. See current wadi tour options in booking section below.

Dolphin Watching Boat Trips

November marks peak dolphin activity as cooler water temperatures bring schools closer to shore. Early morning trips (6:30-8:30am) offer best sighting chances with calm seas and pleasant 23°C (73°F) temperatures. Common and bottlenose dolphins are most active this month.

Booking Tip: Book morning dolphin trips 5-7 days ahead through marina operators. 2-3 hour trips typically cost OMR 12-18 ($30-45) per person. Choose boats with shade cover and life jackets. Morning trips have 80% sighting success rates. See current boat tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November to Early December

Muscat Festival

Month-long cultural celebration featuring traditional Omani crafts, music performances, and food stalls throughout the city. Local artisans demonstrate silver smithing, frankincense preparation, and traditional weaving. Evening performances at Qurum Natural Park showcase Omani heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 despite comfortable temperatures, easy to get severe burns

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts for mosque visits and sun protection - synthetic fabrics trap heat in 70% humidity

Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support for wadi hiking and rocky terrain - flip-flops inadequate for most Omani adventures

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear for wadi pools and beach activities - essential for Wadi Shab's swimming sections

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in November, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders for mosque visits - Sultan Qaboos this destination strictly enforced dress code

Insect repellent for evening outdoor dining - mosquitoes emerge after brief rains, particularly in coastal areas

Portable phone charger and waterproof case for wadi adventures - essential for navigation and cave photography

Cash in Omani Rials - many souq vendors and small restaurants don't accept cards, ATMs available but bring backup

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in desert climate, refill stations available at most tourist sites

Insider Knowledge

Visit Sultan Qaboos this destination between 8-11am Saturday-Thursday (closed Fridays) - November's mild mornings perfect for the marble courtyards, and you'll avoid afternoon tour groups

Locals shop at Mutrah Souq early morning (6-8am) or evening (6-8pm) in November - midday becomes stuffy despite moderate outdoor temperatures

Book Jebel Akhdar accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for November - Omanis escape to the mountains during this perfect weather window, creating local demand

November frankincense prices drop 20-30% at souqs after summer tourist season ends - excellent time to buy authentic Dhofari frankincense before winter peak season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity due to pleasant temperatures - UV index of 8 causes burns within 30 minutes without protection, particularly dangerous during mountain and desert activities

Planning outdoor activities 11am-3pm when humidity feels oppressive - schedule desert and wadi trips for early morning or late afternoon despite moderate air temperatures

Assuming all wadis are accessible - November's occasional rains can cause flash floods, always check local conditions before heading to Wadi Shab or remote valleys