Muscat
Capital of Oman
Muscat is the capital of Oman and has a population of about 1.4 million. This coastal city is known for landmarks such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Alam Palace, and Al Jalali Fort.
What to see
The city features religious and royal architecture, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace. Historical defenses remain visible at Al Jalali Fort and Al-Mirani Fort. For museum visits, options include the National Museum, Bait Al Zubair, the Oman Children's Museum, and the Oman Natural History Museum.
When to go
The cooler months of January, February, and March offer daily highs between 23 °C and 26 °C, making them comfortable for outdoor activities. Temperatures rise significantly starting in April, reaching daily highs of 35 °C in June and July. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with the highest monthly precipitation occurring in January at 17 mm.
Getting there
Muscat International Airport is located 31 km away in the Muscat/Seeb area. It serves as the primary entry point for travelers visiting the city.
Top sights in Muscat
Weather by month
The warmest month is June, with an average high of 35 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 23 | 24 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 28 | 24 |
| Average low, °C | 19 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 20 |
| Rainfall, mm | 17 | 16 | 17 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 13 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Muscat (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Al-Mirani Fort
- Bait Al Zubair
- National Museum
- Oman Children's Museum
- Oman Natural History Museum