Muscat And Oman Under Travel Alert: What Tourists Need To Know About The Heavy Rain And Cold Weather

Published on December 30, 2025

Muscat, which is the capital city of Oman, as well as the other northern parts of the country, have come under the influence of a low-pressure air trough that has caused the much-needed rain and a big drop in temperatures. The change in weather conditions, which started on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, has resulted in different weather phenomena in various areas of the Sultanate, mainly in Muscat and Musandam as well as their neighboring governorates. The Civil Aviation Authority of Oman (CAA) has issued a weather alert and is asking both residents and visitors to be extra careful, especially drivers and fishermen, because of the tough conditions.

Rainfall Brings Relief to Muscat

Muscat, along with several northern parts of Oman, has received light to moderate rain, offering some relief after a long dry spell. This rainfall has contributed to lower temperatures, providing a welcome respite from the usually high temperatures. The CAA’s weather bulletin highlighted that the rainfall was intermittent but had a noticeable effect on the city’s atmosphere, enhancing the overall air quality. This change in the weather is expected to improve conditions for both residents and tourists alike, especially for those exploring the outdoors.

In Muscat, the temperature has dropped significantly, with a forecasted decrease from about 21°C on Monday to 16°C in the coming days. This shift in weather has made Muscat a cooler destination for visitors who were experiencing a prolonged dry season. The city’s landmarks such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts and Mutrah Corniche will likely see a dip in visitor numbers as tourists adjust their plans based on the changing weather.

Musandam and Other Northern Governorates Affected

The air trough also impacted the weather across other northern governorates, particularly Musandam. The region witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall, which led to overflowing wadis and increased cloud cover. This adverse weather condition has made some areas of Musandam hazardous, with concerns about local flooding.

Tourists who planned to visit popular locations such as Jebel Harim, Khasab and Musandam Peninsula have been urged to take caution. The increased risk of flash flooding in wadis and the rough sea conditions in the coastal areas of Musandam have led authorities to issue strong advisories. With rain continuing in many areas, tourists are recommended to reconsider travel to some of these natural sites, especially near the water.

Cold Wave and Dropping Temperatures

In addition to the rainfall, the Sultanate is now under the influence of a cold wave. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply across the country, especially in mountainous and desert regions. The cold wave is likely to cause discomfort for both residents and tourists, particularly those unprepared for the sudden temperature decline.

The CAA has warned that temperatures in Muscat will fall to about 16°C, while places like Haima and Khasab will experience even colder conditions. For example, Haima could witness lows of 11°C, and Khasab’s temperatures are expected to dip to around 13°C, compared to their previous levels of 17°C and 19°C, respectively. For those in higher altitudes, such as Jabal Shams, temperatures could fall as low as 1.5°C, with a drop from Monday’s 4°C.

Tourists heading to Oman’s mountainous areas are particularly advised to pack warm clothing to cope with the sudden temperature shift. Visitors planning treks or other outdoor activities, such as those at Jabal Akhdar or Jebel Shams, should be prepared for cold and potentially hazardous conditions. The authorities have stressed that appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure safety, particularly as strong northwesterly winds are expected to cause blowing dust and reduce visibility in desert areas.

Safety Protocols for Tourists

As the weather continues to affect Oman, especially in low-lying and coastal regions, the CAA has issued several important safety protocols for tourists. Visitors are advised to:

1. Monitor weather updates: Stay informed by checking official weather sources, such as the Oman Daily Observer and Muscat Weather Service, to track real-time developments.
2. Avoid outdoor activities in bad weather: Tourists should avoid activities such as hiking or driving in areas affected by rainfall or high winds. Locations like Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid should be avoided due to the risk of flooding in wadis.
3. Drive cautiously: For those traveling by car, it is essential to drive slowly, particularly in rain or windy conditions. Reduced visibility and slick roads increase the risk of accidents. Ensure the vehicle’s brakes, tires, and headlights are functioning properly.
4. Stay away from water bodies: Seafarers are urged to avoid venturing into the sea during this time, especially around Musandam and other coastal regions. Rough sea conditions can pose significant risks to marine activities.
5. Carry warm clothing: Due to the cold wave, visitors heading to higher altitudes should dress warmly and pack extra layers. The temperature drop, especially in mountain areas, can catch travelers off guard.
6. Follow local advisories: Always adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities, and seek shelter in case of heavy rainfall or high winds.

Looking Ahead

The weather conditions in Oman are expected to remain unsettled for the next few days. Forecasters predict that the air trough will persist, maintaining the chances of scattered rainfall. The Sultanate is also expected to continue experiencing cooler temperatures, which may lead to further disruptions in outdoor tourism activities.

For now, Muscat and northern Oman are experiencing some of the most significant weather changes in recent months, affecting both daily life and tourism. Authorities continue to urge residents and tourists to stay alert and follow weather updates to ensure safety during this cold wave and rainfall period.

Oman is getting ready for the persistence of these weather patterns and tourists who are planning to visit in the upcoming days should be flexible with their travel plans and safety should be their top priority.