Oman, according to me, is an underrated destination. Often described as the Pearl of Arabia, Oman sits on the Arabian peninsula. It offers a lot both for couples and family travel. We visited Oman in November and loved this country. It is not just a large desert. Mountains for the adventurous, ancient cities and points of interest, little gems or oasis known as wadis in between, beaches and cultural attractions in Muscat. There is a long coastline facing the Arabian Sea, and you have tiny coastal towns like Sur and water activities to experience. And north of Muscat lies the Al Hajjar mountains that is good for canyon views and some hiking trails.
Oman is in the Middle East region, so the question – Is it safe to travel to Oman – comes up often. However, you may be surprised to know that Oman has very low crime rate. It is completely safe for you to travel to Oman as a tourist. If you are visiting Oman in November, this post covers the Oman weather in November, Travel tips, Best places to visit, and things to do in winter months.
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Weather in Oman in November
The best season to visit Oman is spring (March and April) and autumn (September to November). This is also the high season with pleasant day temperature and no rainfall. Winter months from December to February are also good to visit, though the desert areas and Al Hajjar mountains can get very cold, especially in the nights.
We visited Oman in November on a 6-day road trip. November is an ideal month to visit, although the lower temperatures do make the country fairly busy. Daytime temperatures remain mild at around 29°C (86°F). Perfect for hiking, desert trip, and sightseeing in Muscat.
What to wear in Oman in November
Oman is a traditional country, and you would see many local women both in Muscat and outside the capital, in traditional garments. So, wearing loose clothes that cover your legs, shoulders would make sense everywhere. Loose cotton and linen clothes work well in Oman. It is not recommended to appear in public dressed in tight trousers, barebacked tops or low-cut clothing. Even while swimming in wadis or at public beaches, don’t wear bikinis (they are fine besides the pool side at 5-star resorts).
Do pack a hat and adequate sunscreen for sun protection even in winter months. And sandals and slippers to roam around everywhere. If you are visiting a mosque, both men and women need to cover their legs, shoulders, and heads.
Al Hajjar mountain area get cold during December to February so make sure you have packed a jacket, jeans pr pants and sturdy shoes for winter. As does the nighttime in desert areas where you would need a light jacket to keep yourself cozy.
What to expect regarding crowds and cost
Oman, in general, is not hugely expensive to visit. Hotel prices increase from November until March, but then, there are plenty of budget options along with luxury properties. Eating out in Oman can be inexpensive or expensive, depending on where you go. Adventure activities are less expensive than western countries, as are the sightseeing attractions.
Again, November is ideal to visit the country for its pleasant weather and less rainfall, so do expect crowds. But relative to popular countries in Europe, Oman never feels overly crowded. It is still an under-explored destination.
Best places to visit in Oman in November
Oman offers you city escape, vast desert area, cool mountains, beaches, all in one neat package. And you can visit all these places in November. You can see some cultural attractions in Muscat, go to Al Hajjar mountains to cool off, spend a night at Wahiba Sands desert staring at the star-studded sky, swim in wadis, enjoy the coastal towns.
Mountain areas
Jebal Akhdar is a large area within Al Hajjar mountains, this lies north of Muscat. Jebal Akhdar has a network of mountain villages, you can visit some of them. Jabal Shams, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’ is further ahead and a paradise for adventure seekers and hikers.
On the way to Jebal Akhdar, you can visit Nizwa town. Nizwa town lies at the base of Al Hajjar mountains. Nizwa Fort was built in 17th century and is the top attraction to see in Nizwa. The museum housed in the adjacent Nizwa castle has numerous artefacts and paintings that depict the traditional way of living in Oman. You can opt for a cultural tour from Muscat to Nizwa and Bait Al Safah.
Cityscape
Wandering Oman’s ancient monuments, beautiful mosques, and vibrant souks is one of the top things to do during a visit to this country. There are many cultural attractions that you can visit while in Muscat, the topmost one is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The dome is truly grand and is embellished from inside in a spectacular fashion. It is easy to explore the city by yourself, but you can opt for a guided tour as well to learn about Al Alam Palace, the Royal Opera House, and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
The sunset makes for a great view at the Muttrah corniche. This area is a must if you are visiting Muscat with kids. You can walk on the main promenade and note all the ships in the harbour area. And then it is time to explore the Muttrah souq (market) nearby.
The vast Desert
No trip to Oman in winter months can be complete without visiting the deep desert area. The largest desert in Oman – Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands – is a great spot. Spending a night in this vast desert is one of the top things to do in Oman. You can book a day trip to Wahiba Sands from Muscat, but an overnight stay is a far more enriching experience.
So I suggest you book a Oman desert camp for a night or two. We had booked an overnight stay at the Thousand Nights Desert Camp for an overnight stay in Wahiba Sands.
Things to do in Oman in winter season
Take a road trip across Oman
Exploring Oman via a road trip would be the top things to do here. You can opt for a self-drive option or even choose to rent a car with a local driver. We would it easy to rent at a car at the Muscat international airport itself. The roads are wide and of good quality.
Mountain Hiking, Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata
The best time to go hiking in the Al Hajjar Mountains is between October and March for the coolest temperatures and less intense sunshine. There are plenty of hiking, rock climbing and other adventure activities available in both Jebal Akhdar and Jabal Shams. Plus you get lovely views of the canyon.
Dune bashing at Wahiba Sands
Besides learning about the Bedouin culture, no trip to a desert camp can be complete without the exhilarating adventure of dune bashing. I first experienced dune bashing in Dubai, but the sunset experience at Wahiba Sands in Oman was even better. The local Omani guide our friends had hired for their road trips was skilled at ‘sand duning’ with the Land Cruiser.
Visit a wadi
Wadis are river gorges filled with water that provide opportunities for swimming, rock climbing, and hiking. There are plenty of wadis in Oman waiting to be explored. We visited Wadi Bani Khalid during our trip to Oman. Think emerald green and deep blue pools glistening amidst limestone rocks and date palm trees swaying in the wind.
Another popular natural pool that many people stop at is the Bimmah Sinkhole. This lies about an-hour-and-a-half drive south of Muscat. You can take a day trip from Muscat to Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole.
Explore a quaint fishing village
Oman has a long coastline facing the Arabian Sea. There are charming fishing villages all along the coast. And while eating in Muscat restaurants is given to sample local cuisine, I do urge you to stop at a fishing village, find a local restaurant near the seaside and order fresh seafood.
Go diving at Dimaniyat Islands
I was pleasantly surprised to find excellent diving spots, just an hour’s boat ride from Muscat. These sites were at Dimaniyat Islands and none too deep. There was plenty of corals and fish to explore, so don’t hesitate to book a snorkelling trip. Look out for dolphins, tropical fish, green turtles and from September to November you might see whale sharks too.
Visit a souq
A souq is a traditional market in the Middle East. The best in Oman is the Muttrah Souq in Muscat. Shops selling Omani and Indian artefacts and antiques jostle among more traditional textile, hardware and jewellery stores. Bargaining is expected although discounts tend to be small. If you visit Nizwa Castle, you can visit the souq in Nizwa town as well.
Try the local food
While on an Oman trip, you must try the local cuisine. Rice and meat are staples. And you will get fresh seafood served in fishing villages along the coast. You will find Omani coffee, also known as kahwa and dates everywhere. Many resorts and hotels welcome you with a cup of kahwa and dates.
Events and Festivals in Oman in November
Omanis celebrate their National Day on 18th November. This is the birthday of Sultan Qabus bin Said, which is why this date has been designated to commemorate the National Day of the Sultanate of Oman. Green, red and white are displayed prominently throughout the country as Omanis show pride in their country.
Sailing Arabia – The Tour happens in end November. This event has grown in stature to become the region’s premier annual race and Oman a favourite winter destination for sailors around the globe.
Summary: Pros and Cons of visiting Oman in November
Pros
Ideal weather and clear skies, perfect for beaches, mountain hiking, and city sightseeing.
Sea is warm enough for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Night time in deep desert and mountains is not freezing..
Cons
Oman is more crowded in November due to optimum weather.
Onset of tourist season, so prices for accommodation and flights will be high.
Have I convinced you to visit Oman in November? We had a lovely family vacation here and you will too.
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This was so interesting. I’m looking for places to visit in October or November and I didn’t realise Oman was an option. Thanks for sharing!