Oman is a year-round diving destination. Depending on where you want to dive in Oman, you can go scuba diving at any time. Diving in Muscat is possible at any time of year. If you want to dive in Salalah and Mirbat, it’s best to avoid June to September as the Khareef, a seasonal monsoon, appears at that time. This Arabian landscape is turned into a lush green oasis but the diving stops for a few months. The conditions are too rough for diving boats to go out.
When it comes to diving in Muscat, it’s best between May and October. Conditions are at their calmest and water temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C. Visibility can be above 10 meters at this time. During the summer, the outside air temperature may be too hot for some, reaching well over 40°C. The extreme heat can make visiting Oman during these months a challenge. Strong winds during summer can affect visibility. The water drops to 18°C in winter and rises to 30°C in summer.
In September and October, whale sharks can be spotted around Daymaniyat Islands and Al Fahal Island. During the winter months, December to February, water temperature is usually between 18°C and 25°C. The water clarity is usually the best during this time. As you can see, there are some trade-offs to be made when deciding on the best time of year to dive in Oman.
For those wanting warmer water, outside air temperature will also be very hot. During winter, water temperature drops but there are fewer divers during this time. One thing is for certain, no matter what time of year you decide to visit Oman, you won’t be disappointed.