Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sohar, Oman

The coastal city of Sohar belongs to the subtropical desert BWh category, according to the Köppen climate classification. With its position on the northern coast of Oman, the temperature variations are not extreme but noticeable. The change throughout the year between the lowest average temperature of 12.4°C (54.3°F) in January and the highest at 36.9°C (98.4°F) in June, testifies subtle gradation from mild to hot temperatures. A substantial difference in this subtropical desert climate involves sunlight duration. Ranging from 10.6 hours in December to 13.6 hours in June, daylight hours make a noteworthy contribution to the overall temperature.

Next, one essential aspect of Sohar's weather is the relative humidity which displays minimal variations. The average annual humidity revolves around 70% to 80%, with the lower values noticed in the mid-year and the maximum percentage registered in autumn months.

Furthermore, an utterly unusual pattern marks the precipitation levels in Sohar. The dry season with no or minuscule precipitation of 0mm (0") to 1mm (0.04") extends from May to September, while in February Sohar experiences significant rainfall of 56mm (2.2"), indicating the pronounced dry and wet seasons.

The optimal time to experience Sohar relies on the visitor's preference. However, considering the temperature variations and the duration of sunlight throughout the year, November to April proves to be the preferred period. During this time, average temperatures rally from the pleasant 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F) range, while the sunlight extends up to 12 hours a day. Plus, visitors can expect a relatively low to moderate rainfall during these months, ensuring a comfortable sightseeing experience.

Given the sweltering heat and high humidity, July, August, and September typically prove challenging for travelers. These months represent the peak of the hot season in Sohar, with temperatures ascending to a high of between 34.7°C (94.5°F) and 36.2°C (97.2°F). Moreover, the relative dearth of rainfall during this period combined with prolonged exposure to sunlight, which hovers around 13 hours, can lead to uncomfortable outdoor conditions. Hence, these months are arguably the least desirable time to visit Sohar.

Springtime in Sohar is notably warming up. Nudging from 24.2°C (75.6°F) in March, the temperatures rise to 31.9°C (89.4°F) in May. The duration of daylight matches the temperature growth, extending from 12 hours in March to 13.3 hours in May. During spring, the city barely experiences any rainfall, and the humidity starts to decrease, making this season pleasant and comfortable.

Sohar's summer is characterized by high temperatures, excessive sunlight, and scarce rainfall. Between June and August, the average temperatures range from 34.7°C (94.5°F) to 36.9°C (98.4°F). At its peak, the sunlight extends to 13.6 hours while rainfall is practically absent. Consequently, these months witness the highest humidity levels, soaring up to 80%.

In autumn, the weather conditions in Sohar gradually moderate. Average temperatures decrease from 34.1°C (93.4°F) in September to 27.5°C (81.5°F) by November. The city receives around 4mm (0.16") rainfall in November, indicating the end of the prolonged dry season. Simultaneously, the daylight hours also decline to approximately 11 hours a day.

Winters in Sohar are mild with temperatures dipping to an average low of 14.4°C (57.9°F) in December and registering a high of 12.4°C (54.3°F) in January. The city experiences its highest rainfall during winter, with February witnessing a remarkable 56mm (2.2") of rain. The lower temperatures, along with reduced daylight hours between 10.6 hours to 11 hours, make the winter months visibly different from the rest of the Sohar's year. The humidity levels remain constant around 72% to 74% throughout these cooler months, contributing to the overall comfortable weather conditions for visitors.

Settling in the wake of the New Year, Sohar experiences a pleasant climate with a serene atmosphere. This is a transition period from the coldness of winter towards a slightly warmer February. January's average high temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F) offers a gentle respite from December’s chillier temperatures. Weather in January »

As the year progresses, Sohar welcomes February with a mild change in weather dynamics. The month witnesses a slight rise in temperature, a precursor to the approaching summer. The noticeable change comes in the form of rainfall, soaring up from January's 5mm (0.2") to reach a considerable 56mm (2.2") in February. Weather in February »

Enter March, as the weather transitions towards a warmer climate; however, it retains an enjoyable temperature range. The weather remains preferable for outdoor activities without the harshness of the intense summer. Ironically, the rainfall sharply drops from the February precipitations reaching 17mm (0.67"), a clear sign of the ensuing dry season. Weather in March »

As we dive deeper into the year, the warmth of April is quite evident in Sohar. The increase in average high temperature signals the transition towards the country's hot summer months. April’s new normal sets the average high temperature at 31.9°C (89.4°F), significantly higher than March. Weather in April »

May sweeps in with the full intensity of summer. The weather revolves around the intense heat, making it less favourable for extensive outdoor activities. The hottest month on record, it registers an average high temperature reaching 36.3°C (97.3°F), marking a considerable upswing from April. Weather in May »

Sohar’s climate in June is typically characterized by high temperatures. The city continues to persist with soaring temperatures akin to May, yet the afternoon heat becomes a bit more intense. The scorching weather in June sees the thermometer occasionally touching 36.9°C (98.4°F), adding to the heatwave narrative. Weather in June »

The sweltering heat continues into July, maintaining comparable temperature trends to June. However, the most notable feature of July's weather lies in its humidity. July experiences the highest average relative humidity of 77%, perhaps contributing to a perception of increased warmth. Weather in July »

Navigating through Sohar's climate in August is quite an experience as the city successfully withstands the peak summer months. August carries the heat legacy of July though the mercury slightly recedes from July’s peak. Strikingly, no rainfall is observed in August, making it a genuinely dry month for Sohar. Weather in August »

September witnesses a gradual disappearance of the intense summer heat. The weather begins to transition towards a more temperate climate as autumn makes its presence known. The city often records a monthly average high temperature of 34.1°C (93.4°F), a minor but noticeable decrease from August. Weather in September »

October accommodates a significant change in Sohar's weather dynamics. It exhibits a much more pleasant climate as the intensity of the summer heat wanes. The monthly average high temperature comfortably settles at 33°C (91.4°F), refining the city's weather profile. Weather in October »

November represents an anticipatory stage towards the colder winter months. The city's weather transitions towards a cooler and more agreeable atmosphere, significantly different from the preceding months’ heat canvas. A significant dip in the average high temperature to 29.5°C (85.1°F), compared to October's 33°C (91.4°F), is a clear marker. Weather in November »

December signals the onset of winter in Sohar. The weather turns much cooler, marking a stark contrast from the heat experienced just a few months prior. The city does get considerably cooler with the average high temperature dropping to 26.1°C (79°F) from the previous month’s 29.5°C (85.1°F). Weather in December »