The climate of Ar Rustaq
Ar Rustaq, situated in the Sultanate of
Oman, experiences a climate that falls under the Köppen classification BWh, also known as the Subtropical Desert Climate. An overarching feature of this climate zone is the low annual rainfall and high temperatures, largely due to its location in the subtropics.
Analyzing the climatological data, temperature patterns in Ar Rustaq reveal a trend of extreme heat during the summer months, typically peaking at about 39.1°C (102.4°F) in
June and further rising to 39°C (102.2°F) in
July. The lowest temperatures are seen in
January, ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Relative humidity is highest in
December and January, reaching 50% and 49% respectively, and it dips to its lowest in the month of
May at 23%.
Rainfall in Ar Rustaq is an infrequent event. Amounts peak at 18mm (0.71") in
August and are lowest at 1mm (0.04") in
September. The number of rainfall days per month also follows a similar pattern, being highest from July to August, with an above average of 7 days, and reaching the low point in September with just 1.6 days. Sunshine hours also fluctuate with the highest recorded at 13.6 hours in June and the lowest at 10.7 hours in December. Meanwhile, wind speed ranges from a minimum of 4.4km/h (2.7mph) in
November and a maximum of 7km/h (4.3mph) in June.
The best time to visit Ar Rustaq
Given the climatic conditions, the best time to visit
Ar Rustaq would be during the cooler months from
November to
February, when temperatures vary between 12°C (53.6°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F), providing a respite from the intense heat prevalent for most of the year.
This period also presents a reasonable time to explore this historic city, thanks to the warmer daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Moreover, the relative humidity is at its annual high, providing for improved comfort levels. The wind speeds also decrease during this period, averaging between 4.4km/h (2.7mph) and 4.6km/h (2.9mph), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Ar Rustaq
In sharp contrast to the cooler months, the period from
June to
August proves to be a challenging time to visit
Ar Rustaq. Daytime temperatures soar, often reaching above 39°C (102.2°F). Despite the significant sunshine hours, the extreme heat during these months makes outdoor activities and sightseeing relatively uncomfortable.
The relative humidity, although rising to 28-33%, does little to mitigate the intense heat. The wind speeds are also at their annual maximum, averaging up to 7km/h (4.3mph) in June, further complicating conditions for outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Ar Rustaq
Spring weather in
Ar Rustaq, encompassing
March,
April, and
May, is characterized by rising temperatures starting from 28.3°C (82.9°F) in March to 36.8°C (98.2°F) in May. The relative humidity drops significantly during these months, from 34% down to a minimum of 23% in May, one of the lowest recorded through the year.
During this period, rainfall is also scant, ranging from 8mm (0.31") in March to as low as 8mm (0.31") again in May. However, the city experiences increased sunshine hours, reaching an impressive 13.3 hours a day in May, coupled with a substantial amount of sunny days.
Summer weather in Ar Rustaq
Summers in
Ar Rustaq, spanning
June through
August, are characterized by extremely high temperatures, regularly peaking between 36.8°C (98.2°F) and 39°C (102.2°F). This season also records the lowest relative humidity of 25% to 33%.
The rainfall during these sweltering months is slightly higher than other periods, marking numbers between 13mm (0.51") in
July and 18mm (0.71") in August. Despite the high temperatures, there are 13.6 hours of daylight in June, the most throughout the year.
Autumn weather in Ar Rustaq
Autumn in
Ar Rustaq runs from
September through
November. Temperature-wise, this season experiences a gradual decline from 36°C (96.8°F) in September to 26.3°C (79.3°F) by November. During this season, rainfall is irregular with a significant reduction noted from 18mm (0.71") in
August to just 1mm (0.04") in September.
Despite the declining temperatures, the extended daylight hours starting at 12.3 hours in September and ending at 11 hours by November prove advantageous for outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Ar Rustaq
During the winter months of
December through
February, temperatures in
Ar Rustaq are relatively lower, ranging dramatically from a low of 12°C (53.6°F) to a high of 24.1°C (75.4°F). Rainfall during these months is fairly moderate, hitting 6mm (0.24") in
January and February. The relative humidity during winter reaches its peak at 50% in December and 49% in February, representing the highest annual mark.
Despite the lower temperatures, there remains ample daylight with approximately 10.7 to 11.4 hours, ensuring plenty of opportunities for exploring the city's attractions. The lower wind speed also adds to the comfort during this season.
Weather in January
In
January, the weather in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, is typically characterized by fair temperatures and a moderate amount of cloud cover. With the pressure standing at 1017.5mb, skies stay largely clear while daytime temperatures range between 12°C (53.6°F) and 22°C (71.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, sees an incremental rise in temperatures compared to
January, while the relative humidity drops to 44%. As temperatures mop up from 14°C (57.2°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F), the daylight hours stretch to 11.4, with 9.4 hours abundant in sunlight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Come
March, and the weather in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, takes a notable shift, gradually warming up while also bearing slightly increased rainfall. The temperatures navigate 17.7°C (63.9°F) up to 28.3°C (82.9°F), marking the beginning of noticeable heat in the area.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April descends on
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, one can expect a marked escalation in temperatures and a reduction in relative humidity. With a significant range in temperatures from 22°C (71.6°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F), April stands out for the high levels of atmospheric heat.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, experiences a complex blend of weather elements in
May, with a distinct leap in temperature and an accompanying drop in humidity figures. Temperatures fluctuating from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F) combined with a UV index of 8 underpin the escalating intensity of the sun.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, peaks to summer heights in
June, setting the scene with amplified sunlight and amplified temperatures. The average maximum wind gust intensity this month elevates to 10.1km/h (6.3mph), a figure not exceeded in any other month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents itself as a slightly cooler respite amid the summer months in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman. Despite the amplified rainfall averaging at 13mm (0.51"), the moisture barely makes a dent in the prevailing heat. The climb down from July to
August sees a minor alleviation from the heat even when the cloud cover rises.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August establishes itself as another month reflecting summer's full throttle in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman. The highest recorded humidity levels of the year, at 33%, come into play this month. The change towards
September bears mostly consistent weather patterns, albeit with reduced rainfall incidents.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, presents an interesting contrast between gradually falling temperatures and declining rainfall. Notably, the lowest rainfall of the year occurs this month, standing at just 1mm (0.04"). A taper in temperatures resonates through the transition from September to
October, along with increased cloud cover.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather during
October in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, marks a shift towards the city's cooler months, with falling temperatures and a relative increase in rainfall. With a substantially improved visibility of 10km (6.2mi) throughout the month, the cityscape views are exceptionally vivid.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November weather in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, demonstrates the city's transit into winter, establishing lower temperatures and a hint of an increased downpour. As temperatures take a dip from 17°C (62.6°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F), the weather begins to feel significantly cooler.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December signifies the dawn of winter in
Ar Rustaq,
Oman, exhibiting even cooler temperatures and marginally higher cloud cover. The barometric pressure increases back up to its yearly high of 1017.2mb, bringing consistency to the weather pattern.
Weather in December » [Resources]