A gulf city that’s known for its lush green landscapes and heavy rainfall? Sounds fictional, right? Well, it’s not. It’s very real and it’s called Salalah – a literal oasis on the southern coast of Oman.
Situated in the Sultanate’s Dhofar region, Salalah is known for its monsoon season, known as the khareef, when the desert landscape turns completely green. And the Fall is the perfect time to visit. As opposed to Dubai, where temperatures soar to the high 40s during the hot summer months, Salalah remains cool and often, even rainy.
It’s a microclimate phenomenon that’s impossible to find anywhere on the Arabian Peninsula. Temperatures drop to a cool 20-25 degrees when the moisture from Indian Ocean condenses and brings a misty drizzle to the region. This is why Sultanate is hands down Oman’s best kept secret.
At the moment it’s just Oman’s Gulf neighbours who are heading to the desert oasis, but it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world finds out.
Salalah is known for its diverse typography. Whether it’s natural water springs, waterfalls, or long stretches of wild beaches, the region is a dream to visit during khareef.
Whether you’re into hiking or just want to take in the verdant views, Wadi Darbat is the place to go. This is where you’ll find endless waterfalls. And if you’re looking for a totally isolated beach trip, head over to Al Mughsail Beach, a wide stretch of white sand fringed with limestone cliffs where you can take in the stunning views.
You can also take a stroll around the ruins of the Al-Baleed Archaeological site, an ancient port and a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history—worth a visit even outside of the monsoon season.
