How to plan a trip to Oman

From its ancient forts, bustling souks and grand mosques, to its dramatic dunes and pristine Arabian Sea beaches, Oman is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and culture vultures alike. To help you make the most of your vacation, here’s how to plan a trip to Oman.

When is the best time to visit Oman?

On balance, the best time to visit Oman is from October to April, a period that sees the country experience temperatures in the range of 68°F to 86°F (20 to 30°C) in the lowlands, with conditions cooler in the mountains.

This period is dry and sunny — perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, whether you’re planning to explore cities, hit hiking trails, soak up wadis, or bliss out on beaches.

It’s also worth highlighting that Salalah’s Khareef season (June to early September) transforms this Southern Oman area into a lush green oasis of misty hills and waterfalls.

Also note that summer in Oman (May to September) is scorchingly hot, which limits outdoor activities. At the same time, the mountains and Salalah remain cooler, so they’re worth considering at this time of year.

First-time visitor? Wise up with our Oman travel tips.

How many days do you need in Oman?

As a minimum we suggest considering Oman itineraries of at least five days. 

In that time, you could, for example cover the capital Muscat, visit Wadi Shab along the Muscat-Sur coastal road, explore Nizwa and Jebel Shams, and spend time in Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid.

Better, though if you can stretch to a week or ten days to allow more time in each destination, or else expand your trip horizon to also head to the coast to enjoy the likes of dolphin watching and snorkeling.

Deciding which regions of Oman to visit

Deciding which region/s to visit is the next step in your how to plan a trip to Oman journey.

Given that the best places to visit in Oman will depend on your interests, here’s a overview of destinations consider including in your Oman itinerary.

Muscat: best for coastal culture

Melding tradition and modernity, Muscat is quiet and clean, with beautiful white buildings hugging the coast. It also offers the perfect introduction to Oman’s hospitable culture, dramatic landscapes, and Islamic heritage.

On that subject, the city is especially famous for its Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the most beautiful in the Islamic world, no less, with a vast prayer hall and chandelier of shimmering Swarovski crystals. 

Meanwhile, music-lovers will be happy to hear that the elegant Royal Opera House Muscat showcases stunning Omani architecture and world-class performances at one fell swoop, and history lovers will adore Old Muscat, with its ceremonial Al Alam Palace.

The Mutrah Souq is another must-visit — it’s stacked with spices, silver and local crafts — while the Mutrah Corniche is a joy to stroll, thanks to its sea and mountain views. 

If that wasn’t enough, Muscat is also a gateway to adventure, with boat rides in the Gulf of Oman offering the chance to see dolphins and snorkel. 

In summary, there are plenty of reasons to visit Muscat!

Wahiba Sands: best for desert adventures

Stretching over 12,000 square kilometers of honey-colored dunes that rise and fall like waves, Wahiba Sands is a fantastic destination for those who fancy an authentic tdesert experience. 

For example, here you can stay in some of the best Oman accommodation — Bedouin-style camps at invite dune adventures by day and star-gazing by night.

Though remote, Wahiba Sands is easily accessible from Muscat (about a 3-hour drive), and can be paired with nearby Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most beautiful desert oases in Oman. 

Like the sound of remote adventures? Read up on wild camping in Oman.

Jebel Akhdar: best for hiking and luxury escapes 

Known as the “Green Mountain,” Jebel Akhdar — a stunning high-altitude region in the Hajar Mountains — provides a refreshing contrast to Oman’s deserts and beaches. 

Thanks to its cool mountain air, it’s also a favorite summer getaway for locals, and boasts some very luxurious eco-resorts.

Accessible only by 4x4, it rewards visitors with cooler temperatures, dramatic canyon views, and terraced orchards that bloom with pomegranates, peaches, and Damask roses in spring.

Hiking trails like the Wadi Bani Habib trail connect ancient stone villages and abandoned settlements — the village of Al Ayn is especially scenic.

Salalah: best for lush landscapes and Khareef magic

With its tropical coastline, misty mountains and seasonal monsoon rains, Salalah  — capital of Oman’s Dhofar region — offers a dramatic contrast to the rest of the country.

From June to September, the Khareef (monsoon) transforms the area into a lush green paradise with waterfalls, misty hills, and cooler weather attracting visitors from across the Arabian Peninsula. 

Highlights here include Wadi Darbat, where seasonal waterfalls cascade through verdant valleys, and Mughsail Beach, which is famous for its natural blowholes and cliffs. 

The region is also rich in history — it was the ancient center of the frankincense trade, as revealed through sites like Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Frankincense Land Museum. 

At the same time, Salalah’s coconut-fringed beaches, banana plantations and relaxed vibe make it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler escape. 

Nizwa: best for culture and mountains

Nestled at the base of the Hajar Mountains, Nizwa is one of Oman’s most historic and culturally significant cities.

Blending history and nature, it’s the perfect base for exploring Omani heritage and the dramatic landscapes of the interior, and can be reached in 1.5 to 2-hours from Muscat.

Nizwa is perhaps best known for its fort, a 17th-century masterpiece with a massive round tower and panoramic views of the surrounding oasis and date plantations, and its souq is one of the most authentic in Oman.

In addition, Nizwa is also a gateway to scenic mountain regions like Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams, where hikes, heritage villages, and rugged canyon views await.

How to get around Oman

Good news — getting around Oman is easy, thanks to it being a self-drive-friendly country. In fact, renting a car is the best way to explore its diverse landscapes — from desert to mountain to coast. 

Roads are generally excellent, signage is in English and Arabic, drivers are courteous, and fuel is inexpensive. 

For Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, and some remote wadis, note that 4x4 vehicles are essential. 

Don’t want to drive? Intercity buses (Mwasalat) connect major towns like Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah, and Sur, and domestic flights are useful for long distances (e.g. Muscat to Salalah). There’s no train network. 

For ease and local insights, consider booking guided organized day tours from Muscat. 

How to budget your trip

While Oman isn’t a budget destination, it offers great value for mid-range travelers, with accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses through to luxury desert camps and resorts. Check out a few options for a sense of what you need to budget for accommodation.

Car rental and fuel are also affordable, but 4x4s cost more (say, $60–$100/day).

Local meals at Omani or Indian restaurants are usually very cheap ($5–$10), while hotel dining and international cuisine are pricier (no surprise there!)

It’s also worth budgeting for a few organized tours — some activities (desert safaris, boat trips and canyoning) are best or only done with guides, and can cost $50–$150 a day.

Also budget for a few souvenirs, such a Frankincense, silver jewellery, pottery and khanjars, and look to tip 5–10% for services.

What are the average travel costs in Oman?

A one-week mid-range trip to Oman typically costs in the region of $1200–$1800 per person, excluding flights, and depending on the travel style and region/s visited. 

Here’s a breakdown of ballpark costs:

• Accommodation: it’ll cost around $500 to stay in 3-star hotels or guesthouses for a week.
• Car rental and fuel: this is likely to set you back $300-$500 across the week.
• Food: budget $150-$250 for a mix of local and upscale meals out.
• Entrance fees and tours: this is likely to total $150-$250 for the week. 

Safety in Oman

Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon. 

As a result, solo travelers, including women, generally feel safe walking in towns or driving between regions. That said, here are a few safety tips, and travel insurance is still recommended:

• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or religious sites.
• Avoid photographing people without permission.
• Desert and mountain travel requires preparation — bring water, GPS, and inform someone of your route.
• Road safety: Watch for occasional speed bumps, camels, and flash floods in wadis during rains.
• Political demonstrations are rare but avoid them if they occur.
• Oman has high health and hygiene standards. Tap water is usually safe in cities, and food safety is generally good. 

What to pack for Oman

Packing for Oman requires balancing modesty, comfort and adaptability to varied terrain and temperatures. Here’s handy checklist of what to pack to cover all that.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing 
• Long pants/skirts and tops with sleeves, for cultural respect
• Headscarf for women visiting mosques
• Swimwear (make this modest if visiting public beaches or wadis
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops for wadis and resorts
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack for hikes or city walks
• Scarf to protect from desert dust
• Light jacket or sweater for mountains or desert nights
• First-aid kit with insect repellent
• Travel adapter — Oman uses Type G plug
• Dry bag for phonesand cameras at wadis and beaches

Best things to do in Oman

Here are just some of the best things to do in Oman, all of which are worth considering including in your Oman itinerary.

Explore Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat: this is an exceptional architectural and cultural experience.

Shop in Mutrah Souq, Muscat: dive into the labyrinth of Mutrah Souq to buy frankincense, silver, and textiles while soaking up the scents and colors of Oman’s most vibrant market.

Camp in the Wahiba Sands: few things beat spending a night under the stars in the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, where you can also sandboard and enjoy traditional Omani meals.

Swim in Wadi Shab: a stunning gorge of turquoise pools, waterfalls, caves and palm groves.

Visit Nizwa Fort and Souq: after exploring the 17th-century fort, browse the souq for pottery, silverware, and fresh dates.

Hike Jebel Akhdar: the “Green Mountain” offers cool air, terraced villages, and dramatic canyon views, with rose gardens in bloom in April.

See blowholes at Mughsail beach: surrounded by cliffs and turquoise waves, this is one of the best coastal spots in Dhofar, especially during Khareef season.

Explore the Daymaniyat Islands: take a boat trip from Muscat to snorkel or dive this marine reserve.

Drive to Jebel Shams: Oman’s highest peak, Jebel Shams, offers breath-taking views of “The Grand Canyon of Arabia.” 

Relax in Salalah During Khareef: visit Salalah from June to September to witness the see monsoon transformation. Think misty hills, flowing waterfalls, and lush green valleys.

Things to know before you go 

Rounding off our guide to how to plan a trip to Oman, here are a few final thoughts on things to know before you go.

Visa requirements 

Good news — travelers from the UK and US can enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they have a return ticket, confirmed hotel booking, and health insurance. 

For longer stays (up to 30 days), you can apply online for an eVisa at evisa.rop.gov.om. Multiple-entry options are also available. 

Local customs

Oman is a traditional Muslim country with a relaxed but conservative culture. So, you should dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — especially in public places or rural areas. 

Women don’t need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. 

Public displays of affection, loud behavior, and alcohol consumption in public are culturally inappropriate and can lead to fines.

Lastly, always ask permission before photographing people, especially women.

Religious etiquette

Omanis are warm and welcoming, but it’s important to respect Islamic practices, especially during Ramadan (no eating or drinking in public during daylight). 

Remove shoes before entering a mosque and greet with the traditional “As-salaam alaikum” when appropriate.

Ready to visit? Check out our Oman itineraries for more inspiration while you plan your trip to Oman. Or, if you don't enjoy planning, contact our local Oman travel experts.