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Annual rainfall in Muscat averages 10 cm (4 in), falling mostly in January. Dhofar is subject to the southwest monsoon, and rainfall up to 64 cm (25 in) has been recorded in the rainy season from late June to October. The climate generally is very hot, with temperatures reaching 54°C (129°F) in the hot season, from May to September. Climate
Oman’s climate varies considerably with the different regions, but sunny blue skies and warm temperatures can be expected most of the year. The best time to visit Oman is in winter, between October and April, when temperatures average between 25°C and 35°C during the day and about 18°C at night.
The north is hot and humid during the summer, with temperatures reaching 48°C during the day in June and July, and averaging about 32°C at night. Humidity can rise to an uncomfortable 90%. The mean summer temperature in Muscat is 33°C, but the ‘gharbi’ (western) wind from the Rub Al Khali can raise coastal town temperatures by another 6°C to 10°C.
The interior is usually hotter than the coastal area, often reaching 50°C in the shade. In the mountains, night temperatures can fall to -1°C with a light dusting of snow!
Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly between November and March. Average annual rainfall in the Muscat area is 75mm, while rainfall in the mountains can be as high as 700mm.
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