Friday 20 / June / 2025
Muscat: The Khareef (monsoon) 2025 season in Dhofar will officially begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, 2025 affecting the coastal wilayats of the governorate—from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east—due to the onset of seasonal winds and cloud formations flowing in from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The season will continue until September 21.
The Khareef is renowned for its cloudy, drizzly weather and moderate temperatures, especially in the elevated mountainous areas, which are often blanketed in mist and light rain. This unique climate transforms Dhofar into a stunning green landscape, making it a top destination for both local and international tourists.
Throughout the season, water flow in the governorate’s natural springs increases, with many becoming popular attractions, including Razat, Hamran, Jarziz, Sahalnoot, and Tabraq springs. Seasonal waterfalls like Darbat, Athum, Khor, Gogob, and Al-Hoota also flourish, depending on rainfall levels.
Dhofar’s natural and historical landmarks—including its diverse coastal, agricultural, mountainous, and desert environments—draw significant attention. Its UNESCO-listed sites, such as Al-Baleed and Samharam archaeological parks, the Land of Frankincense Museum, and ancient forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, are popular attractions. The region also boasts dreamy beaches, scenic lagoons, and nature reserves that offer sanctuary to rare wildlife and endangered ecosystems.
During the Khareef, Salalah’s shopping centres and markets experience high activity, especially in stores selling traditional Omani products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery, Omani sweets, and local cuisine.
The Salalah Plain also produces a rich variety of tropical fruits, with coconut (nargil), bananas, papayas, and sugarcane being the most popular. In anticipation of the influx of tourists, both public and private sectors prepare annually to provide convenient services and facilities, especially with several regional airlines announcing direct seasonal flights to Salalah Airport.
Notably, Dhofar welcomed over 1.006 million visitors during the 2024 Khareef season—a 9% increase from 2023—with total visitor spending estimated at 120 million Omani rials, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
