Oman occupies the South-Eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula.
It borders Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the
West, the Republic of Yemen in the South , the Strait of Hormuz
in the North and the Arabian Sea in the East. It is the third
largest country in the Arabian Peninsula with a land area of
309,500 sq. km.
Oman is a land of dramatic geographical contrasts. The coastline
that extends more that 1700 km overlooks three seas – the
Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Oman has a range of
climate conditions due to tits diverse geography. The monsoon
season, June to September affects part of the Dhofar in the
South to give the area a more moderate climate where
temperatures rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius. After the monsoon
rains the mountains and coastal plain are green and fertile with
attractive waterfalls, streams and rivers. This climate is
perfect for the growth of frankincense, coconuts, fruits and
vegetables.
The interior of the country is hot and dry. In summer the
temperatures soar to forties. The mountains are generally
cooler. Saiq, Oman’s highest village on Jebal Akhdar, has the
lowest temperatures and receives the heaviest amount of
rainfall. Muscat, hot and humid in the summer average
temperatures of 41 degrees, in winter 20 – 30 degrees. The best
months to visit the country are October to April when the winter
temperatures hover delightfully in the twenties. During the
summer months the monsson brings mild and moderate weather to
Dhofar region that makes it popular with visitors.
