Heavy rain, flash flooding and an unusually sharp cold snap have put Muscat and large parts of northern Oman under weather alerts in late December 2025, prompting local authorities to issue safety warnings and disrupt travel at one of the Gulf’s most popular winter sun destinations.

While Oman remains open to visitors, tourists are being urged to monitor official advisories closely, reconsider desert and mountain excursions and prepare for conditions that are far cooler and wetter than the country’s typical dry, mild winter norm.

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What Is Behind the Current Weather Alerts

Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which oversees meteorology and aviation safety, has issued a series of weather warnings this month linked to a western low pressure trough and a subsequent cold air mass affecting much of the Sultanate.

The system has delivered bands of moderate to heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms to northern governorates, including Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, the Batinah coast and the Hajar Mountains, with rainfall totals locally exceeding 60 millimetres in 24 hours in some monitoring stations.

Muscat has also seen persistent downpours and gusty winds unusual for late December.

According to summaries published by the CAA’s National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, alerts issued from mid December through the week of December 18 highlighted the risk of flash floods in valleys and low lying areas, rough seas along the Sea of Oman coast and rapidly changing wind patterns.

Southeasterly winds ahead of the system have given way to brisk northwesterlies, a shift that typically ushers in drier but markedly colder conditions across the country.

Meteorologists say this transition is now delivering the first significant cold wave of the season, with temperatures dropping steeply from the capital to the mountain plateaus.

The Oman News Agency reported on December 27 that authorities in Muscat Governorate were still working to manage the impacts of earlier heavy rains, including overflowing wadis, stranded motorists and temporary road closures.

Officials stressed that further showers remain possible in the northern governorates as the system weakens and moves away, and they have urged residents and visitors alike to stay alert to updated forecasts as the New Year holiday period approaches.

How Muscat and Key Tourist Areas Are Affected

Muscat, usually dry and pleasantly warm at this time of year, has experienced widespread rainfall, pooling water and intermittent disruption to road traffic, particularly in low lying neighbourhoods and near wadi crossings.

The Royal Oman Police have reported closures and traffic controls on some key routes, including the Bausher Al Amerat hill road, as crews work to clear debris and pump standing water.

While main urban arteries and the Muscat Expressway have remained largely passable, journeys are taking longer and authorities are discouraging unnecessary driving during periods of intense rain.

Beyond the capital, conditions have been more severe in the far northern Musandam Peninsula and interior areas north and west of Muscat. Local media have documented overflow in several wadis and streams following heavy rain in the wilayats of Khasab and Bukha, with moderate rainfall in Dibba and Madha.

Police and civil defence units have carried out rescues of people stranded in vehicles and homes close to wadis, though officials have emphasised that, as of the latest reports, there have been no deaths linked to the current episode in Muscat Governorate.

Southern and central tourist hubs such as Salalah and the Empty Quarter desert have so far seen much less impact from this particular system, but unsettled weather and cooler temperatures are expected in some of these areas as the cold air mass spreads.

Domestic tour operators say they are adjusting itineraries away from exposed wadis and mountain tracks at short notice and, where necessary, postponing camping and off road excursions until ground conditions stabilise.

Cold Temperatures: What Visitors Should Expect

Alongside the heavy rain, the most striking change for visitors is the rapid fall in temperatures, especially at night. The CAA has warned that the first cold wave of the season, tied to the incoming cold air mass, will bring a “significant and noticeable” temperature drop across most governorates.

In Muscat, forecast minimums have fallen toward the upper teens Celsius, a marked shift from the low to mid 20s typical at the start of the month. For tourists arriving from colder climates, daytime conditions may still feel comfortable, but evenings and early mornings are now distinctly cool on the coast and outright cold inland.

In higher altitude areas, the change is even more dramatic. On the Saiq plateau of Jabal Akhdar, one of Oman’s flagship mountain destinations, meteorological data indicate that values have dropped close to freezing, with night time readings near 2 degrees Celsius following earlier lows of around 6 degrees.

Northern interior cities such as Ibri and Haima are also seeing double digit drops over a matter of days, with minimums slipping toward 10 to 11 degrees Celsius.

These figures fall well below what many tourists expect in the Arabian Peninsula, and authorities are advising residents and visitors to prepare appropriate clothing and heating, particularly for children, older people and those camping outdoors.

In practical terms, travellers should now pack as they would for a cool Mediterranean winter rather than a tropical beach break. Lightweight down jackets, sweaters, closed shoes and rain resistant outer layers are all advisable, especially for anyone planning trips to the mountains, desert plateaus or coastal camping spots.

Some hotels and guesthouses in the interior, which are used to mild winter nights, are reminding guests that indoor temperatures can feel chilly without proper layers, even if heating is available.

Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns

The current alerts have not led to a nationwide shutdown, and Oman’s international airports, including Muscat International, remain operational. However, heavy rain and reduced visibility have the potential to delay flights, particularly at smaller regional airports or during the most intense downpours and dust laden wind shifts.

Travellers transiting through Muscat are being advised by local carriers and agents to check flight statuses regularly and allow extra connection time where possible.

On the roads, the principal risk is flash flooding in wadis that cross or run alongside highways. Oman’s landscape channels rainfall rapidly from mountain slopes into narrow valleys, meaning that even brief, localized storms can send sudden torrents of water across otherwise dry crossings.

Authorities repeatedly warn drivers not to attempt to cross flowing wadis, a message that has been reinforced in public statements after several rescues during this month’s storms.

Reduced visibility in blowing dust and spray, and the risk of rockfalls on mountain roads such as those to Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar, are additional concerns.

Maritime conditions have also deteriorated at times, with sea states along the Sea of Oman and around Musandam rising to between roughly 2 and 3.5 metres under some alerts. Leisure cruises, dolphin watching trips and dhow excursions, particularly from ports such as Khasab, are subject to last minute cancellation or rescheduling when winds strengthen or thunderstorms are near.

The CAA and coastguard strongly discourage small craft and recreational boating during active warnings, and visitors are urged to follow operators’ guidance rather than press ahead with planned outings in marginal conditions.

How Authorities Are Responding

Oman’s authorities have presented a coordinated response involving the Civil Aviation Authority, the Royal Oman Police, municipal bodies and the Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance.

The Oman News Agency reports that the operations centre in Muscat alone handled dozens of weather related incidents over a 24 hour period, including stranded motorists and flooded underpasses. Rescue teams successfully evacuated more than 50 people from vehicles and properties cut off by rising water, underlining both the severity of localised flooding and the capacity of emergency services to respond quickly.

Traffic patrols are being deployed to monitor major routes, redirect vehicles away from submerged sections and enforce temporary closures on high risk roads such as hill passes when visibility or surface conditions deteriorate. Municipal teams are working to pump accumulated rainwater from key junctions and residential areas, clear storm drains and remove rocks and debris washed onto carriageways. Public communications emphasize that, while disruption is inevitable during intense rainfall, Oman has invested significantly in flood mitigation measures around Muscat, including new dams and channelling infrastructure designed to reduce long term risk.

Meteorologists at the CAA continue to provide regular updates through official bulletins, local media and social platforms, specifying the governorates most at risk and the expected timing of hazardous conditions. Alerts typically highlight the dual threats of flash floods and high seas, and they recommend that people avoid low lying areas, stay away from flowing wadis, and delay non essential travel during peak periods of rain. Tourists, who may not be familiar with the speed at which conditions can change in arid mountain environments, are being encouraged to rely on these official channels rather than informal social media posts when making decisions about day trips.

What Tourists Should Do Now

For visitors currently in Oman or arriving in the coming days, the core message from authorities and local tourism operators is to stay flexible, informed and realistic about what is safely possible under the prevailing conditions. City based activities in Muscat, such as visiting museums, the Royal Opera House, markets and shopping centres, largely continue with caution, although some outdoor cultural events may be postponed during heavy downpours. Hotel concierges and tour desks are closely monitoring updates and can advise on the status of popular attractions, including coastal promenades and public beaches where surf conditions may be rough and access temporarily restricted.

Travelers with plans to visit mountain or wadi destinations, such as Jabal Shams, Jabal Akhdar, Wadi Bani Khalid or Wadi Shab, should be prepared for last minute itinerary changes. Tour companies are likely to cancel excursions if forecasts point to thunderstorms or if access roads are compromised. Independent travellers are urged to take the same conservative approach, avoiding off road driving in remote areas and not venturing into narrow canyon wadis where water levels can rise suddenly and with little warning. Desert camps may also alter check in and check out times or transport arrangements to avoid the worst of the weather.

Those yet to travel to Oman do not currently face a blanket government travel ban, but it is prudent to check the latest foreign travel advisories issued by one’s home country and to confirm with airlines and accommodation providers. Travel insurance policies that cover weather related disruption and trip changes can offer additional reassurance. For many visitors, the weather pattern may mean adjusting expectations rather than cancelling outright, swapping some outdoor trekking and canyoning for cultural sightseeing, indoor experiences and shorter, carefully timed excursions between showers.

FAQ

Q1: Is Oman closed to tourists because of the heavy rain and cold weather?
Oman remains open to international visitors, and there is no nationwide travel ban in place. However, local authorities have issued weather warnings for heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds in several northern governorates, and certain roads, wadis and outdoor attractions may be temporarily closed or unsafe during peak conditions.

Q2: How serious are the floods and are tourists at risk in Muscat?
Muscat has experienced significant rainfall, leading to overflowing wadis, stranded vehicles and temporary closures on some roads, but emergency services have been able to manage the impacts and there have been no reported fatalities from the latest episode in the capital. Tourists are at greatest risk if they attempt to drive through flooded wadis or ignore official road closures, so following police instructions and avoiding low lying areas is essential.

Q3: Will my flight to or from Muscat be cancelled?
Airports in Oman, including Muscat International, are operating, but heavy rain or reduced visibility can cause delays or occasional diversions. International schedules have largely continued, and widespread cancellations have not been reported, yet travellers should monitor airline updates closely and allow extra time for airport transfers in case of traffic disruption.

Q4: How cold will it actually feel for visitors?
Along the coast, including Muscat, daytime temperatures are still generally mild, but night time values have dropped toward the high teens Celsius, which can feel cool with wind and damp air. In the mountains and some interior regions, night temperatures are near or just above freezing, so visitors heading to Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams or desert plateaus should expect genuinely cold conditions after dark.

Q5: Is it safe to visit wadis and go canyoning during this period?
Authorities strongly advise against entering wadis, narrow gorges and canyoning routes when rain is forecast or when upstream areas have recently seen showers, because flash floods can occur with little warning. Even if conditions appear calm at the trailhead, water levels can rise rapidly, so visitors should postpone such activities until weather alerts have been lifted and local guides confirm that it is safe.

Q6: Are mountain roads like those to Jabal Akhdar still open?
Access to major mountain areas can be restricted temporarily during intense rainfall or when rockfalls and poor visibility make driving hazardous. Police checkpoints control entry to steep roads such as the ascent to Jabal Akhdar, and four wheel drive vehicles are mandatory in some sections. Travellers should check with local authorities or accommodation providers before setting out and be prepared for possible closures or delays.

Q7: What should I pack if I am travelling to Oman in the coming days?
In addition to usual warm weather clothing, visitors should bring a waterproof or water resistant jacket, a warm sweater or fleece, long trousers, closed shoes and, for mountain or desert trips, a hat, gloves and a light insulated layer. An umbrella can be useful in Muscat and coastal towns, though wind may limit its effectiveness during heavier squalls.

Q8: How can I stay informed about changing weather conditions while in Oman?
The most reliable information comes from official channels, including bulletins from the Civil Aviation Authority and announcements carried by national and local media. Many hotels and tour operators relay these updates to guests, and travellers can also monitor broadcast and digital news for the latest advisories and governorate specific warnings.

Q9: Does travel insurance cover disruptions from this kind of weather?
Coverage varies by policy, but many comprehensive travel insurance plans include benefits for trip interruption, delayed departures or missed connections caused by severe weather. Travellers should read their policy documents carefully, note any exclusions related to known events and contact their insurer or agent if they need to adjust plans or file a claim.

Q10: Should I postpone or cancel my holiday to Muscat and northern Oman?
Whether to delay a trip depends on personal risk tolerance, planned activities and travel dates. For visitors whose itineraries focus on outdoor adventures in wadis and high mountains in the immediate term, postponement may be sensible. Those planning primarily city based sightseeing, cultural experiences and short coastal stays may still be able to enjoy their visit by staying flexible, following official guidance and accepting that some excursions could be curtailed or rescheduled due to the weather.