Low monsoon clouds gather above sea-facing mountains and plunging valleys in the south of Oman. Soon enough, the heavy mist turns into a gentle drizzle, transforming the rugged landscape into a thick tropical paradise, with gushing springs, lush pastures and cascading waterfalls. Running roughly from late June to early September, khareef (autumn) season in Salalah is a sight to behold and a sin to miss. But it’s far from being the only show in town. Oman’s second-largest city, and the capital of the fabled governorate of Dhofar, is steeped in seafaring heritage, tribal folklore and the earthy-sweet smell of frankincense. It’s also a gateway to Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest sea of sand dunes, with fiery orange sand, 300-metre cliffs and strong Arabian Nights vibes.
Fly to Salalah, Oman for:
Salalah’s history is one with that of frankincense trade. With its worth once equal to, or greater than, gold, the aromatic resin of Dhofar’s Boswellia trees was the ancient world's most precious commodity and the main driver of the region’s prosperity for thousands of years. As the capital of Dhofar, referred to as the ‘Land of Frankincense’ in the Book of Genesis, Salalah enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the 13th century, followed by gradual decline and a takeover by the Omani Sultanate in the 19th century. Follow the legendary Frankincense Trail along four UNESCO-recognised sites, including the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah, the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr, the ruins of the ancient fortified port city of Sumhuram at Khor Rori and the open-air Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Khareef Festival and beyond
Kick off your expedition with the unmistakable and unmissable Al Hosn Palace in Salalah’s Haffa district. The palace is home to the family of Salalah’s famous son, Sultan Qaboos Al Said, Oman’s much-adored ruler and the longest-serving leader in the Arab world at the time of his death. Although you won’t be allowed past the main gate, make sure to have a good look at it: both sides are adorned with the sultanate’s national emblem in black and gold, a khanjar (traditional dagger) inside its sheath against two crossed swords. Don’t miss the sultan’s namesake mosque, either. Overlooking the city centre, the majestic two-minaret masjid blends Arabic and modern architecture and welcomes both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors. If watching Dhofar turn into a pop-up jungle wasn’t thrilling enough, there’s the annual Khareef Festival, also known as the Salalah Tourist Festival, to up the ante. Usually held between 15 July to 31 August, the festivities not only celebrate the spectacular monsoon season but also Oman’s incredibly rich cultural and culinary heritage. Attracting over 600,000 visitors each year, from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and beyond, the festival is jam-packed with activities for all ages and interests, such as a heritage village for folklore arts and games across Omani regions, archaeological exhibitions, seminars, theatre performances and live concerts.
A haven for the culinary adventurous
A melting pot of regional cooking, the Khareef Festival offers ample opportunities to taste local cuisine at its most authentic. Watch Dhofari women make khubz lahooh, aka Dhofar’s answer to crêpes, and try the region’s flagship dish, muthbe. More of a cooking method than a single dish, the latter involves meat (typically chicken) seared on clean wadi stones over embers of fire, laid over rice once grilled to perfection. True gastro-mavericks should give ma’ajeen a try, a celebratory meal which consists of beef or camel strips, air-dried and fried into cubes of fat. Or hubshah, a sour soup of goat stomach and other internal organs. For the best catch the Indian Ocean has to offer, venture out to picturesque Mirbat to enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. Make sure to stop at the anti-gravity point en route.
Stock up on the ‘gift of God’ and treats to match
Luban (Omani frankincense) is widely referred to as the world’s highest-quality incense used for anything from welcoming guests through perfuming clothes to reducing anxiety. Its value varies by colour, clump size and oil concentration, with the most expensive variety being the silvery-hued hojari. The ‘gift of God’, by definition, makes for a perfect souvenir and can be found in abundance at Al Hosn Souq (also called the Frankincense Souq) on Sultan Qaboos street, right next to the late monarch’s palace. Grab an eye-catching majmar (incense burner) for the full experience. Hit Barka Sweets on the southern end of the souk for some halwa, aka sweet jelly spiced with saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water. For your everyday shopping needs, find Salalah Gardens Mall on Ar Rubat street.
Spend a day in the sun and a night under the moon
Salalah beaches are of the rare unspoilt variety, with smooth sand, azure waters and the occasional camel herd. If you only have time for one, make it Al Mughsail beach. A stretch of pristine white sand framed by dramatic cliffs, it’s ideal for a quick swim, sunbathing or a picnic lunch. While there, check out the nearby Marneef Cave for a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean and the Mughsail blowholes (natural fountains). Head north to reach the Empty Quarter for 650,000 square kilometres of utter uninterrupted beauty. There are several ways to enjoy the desert wilderness, including eight-hour sunset tours, overnight stays in a Bedouin camp, two-day cross-border offroads and visits to the lost city of Ubar, the ‘Atlantic of the Sands’. Whichever you go for, a skilled guide is mandatory.
Salalah weather
With the mercury well below 30°C, khareef season (from July to August) is the best time to visit the Dhofari capital. If you’re planning an activity-packed holiday in and around Salalah, your best bet are the winter months, from October to April, with plenty of sunshine and zero rain. If it’s peace and quiet you seek, however, schedule your Salalah trip for the end of the monsoon season. The weather is still balmy and the scenery breathtaking, minus the throngs of festival-goers and peak-season prices.
Salalah Airport
Salalah International Airport, located 10 kilometres northeast of Salalah’s city centre in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, is the country’s second-largest airport after Muscat International Airport. This key transport hub connects Salalah, known for its stunning beaches and lush green mountains, with regional and some intercontinental destinations. Passengers can enjoy a range of facilities, including Salalah Duty Free for last-minute shopping, various cafes, and eateries offering a wide selection of snacks. Having received the Skytrax 5-Star Regional Airport Rating, Salalah International Airport combines excellent management and service. This airport is an ideal starting point for exploring the southern region of Oman and its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The airport is accessible via Atin Road, with efficient bus services provided by Mwasalat, Oman’s national transport company. There are also options for car rental and taxi services are available. The recommended option is taking a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes.
FAQs for booking flights to Salalah
How to get cheap flights to to Salalah?
Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Salalah flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.
When is the best time to visit Salalah?
Famous for its unique climate in the entire Arabian Peninsula, Salalah is best visited during the Khareef season—from July to August. This period is when the monsoon changes the city into a lush, green oasis with cooler temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. It’s also a great time to visit due to the Salalah Tourism Festival taking place and for the sharp change in scenery.
However, for those seeking tranquillity and want to avoid the crowds, the post-monsoon season experiences pleasant weather and breathtaking landscapes without the inflated prices of the peak season. Outside the Khareef, winter—from October to April—is a great time to visit Salalah, when there is a lot of sun. The temperature is also mild, between 17°C and 35°C, and rain is a rarity, thus perfect for outdoor activities and engrossing oneself in local culture and natural beauty.
How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Salalah flight?
As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Salalah flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.
