Salalah, a city on the southern coast of Oman, is especially famous for its Khareef season, which takes place between June and September each year. Khareef is the Arabic word for autumn, but in this jewel of a region the word takes on a very special meaning – in Salalah the Khareef brings tropical monsoon rains, which turn the rugged coastline and mountains into a lush swathe of greenery on the edge of the Arabian desert.
Travellers from all across Oman, the Gulf and much further afield flock to Salalah during the Khareef season to witness this transformation, but did you know just how stunning this region is during the rest of the year? The unique draw of the monsoon rains doesn’t just bring stunningly verdant vistas – they also bring huge numbers of tourists and higher prices at hotels and attractions. Visiting Salalah at other times of the year can ensure a more sedate holiday as well as being kinder to your budget, but never fear, there’s still plenty to do and see in this gorgeous coastal city. Here are some ideas for a truly unforgettable trip to Salalah at any time of year!
Sightseeing in the city
One of the architectural highlights of the city of Salalah, and well worth a visit, is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Its towering white minarets and two domes decorated with gold will guide you to the mosque from miles away, while the interior of the compound is no less impressive – a large central courtyard, ornate lanterns and decorative walls show off the best of modern Omani architecture.
Stunning Omani beaches
Salalah’s beaches are world-leading at any time of year – crystal clear waters, palm trees, and the occasional herd of camels to keep you company in paradise! We’d definitely recommend visiting outside of the Khareef season if you’re a beach lover – the rest of the year promises endless sunshine and warm temperatures.
If you should get bored of lounging and swimming, there’s the Al Mughsail blowholes and the nearby Al Marneef caves to explore. Apart from the stunning Al Mughsail beach, some of your other options include the beautiful beaches of Al Fazayah, Al Haffa and Ad Dahariz.
Take a boat trip and look for dolphins!
The waters of the Arabian Sea around Salalah are teeming with aquatic life including dolphins, porpoises and whales, and one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Oman is a dolphin-watching boat trip! October to April is the perfect time to spot dolphins, and some trips include snorkelling and taking in the sunset too.
If you do go dolphin-watching, make sure that you book your trip through a certified and reputable operator who ensures the welfare of the dolphins and their habitat – turning boat engines off if dolphins or whales are close by is a must, and attracting dolphins by feeding them, littering, and forced human interactions with the dolphins are all to be avoided.
Discover the wonder that is frankincense
One of the most luxurious Omani products to experience on your trip is luban, which you may know as frankincense! This precious resin of the Boswellia Sacra tree produces an intoxicating aroma when burned and has an impressive collection of health and wellness properties. We at Pink Jinn absolutely adore frankincense, and as well as our pure frankincense resin, it features in our Sacra healing salve and Salalah natural oil perfume.
For thousands of years, Oman has produced the highest quality frankincense in the world, and Salalah is home to the Land of Frankincense Museum, which celebrates the history of luban and the luban trade in Oman. The museum makes for a perfect dose of culture when you need a break from all that glorious beach time! If you’d like to learn more about frankincense and how to use it at home, don’t miss our step-by-step guide.
Explore ancient forts and castles near Salalah
Another unmissable trip while you’re in Salalah is a visit to the many ancient forts and ruins across the Dhofar Governorate.
Home to the archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site at Al Balid, as well as the ruins of the fortified town of Sumhuram, Mirbat Fort and Taqah Castle, archaeologists and culture vultures alike will be spoilt for choice!
Shop until you drop at Haffa Souq
Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you’ll want to buy at Haffa Souq, which is famous for its frankincense shops, but also sells an abundance of perfumes, traditional clothing, handicrafts, gold and silver jewellery, and a wealth of other souvenirs.
Give your taste buds a treat with a Yemeni feast
Thanks to its proximity to Yemen, the Dhofar region has particularly strong links with its neighbour and historically has had a high degree of cultural crossover. With many Yemenis living in and around Salalah, it’s the perfect place to get a taste of incredible Yemeni cuisine.
You can’t miss mandi, of course, the Yemeni national dish of chicken or lamb with spiced rice. Accompany it with enormous rounds of rashoush bread straight from the oven, fresh salads with parsley and sumac, some shafoot, a tangy and spicy yoghurt dish, a pot of deeply flavoursome fahsa lamb stew, and to round off the meal, why not have some sweet tea and areeka, a deliciously rich and comforting Yemeni dessert made with bread, dates, cream and honey.
Relax and recharge in the lap of luxury
You won’t be short of places to stay on your trip to Salalah, and if you’re visiting outside of the Khareef season you’ll be able to benefit from off-peak prices at most hotels. If you’re looking for luxury, Salalah delivers in a big way.
Our top picks are the beautiful luxury resorts of Alila Hinu Bay in Mirbat, and the Al Baleed Anantara resort in the centre of Salalah. These gorgeous resorts have it all – private villas with their own pools, luxurious spa facilities featuring Omani products and locally sourced luban, and cocktail menus to die for.
In short, no matter what time of year you’re planning to visit, don’t miss Salalah! Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or even solo, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do during your stay outside of the Khareef season. With something for nature lovers, dedicated beach bums, hardcore foodies and Indiana Jones wannabes alike, Salalah is a holiday you’ll never forget!
For more about Oman, have a read of these posts:
Misfat Al Abriyeen: A Peaceful Oasis in Oman’s Hajar Mountains
The Daymaniyats: Arabian Island Paradise