Muscat – The summer solstice, which marks the official beginning of astronomical summer, will occur on Saturday, June 21, the Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has confirmed. The event coincides with the onset of the much-anticipated Khareef (monsoon) season in the Dhofar governorate.

The solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. In Oman, it also signals the start of the annual khareef phenomenon that transforms Dhofar into a lush green landscape, attracting thousands of visitors from within the sultanate and across the region.

The Oman Space and Astronomical Society noted that on this day, the sun will be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, ushering in intense summer heat in most parts of the country – while the southern region experiences cooling monsoon rains.

The khareef season, which typically lasts until September, is a vital period for tourism in Salalah and surrounding areas, known for their misty hills, flowing wadis, and mild weather. Authorities have already begun preparations to welcome an influx of tourists, with efforts focused on traffic management, accommodation readiness, and enhanced public services across Dhofar