Salalah – The khareef season begins on Sunday, ushering in cooler temperatures, mist-covered mountains and seasonal rains that transform Dhofar into one of the region’s most popular tourism destinations.

The season will continue till September 21, with monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean bringing clouds, drizzle and rain across the governorate’s coastal areas, stretching from Dhalkut to Mirbat.

The change in weather lowers temperatures and blankets mountainous areas in fog, while seasonal rains turn hillsides and plains green, drawing visitors from across Oman and neighbouring countries.

Water flow increases significantly in several natural springs during the season, including Razat, Hamran, Jarziz, Sahlnut and Tabraq. Seasonal waterfalls such as Darbat, Athum, Kur, Jujab and Al Hawta also attract large numbers of tourists, with their flow dependent on rainfall levels.

Dhofar offers a range of attractions spanning mountains, beaches, deserts and agricultural areas. The governorate is also home to several sites linked to the Unesco-listed Land of Frankincense, including Al Balid Archaeological Park, Sumhuram Archaeological Site, Wadi Dawkah and the ancient site of Ubar.

Historic forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah, along with nature reserves, beaches and lagoons, add to Dhofar’s appeal during the season.

The season also boosts commercial activity as demand rises for local products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery and Omani sweets. Restaurants serving traditional Omani cuisine see increased business from visitors.

The Salalah plain is known for its agricultural produce, particularly coconuts, bananas, papayas and sugarcane, which are closely associated with the governorate’s farming heritage.

According to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, more than 1.07mn visitors travelled to Dhofar during the 2025 khareef season, an increase of 2.1% compared to 2024 and 11.3% higher than in 2023.

Visitor spending reached about RO125mn in 2025, up from RO121mn in 2024 and RO103mn in 2023, reflecting the growing economic importance of the annual tourism season.