While most of the Arabian Peninsula bakes under scorching summer heat, Dhofar transforms into an unexpected tropical paradise during the Khareef season from June to September. The dramatic weather shift sees temperatures drop significantly while the rest of the Gulf swelters, creating a cool and fragrant atmosphere with peaceful drizzle. Here are 15 compelling ways to experience this remarkable monsoon miracle in Oman’s southern region.
Wadi Darbat waterfalls
Since 2018, the waterfall in Wadi Darbat has become a year-round natural wonder, offering a continuous cascade that captivates visitors throughout all seasons. During Khareef, this stunning valley transforms into something magical. The lush green valley near Taqah becomes renowned for its seasonal waterfalls and stunning mountain vistas, transforming into a verdant paradise ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Surrounded by grazing camels and flowing streams, visitors can enjoy boating on the seasonal lake. The zipline adds adventure for thrill-seekers.
Al Mughsayl blowholes
The tiny village of Mughsail offers superlative views down the coast, with a long white-sand beach backed by the dramatic limestone mass of the Jebel al Qamar plunging sheer into the sea. The blowholes comprise three small holes in the rock through which jets of seawater shoot into the air, particularly impressive during the khareef when they spout plumes of mist into the cool air.
The contrast between the white limestone cliffs and the emerald sea creates postcard-perfect moments. And the sound of rushing water through rock feels almost prehistoric.
Jebel Samhan mountain adventures
Jebel Samhan, one of Dhofar’s most prominent mountain ranges, offers spectacular vistas and rises to an elevation of 1,700 meters. It’s also a sanctuary for the Arabian leopard, making it a focal point for conservation efforts in the region. The mountain provides breathtaking panoramic views during the misty monsoon season.
If you’re lucky, you might glimpse the elusive Arabian leopard. The winding roads through cloud-covered peaks offer some of the most dramatic drives in the Middle East.
Salalah Tourism Festival
This is an essential cultural activity in the Khareef season, primarily celebrated in Salalah, marking the monsoon onset and highlighting the cultural assets of Dhofar. The season features international shows, some of which are being presented for the first time in Oman and globally.
Attin Square hosts one of the world’s largest inflatable play cities, low-emission fireworks, drone shows, and folklore performances from 18 countries. Local markets showcase products from Omani entrepreneurs alongside traditional crafts.
Ayn Athum natural springs
Ayn Athum offers a serene natural spring surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil setting to soak in the beauty of Dhofar’s landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the best waterfalls in Salalah or creating a full Khareef travel itinerary, Ayn Athum is a must-visit waterfall in Oman.
The short hike to reach the cascading waters feels like discovering a hidden oasis. Crystal clear pools reflect the surrounding green hills during the monsoon season.
Al Baleed Archaeological Park
— Photo by Dynamoland
Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a key site in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Land of Frankincense, where visitors can walk through ancient ruins and visit the Museum of the Frankincense Land to learn about Salalah’s historic role in the incense trade. The archaeological cities of Samharam and Al Baleed represent a unique model of ancient port cities that flourished on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
The combination of history and monsoon mist creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Ancient trade routes come alive when surrounded by the season’s ethereal beauty.
Beach exploration
The large, pristine coast in Dhofar offers white sand beaches in the Arabian Sea, with high tides during the monsoon season. Fazayah Beach and Taqah Beach provide pristine stretches of sandy shore, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the refreshing Arabian Sea breeze.
Some beaches are hidden and accessible only through guided tours. The dramatic waves during Khareef create a completely different coastal experience than other seasons.
Frankincense heritage trail
Dhofar is intrinsically linked to the tale of frankincense, with the Frankincense Land Museum in Salalah and the ancient ruins of Al Baleed offering insights into the significance of this aromatic resin. The region was historically the world’s primary source of this precious commodity.
Walking ancient frankincense routes during the cool monsoon weather brings history to life. Not great for avoiding the crowds, though.
Wadi hiking adventures
The mountains offer many trails that lead visitors through lush valleys and up steep slopes, with the Wadi Darbat hike taking visitors through a stunning valley filled with waterfalls, lush greenery, and wildlife. Multiple wadis become accessible during the wet season with flowing water.
- Wadi Hinna features rare Baobab trees, creating an African-inspired landscape in the heart of Dhofar
- Waterfalls emerge in Darbat, Athoum, Khor, Jojob, and Hawta in Rakhyut, drawing large crowds
- Hidden valleys reveal seasonal pools and streams
The sound of rushing water echoes through narrow canyon walls.
Mountain village cultural tours
The cultural heritage of mountain villages and traditional communities showcases authentic Dhofari life. Dhofari women create beautiful hand-woven textiles through Al Sadah weaving, a craft unique to the region.
Visits to Bedouin camps offer glimpses into nomadic life, traditional songs, and tales of the desert, with traditional meals served under the vast starlit sky. During the monsoon season, these mountain communities come alive with agricultural activities.
Anti-gravity hill phenomenon
The Anti-Gravity Point presents a curious phenomenon where vehicles in neutral seem to defy gravity by rolling uphill—an intriguing mystery. This optical illusion becomes even more pronounced when surrounded by misty mountain landscapes during Khareef.
The experience feels surreal when combined with the otherworldly atmosphere of the monsoon season. Still puzzles visitors decades after its discovery.
Seasonal wildlife watching
The monsoon conditions help maintain vegetation, which enables the growth of frankincense trees and increases production factors in the area’s ecosystem. Cows graze in open pastures and camels wander near misty roadsides during this verdant season.
Bird migration patterns change dramatically during Khareef. Tawi Attair, popularly known as the ‘Bird Well’, is a massive sinkhole that beckons birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Ittin Mountain dining
Indulge in Salalah’s culinary delights by dining at the renowned Ittin Mountain Restaurants, where local cuisine takes centre stage and specialities such as camel meat offer a taste of the region’s unique flavours. Dhofar’s cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, from succulent ‘Mishkak’ kebabs to flavorful ‘Harees’, paired with traditional ‘Khawa’ coffee.
The cool mountain air during monsoon season makes outdoor dining particularly pleasant. Traditional Omani hospitality shines in these elevated settings.
Botanical garden visits
The Salalah Plain is known for its tropical produce like coconuts, bananas, papayas, and sugarcane. Fruit-laden stalls brim with bananas, papayas and coconuts during the harvest season that coincides with Khareef.
Ayn Razat features a beautiful landscaped garden, ideal for family outings and picnics, as well as a natural cave nestled in the surrounding hills. The monsoon transforms these gardens into tropical paradises reminiscent of Southeast Asia.
Adventure sports
The season hosts major international sporting events, including the Salalah International Cycling Tour, the Dhofar International Sand Drag Race Championship, and traditional weapons shooting competitions. The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
There’s rewarding diving in Dhofar with splendid sea life, including huge rays, moray eels, parrotfish, and turtles, though the dive season runs from late September through May, interrupted by the khareef. Adventure companies organize special monsoon-season activities like guided mountain biking and rock climbing.
The transformation experience
Khareef Dhofar is more than a season—it’s a story of resilience, rhythm, and renewal, revealing how even the harshest landscapes can host vibrant life year after year. The complete metamorphosis from arid desert to tropical paradise happens within weeks of the monsoon’s arrival.
Witnessing this transformation firsthand remains one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles. It symbolizes a rare harmony between people and place, tradition and modernity, celebrating Oman’s enduring connection to the land.
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