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MCT · 23.58° N · 58.41° E · Oman

Muscat

Oman's low rise capital between rugged mountains and the sea, with old forts, souks and beach resorts.

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About Muscat

In short

  • Muttrah Souq and Corniche
  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
  • Royal Opera House Muscat
  • Dolphin watching by boat
  • Day trip to Wadi Shab

At a glance

Country
Oman
Region
Middle East
Local time
GMT+4
Time difference
2 hours behind Dhaka
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Languages
Arabic and English
Main airport
  • MCTMuscat International Airport
Flight time
About 7.5 hoursFrom London
Best time to visit
October to March
Deals
2 deals

Muscat stretches along the coast in white, low buildings set against bare brown mountains. The Muttrah Corniche is the place to start, with its fish market, harbour and the maze of Muttrah Souq selling frankincense, silver and textiles.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque opens to visitors on weekday mornings, and the Royal Opera House Muscat hosts concerts through the winter season. Old Muscat has the Al Alam Palace flanked by two Portuguese era forts.

Beyond the city you can swim in the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab, sleep in a desert camp in the Sharqiya Sands, or take a dhow trip to watch dolphins. October to March is the best time to go.

Before you go

Entry and visas

Entry rules for Oman depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, and they can change. Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you book, and again shortly before you travel.

Health

Read TravelHealthPro's page for Oman and book a travel health appointment well before your trip. Summers are long and very hot, so drink plenty of water, use sun protection and plan walks and souq visits for the cooler hours.

Money

The currency is the Omani rial (OMR), divided into 1,000 baisa. Carry some cash for the souq, tell your bank before you travel and check what it charges for using your card abroad.

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When to go

  1. JanuaryBest
  2. FebruaryBest
  3. MarchBest
  4. April
  5. MayNot ideal
  6. JuneNot ideal
  7. JulyNot ideal
  8. AugustNot ideal
  9. SeptemberNot ideal
  10. OctoberBest
  11. NovemberBest
  12. DecemberBest

November to March is the most comfortable time, with average highs of about 25 to 30°C. From May to September average highs are about 35 to 40°C, so plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings. What little rain there is falls mostly from December to April.

Deals to Muscat

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  • Hotel

    The Chedi Muscat

    A calm beachfront resort of white courtyards, water gardens and palm lined pools on the Gulf of Oman.

    Live prices

    Price checked when you search

  • Flight · Return

    Muscat

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Pictures of Muscat

  • The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat with its patterned dome and minarets, mountains behind and rows of shrubs in front
    The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, inaugurated in 2001
  • A covered lane of Muttrah Souq lit by strings of lights in the evening, with people walking between shuttered shops
    An evening walk through the covered lanes of Muttrah Souq
  • Aerial view of Muscat spreading across the plain below the bare slopes of the Hajar Mountains
    The Hajar Mountains rising behind Muscat
  • Three pointed stone arches with carved calligraphy panels on the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
    Pointed arches and carved panels at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Questions about Muscat

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What currency is used in Muscat?

The Omani rial (OMR), which is divided into 1,000 baisa. Carry some cash for Muttrah Souq and small purchases, and check your bank's fees for using your card abroad before you go.

What should I wear in Muscat?

Modest, loose clothing: long trousers and sleeved shirts for men, and shoulders, chest and knees covered for women. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and private beaches, but dress modestly on public beaches.

Can visitors go inside the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?

Yes. Visitors who are not Muslim are welcome at set morning hours, so check the current times before you go. Cover your shoulders and knees, and women also cover their hair; abayas and headscarves are available at the entrance.

Checked on 14 October 2026

Do I need a visa to visit Muscat?

It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip. Entry rules for Oman can change, so check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you book and again before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When is the best time to visit Muscat?

November to March is the most comfortable time, with average highs of about 25 to 30°C. From May to September average highs are about 35 to 40°C, so outdoor plans work best early or late in the day.

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