The khareef season in Dhofar begins on Friday, bringing cloudy and rainy weather along the coastal wilayats of the Dhofar Governorate from Dhalkut to Mirbat. This season, influenced by monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, will last until September 21.
During this time, the region experiences moderate temperatures, fog, and light rain, attracting tourists from both inside and outside Oman. The landscape transforms into lush greenery due to continuous light rain, enhancing the beauty of the mountainous areas and plains.
The season also causes an increase in water flow in the springs across the governorate, making them popular tourist spots. Notable attractions include Razat, Hamran, Gerziz, Sahelnot, Tobruk, Darbat, Athum, Kor, Jujib waterfalls, and Al-Houta Waterfall in Rakhyut.
Dhofar Governorate's diverse terrain, including marine, agricultural, mountainous, and desert environments, along with its archaeological and historical sites like Al Baleed and Samharam Archaeological Parks, Land of Frankincense Museum, and forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, make it a unique destination for travelers.
The city of Salalah experiences a bustling commercial scene in its shopping centers and shops during this season, attracting tourists and visitors who are interested in traditional products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery items, Omani sweets, and restaurants offering authentic Omani cuisine.
The Salalah Plain is known for its tropical agricultural products, including coconuts, bananas, papayas, and sugarcane, as well as its picturesque creeks, natural reserves, and diverse animal and marine life.
Given the unique climate of the region, both government and private entities make annual preparations to welcome tourist groups by offering facilities and services that cater to their needs and the demands of those visiting the governorate.
It is noteworthy that the number of visitors to the Dhofar Governorate during the fall season of 2023 saw an 18.4 percent increase, totaling approximately 962,000 visitors and tourists. The total expenditure of visitors during the season amounted to OMR 103 million, as reported by the National Center for Statistics and Information.
