Salalah is among the top destinations to visit in Oman due to its lush green landscapes, crystal clear seas, and the most popular Khareef Festival. The whole city becomes a lively place during the Khareef season from June to early September every year. Basically, Khareef is a monsoon season and the most awaited time of the year due to the lush green vegetation. This coastal city hosts the Salalah Khareef Festival 2025, which is a vibrant celebration of nature, culture and Omani heritage So, if you're looking for a perfect summer escape from the scorching heat, head over to this festival as it offers a refreshing opportunity to spend a perfect vacation amidst natural scenery. Read this blog till the end to know more about the Khareef Festival in Salalah.
Khareef Festival in Salalah, Oman
Salalah Khareef Festival is also known as the Salalah Tourism Festival. It’s an annual event hosted by the Dhofar Municipality and Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman during Khareef. Salalah comes together to celebrate the region’s drastically change from an arid desert to a tropical paradise during Khareef season. Basically, Khareef is an Arabic word which means “autumn” and it refers to the monsoon winds that bring light rain, misty fog and cool temperatures (around 25 degrees Celsius). Salalah is counted among one of the best places to visit in Oman, with rolling green hills, cascading waterfalls and misty beaches.
Salalah Khareef Season 2025 Date
This year, the Salalah Khareef Season 2025 will start on July 15 and end on August 31. During the time, you can experience Oman's rich cultural heritage through traditional live music and dances, art exhibitions and delectable Omani cuisine. This time, Salalah Khareef Festival 2025 celebrations are expected to be much bigger than the previous year. There will be more than 180 activities and expanded venues across Salalah, Mirbat, Taqah, and Mekhlaf. So, if these things excite you, you can choose from our various Salalah tour packages and experience this natural festival with your loved ones.
4 Reasons to Visit Salalah During Khareef Festival 2025
Visiting Salalah during Khareef Festival 2025 is one of the best things to do in Oman. You will witness the rich natural experience as the region transforms into a lush, greenery landscape, offering cooler temperatures and misty breezes. It is the best time of the year when you can enjoy Omani culture with various activities amidst the pleasant weather. Let’s talk about some prominent reasons that make Khareef Salalah Festival one of the major events in Oman for both visitors and locals alike:
- Pleasant Climate and Scenery: Salalah sees a pleasant monsoon season (Khareef) from June to September with cooler temperatures and misty conditions (which are rare in the region).
- Cultural Immersion: The Salalah Tourism Festival often features exciting and UNESCO-listed Omani traditional performances like Al-Bar’ah and Razha. It is a great way to learn about the rich cultural history of the region. Apart from these performances, you can also discover local souvenirs like frankincense and silver jewelry during the event.
- Historical Significance: Khareef Festival is also a great time for history lovers who want to explore the Omani history. Ancient sites like Sumhuram Archaeological Park, remnants of the frankincense trade and Taqah Castle can be easily explored at this pleasant time.
- Outdoor Adventures: If you are an adventure enthusiast and looking for outdoor activities, this event in Oman also has something for you. You can engage in activities like hiking, trekking, and other activities.
Major Attractions to Explore During the Salalah Khareef Festival 2025
If you're planning a trip to Oman during the schedule time of Salalah Khareef Festival 2025, you must know a few things to make the most of this event. Here, we've come up with the top places to visit in Salalah during the festival for an unforgettable memory to cherish forever:
1. Wadi Darbat
Wadi Darbat is a stunning lush green valley and is a must-visit attraction in Salalah during the Khareef Festival 2025. It is mostly known for its stunning transformation into a lush, green valley in the monsoon season. Its cascading waterfalls and a serene lake make it a nature lover's paradise. It is also home to local stalls who sell fresh fruits and street food like shawarmas. You can enjoy boat rides, picnics, or just admire its serenity.
2. Al Mughsail Beach
Also known as Mughsail Beach, it is one of the major tourist attractions in Salalah during Khareef Festival. It is mostly famous due to its unique natural beauty, including the blowholes and dramatic coastline, which are enhanced by cooler temperatures and light rainfall. Also, Mughsail Beach is a picture-perfect destination for photographers due to its breathtaking scenery.
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3. Al Fazayah Beach
Al Fazayah Beach is another fascinating natural tourist destination to visit in Salalah, and major highlight of the event. It is one of the best beaches in Oman for a quiet and tranquil escape. You can either relax sitting near the shores or take a scenic drive through a sturdy vehicle. Additionally, its calm and clear waters are perfect for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking.
4. Haffa Souq
Haffa Souq is a popular market in Salalah from where you can buy the most amazing traditional Omani things like local handicrafts, gold and silver jewelry, and frankincense. This vibrant souq is a must-visit destination during the Khareef festival due to its unique blend of cultural experiences and shopping opportunities. You can also explore the Al Hosn Palace, which is located near Haffa Souq.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 12 AM
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5. Ayn Athum Waterfalls
If you are a true nature enthusiast and looking for some perfect scenic destinations in Salalah to explore with your family, you must visit Ayn Athum Waterfalls. Located in the mountain range of Jabal Qara, the waterfall comes alive mainly during the Khareef season. The waterfall becomes even more breathtaking with the surrounding area ideal for picnics and nature walks.
6. Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman built by the late Sultan Qaboos. It is also known by the name of the Grand Mosque of Muscat. This Islamic architectural marvel combines traditional Omani design with modern elegance. The cool, pleasant weather of Salalah during the season of Khareef makes it an ideal time to explore its interior and appreciate the unique design. Also, you can experience its serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection during the festival.
Opening hours for Muslims: Monday to Sunday - 4 AM to 9:30 PM
Opening hours for non-Muslims: Saturday to Thursday – 8 AM to 11 AM except Friday
Entry fee: Free
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7. Al Baleed Archaeological Park
It is also known as also known as Al Balid or Al-Baleed Archaeological Site. Basically, it's an open-air park that consists of the ruins of an ancient frankincense trading port. Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also houses the Land of Frankincense Museum. One of the most iconic attractions to visit in Salalah, this site provides trading history and archeological findings to its visitors.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday - 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: 2 OMR for adults and 1 OMR for children
8. Jebel Ittin
Jebel Ittin is a popular destination for families seeking to spend some quality time together. You can enjoy the panoramic views of Salalah and enjoy the surreal beauty of the region amidst the cool climate and misty atmosphere. Also, this is a great spot for hiking and enjoying traditional Omani food in local tents including camel Meshkak (meat kebab). Jebel Ittin is located a short distance from many Khareef hotspots like the Tomb of Prophet Ayub and Ittin Mountain Cave and Balcony. So, you can discover all these nearby places easily.
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Are There Any Tickets for Salalah Khareef Festival 2025?
No, the Salalah Khareef Festival doesn't require any specific ticket to be booked in advance. You can experience the magical vibes of this festival by booking Salalah tour packages that include hotel accommodations, transportation, and access to various festival events and attractions. For the same, contact some reputable online travel agencies like Myholidays.
The Salalah Khareef Festival 2025, or what people also known as the Salalah Tourism Festival, is going to take place till September. This not only attracts visitors from the Sultanate but from around the world. The whole city of Salalah becomes vibrant due to the misty landscapes, lush greenery, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. If you also want to visit Salalah, don’t delay and browse through our Oman tour packages. It’s time to enjoy the monsoon vibes in Khareef Salalah.
Salalah Khareef Festival 2025 - FAQ’s
The Khareef season in Salalah, Oman, is a unique monsoon period that falls between June to early September. It is the time when the region experiences heavy monsoon showers.
The Khareef Festival is an annual celebration held in Salalah, Oman that marks the arrival of the monsoon season, locally known as Khareef. During this time, the whole city transforms into a lush green landscape, featuring a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Many traditional Omani music and cultural dance performances are held.
The Khareef season in Salalah, Oman, officially begins on June 21st and will continue until September 20th. However, the dates for Salalah Khareef Festival are from July 15 to August 31, 2025. During Salalah Khareef Festival, the Dhofar region transforms into a lush, green landscape.
During Salalah's Khareef (monsoon) season in 2025, major attractions include: Wadi Darbat, Al Mughsail Beach, Sumhuram Archaeological Park, Taqah Castle, Marneef Cave, Frankincense Land Museum, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Ayn Razat, Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve, and Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Some of the key highlights of the Khareef Festival in Salalah are -
- Various cultural performances, including Omani music and dance like Al-Bar’ah and the poetic Razha are organized
- You can try local Omani cuisine like camel mishkak (meat kebabs) at various food stalls and restaurants
- Try adventure sports like paragliding and mountain climbing in the Dhofar Mountains
- Discover local markets and fairs at Haffa Souq
To make the most of your Salalah Khareef Festival experience, you must consider the following pro tips:
- Make your flights and hotels booking in advance
- Consider getting a travel insurance before traveling
- Pack rainproof jackets and comfortable hiking shoes
- Embrace the local Omani culture at its best
- Visit seasonal parks and enjoy thrilling rides and live shows during the Khareef Festival
You can experience cooler temperatures with increased rainfall during the Khareef season in Salalah. Temperatures typically vary from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, making it cooler than other parts of the country.
Some of the most popular attractions in Salalah include:
- Wadi Darbat
- Mughsail Blowholes
- Land of Frankincense
- Salalah Central Market
- Sultan Qaboos Mosque
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