Muscat, Oman is experiencing unusually cold temperatures, with a record low of -0.1 degrees Celsius (30.2 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in the past 24 hours. The frigid conditions,observed on the country’s highest peak,Jabal Shams,highlight the diverse climate of the Arabian Peninsula nation and demonstrate the impact of seasonal weather patterns. While sub-freezing temperatures aren’t unheard of in Oman’s higher elevations during winter,this reading underscores a critically important cold snap affecting areas beyond the mountains.
Muscat, Oman – Temperatures in Oman plummeted to a record low of -0.1 degrees Celsius (30.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in the past 24 hours, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority. The frigid conditions, while not uncommon in Oman’s mountainous regions during winter, highlight the country’s diverse climate and the impact of seasonal weather patterns across the Arabian Peninsula.
The lowest temperature was recorded on Jabal Shams, a mountain range reaching approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in elevation and constituting the highest point in the country. Located within the Al Hajar Mountains in northern Oman, Jabal Shams is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts, even during the warmer months.
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Beyond Jabal Shams, other mountainous areas are experiencing severe cold. Saiq, another high-altitude settlement within the Al Hajar Mountains known for its agricultural lands, registered a temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius (39.8 degrees Fahrenheit). In the valley town of Yanqul, the temperature fell to 9.5 degrees Celsius (49.1 degrees Fahrenheit), while Dhank recorded a low of 12.4 degrees Celsius (54.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
Lower-lying areas have also seen a drop in temperatures. Nizwa, Oman’s former capital located approximately 164 kilometers (102 miles) from Muscat, experienced a temperature of 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Sunaina recorded 11.6 degrees Celsius (52.9 degrees Fahrenheit), and Bahla, a historic town famed for its UNESCO World Heritage fort, saw a low of 12.3 degrees Celsius (54.1 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature in Um Al Samaim reached 12.4 degrees Celsius (54.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on January 19, 2026.
The country’s desert regions are also feeling the chill, with temperatures reaching 11 degrees Celsius (51.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Hayma, 11.3 degrees Celsius (52.3 degrees Fahrenheit) in Makhshin, and 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in Fahud. While Oman typically experiences cold temperatures during the winter months, and mountainous regions frequently see freezing conditions, the coastal areas generally enjoy more moderate weather during this time of year.
Published: 20 Jan 2026, 10:32 pm IST
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