Dhofar (Oman) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Dhofar | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Oman | Oman |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Best time | July to March | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Salalah International Airport (SLL) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 12,500 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Dhofar | Sharqiya Sands |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Dhofar if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want hiking and birdwatching
- you hope to see ibex and gazelles
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you are travelling in December to February
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see foxes
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dhofar or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Dhofar is stronger in May to October. Sharqiya Sands is stronger in December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Dhofar: July to March. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: Experience Oman – Dhofar · Oman Observer – Wadi Darbat comes alive as Dhofar Khareef visitors return · Weather Spark – Salalah climate · Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.