Definition
The Khareef (Arabic: خريف — literally autumn, but specifically referring to Oman’s southwest monsoon season) is an annual meteorological phenomenon that affects Oman’s Dhofar region (primarily Salalah and surroundings) from June to September. During the Khareef, the southwest monsoon brings low cloud cover, mist, drizzle, and cool temperatures to the Dhofar coast and mountains — transforming the landscape from arid brown to vibrant green.
The Meteorology
The Khareef is driven by the Indian Ocean monsoon system. The southwest monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent, generates moist air masses that reach the Dhofar mountains at a different intensity — producing persistent cloud and drizzle rather than heavy rainfall. This creates a unique microclimate:
- Temperature: 20-25°C (dramatically cooler than the 40°C+ of the Persian Gulf in summer)
- Relative humidity: 80-90%
- Vegetation: Dramatic greening of the Qara Mountains and coastal plains
Tourism Significance
The Khareef is one of Oman’s most distinctive tourism products:
- Regional tourism: Salalah becomes a major destination for GCC nationals escaping the summer heat. Estimates suggest 1 million+ visitors during the three-month season.
- International tourism: Growing European and Asian visitor interest in this unique Arabian nature experience.
- Destination infrastructure: OMRAN and private developers have invested in Salalah resort and hotel capacity specifically targeting the Khareef season.
Marine Upwelling Significance
The same meteorological system that creates the Khareef on land triggers an oceanographic upwelling in the Arabian Sea. Cold, nutrient-rich deep water rises to the surface, driving explosive plankton growth and supporting one of the Indian Ocean’s most productive marine ecosystems. This upwelling is the ecological foundation for Oman’s fisheries sector.
UNESCO Heritage Connection
The Dhofar region’s frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) — which produce the world’s highest-quality frankincense — thrive in the Khareef conditions. The frankincense trade route sites are UNESCO World Heritage listed, connecting the Khareef season to Oman’s ancient heritage tourism product.