Salalah graces the end of the year with remarkably stable and moderate weather in
December. The pleasantness continues with stable temperatures and lower humidity. Reduced rainfall and sea temperatures provide respite to locals and tourists. The winter sun, with 9.6 hours of sunshine, characterizes the daytime. The recorded rainfall of 1mm (0.04") over a day marks this as the second least rainy period after
April.
Temperature
The onset of December notes an average high-temperature of a warm 28.7°C (83.7°F), subtly shifted from
November's 30.8°C (87.4°F). The low-temperature averages to a refreshing 18.8°C (65.8°F) during the nights of December.
Heat index
In December, the average heat index is computed to be 29°C (84.2°F). If one remains active during constant exposure, it might cause exhaustion and heat cramps.
Know that the heat index computations account for shaded terrains and slight winds. Direct sunlight exposure may result in a rise of the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'feels like', reflects the feeling of heat when considering both air temperature and humidity. One's perception of temperature is subjective, varying based on their activity and individual heat perception, influenced by factors like wind, clothing, and metabolic variations. When directly under the sun, the weather's impact can intensify, possibly boosting the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold great significance to children. Young individuals are generally in more danger than adults due to their lower capacity to sweat. Moreover, their large skin surface in relation to their small bodies and the increased heat generation from their activities makes them more vulnerable.
Humidity
January and December, with an average relative humidity of 50%, are the least humid months in Salalah,
Oman.
Rainfall
December is the month with the least rainfall in Salalah, with 1mm (0.04") of accumulated precipitation.
Sea temperature
In December, the average sea temperature in Salalah, Oman, is 26°C (78.8°F).
Note: For any water activity, surface water temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are considered as excellent and extremely pleasant for lengthened periods.
Daylight
With an average of 11h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:37 and sunset at 17:48. On the last day of December, in Salalah, sunrise is at 06:52 and sunset at 18:00 +04.
Sunshine
In Salalah, the average sunshine in December is 9.6h.
UV index
With an average maximum UV index of 8, December is the month with the lowest UV index in Salalah. A UV Index of 8 to 10 symbolizes a very high health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: A maximum daily UV index of 8 during December morphs into the following directions:
Being unprotected puts skin and eyes at risk of rapid damage. Always be safe. Be aware that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and try to reduce direct sun exposure during this period as much as possible. A hat with a broad brim is indispensable, filtering out up to half of UV rays. Be wary! Reflections from sand and water make UV radiation more intense.