The Surf Window

Salalah

Dhofar, Oman

Beach breakIntermediate

Oman's second city transforms during the Khareef monsoon from June to September when Indian Ocean swells light up the beaches of the Dhofar coast, a uniquely surreal experience surfing in the middle of an Arabian monsoon as the desert turns green.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

N

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

June–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Punchy, consistent beach break peaks during the monsoon

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The monsoon swell is consistent and honest, powerful enough to be fun, not critical enough to be dangerous in moderate conditions

Hazards

  • •Monsoon winds can make conditions chaotic by mid-morning
  • •Strong rips on bigger monsoon swells
  • •Jellyfish during monsoon season

Local Tips

  • •Al Mughsail Beach, 40km west, produces better waves than the city beaches
  • •Salalah's Khareef Festival runs July–August, combine the surf trip with the cultural festival

Location

Map showing the location of Salalah in Dhofar, Oman

17.0175, 54.1011