Eid al-Adha 2027 in Oman
Nationwide
Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is expected in Oman around Sunday 16 May 2027, or the 17th, depending on the moon sighting. The government announces the public holidays separately. In mid-May the coast is close to 40 °C, so the mountains and Ras al Jinz are better choices.
Dates
- 16 May 2027 – 18 May 2027 — Eid al-Adha 1448 (estimate) (estimated date)
Source: Khaleej Times, d'après l'UAE Astronomy Centre — accessed 20 October 2026
Expected dates
Eid al-Adha, the "festival of sacrifice", is the biggest festival in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 10th of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, at the time of the pilgrimage to Mecca. According to the UAE Astronomy Centre, the Day of Arafah, the eve of the festival, should fall on 15 or 16 May 2027, and Eid on Sunday 16 or Monday 17 May.
Oman sets the start of its lunar months by its own sighting of the crescent moon, sometimes a day after the UAE, and the government announces the public holidays separately. The dates shown here, 16 to 18 May 2027, are therefore estimates.
What it means for travellers
During the public holidays government offices close and Omanis and residents are off work. Book hotels and hire cars early, and check the opening hours of museums and forts before each visit. Dress as you would any other day in Oman: shoulders and knees covered in public places.
Mid-May: head for cooler air
In 2027 Eid al-Adha falls at the start of the hot season. In May the average high reaches 39.5 °C in Muscat and 39.9 °C in Sur, and the sea is above 30 °C. Trips into the Wahiba dunes are best from September to April. Two areas remain pleasant:
- the Hajar Mountains. At Saiq, on the Jebel Akhdar plateau at 2,000 m, the average May high is 25 °C. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, on the canyon edge, has a heated pool and villas with private pools. Further west, Jebel Shams Resort, from around €145 a night, is a few steps from the viewpoint over Oman's Grand Canyon;
- Ras al Jinz. May opens the best season for turtle hatchlings, which runs until September according to the reserve. The Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, the only legal turtle-watching site in Oman, has rooms and tents, with the evening and dawn turtle viewings included in the rate. The Ras al Jinz turtles event page sets out the calendar.
Prices were recorded for March 2027, including taxes, with any local taxes on top; May rates may differ.
Safety and heat
Walk early in the morning: in May the heat can be dangerous at low altitude. Since the Iranian strikes in the Gulf, foreign ministries have not all given the same advice; the Oman travel situation guide has the details. Yours:
Your country's advice is shown in the box at the top of the page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of Eid al-Adha 2027 in Oman?
Around 16 or 17 May 2027, depending on the moon sighting. Oman confirms the date itself, sometimes a day after the UAE.
Is it too hot to visit Oman in May?
On the coast the average high is close to 40 °C. In the mountains, on Jebel Akhdar, it stays around 25 °C.
Can I see turtles at this time?
Yes. The Ras al Jinz reserve puts the best hatching season from May to September; nesting can be seen all year.
Should I book early?
Yes: the Eid public holidays are a holiday period for Omanis and residents.