Riyadh Weather & Best Time to Visit: A Guide

Riyadh sits in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula and has a classic hot desert climate: long, very hot and dry summers, and short, mild winters with cool nights. Whether you're planning a holiday, relocating, or simply timing your outdoor plans, understanding the city's seasons makes a huge difference. Here at سعودي ليفنج, we've put together a clear, practical breakdown of Riyadh's weather and the best months to visit.

Riyadh's climate at a glance

Temperatures across the year typically swing between about 9 °C and 44 °C. It rarely drops below roughly 5 °C in the depths of winter or rises above about 46 °C at the peak of summer. The air is dry for most of the year, with plenty of sunshine and very low humidity, especially in summer. Annual rainfall is modest — around 60–70 mm — and falls mostly between November and April.

Winter (December–February): cool and comfortable

This is the most pleasant stretch of the year. January and February are the coldest months, with daytime highs around 20–24 °C and cooler nights dipping to about 7–12 °C. Early winter (November–December) is comfortable too, with highs around 23–28 °C and lows near 12–16 °C.

• Bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings.
• Ideal for sightseeing, walking tours, and outdoor dining.
• Light rainfall returns, with monthly totals commonly around 5–15 mm.

Spring (March–April): warming up, and the wettest window

Spring brings rapid warming, with highs climbing to around 27–34 °C and lows near 17–21 °C. It's also one of the wetter periods of the year, with monthly rainfall around 30–32 mm and several rainy days. March and April are usually the wettest months overall.

Summer (May–August): peak desert heat

Summer is intense. Daytime highs typically reach 38–44 °C and often stay above 40 °C from June through August. Nights offer little relief, with lows frequently between 26–30 °C or higher. On the upside, rainfall is near zero, humidity is often below 20 %, and sunshine exceeds 10–11 hours a day.

• Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day.
• Plan outdoor outings for early morning or after sunset.
• Many attractions and malls are fully air-conditioned, making indoor plans a smart choice.

Autumn (September–October): gradual cooling

The heat eases through autumn. September highs run about 36–41 °C, cooling to around 34–36 °C in October, with lows of roughly 22–27 °C. Rain remains minimal, typically 0–1 mm. By late October, evenings start feeling noticeably more pleasant.

The best time to visit Riyadh

For weather, October to March is generally the most comfortable window, offering moderate temperatures well-suited to sightseeing and outdoor activities. Within that range, November to February delivers the best conditions of all — daytime highs around 20–27 °C with cool, refreshing evenings.

If you can, avoid June to August, the harshest months for travel, when extreme heat can make daytime exploring uncomfortable. Plan your trip around the cooler half of the year and you'll enjoy Riyadh at its best.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving